Thanks to Grace I searched and searched and now can Wash Away my Sins.
Wait! I know! I'll fill one of the empty squirt bottles with Purell and use it right before communion. Heh heh, yeah!
Friday, September 30, 2005
Interesting Tidbits.
Biblical Curse Generator
"Take heed, O thou bull of Bashan, for you will beget difficult teenagers!"
"I hope you will be as welcome as a fart in the queen's bedchamber, O thou love-child of Methuselah!"
"Behold, thou shalt go on a diet of crunchy, unsweetened locusts, O thou who art a byword for idiocy!"
He he he... what fun!
And thanks to the Sloganizer, I have my own slogans
"A Tough Reverend Mommy to Follow."
"Once You Pop, You Can't Stop Reverend Mommy."
"Where Do You Want Reverend Mommy To Go Today?"
In other news, my Morning Prayer was deemed 71% Evil by the Gematriculator. A prayer 71 percent evil. Wow. How can that be?
And Genesis 1 from The Message is 48% Evil. I'd say that their algorithm is off.
"Take heed, O thou bull of Bashan, for you will beget difficult teenagers!"
"I hope you will be as welcome as a fart in the queen's bedchamber, O thou love-child of Methuselah!"
"Behold, thou shalt go on a diet of crunchy, unsweetened locusts, O thou who art a byword for idiocy!"
He he he... what fun!
And thanks to the Sloganizer, I have my own slogans
"A Tough Reverend Mommy to Follow."
"Once You Pop, You Can't Stop Reverend Mommy."
"Where Do You Want Reverend Mommy To Go Today?"
In other news, my Morning Prayer was deemed 71% Evil by the Gematriculator. A prayer 71 percent evil. Wow. How can that be?
And Genesis 1 from The Message is 48% Evil. I'd say that their algorithm is off.
Morning Prayer
Shadows around us, shadows above us,
Never conceal our Savior and Guide;
Christ is the Light, in Christ is no darkness;
Always we're walking close to Christ's side.
Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1 from the Message
God our Heavenly Parent, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: We have Terror Alerts on every website, we have Gang alerts in the schools, we have newschannels on TV continually broadcasting images of death and destruction. We have commercials that lure us into worshipping commercialism. Show us that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help us to be good parents -- able to shape and guide our children in your ways. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength and courage to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; give us strength and courage through the study of your complete Revelation of your Word. Help us to not be discouraged. These things I pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Never conceal our Savior and Guide;
Christ is the Light, in Christ is no darkness;
Always we're walking close to Christ's side.
Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1 from the Message
God our Heavenly Parent, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: We have Terror Alerts on every website, we have Gang alerts in the schools, we have newschannels on TV continually broadcasting images of death and destruction. We have commercials that lure us into worshipping commercialism. Show us that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help us to be good parents -- able to shape and guide our children in your ways. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength and courage to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; give us strength and courage through the study of your complete Revelation of your Word. Help us to not be discouraged. These things I pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Shocking!
I just paid $64.00 for 320 miles of driving. That's $.20 a mile. That's $1 every 5 miles. That's $10 or more to go to school. That's $2 to go to church/grocery store/post office round trip. That's $1 to go to karate, round trip.
I've begun to start to ask myself when I go out "is it worth the gas?"
Chaos is home sick (first day this year) and I just picked up Entropy at school... Looks like strep throat. Again. She's been on 4 antibiotics since the beginning of school. I think it's time to yank the tonsils.
UPDATE:
Gas has gone up today to the point that it's around $.25 a mile. And it's going to go up more -- the gas tax will be added back in on October 1. It's gone up about $.60 a gallon today and will go up another $.15 a gallon this weekend. Goody. Everything is so related to the price of gasoline. Food prices are going up as well. What is all this going to mean?
I've begun to start to ask myself when I go out "is it worth the gas?"
Chaos is home sick (first day this year) and I just picked up Entropy at school... Looks like strep throat. Again. She's been on 4 antibiotics since the beginning of school. I think it's time to yank the tonsils.
UPDATE:
Gas has gone up today to the point that it's around $.25 a mile. And it's going to go up more -- the gas tax will be added back in on October 1. It's gone up about $.60 a gallon today and will go up another $.15 a gallon this weekend. Goody. Everything is so related to the price of gasoline. Food prices are going up as well. What is all this going to mean?
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Banned Books Week
Wow. I own most of the books on the 100 top Banned Books. What does that say about me, I wonder?
Check it out.
Check it out.
Just for Rach
Here's a link. They sent me email wanting to know if I wanted to pre-order... Strange.
And here is another interesting site. Interesting. Very Interesting. In a Lake Woebegone sort of way.
And here is another interesting site. Interesting. Very Interesting. In a Lake Woebegone sort of way.
Time Management and other stuff
This semester is getting to me. I haven't much control over when classes are offered -- I have a 5 hour class (!) that starts at 8:00 am Monday across town -- a 7:00 pm class that I teach at my house, a Tuesday afternoon class and a Tuesday 6:30 to 10:00 pm class, followed by a 9:30 am class on Wednesday and a 7:00 pm class on Wednesday. Then nothing on Thursday and Friday. It's really thrown off my equilibrium. They aren't hard classes -- the meeting times are difficult to fit into the schedule. I just can't hit a rhythm.
We've been processing Rita evacuees, now. This season has been very exhausting for our nation, as a whole. There is more depression being reported according to my Doctor friend. People also have been reacting to the extreme low pressure areas -- flare ups of MS, arthritis, sinus headaches, migraines. Along with the stress of all these people in such dire straits. I think I heard there are still 1500 evacuees in the World Congress Center. Our Cooperative Ministry is running out of food and clothing repeatedly. Everything I take is used almost immediately. I've talked to just a small number of the evacuees -- there is such despair and grief that I begin to worry about the volunteers working with them.
It's an unsettled world.
Even the kids are picking up on this. Chaos and Entropy need more Mommy time -- Chaos had another nightmare last night. I've stopped watching the news while they are in the room. They've seen enough.
So, I've started to manage my time more carefully. Blogging is not high on the list. Today I am writing papers and working on the things I can control -- my own personal environment: the laundry, the house, sorting books, cooking a dinner (wait -- it's Moe's night) -- I'll cook tomorrow. I'm taking all sorts of stuff to Goodwill today. Including another rug my neighbor threw away last night along with a ironing board. I'm going to see if the one in the garage will fit under the kitchen table. Hey! It's better than ending up in the landfill!
We've been processing Rita evacuees, now. This season has been very exhausting for our nation, as a whole. There is more depression being reported according to my Doctor friend. People also have been reacting to the extreme low pressure areas -- flare ups of MS, arthritis, sinus headaches, migraines. Along with the stress of all these people in such dire straits. I think I heard there are still 1500 evacuees in the World Congress Center. Our Cooperative Ministry is running out of food and clothing repeatedly. Everything I take is used almost immediately. I've talked to just a small number of the evacuees -- there is such despair and grief that I begin to worry about the volunteers working with them.
It's an unsettled world.
Even the kids are picking up on this. Chaos and Entropy need more Mommy time -- Chaos had another nightmare last night. I've stopped watching the news while they are in the room. They've seen enough.
So, I've started to manage my time more carefully. Blogging is not high on the list. Today I am writing papers and working on the things I can control -- my own personal environment: the laundry, the house, sorting books, cooking a dinner (wait -- it's Moe's night) -- I'll cook tomorrow. I'm taking all sorts of stuff to Goodwill today. Including another rug my neighbor threw away last night along with a ironing board. I'm going to see if the one in the garage will fit under the kitchen table. Hey! It's better than ending up in the landfill!
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
The Lesson on the Four Gospels
On Sunday went really well. 6th and 7th graders need action and movement --esp since some of these kids are in 8:30 worship, 9:30 SS and THEN confirmation.
I started out with a discussion of the Four Gospels.
Matthew and John were probably disciples.
Mark and Luke were not.
Who each of the writers were -- made sure that the words "point of view" or "different voice" came out.
Discussed the different backgrounds of the writers. Placed the writing of each in a general timeline.
Then, started with the film "Gospel of John" and showed the prologue. We looked at the Bibles and they decided it looked and sounded like poetry.
Showed "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" -- great scene with Jimmy Stewart with the Baby in the Stable -- the stable is a cave, btw. Discussed about how all this imagery is from Luke -- that the birth narrative with the angels and shepherds is only in Luke. They asked about the wise men -- I showed a clip from "Jesus of Nazereth" with the wise men. Pointed out this is only in Matthew. They concluded that maybe Luke is more concerned with the Mary story and women's stuff and that Matthew is concerned with Kingly stuff and earthly power structures.
Showed them the Matthew 16 section from "Cotton Patch Gospel" -- again they picked up on the power language. The looked it up in different translations and we discussed it a while.
Next we began to look at John the Baptist -- from "Greatest Story Ever Told," "Jesus of Nazereth" and "Last Temptation of Christ" (note: full frontal nudity in this scene, be VERY CAREFUL about in and out points). The began to say things like "Ooo Ooo, let's look it up!" and then began a spontanous comparison on the John the Baptist accounts in each gospel.
And then we ran out of time. They now want to watch ALL my Jesus movies.
I reviewed by making sure they could tell me what the 4 gospels were, who wrote them, their background and something the author had that the others may or may not have had -- Like Luke has the Birth Narrative, Matthew has the Wise men, John has no parable, and Mark has the word "immediately."
Next will be Baptism and Communion -- I'll queue up all the communion bits and baptism bits. I'm going to add "Oh Brother" for the Baptism scenes and "The Notebook" at the very very end for communion. For the Crucifixion, I'm going to add the final scenes from "Spartacus." Any other suggestions?
I started out with a discussion of the Four Gospels.
Matthew and John were probably disciples.
Mark and Luke were not.
Who each of the writers were -- made sure that the words "point of view" or "different voice" came out.
Discussed the different backgrounds of the writers. Placed the writing of each in a general timeline.
Then, started with the film "Gospel of John" and showed the prologue. We looked at the Bibles and they decided it looked and sounded like poetry.
Showed "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" -- great scene with Jimmy Stewart with the Baby in the Stable -- the stable is a cave, btw. Discussed about how all this imagery is from Luke -- that the birth narrative with the angels and shepherds is only in Luke. They asked about the wise men -- I showed a clip from "Jesus of Nazereth" with the wise men. Pointed out this is only in Matthew. They concluded that maybe Luke is more concerned with the Mary story and women's stuff and that Matthew is concerned with Kingly stuff and earthly power structures.
Showed them the Matthew 16 section from "Cotton Patch Gospel" -- again they picked up on the power language. The looked it up in different translations and we discussed it a while.
Next we began to look at John the Baptist -- from "Greatest Story Ever Told," "Jesus of Nazereth" and "Last Temptation of Christ" (note: full frontal nudity in this scene, be VERY CAREFUL about in and out points). The began to say things like "Ooo Ooo, let's look it up!" and then began a spontanous comparison on the John the Baptist accounts in each gospel.
And then we ran out of time. They now want to watch ALL my Jesus movies.
I reviewed by making sure they could tell me what the 4 gospels were, who wrote them, their background and something the author had that the others may or may not have had -- Like Luke has the Birth Narrative, Matthew has the Wise men, John has no parable, and Mark has the word "immediately."
Next will be Baptism and Communion -- I'll queue up all the communion bits and baptism bits. I'm going to add "Oh Brother" for the Baptism scenes and "The Notebook" at the very very end for communion. For the Crucifixion, I'm going to add the final scenes from "Spartacus." Any other suggestions?
Morning Prayer
Come, let your voice be one with theirs
shout with the shout of praise
See how the giant sun soars up
God's gift for all your days!
So let the love of Jesus come
and set your soul ablaze.
The LORD is King;
let the earth rejoice;
let the multitude of the isles be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.
A fire goes before him
and burns up his enemies on every side.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees it and is afraid.
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD,
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
God, you are indeed King -- ruler of the Universe. Thank you for you goodness and the goodness of your creation. There is a beauty in the world that is especially apparent after storms. The world may be broken and wet with the waters that destroyed our homes and peace of mind, but the sun is in the sky, there are clothes on our backs and the birds are on wing. Your favor does indeed last a lifetime. We may grieve and the storms will break at night -- but there will always be joy in the morning. The darkness of the night seems so overwhelming, but the light will break through the clouds.
Thank you for new babies, for letters from friends, for safe travels, for good news that friends are safe and dry and can praise you even from homes that are soggy and broken. Thank you for the faithfullness of your people who will encourage and build up the body of Christ, even when they themselves need comforting.
Lord, there are those who mourn today. Shelter them and protect them from the storms of life. Hold them in the palm of your hand. Ease their pain. There are those who are alone, there are those who are anxious, there are those who are dying. God, you are giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve the sick, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray all these things. Amen.
shout with the shout of praise
See how the giant sun soars up
God's gift for all your days!
So let the love of Jesus come
and set your soul ablaze.
The LORD is King;
let the earth rejoice;
let the multitude of the isles be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.
A fire goes before him
and burns up his enemies on every side.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees it and is afraid.
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD,
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
God, you are indeed King -- ruler of the Universe. Thank you for you goodness and the goodness of your creation. There is a beauty in the world that is especially apparent after storms. The world may be broken and wet with the waters that destroyed our homes and peace of mind, but the sun is in the sky, there are clothes on our backs and the birds are on wing. Your favor does indeed last a lifetime. We may grieve and the storms will break at night -- but there will always be joy in the morning. The darkness of the night seems so overwhelming, but the light will break through the clouds.
Thank you for new babies, for letters from friends, for safe travels, for good news that friends are safe and dry and can praise you even from homes that are soggy and broken. Thank you for the faithfullness of your people who will encourage and build up the body of Christ, even when they themselves need comforting.
Lord, there are those who mourn today. Shelter them and protect them from the storms of life. Hold them in the palm of your hand. Ease their pain. There are those who are alone, there are those who are anxious, there are those who are dying. God, you are giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve the sick, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray all these things. Amen.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Busy Day
I'm planning to teach confirmation with film clips tomorrow. I've got: Mr. Krueger's Christmas, Cotton Patch Gospel, The Robe, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Jesus of Nazareth, The Last Temptation of Christ, Life of Brian, Gospel of John and The Passion. How's that for eclectic?
The lesson is on the 4 gospels -- I could bore them to death with lecture or try to engage them in discussion and critical thinking. Today's Gospel is really a mixture of all 4 gospels. A gospel of hamony that we lose track of the individual voices. I'm going to show the beginning of the crucifixion scenes for most of these -- and the really touching scene in Mr. Krueger's Christmas to point out that different points in the gospel message speak to different people.
Still editing the Advent Devotional Book. Still don't have a good name. I'm trying to get it edited by the first of October. Ambitious, I know.
School is cancelled for Monday and Tuesday b/c of the gas situation here in GA. It's also cancelled in other states -- is school in or out where you are?
The lesson is on the 4 gospels -- I could bore them to death with lecture or try to engage them in discussion and critical thinking. Today's Gospel is really a mixture of all 4 gospels. A gospel of hamony that we lose track of the individual voices. I'm going to show the beginning of the crucifixion scenes for most of these -- and the really touching scene in Mr. Krueger's Christmas to point out that different points in the gospel message speak to different people.
Still editing the Advent Devotional Book. Still don't have a good name. I'm trying to get it edited by the first of October. Ambitious, I know.
School is cancelled for Monday and Tuesday b/c of the gas situation here in GA. It's also cancelled in other states -- is school in or out where you are?
Well, Duh!
Brain Lateralization Test Results |
| Right Brain (64%) The right hemisphere is the visual, figurative, artistic, and intuitive side of the brain. Left Brain (38%) The left hemisphere is the logical, articulate, assertive, and practical side of the brain |
personality tests by similarminds.com
Thursday, September 22, 2005
What obsolete skill are you?
You are 'Latin'. Even among obsolete skills, the
tongue of the ancient Romans is a real
anachronism. With its profusion of different
cases and conjugations, Latin is more than a
language; it is a whole different way of
thinking about things.
You are very classy, meaning that you value the
classics. You value old things, good things
which have stood the test of time. You value
things which have been proven worthy and
valuable, even if no one else these days sees
them that way. Your life is touched by a
certain 'pietas', or piety; perhaps you are
even a Stoic. Nonetheless, you have a certain
fascination with the grotesque and the profane.
Also, the modern world rejects you like a bad
transplant. Your problem is that Latin has
been obsolete for a long time.
What obsolete skill are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
I blog from a seminar
about MediaShout and Sibelius. Long time to sit and watch someone else manipulate a computer.
Anyway a quote from CNN.
There are only four names left for tropical storms and hurricanes this year: Stan, Tammy, Vince and Wilma. After that, names switch to the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and so on through Omega, if needed.
That has never happened before in roughly 60 years of regularly named Atlantic storms.
"If we get up into that league, we'll have issues larger than naming these storms,'' said Frank Lepore, spokesman for the National Hurricane Center in Miami. "The new phrase will be hurricane fatigue. Let's coin that right now.''
Anyway a quote from CNN.
There are only four names left for tropical storms and hurricanes this year: Stan, Tammy, Vince and Wilma. After that, names switch to the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and so on through Omega, if needed.
That has never happened before in roughly 60 years of regularly named Atlantic storms.
"If we get up into that league, we'll have issues larger than naming these storms,'' said Frank Lepore, spokesman for the National Hurricane Center in Miami. "The new phrase will be hurricane fatigue. Let's coin that right now.''
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Thought for tonight
Rita is now the third largest Cat 5 hurricane ever tracked, according to a Galveston newspaper, behind only Allen and Camille with winds of 190 miles per hour. Winds are up to 175 miles per hour. The hurricane is taking up most of the gulf of Mexico. About 1,100 Katrina evacuees still in Houston's two mass shelters were being sent to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Some Houston hospitals were evacuated. 1.5 million people are being evacuated from Houston alone. Lord have mercy on your people.
Save the weak and the orphan;
defend the humble and needy;
Rescue the weak and the poor;
deliver them from the power of the the storm.
They do not know, neither do they understand;
they go about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
Almighty and most merciful God, you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf is like a provoked and angry giant. The sea can awake from its seeming lethargy, spill over its natural boundaries, invade our land and once again within a month spread chaos and disaster. Lord, have mercy.
We remember before you all poor and neglected persons in the paths of these storms whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to protect those who have already lost so much and who are mourning, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor and calmed the storm on the Galilee for the sake of his disciples -- Grant this in the name of your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Save the weak and the orphan;
defend the humble and needy;
Rescue the weak and the poor;
deliver them from the power of the the storm.
They do not know, neither do they understand;
they go about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
Almighty and most merciful God, you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf is like a provoked and angry giant. The sea can awake from its seeming lethargy, spill over its natural boundaries, invade our land and once again within a month spread chaos and disaster. Lord, have mercy.
We remember before you all poor and neglected persons in the paths of these storms whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to protect those who have already lost so much and who are mourning, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor and calmed the storm on the Galilee for the sake of his disciples -- Grant this in the name of your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Today
Is a mixed up kind of day. We switched the schedule around a bit, so I didn't get the opportunity to start the day in prayer. Feels strange. I'll do the contemplative thing in a minute when I calm down.
I took Chaos to school this morning for "help day" with the cello strapped to her back. (Note to self: Do not allow children to wander around the house with a cello on their back. It's not good for breakable items. In fact, if it happens again, get out the video camera. It's slapstick comedy. And it scares the cat.)
I also noticed that my neighbors have been redecorating. They aren't sending the stuff to Goodwill or consigning it -- they are putting it on the curb for the garbagemen. That's crazy. They threw away 5 oriental rugs. Another neighbor nabbed two -- I grabbed the two little ones and a big one. It's too big for my kitchen or breakfast area, but I couldn't see throwing the away. They still had the tags on them. No wear and tear -- they "just didn't fit our new decor." Huh. What's with people? I know that all things are ephemeral -- all things of this world will pass away. From dust we came and to dust we will surely return. Yet I also know that we are stewards of this world -- it is our responsibility to take care of God's creation. How is it taking care of creation by throwing almost brand new items away? Especially when someone else could use them?
My mother and grandmother -- and the LH's parents and grandparents had what I call a "depression mentality." The lack of stuff and shear want of those lean years caused them to develop habits of conservation -- don't spend the money if you don't have it. I just hear the phrase "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" echoing around in my head.
Of course, that caused them to horde quite a bit, as well. Like magpies or rats they lined their nest with things that they might need -- balls of foil and string. I was raised on tales of want and need -- of the times that my Grandfather was laid off in 1934 and they thought they were going to starve. They packed all their possessions in a Model T and went to Flordia looking for work. After the work ran out, they were reduced to camping on the beach and eating conch stew. They got money eventually to go home to the farm where my great grandparents were scratching out a living. They were so poor that my mother didn't have a birthday party until she was 16 years old. My greatgrandparents were gentrified farmers -- raised on a mentality that valued education and the land. The land was in my family from 1830 when it was granted to them during the resettlement of the Cherokee nation to 1978 when my grandmother sold it. They always had the land. There's echos of the Hebrew Scriptures there, is there not?
And I wonder about contentment. What is contentment?
There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless— a miserable business! Eccles 4:8
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.Phil 4:11-13
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. I Tim 6:6-7
The secret is -- I can do all things -- I can be in plenty and want -- all circumstances -- through him who gives me strength.
And I can get this big rug and give it to someone who needs it. That will indeed make me content.
I took Chaos to school this morning for "help day" with the cello strapped to her back. (Note to self: Do not allow children to wander around the house with a cello on their back. It's not good for breakable items. In fact, if it happens again, get out the video camera. It's slapstick comedy. And it scares the cat.)
I also noticed that my neighbors have been redecorating. They aren't sending the stuff to Goodwill or consigning it -- they are putting it on the curb for the garbagemen. That's crazy. They threw away 5 oriental rugs. Another neighbor nabbed two -- I grabbed the two little ones and a big one. It's too big for my kitchen or breakfast area, but I couldn't see throwing the away. They still had the tags on them. No wear and tear -- they "just didn't fit our new decor." Huh. What's with people? I know that all things are ephemeral -- all things of this world will pass away. From dust we came and to dust we will surely return. Yet I also know that we are stewards of this world -- it is our responsibility to take care of God's creation. How is it taking care of creation by throwing almost brand new items away? Especially when someone else could use them?
My mother and grandmother -- and the LH's parents and grandparents had what I call a "depression mentality." The lack of stuff and shear want of those lean years caused them to develop habits of conservation -- don't spend the money if you don't have it. I just hear the phrase "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" echoing around in my head.
Of course, that caused them to horde quite a bit, as well. Like magpies or rats they lined their nest with things that they might need -- balls of foil and string. I was raised on tales of want and need -- of the times that my Grandfather was laid off in 1934 and they thought they were going to starve. They packed all their possessions in a Model T and went to Flordia looking for work. After the work ran out, they were reduced to camping on the beach and eating conch stew. They got money eventually to go home to the farm where my great grandparents were scratching out a living. They were so poor that my mother didn't have a birthday party until she was 16 years old. My greatgrandparents were gentrified farmers -- raised on a mentality that valued education and the land. The land was in my family from 1830 when it was granted to them during the resettlement of the Cherokee nation to 1978 when my grandmother sold it. They always had the land. There's echos of the Hebrew Scriptures there, is there not?
And I wonder about contentment. What is contentment?
There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless— a miserable business! Eccles 4:8
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.Phil 4:11-13
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. I Tim 6:6-7
The secret is -- I can do all things -- I can be in plenty and want -- all circumstances -- through him who gives me strength.
And I can get this big rug and give it to someone who needs it. That will indeed make me content.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
I'm editing
as fast as I can the Advent Devotional book. It's been making me cry. In a good way. I've a late class tonight, staff meeting, but I feel good because I am sitting in a neat and clean living room. Having an orderly environment makes for a happy mama. If I could just finish the laundry....
My small groups that started up last week are going really well -- at least the ones I've attended or visited. Teaching is a real passion for me. I should remember that....
The girls are doing well -- except that Chaos wants to go to the dance this week. Argh! Am I ready for that??? She's going with a flock of other girls -- not a boy, but she was asked by three. Isn't this really young? 11 years old is too young!
I'm pressed for time, but I'm happy this way. I'm the happiest when I'm busy working. It gives me focus and purpose. I like to take time to sit and think, too, but action makes me the happiest. I sometimes do self-checks to see if the activity is compensating for some perceived lack and sometimes it is -- and I feel that. It begins to feel like busy-ness then. But when it's work that flows from my center -- that Godspot, it's a joyous thing.
My small groups that started up last week are going really well -- at least the ones I've attended or visited. Teaching is a real passion for me. I should remember that....
The girls are doing well -- except that Chaos wants to go to the dance this week. Argh! Am I ready for that??? She's going with a flock of other girls -- not a boy, but she was asked by three. Isn't this really young? 11 years old is too young!
I'm pressed for time, but I'm happy this way. I'm the happiest when I'm busy working. It gives me focus and purpose. I like to take time to sit and think, too, but action makes me the happiest. I sometimes do self-checks to see if the activity is compensating for some perceived lack and sometimes it is -- and I feel that. It begins to feel like busy-ness then. But when it's work that flows from my center -- that Godspot, it's a joyous thing.
Morning Prayer
Grant, blessed God head
this our prayer at dawning
that we reflect the goodness of your Presence
Your beauty shines, O Light,
O Sun, O Radiance
glory re-echoing.
Hear my teaching, O my people;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
That which we have heard and known,
and what our forefathers have told us,
we will not hide from their children.
We will recount to generations to come
the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD,
and the wonderful works he has done.
Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Dearest Lord, I praise you today and thank for for a beautiful day. In you I live and move and have my being. Lord I humbly pray that you guide me and govern me by your Holy Spirit. In everything -- in all the cares and occupations of my life I may not forget you, but may remember that I am ever walking in your sight and that you walk with me. You know the things that lie heavy on my heart -- ease that burden, heal your people, tend to your sheep and bring them home to you. Let my hands be your hands here on earth, let the body of your people be the body of Christ to this broken and suffering world. Amen.
this our prayer at dawning
that we reflect the goodness of your Presence
Your beauty shines, O Light,
O Sun, O Radiance
glory re-echoing.
Hear my teaching, O my people;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
That which we have heard and known,
and what our forefathers have told us,
we will not hide from their children.
We will recount to generations to come
the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD,
and the wonderful works he has done.
Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Dearest Lord, I praise you today and thank for for a beautiful day. In you I live and move and have my being. Lord I humbly pray that you guide me and govern me by your Holy Spirit. In everything -- in all the cares and occupations of my life I may not forget you, but may remember that I am ever walking in your sight and that you walk with me. You know the things that lie heavy on my heart -- ease that burden, heal your people, tend to your sheep and bring them home to you. Let my hands be your hands here on earth, let the body of your people be the body of Christ to this broken and suffering world. Amen.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Morning Prayer
Teach me the measure of my days,
Thou Maker of my frame;
I would survey life’s narrow space,
And learn how frail I am.
A span is all that we can boast,
An inch or two of time;
Man is but vanity and dust
In all his flower and prime.
See the vain race of mortals move
Like shadows o’er the plain;
They rage and strive, desire and love,
But all the noise is vain.
Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven;
behold and tend this vine;
preserve what your right hand has planted.
Let your hand be upon the person of your right hand,
and son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
And so will we never turn away from you;
give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Dearest Lord, I am always worrying about things beyond my control. Make me not to anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly. Life is ephemeral and even now, while I am placed among things which are passing away, help me to dicern that which is really important -- my faith, my family, my friends -- and help me to hold fast to those that shall endure. Amen.
Thou Maker of my frame;
I would survey life’s narrow space,
And learn how frail I am.
A span is all that we can boast,
An inch or two of time;
Man is but vanity and dust
In all his flower and prime.
See the vain race of mortals move
Like shadows o’er the plain;
They rage and strive, desire and love,
But all the noise is vain.
Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven;
behold and tend this vine;
preserve what your right hand has planted.
Let your hand be upon the person of your right hand,
and son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
And so will we never turn away from you;
give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Dearest Lord, I am always worrying about things beyond my control. Make me not to anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly. Life is ephemeral and even now, while I am placed among things which are passing away, help me to dicern that which is really important -- my faith, my family, my friends -- and help me to hold fast to those that shall endure. Amen.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Roses
They were red roses, for my mother.
Large and overblown, they glowed with color –
Gold and scarlet, rich green and the sharp brown of thorns.
All this splendor in a bright blue bowl that she had thrown.
I remember her hands, strong and square-nailed.
Hand that could gentle a child, till a field, shell peas
Grow roses and throw and shape earthen pots.
Hand that are now stilled, crossed in eternal idleness.
I remember standing by her to receive communion
At the rail – still and waiting, a solid presence with
Hands crossed to receive that gift of grace. Then those
Hands folded to pray. Always in prayer.
My broken spirit had rubbed and raw places that wouldn’t heal
For years after her death. No gentle hands to soothe
It took me years to enter a church again. Years
To feel the presence of God again.
The small church that took my bruised soul in
Gentled my soul, tilled my soil, shelled me from
The hard shell I had cast around my heart with thick
Earthen clay that had been fired in the furnace of suffering
So to remember her I went to the garden that she tilled
And cut some fall roses that spilled in great and glorious
Confusion from untrained canes gold and red and bright green
And in the bowl from my mother’s hand I offered my newly
Released heart to the waiting and solid presence of my God
My hands crossed to receive the grace that is offered
Freely and extravagantly, spilling over in great and
Glorious abandon and I am loved.
Large and overblown, they glowed with color –
Gold and scarlet, rich green and the sharp brown of thorns.
All this splendor in a bright blue bowl that she had thrown.
I remember her hands, strong and square-nailed.
Hand that could gentle a child, till a field, shell peas
Grow roses and throw and shape earthen pots.
Hand that are now stilled, crossed in eternal idleness.
I remember standing by her to receive communion
At the rail – still and waiting, a solid presence with
Hands crossed to receive that gift of grace. Then those
Hands folded to pray. Always in prayer.
My broken spirit had rubbed and raw places that wouldn’t heal
For years after her death. No gentle hands to soothe
It took me years to enter a church again. Years
To feel the presence of God again.
The small church that took my bruised soul in
Gentled my soul, tilled my soil, shelled me from
The hard shell I had cast around my heart with thick
Earthen clay that had been fired in the furnace of suffering
So to remember her I went to the garden that she tilled
And cut some fall roses that spilled in great and glorious
Confusion from untrained canes gold and red and bright green
And in the bowl from my mother’s hand I offered my newly
Released heart to the waiting and solid presence of my God
My hands crossed to receive the grace that is offered
Freely and extravagantly, spilling over in great and
Glorious abandon and I am loved.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Compline
May the Lord Almighty grant me and those I love a peaceful night and a perfect end.
Almighty God, my heavenly Father: I have sinned against you, through my own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, in what I have done and what I have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me all my offenses; and grant that I may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name.
All that happens to me becomes bread to nourish me, soap to cleanse me, fire to purify me, a chisel to carve heavenly features on me. Everything is a channel of grace for my needs. The very thing I sought everywhere else seeks me incessantly, and gives itself to me by means of all created things.
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake.
Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: a Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen and Amen. †
Almighty God, my heavenly Father: I have sinned against you, through my own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, in what I have done and what I have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me all my offenses; and grant that I may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name.
All that happens to me becomes bread to nourish me, soap to cleanse me, fire to purify me, a chisel to carve heavenly features on me. Everything is a channel of grace for my needs. The very thing I sought everywhere else seeks me incessantly, and gives itself to me by means of all created things.
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake.
Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: a Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen and Amen. †
Friday, September 16, 2005
As some of you may know
As some of you may know, I've been getting to know my local Mormon Missionaries. Sweet kids, I invited them in for a cup of coffee. They didn't want coffee, after all, it was pretty late in the afternoon, but they also turned down the Sweettea and the Coke. Huh, I guess they just don't understand the sacraments of Southern Hospitality.
They wanted to talk for a while and since I was going to have our first 50 Day Spiritual Adventure that night, I was trying to clean house. They actually pitched in and helped clean. Wow!
Anyway, I have invited them back for some rumballs and hot chocolate (heh heh heh) and was looking stuff up to prepare. I found a couple of good sites -- among them the Mormonism Research Ministry.
However, John at Locust and Honey has pointed out a couple of great sites -- Here is the book of Mormon in Klingon. How useful!
They wanted to talk for a while and since I was going to have our first 50 Day Spiritual Adventure that night, I was trying to clean house. They actually pitched in and helped clean. Wow!
Anyway, I have invited them back for some rumballs and hot chocolate (heh heh heh) and was looking stuff up to prepare. I found a couple of good sites -- among them the Mormonism Research Ministry.
However, John at Locust and Honey has pointed out a couple of great sites -- Here is the book of Mormon in Klingon. How useful!
Catblogging and more
Here's little kitty and guess what. She's sleeping. Again. More. I suppose sleeping all night is just so exhausting that the only thing to do is take a nap.
Here's some pictures of Chaos and Entropy helping to make up health kits. I've shipped off so many boxes in the last few weeks. The Loving Husband helped as well as the Really Hyper Friend. RHF is a real cutie. Boys might be OK after all...
After we finished up this batch of 120 kits, we found one toothbrush on the floor. One. It must have slipped out. We didn't go look to see which kit was missing a toothbrush -- I hope that there are extras!
Here's some pictures of Chaos and Entropy helping to make up health kits. I've shipped off so many boxes in the last few weeks. The Loving Husband helped as well as the Really Hyper Friend. RHF is a real cutie. Boys might be OK after all...
After we finished up this batch of 120 kits, we found one toothbrush on the floor. One. It must have slipped out. We didn't go look to see which kit was missing a toothbrush -- I hope that there are extras!
Element-ary, My Dear Watson
(That was not a mis-spelling. It was a pun. I like puns. Most think of them as Pun-ishment. Get over it.)
Hey! I like that! Full of the Fire of the Holy Spirit! Yes!
And the huge ego thing, uh, maybe?
| Your Element is Fire |
 Your power color: red Your energy: hot Your season: spring Like a fire, you are full of power and light. A born leader, you easily draw people toward you. You are full of courage and usually up for anything dangerous. You have a huge ego and love to be the center of attention. |
Hey! I like that! Full of the Fire of the Holy Spirit! Yes!
And the huge ego thing, uh, maybe?
For all the Saints...
You are Julian of Norwich! It's all about God, to
you. You're convinced that the world has a
happy ending. Everyone else is convinced that
you're a closet hippie, but you love them
anyway.
Which Saint Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
I'm Julian of Norwich, too. OF COURSE I am. What other saint would I be? Maybe St. Clare? Maybe St. Francis?
Time to go walk the labyrinth and take communion. In tie-dyed socks.
Morning Prayer
Save me, O God,
for the waters have risen up to my neck.
I am sinking in deep mire,
and there is no firm ground for my feet.
I have come into deep waters,
and the torrent washes over me.
I have grown weary with my crying;
my throat is inflamed;
my eyes have failed from looking for my God.
As for me, I am afflicted and in pain;
your help, O God, will lift me up on high.
I will praise the Name of God in song;
I will proclaim his greatness with thanksgiving.
This will please the LORD more than an offering of oxen,
more than bullocks with horns and hoofs.
'You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.'
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Dearest Lord, You are God. You are the creator of all that is and ever will be. You looked upon this creation and called it good. You looked upon us humans and called us very good. Without you and your guidance, I know that we will never be able to please you. Direct us -- direct me in your ways. Direct us in all things and rule our hearts. The waters have overtaken us and flood our hearts and souls. The waters wash over me and undermine my footing. Help me make you my foundation and strength. Help my light shine out -- the light that comes from you and you alone. A city build on a hill cannot be hid. Help me stand strong and take courage in the fact that you are with me. Help me keep your Word on my lips and your love in my heart.
Give this world grace and peace and understanding. Give your people new strength to mount up with wings like eagles. Help us ride on the breath of dawn with your Spirit under our wings until the new day bursts forth from the clouds and we can forever live in your sunlight. Amen.
for the waters have risen up to my neck.
I am sinking in deep mire,
and there is no firm ground for my feet.
I have come into deep waters,
and the torrent washes over me.
I have grown weary with my crying;
my throat is inflamed;
my eyes have failed from looking for my God.
As for me, I am afflicted and in pain;
your help, O God, will lift me up on high.
I will praise the Name of God in song;
I will proclaim his greatness with thanksgiving.
This will please the LORD more than an offering of oxen,
more than bullocks with horns and hoofs.
'You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.'
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Dearest Lord, You are God. You are the creator of all that is and ever will be. You looked upon this creation and called it good. You looked upon us humans and called us very good. Without you and your guidance, I know that we will never be able to please you. Direct us -- direct me in your ways. Direct us in all things and rule our hearts. The waters have overtaken us and flood our hearts and souls. The waters wash over me and undermine my footing. Help me make you my foundation and strength. Help my light shine out -- the light that comes from you and you alone. A city build on a hill cannot be hid. Help me stand strong and take courage in the fact that you are with me. Help me keep your Word on my lips and your love in my heart.
Give this world grace and peace and understanding. Give your people new strength to mount up with wings like eagles. Help us ride on the breath of dawn with your Spirit under our wings until the new day bursts forth from the clouds and we can forever live in your sunlight. Amen.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Morning Prayer
Come, O Lord, like morning sunlight,
Making all life new and free;
For the daily task and challenge
May we rise renewed in Thee.
Come, O Lord, like ocean flood-tides,
Flowing inland from the sea;
As the waters fill the shallows,
May our souls be filled with Thee.
Come, O Lord, like mountain breezes,
Freshening life in vale and lea;
In the heat and stress of duty
May our souls find strength in Thee.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear,
though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea;
Dearest Lord, we pray for our Church. Fill it with all truth, Fill it all in all with truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior.
Dearest Lord, you are the source of every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our people -- our ministers and other clergy, and upon the congregations in their charge, the your spirit full of grace; and, that they may truly please you, pour out upon them the dew of your blessing. Amen.
Making all life new and free;
For the daily task and challenge
May we rise renewed in Thee.
Come, O Lord, like ocean flood-tides,
Flowing inland from the sea;
As the waters fill the shallows,
May our souls be filled with Thee.
Come, O Lord, like mountain breezes,
Freshening life in vale and lea;
In the heat and stress of duty
May our souls find strength in Thee.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear,
though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea;
Dearest Lord, we pray for our Church. Fill it with all truth, Fill it all in all with truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior.
Dearest Lord, you are the source of every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our people -- our ministers and other clergy, and upon the congregations in their charge, the your spirit full of grace; and, that they may truly please you, pour out upon them the dew of your blessing. Amen.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
I have been wondering whether to blog -- or not to blog. I know there are people who read this -- people I'm close to, people who might not like what they read, people who might be keeping score, people I might hurt. I don't know.
It's been a hard couple of weeks -- more like a hard couple of months. I'm tired right now and so I know that I am vulnerable and open to all sorts of emotions right now. I've been discouraged about the ministry (that's one of those things that I don't know I should blog...). I'm discouraged about especially administration of churches.
I love the people in my congregation. But this ministry stuff is difficult. Today was difficult. We had a funeral for a 20 year old football star -- the winning quarterback. He graduated last year and died on 9/11 in an automobie accident. There were 650 people packed in our sanctuary that can hold 400. It was so quiet -- and hot. The air shimmered with heat. There was no sound but the sound of the sobbing mother -- she doesn't understand why and how. Why did he die -- how will they go on. Who can answer?
It's been a hard couple of weeks -- more like a hard couple of months. I'm tired right now and so I know that I am vulnerable and open to all sorts of emotions right now. I've been discouraged about the ministry (that's one of those things that I don't know I should blog...). I'm discouraged about especially administration of churches.
I love the people in my congregation. But this ministry stuff is difficult. Today was difficult. We had a funeral for a 20 year old football star -- the winning quarterback. He graduated last year and died on 9/11 in an automobie accident. There were 650 people packed in our sanctuary that can hold 400. It was so quiet -- and hot. The air shimmered with heat. There was no sound but the sound of the sobbing mother -- she doesn't understand why and how. Why did he die -- how will they go on. Who can answer?
It's Wednesday
and still no time to blog.
Actually, I wrote a blog entry and then edited myself. Have you ever done that?
Actually, I wrote a blog entry and then edited myself. Have you ever done that?
Morning Prayer
Yes, we would your Word embrace,
Live each moment on your grace,
All ourselves to you consign,
Fold up all our wills in yours,
Think, and speak, and do, and be
Simply that which pleases you.
Give the King your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the King's son;
That he may rule your people righteously
and the poor with justice.
That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people,
and the little hills bring righteousness.
He shall defend the needy among the people;
he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure,
from one generation to another.
He shall come down like rain upon the mown field,
like showers that water the earth.
Dearest God, Rain your Holy Spirit down upon me. I am in a time of dryness and I thirst for things that I cannot even put into words. I fill my life with busy-ness. I place the importances of my schedule in front of my time with you, I am impatient with my children and husband -- help me to be the person you wish me to be. Let me be able to sit in front of you with stillness. Open my eyes and ears and heart so that I can see you and feel your presence and hear your voice as you whisper your love for me. Let me bask in that love and grace -- let it flow over me and refresh those parched places. Let your loving care spill over me, easing my tightness and heal me like a balm.
Lord God, Dearest Lord -- I am brokenhearted as I watch the pain and suffering of this broken world. I want to weep with your children as they weep. I feel as if I cannot do enough -- that my feeble efforts are so very futile. It feels like moving mountians with teaspoons. Lord, convict this wicked old world of its error and evil ways. Ease the anger and frustrations that I feel creeping into the homeless shelters. They are groaning with the overload and I feel some of the workers are going to break. I feel the depression and frustrations of the displaced. Sustain them, keep them, grant them peace.
These things I pray in the name of one who came to heal this world.
Amen.
Live each moment on your grace,
All ourselves to you consign,
Fold up all our wills in yours,
Think, and speak, and do, and be
Simply that which pleases you.
Give the King your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the King's son;
That he may rule your people righteously
and the poor with justice.
That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people,
and the little hills bring righteousness.
He shall defend the needy among the people;
he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure,
from one generation to another.
He shall come down like rain upon the mown field,
like showers that water the earth.
Dearest God, Rain your Holy Spirit down upon me. I am in a time of dryness and I thirst for things that I cannot even put into words. I fill my life with busy-ness. I place the importances of my schedule in front of my time with you, I am impatient with my children and husband -- help me to be the person you wish me to be. Let me be able to sit in front of you with stillness. Open my eyes and ears and heart so that I can see you and feel your presence and hear your voice as you whisper your love for me. Let me bask in that love and grace -- let it flow over me and refresh those parched places. Let your loving care spill over me, easing my tightness and heal me like a balm.
Lord God, Dearest Lord -- I am brokenhearted as I watch the pain and suffering of this broken world. I want to weep with your children as they weep. I feel as if I cannot do enough -- that my feeble efforts are so very futile. It feels like moving mountians with teaspoons. Lord, convict this wicked old world of its error and evil ways. Ease the anger and frustrations that I feel creeping into the homeless shelters. They are groaning with the overload and I feel some of the workers are going to break. I feel the depression and frustrations of the displaced. Sustain them, keep them, grant them peace.
These things I pray in the name of one who came to heal this world.
Amen.
Monday, September 12, 2005
It's your basic
It's your basic really busy week after really busy weekend.
No time for Morning Prayer this morning. I'll try to post an afternoon prayer.
Yesterday was a 14 hour day -- today I have a 5 hour class followed by a 2 hour Bible Study at my house -- which isn't really clean yet. Tomorrow is hospital visit before surgery at 6:30 am, staff meeting, then an evening class of 3 hours (in which I have a paper due that I haven't written yet on a book I haven't read yet). I don't get to sleep until Wednesday.
I am addicted to RLP's chat. No chatting today or tomorrow. No. No. No.
No time for Morning Prayer this morning. I'll try to post an afternoon prayer.
Yesterday was a 14 hour day -- today I have a 5 hour class followed by a 2 hour Bible Study at my house -- which isn't really clean yet. Tomorrow is hospital visit before surgery at 6:30 am, staff meeting, then an evening class of 3 hours (in which I have a paper due that I haven't written yet on a book I haven't read yet). I don't get to sleep until Wednesday.
I am addicted to RLP's chat. No chatting today or tomorrow. No. No. No.
Friday, September 09, 2005
I've been dry
I've been dry when it comes to blogging. I don't know why -- or maybe I'm just out of energy. The kids have brought home 3 illnesses in a month -- each time sharing it with each other and me. Entropy is sick again. I dosed her up with medications and sent her to school anyway -- the school does not like too many days absent. After a certain number of days, the social worker "investigates" the absences. Sigh. They don't want sick kids at school, then they don't want them to stay at home. What to do? We are sending more sick kids to school now-a-days, so the illnesses are spread around -- making more sick kids that we send to school. It doesn't make sense.
I've been doing a lot of moving materials around for the hurricane evacuees. The local empty WalMart store is a evacuee center now. I think there are at least 500 people who are being absorbed by my local zipcode. Where are these jobs going to come from? Where are these people going to find rest and refuge? We have no room -- I want to empty out the garage or something to put some people up, but I have no room. Our church has no room, since we are so jammed packed into our current building waiting for the new building to be finished. So I pack up clothes, give money, pack up health kits, pack up little care packages for kids, recycle some toys, give more money. My heart has been broken by the eyes of the suffering so many times in the last few days. What to do?
I'm packing up some of my books to take to the shelters -- and books to send to other people in various and sundry places. There are tasks I need to do and I am slipping further and further behind. I have papers to write and small group studies starting next week, telephone calls to make. After this next week, this burden will be lighter, though. Two big papers due on Monday and Tuesday and then nothing due for more than a month. Small groups will be formed and up and going next week. I just need to get over the hump of this weekend and Monday and Tuesday -- and not get sick with whatever it is that Entropy has!
Update:
I have moved all books off the Kitchen counter. I have a small group on Monday nights at my house. I am working on clearing off the red chairs and coffee table today. I need the seating. Next will be the Dining room. I'm packing up the Interpreter's Bible (1950 edition minus volume 11) because I have most of the volumes of the New Interpreter's Bible. I don't know what to do with them. I think I'll ship them off either to the Methodist seminaries in Estonia or Zimbabwe. Any ideas?
I've been doing a lot of moving materials around for the hurricane evacuees. The local empty WalMart store is a evacuee center now. I think there are at least 500 people who are being absorbed by my local zipcode. Where are these jobs going to come from? Where are these people going to find rest and refuge? We have no room -- I want to empty out the garage or something to put some people up, but I have no room. Our church has no room, since we are so jammed packed into our current building waiting for the new building to be finished. So I pack up clothes, give money, pack up health kits, pack up little care packages for kids, recycle some toys, give more money. My heart has been broken by the eyes of the suffering so many times in the last few days. What to do?
I'm packing up some of my books to take to the shelters -- and books to send to other people in various and sundry places. There are tasks I need to do and I am slipping further and further behind. I have papers to write and small group studies starting next week, telephone calls to make. After this next week, this burden will be lighter, though. Two big papers due on Monday and Tuesday and then nothing due for more than a month. Small groups will be formed and up and going next week. I just need to get over the hump of this weekend and Monday and Tuesday -- and not get sick with whatever it is that Entropy has!
Update:
I have moved all books off the Kitchen counter. I have a small group on Monday nights at my house. I am working on clearing off the red chairs and coffee table today. I need the seating. Next will be the Dining room. I'm packing up the Interpreter's Bible (1950 edition minus volume 11) because I have most of the volumes of the New Interpreter's Bible. I don't know what to do with them. I think I'll ship them off either to the Methodist seminaries in Estonia or Zimbabwe. Any ideas?
Morning Prayer
Precious is the heart of love;
may, at length, such hearts be ours;
God, please send down from above
your love and truth divine.
And may they cleanse our willing souls
of earthly ills and make them whole;
for Christ did come to share our toil
and will not spurn our prayers.
In the roll of the book it is written concerning me:
'I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep in my heart.'"
I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation;
behold, I did not restrain my lips;
and that, O LORD, you know.
Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance;
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.
You are the LORD;
do not withhold your compassion from me;
let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever,
Dearest Lord,
I do not understand your righteousness. It is beyond me. I do not understand your love. The depths of love with which you love your people is beyond me. Yet I thank you for them. I thank you for steeping me in your love. I thank you for the love by which you lift up your people. Let me speak of your love forever and ever. Let me be your loving hands here on earth.
We are being overwhelmed by people this week, God. People who have lost so very much. People who have lost homes and jobs and loved ones. People who do not understand why this has happened to them. Let my hands and my offerings show your love to them. Let my gifts that I give bless them a little. Lord, people are losing patience with each other. We are starting to put up walls and barriers again. We begin thinking in old thought patterns. Help us break away from the old way of thinking and put on the mind of Christ.
We give you thanks and for the heroic witnesses of your people, who, in a time of death and disaster, were steadfast in their care for the sick and the dying, and loved not their own lives. Inspire in us a like love and commitment to those in need, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
may, at length, such hearts be ours;
God, please send down from above
your love and truth divine.
And may they cleanse our willing souls
of earthly ills and make them whole;
for Christ did come to share our toil
and will not spurn our prayers.
In the roll of the book it is written concerning me:
'I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep in my heart.'"
I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation;
behold, I did not restrain my lips;
and that, O LORD, you know.
Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance;
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.
You are the LORD;
do not withhold your compassion from me;
let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever,
Dearest Lord,
I do not understand your righteousness. It is beyond me. I do not understand your love. The depths of love with which you love your people is beyond me. Yet I thank you for them. I thank you for steeping me in your love. I thank you for the love by which you lift up your people. Let me speak of your love forever and ever. Let me be your loving hands here on earth.
We are being overwhelmed by people this week, God. People who have lost so very much. People who have lost homes and jobs and loved ones. People who do not understand why this has happened to them. Let my hands and my offerings show your love to them. Let my gifts that I give bless them a little. Lord, people are losing patience with each other. We are starting to put up walls and barriers again. We begin thinking in old thought patterns. Help us break away from the old way of thinking and put on the mind of Christ.
We give you thanks and for the heroic witnesses of your people, who, in a time of death and disaster, were steadfast in their care for the sick and the dying, and loved not their own lives. Inspire in us a like love and commitment to those in need, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
My true problem revealed.
This is a reprise:
I pile it here, I pile it there. Mostly books.
This is the update:
The kitchen buffet
The Kitchen counter
The coffee table
A problem with seating
I'm sorting books today because I bought my books for this semester -- and I have no place to put them. I am boxing up books for Goodwill and the church library. I am bagging them up for trading in at the used book store. I am afraid that the books are taking over. Soon there will be no place to sit, eat or sleep. Except on top of the books. And this is just the living room and kitchen. No pictures of dining room, bathroom (yes, bathroom) or bedrooms. At least I don't have anymore in the hallway.
I pile it here, I pile it there. Mostly books.
This is the update:
The kitchen buffet
The Kitchen counter
The coffee table
A problem with seating
I'm sorting books today because I bought my books for this semester -- and I have no place to put them. I am boxing up books for Goodwill and the church library. I am bagging them up for trading in at the used book store. I am afraid that the books are taking over. Soon there will be no place to sit, eat or sleep. Except on top of the books. And this is just the living room and kitchen. No pictures of dining room, bathroom (yes, bathroom) or bedrooms. At least I don't have anymore in the hallway.
Morning Prayer
Grant, blessed God head
this our prayer at dawning
that we reflect the goodness of your Presence
Your beauty shines, O Light,
O Sun, O Radiance
glory re-echoing.
Our God will come and will not keep silence;
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.
He calls the heavens and the earth from above
to witness the judgment of his people.
"Gather before me my loyal followers,
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice."
Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause;
for God himself is judge.
Dearest Lord, Grant us to trust in you with all our hearts. And trust is all some of us have left. Never forsake us. Protect us and keep us. Govern us and uphold us. Lift us up as we lift our hands in praise. For you are God -- you are our God. Lord, keep us from all sin today; Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. Lord, show us your love and mercy; For we put our trust in you.
God, you are the King eternal. You divided the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
this our prayer at dawning
that we reflect the goodness of your Presence
Your beauty shines, O Light,
O Sun, O Radiance
glory re-echoing.
Our God will come and will not keep silence;
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.
He calls the heavens and the earth from above
to witness the judgment of his people.
"Gather before me my loyal followers,
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice."
Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause;
for God himself is judge.
Dearest Lord, Grant us to trust in you with all our hearts. And trust is all some of us have left. Never forsake us. Protect us and keep us. Govern us and uphold us. Lift us up as we lift our hands in praise. For you are God -- you are our God. Lord, keep us from all sin today; Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. Lord, show us your love and mercy; For we put our trust in you.
God, you are the King eternal. You divided the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
In this posting I am
In this posting, I am reveiled as a Shakespeare nerd.
From Hamlet:
Ophelia I hope all will be well. We must be patient; but I cannot choose but weep, to think they should lay him i’ the cold ground. My brother shall know of it; and so I thank you for your good counsel. Come, my coach! Good-night, ladies; good-night, sweet ladies; good-night, good-night. Exit.
King Follow Opheila close; give her good watch, I pray you.
O, this is the poison of deep grief; it springs
All from her father’s death. O Gertrude, Gertrude,
When sorrows come, they come not single spies,
But in battalions.
***********
Queen One woe doth tread upon another’s heel,
So fast they follow. Your sister’s drown’d, Laertes.
***********
Laertes Alas, then, is she drown’d?
Queen Drown’d, drown’d.
Laertes Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia,
And therefore I forbid my tears. But yet
It is our trick. Nature her custom holds,
Let shame say what it will; when these are gone,
The woman will be out. Adieu, my lord;
I have a speech of fire that fain would blaze,
But that this folly douts it.
We are not yet recovered from Katrina and here is Ophelia. Too much of water have we, poor Ophelia. We forbid you. We do not need sorrows in battalions. Begone.
From Hamlet:
Ophelia I hope all will be well. We must be patient; but I cannot choose but weep, to think they should lay him i’ the cold ground. My brother shall know of it; and so I thank you for your good counsel. Come, my coach! Good-night, ladies; good-night, sweet ladies; good-night, good-night. Exit.
King Follow Opheila close; give her good watch, I pray you.
O, this is the poison of deep grief; it springs
All from her father’s death. O Gertrude, Gertrude,
When sorrows come, they come not single spies,
But in battalions.
***********
Queen One woe doth tread upon another’s heel,
So fast they follow. Your sister’s drown’d, Laertes.
***********
Laertes Alas, then, is she drown’d?
Queen Drown’d, drown’d.
Laertes Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia,
And therefore I forbid my tears. But yet
It is our trick. Nature her custom holds,
Let shame say what it will; when these are gone,
The woman will be out. Adieu, my lord;
I have a speech of fire that fain would blaze,
But that this folly douts it.
We are not yet recovered from Katrina and here is Ophelia. Too much of water have we, poor Ophelia. We forbid you. We do not need sorrows in battalions. Begone.
Morning Prayer
God grant me the
SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change;
COURAGE to change the things I can;
and WISDOM to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is,
not as I would have it:
Trusting that He will make all things
right if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Lord God, there are so many things I cannot understand. I cannot comprehend the devestation and the loss of life, the suffering. Help me, guard me, keep me. Help those who cannot help themselves, guard those who are vulnerable, keep those who cannot be helped in this world.
We give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected us through the night from all danger and harm. We ask you to preserve and keep us, this day also, from all sin and evil, that in all our thoughts, words, and deeds we may serve and please you. Into your hands we commend our bodies and souls and all that is ours. Let your holy angels have charge of us, that the wicked one have no power over us.
Amen.*
*These are two classic prayers. The first is the serenity prayer by Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr. The second prayer is a prayer by Martin Luther -- it is his morning prayer. My cousin Fred tells me that it is the prayer that my great-grandparents prayed every morning at the breakfast table when my grandfather was a child. A beautiful prayer.
SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change;
COURAGE to change the things I can;
and WISDOM to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is,
not as I would have it:
Trusting that He will make all things
right if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Lord God, there are so many things I cannot understand. I cannot comprehend the devestation and the loss of life, the suffering. Help me, guard me, keep me. Help those who cannot help themselves, guard those who are vulnerable, keep those who cannot be helped in this world.
We give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected us through the night from all danger and harm. We ask you to preserve and keep us, this day also, from all sin and evil, that in all our thoughts, words, and deeds we may serve and please you. Into your hands we commend our bodies and souls and all that is ours. Let your holy angels have charge of us, that the wicked one have no power over us.
Amen.*
*These are two classic prayers. The first is the serenity prayer by Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr. The second prayer is a prayer by Martin Luther -- it is his morning prayer. My cousin Fred tells me that it is the prayer that my great-grandparents prayed every morning at the breakfast table when my grandfather was a child. A beautiful prayer.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Whoa.
This article is from the October 2004 National Geographic. Prophetic -- In the real and true sense of the word....
It starts:
But the next day the storm gathered steam and drew a bead on the city. As the whirling maelstrom approached the coast, more than a million people evacuated to higher ground. Some 200,000 remained, however—the car-less, the homeless, the aged and infirm, and those die-hard New Orleanians who look for any excuse to throw a party.
The storm hit Breton Sound with the fury of a nuclear warhead, pushing a deadly storm surge into Lake Pontchartrain. The water crept to the top of the massive berm that holds back the lake and then spilled over. Nearly 80 percent of New Orleans lies below sea level—more than eight feet below in places—so the water poured in. A liquid brown wall washed over the brick ranch homes of Gentilly, over the clapboard houses of the Ninth Ward, over the white-columned porches of the Garden District, until it raced through the bars and strip joints on Bourbon Street like the pale rider of the Apocalypse. As it reached 25 feet (eight meters) over parts of the city, people climbed onto roofs to escape it.
Thousands drowned in the murky brew that was soon contaminated by sewage and industrial waste. Thousands more who survived the flood later perished from dehydration and disease as they waited to be rescued. It took two months to pump the city dry, and by then the Big Easy was buried under a blanket of putrid sediment, a million people were homeless, and 50,000 were dead. It was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States.
When did this calamity happen? It hasn't—yet. But the doomsday scenario is not far-fetched. The Federal Emergency Management Agency lists a hurricane strike on New Orleans as one of the most dire threats to the nation, up there with a large earthquake in California or a terrorist attack on New York City. Even the Red Cross no longer opens hurricane shelters in the city, claiming the risk to its workers is too great.
more here.
Hat tip to Father Jake, who Stops the World.
It starts:
But the next day the storm gathered steam and drew a bead on the city. As the whirling maelstrom approached the coast, more than a million people evacuated to higher ground. Some 200,000 remained, however—the car-less, the homeless, the aged and infirm, and those die-hard New Orleanians who look for any excuse to throw a party.
The storm hit Breton Sound with the fury of a nuclear warhead, pushing a deadly storm surge into Lake Pontchartrain. The water crept to the top of the massive berm that holds back the lake and then spilled over. Nearly 80 percent of New Orleans lies below sea level—more than eight feet below in places—so the water poured in. A liquid brown wall washed over the brick ranch homes of Gentilly, over the clapboard houses of the Ninth Ward, over the white-columned porches of the Garden District, until it raced through the bars and strip joints on Bourbon Street like the pale rider of the Apocalypse. As it reached 25 feet (eight meters) over parts of the city, people climbed onto roofs to escape it.
Thousands drowned in the murky brew that was soon contaminated by sewage and industrial waste. Thousands more who survived the flood later perished from dehydration and disease as they waited to be rescued. It took two months to pump the city dry, and by then the Big Easy was buried under a blanket of putrid sediment, a million people were homeless, and 50,000 were dead. It was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States.
When did this calamity happen? It hasn't—yet. But the doomsday scenario is not far-fetched. The Federal Emergency Management Agency lists a hurricane strike on New Orleans as one of the most dire threats to the nation, up there with a large earthquake in California or a terrorist attack on New York City. Even the Red Cross no longer opens hurricane shelters in the city, claiming the risk to its workers is too great.
more here.
Hat tip to Father Jake, who Stops the World.
Morning Prayer
Shadows around us, shadows above us,
Never conceal our Savior and Guide;
Christ is the Light, in Christ is no darkness;
Always we're walking close to Christ's side.
Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever,
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom;
you love righteousness and hate iniquity.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia,
and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel Phil 1:27
Lord, dearest Lord, Our nation is hurting. People are crying out for deliverance. People are still trapped in their houses, becoming sick and ill and dying. Political factions cry out against each other. People want to place blame. People are becoming angry and frustrated. Bring us together, God, to the task before us. The tasks of rescue and rebuilding. Soothe the tears of those who mourn. Hear the cries of the perishing and grant them mercy. Help us to live our lives worth of the Good News of Christ. Help us stand firm in one spirit -- Your spirit.
Grant healing to this nation. There is a balm is Gilead. Pour our your Holy Spirit like a soothing balm on your people. Annoint the rescue workers, the doctors, the volunteers, the homeowners who are offering their spare bedrooms. Heal our nation. Amen.
Never conceal our Savior and Guide;
Christ is the Light, in Christ is no darkness;
Always we're walking close to Christ's side.
Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever,
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom;
you love righteousness and hate iniquity.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia,
and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel Phil 1:27
Lord, dearest Lord, Our nation is hurting. People are crying out for deliverance. People are still trapped in their houses, becoming sick and ill and dying. Political factions cry out against each other. People want to place blame. People are becoming angry and frustrated. Bring us together, God, to the task before us. The tasks of rescue and rebuilding. Soothe the tears of those who mourn. Hear the cries of the perishing and grant them mercy. Help us to live our lives worth of the Good News of Christ. Help us stand firm in one spirit -- Your spirit.
Grant healing to this nation. There is a balm is Gilead. Pour our your Holy Spirit like a soothing balm on your people. Annoint the rescue workers, the doctors, the volunteers, the homeowners who are offering their spare bedrooms. Heal our nation. Amen.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
My heart is a little lighter
My heart is a little lighter. I received email from my good friend Simon who is a pastor between New Orleans and Houston. He and his family are safe. St. Casserole is safe. Chad and Crystal are safe. My friend E's parents are safe. We are all incovenienced, but they are safe. Yet there are so many who have perished. I have had no words. There are no words. I am going to make health kits today, cook chili for the people who are helping me, see about getting food and baby items to the families that have been relocated to our area, go through my closet to find items to donate, see about what can go on the trucks tomorrow. And pray.
My spirit feels brusied. But my heart is a little lighter.
My spirit feels brusied. But my heart is a little lighter.
Every morning mercies new
Fall as fresh as morning dew;
Every morning let us pay
Tribute with the early day:
For your mercies, God, are sure;
Your compassion does endure.
Let our prayers each day prevail,
That these gifts might never fail;
And, as we confess the sin
And temptation's pow'r within,
Every morning, for the strife,
Feed us with the Bread of Life.
I cried to you, O LORD;
I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
"What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit?
will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me;
O LORD, be my helper."
You have turned my wailing into dancing;
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing;
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
Lord, you are merciful and just. You taught us in your holy Word that you would not willingly affict us. Lord I ask that you look with pity upon the sorrows of those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost livelihood, those who have lost homes. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their soul with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them not full understanding, for I am afraid that cannot be, but give them peace, your peaces that passes all understanding.
Lord, you are the Lord of all power and might. You are the author and giver of all good things. Graft in our hearts your love, bring it to fruit. Lord, increase in us true steadfastness, chesed, nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works, let our hands be your hands, let our lips proclaim you Word, let our hearts fill with your peace, let us love with your love. These things we pray in your Holy and unchanging Name, Amen.
Fall as fresh as morning dew;
Every morning let us pay
Tribute with the early day:
For your mercies, God, are sure;
Your compassion does endure.
Let our prayers each day prevail,
That these gifts might never fail;
And, as we confess the sin
And temptation's pow'r within,
Every morning, for the strife,
Feed us with the Bread of Life.
I cried to you, O LORD;
I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
"What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit?
will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me;
O LORD, be my helper."
You have turned my wailing into dancing;
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing;
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
Lord, you are merciful and just. You taught us in your holy Word that you would not willingly affict us. Lord I ask that you look with pity upon the sorrows of those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost livelihood, those who have lost homes. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their soul with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them not full understanding, for I am afraid that cannot be, but give them peace, your peaces that passes all understanding.
Lord, you are the Lord of all power and might. You are the author and giver of all good things. Graft in our hearts your love, bring it to fruit. Lord, increase in us true steadfastness, chesed, nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works, let our hands be your hands, let our lips proclaim you Word, let our hearts fill with your peace, let us love with your love. These things we pray in your Holy and unchanging Name, Amen.
Friday, September 02, 2005
I'm just sort of numb
I haven't blogged much about Katrina. I feel numb. It's too much to take in. I read the news, the blogs -- I watch CNN and the news and I am just stunned. Some of the things that I read seem so unbelievable. And the pain of the people is overwhelming.
Please read Biggfish. His entries make this so immediate. There is a paypal button for Chad and Crystal on Penni's blog, if you feel so led.
I'm making more health kits tomorrow and I have found someone to pay for the shipping. The church is going to send trucks to a church in Hattiesburg on Sunday. I'm taking some items to our refugees in Atlanta tomorrow. I pray. I make more health kits. I read more news. I'm numb.
Please read Biggfish. His entries make this so immediate. There is a paypal button for Chad and Crystal on Penni's blog, if you feel so led.
I'm making more health kits tomorrow and I have found someone to pay for the shipping. The church is going to send trucks to a church in Hattiesburg on Sunday. I'm taking some items to our refugees in Atlanta tomorrow. I pray. I make more health kits. I read more news. I'm numb.
Morning Prayer
Seek the Lord while he wills to be found;
call upon him when he draws near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the evil ones their thoughts;
And let them turn to the Lord,
and he will have compassion,
and to our God, for he will richly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens
and return not again, but water the earth,
Bringing forth life and giving growth,
seed for sowing and bread for eating,
God, you have made of one blood all the people of the earth. You have sent your Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near. Lord, I pray today that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh. There is much suffering in our world today. Pour you Spirit on rescue workers, on government officials, on the weary and those who long for respite. Keep them, hear their cries for help.
Lord, we remember before you today all the poor and neglected people, the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us be your hands here on earth, help us to minister to them as you have ministered to us. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy.
Bless our actions-- they seem so small in the face of such large destruction and desolation. Help us to perserve in the face of difficulties. These thing I pray in the name of your Son. Amen.
call upon him when he draws near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the evil ones their thoughts;
And let them turn to the Lord,
and he will have compassion,
and to our God, for he will richly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens
and return not again, but water the earth,
Bringing forth life and giving growth,
seed for sowing and bread for eating,
God, you have made of one blood all the people of the earth. You have sent your Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near. Lord, I pray today that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh. There is much suffering in our world today. Pour you Spirit on rescue workers, on government officials, on the weary and those who long for respite. Keep them, hear their cries for help.
Lord, we remember before you today all the poor and neglected people, the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us be your hands here on earth, help us to minister to them as you have ministered to us. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy.
Bless our actions-- they seem so small in the face of such large destruction and desolation. Help us to perserve in the face of difficulties. These thing I pray in the name of your Son. Amen.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
From RLP's Chatroom/Prayer room this afternoon
[prayers for Katrina victims]: entropy has entered at 6:50 pm
[whatspider] 6:50 pm: yay for entropy!
[reverend mommy] 6:50 pm: she's going to do a prayer
[whatspider] 6:50 pm: sweet
[entropy] 6:52 pm: dear God
[entropy] 6:52 pm: please hlep the people in hurricane katrina
[entropy] 6:54 pm: give them food and shelter and fresh water
[entropy] 6:53 pm: and a nice warm bed
[entropy] 6:54 pm: showers and baths
[entropy] 6:55 pm: please stop the people from killing each other
[entropy] 6:56 pm: and bless them and keep them safe and bring them on the bus to Atlanta
[entropy] 6:57 pm: help them not be sad and pleas get them to help safe.
[prayers for Katrina victims]: susiederk has entered at 6:57 pm
[entropy] 6:57 pm: and for the people in colleges, let them be with their parents
[entropy] 6:58 pm: thank you go than we have food tonight
[entropy] 6:58 pm: even if i don't like soup
[entropy] 6:58 pm: please don not let them eat bad food and get sick.
[entropy] 6:59 pm: Amen
[whatspider] 6:59 pm: entropy, thank you for praying with us
The Prayer Room is open all day today.
[whatspider] 6:50 pm: yay for entropy!
[reverend mommy] 6:50 pm: she's going to do a prayer
[whatspider] 6:50 pm: sweet
[entropy] 6:52 pm: dear God
[entropy] 6:52 pm: please hlep the people in hurricane katrina
[entropy] 6:54 pm: give them food and shelter and fresh water
[entropy] 6:53 pm: and a nice warm bed
[entropy] 6:54 pm: showers and baths
[entropy] 6:55 pm: please stop the people from killing each other
[entropy] 6:56 pm: and bless them and keep them safe and bring them on the bus to Atlanta
[entropy] 6:57 pm: help them not be sad and pleas get them to help safe.
[prayers for Katrina victims]: susiederk has entered at 6:57 pm
[entropy] 6:57 pm: and for the people in colleges, let them be with their parents
[entropy] 6:58 pm: thank you go than we have food tonight
[entropy] 6:58 pm: even if i don't like soup
[entropy] 6:58 pm: please don not let them eat bad food and get sick.
[entropy] 6:59 pm: Amen
[whatspider] 6:59 pm: entropy, thank you for praying with us
The Prayer Room is open all day today.
Health Kits
UMCOR Emergency Appeal for Health Kits, Water and Blankets
As president of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), I am
making this emergency appeal for United Methodists and their friends
to supply
Health Kits,
bottled water and
blankets
for survivors of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast.
The need is desperate throughout the area devastated by the storm,
especially among people who have been or are being evacuated from
their homes.
The need for Health Kits is especially acute, according to Gwen E.
Redding, director of the Sager Brown Depot of UMCOR in Baldwin, LA.
The center is to the west of the major storm impact and did not
sustain major damage.
"We are getting calls from all over," Ms. Redding said, "and we do
have kits on hand but not enough to fill all the requests coming from
the Gulf and around the world."
Health kits can be shipped directly to Sager Brown.
UMCOR Sager Brown Depot, P.O. Box 850, 131 Sager Brown Road, Baldwin, LA 70514-0850.
This will get the kits very close to the need. UMCOR is working around the clock to get the roads open and clear.
In a separate envelope, please send a check for at least $1 for each kit to help UMCOR Sager Brown with the costs of processing and shipping kits around the world.
Please do not include any religious, political or patriotic notes or emblems in any kit.
Thank you for your donations. You are helping to make a difference in people's lives.
As president of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), I am
making this emergency appeal for United Methodists and their friends
to supply
Health Kits,
bottled water and
blankets
for survivors of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast.
The need is desperate throughout the area devastated by the storm,
especially among people who have been or are being evacuated from
their homes.
The need for Health Kits is especially acute, according to Gwen E.
Redding, director of the Sager Brown Depot of UMCOR in Baldwin, LA.
The center is to the west of the major storm impact and did not
sustain major damage.
"We are getting calls from all over," Ms. Redding said, "and we do
have kits on hand but not enough to fill all the requests coming from
the Gulf and around the world."
Health kits can be shipped directly to Sager Brown.
UMCOR Sager Brown Depot, P.O. Box 850, 131 Sager Brown Road, Baldwin, LA 70514-0850.
This will get the kits very close to the need. UMCOR is working around the clock to get the roads open and clear.
In a separate envelope, please send a check for at least $1 for each kit to help UMCOR Sager Brown with the costs of processing and shipping kits around the world.
Please do not include any religious, political or patriotic notes or emblems in any kit.
Thank you for your donations. You are helping to make a difference in people's lives.
Please support some relief organization
I'm going to make Health Kits. However, monetary donations are the most needed at this time.
**********************
To Sustain Everyday Life: UMCOR Kits Are Another Way to Give
UMCOR Sager Brown Material Resources Specifications
Kits to Sustain Everyday Life
The following kit is used in places where people do not have ready access to many essential supplies for everyday life. Please follow the directions exactly. Include all items; do not add items that are not on the lists. Extra gifts, though given with the best of intentions, render a kit unusable and must be removed. Note: All items sent must be new!
Health Kit
(Updated: 07/11/2005)
Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. Health kits are also used as learning tools in personal hygiene, literacy, nutrition and cooking classes. When people gain the knowledge and materials to maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves.
1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27")
1 washcloth
1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
1 large tube of toothpaste (4.5 oz. or larger, expiration date must be 6 months or longer in advance of the date of shipment to UMCOR Sager Brown)
6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.
**********************
To Sustain Everyday Life: UMCOR Kits Are Another Way to Give
UMCOR Sager Brown Material Resources Specifications
Kits to Sustain Everyday Life
The following kit is used in places where people do not have ready access to many essential supplies for everyday life. Please follow the directions exactly. Include all items; do not add items that are not on the lists. Extra gifts, though given with the best of intentions, render a kit unusable and must be removed. Note: All items sent must be new!
Health Kit
(Updated: 07/11/2005)
Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. Health kits are also used as learning tools in personal hygiene, literacy, nutrition and cooking classes. When people gain the knowledge and materials to maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves.
1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27")
1 washcloth
1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
1 large tube of toothpaste (4.5 oz. or larger, expiration date must be 6 months or longer in advance of the date of shipment to UMCOR Sager Brown)
6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.
Morning Prayer
Open my lips, O Lord,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Most merciful God,
We confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have failed to do.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry, and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name.
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty power, so that we won’t fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us so that we will do your will, so that when we end this day, we will rejoice in your providence and grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
** A reposting from a few weeks ago. I'm sick again, Entropy has strep and I am taking a break from the computer. I'm sick at heart from watching the news. The "hard core" regulars of Real Live Preacher's chat room are going to get together in prayer tonight at 8:00 pm Eastern. Please join us -- go to www.reallivepreacher.com and register. Then go to the chat room. If you can't to this, join us in prayer outside the chat room -- 8:00 EST.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)