It's exciting sometimes when new ideas whose time have come arrive at a place of fruition. We've 3 churches of our denomination in the area none of which have large youth groups, and it is exciting because we've agreed to come together and create a joint youth group.
It was impressive to see that there is a recognition of the ability to provide more than mere monetary support-- and on the part of our small struggling congregation that means the world. It will be interesting to see this all play out.
I am excited, and thrilled to see the youth ministry invigorated in this way. I think it will be tremendously beneficial to us all. Huzzah! and Praise God, for those willing to listen even when He calls us to doing things in ways that it hasn't been done before.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM
Blessed Virgin Mary... ah, yes... a true source of discord in the Christian world this particular feast day. It is also, a time for us to maybe grow in understanding of the difference in world view that encompasses Christianity. To that end, I include here a link to a wonderful article that explains the traditional Catholic and Anglo-Catholic viewpoint. We do not say that Mary was without sin on her own, but through God's grace.
Without Stain
Without Stain
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Welcome to Advent!
My personal faith tradition is rich in liturgical seasons, colors, meanings and symbols. Many of my friends and family though don't follow the church year in the same way and can feel a bit lost when hearing about it. So this first blog in December is an attempt on my part to explain the season of Advent... what it means to those of us in faith traditions that observe the season, and how it helps us to connect with Christ.
Advent... many may be familiar with Advent Calendars, typically little pasteboard/cardstock type creations which contain candies and are designed to help children negotiate the days leading up to Christmas. The idea is that it helps them to manage the anticipation of the big day. And while, certainly, anticipation is part of the season of Advent... it goes further or should.
Like Lent, the season of Advent is typically observed as a time of fasting and prayer. The color of the season is purple. This has symbolic meaning. Purple is the color of royalty and during Advent we remember the world awaiting it's King and Savior. Purple is also the color used during Lent to mark the suffering Christ underwent for us, and so the use of the color here acts as a foreshadowing of Lent and Easter to come. We cannot, however much we might like to, separate Christ's birth from His sacrifice for us. The two are inextricably intertwined.
During Advent, a liturgical church will incorporate times of confession and a recognition of our unworthiness of Christ's sacrifice for us which is why it is also a time of penitence and prayer. We both celebrate Christ's first Advent and we focus on the fact that He is here with us now, and will come again with power. We anticipate the season of that second coming during Advent as well as the lead up to Christmas.
We use an Advent wreath to mark the four Sundays which lead up to Christmas. Each Sunday is marked by a candle. The first three in my tradition are purple. The fourth is pink to mark that the season of Joy is approaching. There is a candle in the center of white, which will be lit on Christmas Day.
We look toward Advent as a time to turn our hearts toward God. To stop focusing on our circumstances which as we define them are either good or bad, and our hope if it is in them will always be dashed. Instead, we look toward God. Knowing that He can and does through Christ offer us newness, redemption, recovery and transformation through and out of our circumstances. In short, Advent is about hope and Him who brings it.
Have a blessed Advent!
Advent... many may be familiar with Advent Calendars, typically little pasteboard/cardstock type creations which contain candies and are designed to help children negotiate the days leading up to Christmas. The idea is that it helps them to manage the anticipation of the big day. And while, certainly, anticipation is part of the season of Advent... it goes further or should.
Like Lent, the season of Advent is typically observed as a time of fasting and prayer. The color of the season is purple. This has symbolic meaning. Purple is the color of royalty and during Advent we remember the world awaiting it's King and Savior. Purple is also the color used during Lent to mark the suffering Christ underwent for us, and so the use of the color here acts as a foreshadowing of Lent and Easter to come. We cannot, however much we might like to, separate Christ's birth from His sacrifice for us. The two are inextricably intertwined.
During Advent, a liturgical church will incorporate times of confession and a recognition of our unworthiness of Christ's sacrifice for us which is why it is also a time of penitence and prayer. We both celebrate Christ's first Advent and we focus on the fact that He is here with us now, and will come again with power. We anticipate the season of that second coming during Advent as well as the lead up to Christmas.
We use an Advent wreath to mark the four Sundays which lead up to Christmas. Each Sunday is marked by a candle. The first three in my tradition are purple. The fourth is pink to mark that the season of Joy is approaching. There is a candle in the center of white, which will be lit on Christmas Day.
We look toward Advent as a time to turn our hearts toward God. To stop focusing on our circumstances which as we define them are either good or bad, and our hope if it is in them will always be dashed. Instead, we look toward God. Knowing that He can and does through Christ offer us newness, redemption, recovery and transformation through and out of our circumstances. In short, Advent is about hope and Him who brings it.
Have a blessed Advent!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Righteousness
In my reading, I've discovered something interesting about the ancient Hebraic concept of righteousness. Often, we get hung up on the idea that to be righteous was to dot i's and cross t's in Judaism. However, that may not be the way the ancients saw it.
Tsadiq which is the Hebrew word used for righteousness in the first 11 chapters of Genesis (my current focus of study) is the same word used for making an animal sacrifice to God. The idea here is that the animal must be physically perfect, without blemish. We've taken that to mean moral perfection in humanity.
However, it doesn't mean that at all. It means someone who is in right relationship with God, with others. Someone who doesn't interfere in the relationship their neighbor has with God, and doesn't interfere in his neighbor's relationship with others either.
Since Westboro Baptist was in town this weekend, I started to wonder... how much "righteousness" do these people have really? What damage have they done to the relationship of gay persons with God? What damage have they done to the relationship of Christians with others as we allow this hatefulness to become representative of us by not speaking out, showing up and in short, allowing them to define us? In the Book of Common Prayer, our common confession includes the phrase, "for what we have done and left undone". We CAN sin by omission.
I come back to one of the first things: If ministry is defined as any act a Christian (or one who identifies as such) does to another... then what exactly does this ministry look like? Personally, I think it looks a lot like sin.
Tsadiq which is the Hebrew word used for righteousness in the first 11 chapters of Genesis (my current focus of study) is the same word used for making an animal sacrifice to God. The idea here is that the animal must be physically perfect, without blemish. We've taken that to mean moral perfection in humanity.
However, it doesn't mean that at all. It means someone who is in right relationship with God, with others. Someone who doesn't interfere in the relationship their neighbor has with God, and doesn't interfere in his neighbor's relationship with others either.
Since Westboro Baptist was in town this weekend, I started to wonder... how much "righteousness" do these people have really? What damage have they done to the relationship of gay persons with God? What damage have they done to the relationship of Christians with others as we allow this hatefulness to become representative of us by not speaking out, showing up and in short, allowing them to define us? In the Book of Common Prayer, our common confession includes the phrase, "for what we have done and left undone". We CAN sin by omission.
I come back to one of the first things: If ministry is defined as any act a Christian (or one who identifies as such) does to another... then what exactly does this ministry look like? Personally, I think it looks a lot like sin.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Today...
I am thankful for clean, potable running water.
I grew up in northern Minnesota. We had pipes that would freeze every winter in our bathroom, and once a week, my father would thaw the pipes in the tub so that we could bathe. Once a week! Now, you must understand... Dad was born in 1907 so weekly bathing was not an uncommon or odd occurence for him as it was for those of us growing up in the 1970's.
When we moved in... we didn't have running water. We had a hand pump. All of which makes me a throwback to another time in many ways. But it does make me appreciate some conveniences that many of us take for granted. Running water is one of them.
If you're looking for a worthwhile cause, and trying to find a way to put more Christ in your Christmas... you could do worse than the Advent Conspiracy. And, you'd be blessing more people in the world with the gift of clean, drinking water.
I grew up in northern Minnesota. We had pipes that would freeze every winter in our bathroom, and once a week, my father would thaw the pipes in the tub so that we could bathe. Once a week! Now, you must understand... Dad was born in 1907 so weekly bathing was not an uncommon or odd occurence for him as it was for those of us growing up in the 1970's.
When we moved in... we didn't have running water. We had a hand pump. All of which makes me a throwback to another time in many ways. But it does make me appreciate some conveniences that many of us take for granted. Running water is one of them.
If you're looking for a worthwhile cause, and trying to find a way to put more Christ in your Christmas... you could do worse than the Advent Conspiracy. And, you'd be blessing more people in the world with the gift of clean, drinking water.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thankful Thursday!
Aldous Huxley once wrote: Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.
In an effort to alter that about myself... I'm focusing on gratitude for the next few days as we lead up to Thanksgiving.
Today I'm thankful that:
I have legs in my stockings so that I can run, and walk. (Thanks, G.K. Chesterton!)
I have hot coffee.
The sunrise was beautiful this a.m.
There's a new choral evensong available on the BBC 3 Radio iPlayer.
Oatmeal exists. Hot, filling and delicious with just a lil butter and salt.
How about you? What are you thankful for today?
In an effort to alter that about myself... I'm focusing on gratitude for the next few days as we lead up to Thanksgiving.
Today I'm thankful that:
I have legs in my stockings so that I can run, and walk. (Thanks, G.K. Chesterton!)
I have hot coffee.
The sunrise was beautiful this a.m.
There's a new choral evensong available on the BBC 3 Radio iPlayer.
Oatmeal exists. Hot, filling and delicious with just a lil butter and salt.
How about you? What are you thankful for today?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Gratitude
Real thankfulness... it's never been in high supply. Shakespeare's King Lear says: "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child." In the Bible, we see 9 of 10 lepers healed who do not turn back to thank Christ but instead carry on their way... the one who is doubly outcast by leprosy and by heritage (being Samaritan) is the only one who thanks Jesus.
Why am I thinking about this? Well, you might surmise that as a parent of teenagers I've encountered my fair share of ingratitude. That's true! However, I recognize fully how blessed I am by my children and I want to express/and will in another post on another day how grateful I am to have had the privilege of raising of them thus far.
No, the reason for this blog... is to call myself out. I am very blessed and thankful to live in a place and time where I and others have the luxury of debating what are very small doctrinal issues (in the scope of things) in our faith. Should women be pastors? Should we ordain gay/lesbian/bi/transexuals? Enmeshing ourselves in such dialogue indicates that we are not concerned with: a) persecution, or b) simple survival.
So... thanks God. Thank you for allowing me to live out my faith in a place and time where I am safe, protected, and have what I need to live. Thank you for others of faith who have the same and for our disagreements. They enable us to grow as iron sharpens iron.
Why am I thinking about this? Well, you might surmise that as a parent of teenagers I've encountered my fair share of ingratitude. That's true! However, I recognize fully how blessed I am by my children and I want to express/and will in another post on another day how grateful I am to have had the privilege of raising of them thus far.
No, the reason for this blog... is to call myself out. I am very blessed and thankful to live in a place and time where I and others have the luxury of debating what are very small doctrinal issues (in the scope of things) in our faith. Should women be pastors? Should we ordain gay/lesbian/bi/transexuals? Enmeshing ourselves in such dialogue indicates that we are not concerned with: a) persecution, or b) simple survival.
So... thanks God. Thank you for allowing me to live out my faith in a place and time where I am safe, protected, and have what I need to live. Thank you for others of faith who have the same and for our disagreements. They enable us to grow as iron sharpens iron.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Menu Planning Monday on Tuesday!
Tonight... oh good heavens, what shall I make??? I think since I need to do a live lecture at 7 p.m. that a good choice is one that is EASY. So, I'm actually planning on rice/Kashi pilaf, trout, and frozen veggies.
Wednesday... basic potato chowder with crusty bread and a green salad
Thursday... Spaghetti
Friday... date night so???
Saturday... leftover spaghetti
Sunday... Feast of Thanksgiving-- I'm making a turkey, and there will be sides a plenty. Mass at 12:00 noon, dinner at conclusion... please come!! All are truly welcome!
Monday... tomato soup and grilled cheese. I'll have the soup in the crockpot and the grilled cheese can be made to suit.
Tuesday... Shrimp Scampi
Wednesday... Catfish gumbo over hot rice
Thursday... THANKSGIVING...
And that should get us through for a bit.
Wednesday... basic potato chowder with crusty bread and a green salad
Thursday... Spaghetti
Friday... date night so???
Saturday... leftover spaghetti
Sunday... Feast of Thanksgiving-- I'm making a turkey, and there will be sides a plenty. Mass at 12:00 noon, dinner at conclusion... please come!! All are truly welcome!
Monday... tomato soup and grilled cheese. I'll have the soup in the crockpot and the grilled cheese can be made to suit.
Tuesday... Shrimp Scampi
Wednesday... Catfish gumbo over hot rice
Thursday... THANKSGIVING...
And that should get us through for a bit.
A Line from the BCP of the Church of Ireland
Let us pray for those who hate us as we pray for those who love us. (Taken from a Late Evening Office BCP Church of Ireland 2004 edition)
Wow. This line is stuck in my head today after using it in worship at EFM last night. There is something so... aware in it. First, it acknowledges that we need God's help in order to pray for those who hate us.
We cannot do that on our own power. The only way it happens is if we give up ourselves and let Jesus shine through. As St. John of the Cross indicates and I paraphrase here: it is about becoming less of us, so that He might be greater.
Second, it acknowledges that even if we do pray for those who hate us it is most certainly not as we pray for those who love us. It is easy to pray for those who think like us, and agree with us, and who love us. Often, because we love them too.
Prayer for those we hate... is hard with a capital H. We do not understand them, and do not know how to pray for them. We do not believe that they think like us, and often they do not agree with us.
I suspect that part of the reason I'm turning this over and over again in my poor brain is that... when called out by another for the undeniable consequences of his words, a man I respect has responded by justifying them due to church politics and his own feelings of rejection. Maybe because we've just finished looking at Cain and Abel, I feel a sense in which there was an opportunity to build community/communion. And instead, the response is... am I my brother's keeper? Or more accurately, I don't need to worry about/have empathy for my brother because I am also hurting.
If we focus on the hurt... we turn away from each other and the lack of empathy very quickly becomes hate for opposing viewpoints.
So I come back to that line again...
Let us pray for those who hate us as we pray for those who love us.
Lord, have mercy.
Wow. This line is stuck in my head today after using it in worship at EFM last night. There is something so... aware in it. First, it acknowledges that we need God's help in order to pray for those who hate us.
We cannot do that on our own power. The only way it happens is if we give up ourselves and let Jesus shine through. As St. John of the Cross indicates and I paraphrase here: it is about becoming less of us, so that He might be greater.
Second, it acknowledges that even if we do pray for those who hate us it is most certainly not as we pray for those who love us. It is easy to pray for those who think like us, and agree with us, and who love us. Often, because we love them too.
Prayer for those we hate... is hard with a capital H. We do not understand them, and do not know how to pray for them. We do not believe that they think like us, and often they do not agree with us.
I suspect that part of the reason I'm turning this over and over again in my poor brain is that... when called out by another for the undeniable consequences of his words, a man I respect has responded by justifying them due to church politics and his own feelings of rejection. Maybe because we've just finished looking at Cain and Abel, I feel a sense in which there was an opportunity to build community/communion. And instead, the response is... am I my brother's keeper? Or more accurately, I don't need to worry about/have empathy for my brother because I am also hurting.
If we focus on the hurt... we turn away from each other and the lack of empathy very quickly becomes hate for opposing viewpoints.
So I come back to that line again...
Let us pray for those who hate us as we pray for those who love us.
Lord, have mercy.
Friday, November 12, 2010
So... today... I'm busy.
I'm baking. The bake/book/craft sale to benefit our United Pangyang school in South Sudan is coming up tomorrow and as usual, I find myself busy.
I'm baking: banana breads with chocolate chips, but without nuts!, irish soda bread (my fil's request), a pumpkin and apple pie, a cherry tart, and my dd is making rainbow cupcakes. Yeah.
So... I'm afraid... I've got next to no time!
I'm baking. The bake/book/craft sale to benefit our United Pangyang school in South Sudan is coming up tomorrow and as usual, I find myself busy.
I'm baking: banana breads with chocolate chips, but without nuts!, irish soda bread (my fil's request), a pumpkin and apple pie, a cherry tart, and my dd is making rainbow cupcakes. Yeah.
So... I'm afraid... I've got next to no time!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
No Place for Moderates
On the one hand, I'm really glad that there has been a check on some of the crazy liberal actions and figures as a result of yesterday's election. However, I am disappointed at the number of middle of the road candidates who lost. I am confident that extremism on both sides is not the answer.
Unfortunately, that appears to be what our political system does best. We get rid of the people who can cross aisles. We get rid of the people who are level-headed, able to see both sides, and therefore able to create intelligent compromise.
I know, I know... many are not in favor of compromise. Winner take all, right? We do need to remember, though, that power shifts in politics are inevitable. And cramming down dissent does backfire.
I am mourning the loss of Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin. She was a good representative for South Dakota. She voted against most of the left's agenda. It wasn't enough, though.
So now we get Kristi Noem. A woman who's had issues with honesty throughout the campaign, who doesn't feel the need to follow traffic laws if she's in a hurry, without a college degree, and who doesn't appear to grasp the need for compromise. Nice.
I'm sure SD's voice will be heard now. NOT.
Unfortunately, that appears to be what our political system does best. We get rid of the people who can cross aisles. We get rid of the people who are level-headed, able to see both sides, and therefore able to create intelligent compromise.
I know, I know... many are not in favor of compromise. Winner take all, right? We do need to remember, though, that power shifts in politics are inevitable. And cramming down dissent does backfire.
I am mourning the loss of Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin. She was a good representative for South Dakota. She voted against most of the left's agenda. It wasn't enough, though.
So now we get Kristi Noem. A woman who's had issues with honesty throughout the campaign, who doesn't feel the need to follow traffic laws if she's in a hurry, without a college degree, and who doesn't appear to grasp the need for compromise. Nice.
I'm sure SD's voice will be heard now. NOT.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
All Soul's Day today!
In The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion we recognize that all our Lord's faithful servants are worthy of and need remembrance. Not just those who have been canonized as saints!
On All Soul's Day we remember all the faithful Christians who have gone before us. This All Soul's Day, I'm remembering especially:
Walta Gill
Wava Ness
Otto Lotz
Marie McNally
Penny Gullette
Maxwell Gullette Sr.
Ed Haggar
Christopher Claude
Menu Plan:
Sunday- Tacos
Monday- Bratwurst and all the fixin's
Tuesday- Steak, mashed potatoes and greenbeans
Wednesday- Catfish gumbo, cornbread
Thursday- Leek and Cheese tart
Friday- Datenight
Saturday- Spaghetti
On All Soul's Day we remember all the faithful Christians who have gone before us. This All Soul's Day, I'm remembering especially:
Walta Gill
Wava Ness
Otto Lotz
Marie McNally
Penny Gullette
Maxwell Gullette Sr.
Ed Haggar
Christopher Claude
Menu Plan:
Sunday- Tacos
Monday- Bratwurst and all the fixin's
Tuesday- Steak, mashed potatoes and greenbeans
Wednesday- Catfish gumbo, cornbread
Thursday- Leek and Cheese tart
Friday- Datenight
Saturday- Spaghetti
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thankful Thursday!
1. The ability to run...
2. Warm fuzzy striped purple socks from a friend...
3. For the church!
4. For good friends who offer different perspectives
5. For craisins... my God, thank you! So delicious.
2. Warm fuzzy striped purple socks from a friend...
3. For the church!
4. For good friends who offer different perspectives
5. For craisins... my God, thank you! So delicious.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Daily Office...
A tutorial is being compiled at this website to help walk a newcomer through the Daily prayers. Morning, Noon, Evening, Compline. It helps to make time for the sacred in the busyness of our daily lives. It's a form of worship practiced for ages, and ages, and ages...
This helps to make it comprehensible.
Daily Office Tutorial
This helps to make it comprehensible.
Daily Office Tutorial
A Call to Prayer!
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sudan/
Please join me in praying over this referendum and the consequences likely. The Anglican Bishop of Sudan has issued a call to prayer and I, for one, will respond.
Please join me in praying over this referendum and the consequences likely. The Anglican Bishop of Sudan has issued a call to prayer and I, for one, will respond.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Menu Planning Monday on Tuesday + ramblings
Sunday: Dh forgot I had chili in the crockpot so when he and ds left the coffee hour, they picked up a rotisserie chicken. Ah well... we had the chili for supper that night instead, and he took leftovers for lunch.
Monday: Pasta bake: It's my favorite way to use extra spaghetti sauce. Boil a lb of whatever pasta you have on hand, add spinach, lowfat or fat free cottage cheese, and mix together. Top with cheese if you wish, or skip it. We've now got half a pan of leftovers for later in the week. WOOT!
Tuesday: Beef crockpot stew
Wednesday: Steelhead trout, Kashi pilaf, broccoli
Thursday: Catfish gumbo over rice
Friday: Date night-- children can eat leftovers, dh and I will prolly pick up a sub.
Saturday: leftovers or if it's nice, I may try to talk dh into grilling some chicken drumsticks which we'll serve with mixed veggies and roasted potatoes.
------------------------------------------
Ramblings:
I've sort of alluded here to the fact that I'm embarking on a new educational project for myself. It's called Education for Ministry. It is a four year long course on the Bible, Old and New Testaments, the history of the church, and finishes with theology. I'm in year 1. The Old Testament.
It is absolutely eye-opening to me. There is much about the make-up of the Bible that laypeople are not taught. I wonder if this is why we have so much anguish in the church over literalism, and inerrancy.
The course is offered through Sewanee. I've just received my New Oxford Annotated Study Bible in the New Revised Standard Version 4th edition. Whew! Say that 5 times fast!! I dare ya. No, seriously, try it!
The other part of what I'm learning comes from my fellow students. I'm seeing how hurtful the "church's" stance on certain issues is. The lack of acceptance, the lack of showing real Christian love, is keeping people from the love of Christ... causing them to reject Him. We, after all, are His body here on earth. We act in His name.
If ministry can be viewed as anything that a Christian does to another person (a line from the EfM materials) ... well, what does my ministry look like? Am I bringing the love Christ has for all to them? Or am I standing in His way as He tries to reach them?
These are just a few of the things I've been pondering and wrestling with lately. I'm sure there will be more.
Monday: Pasta bake: It's my favorite way to use extra spaghetti sauce. Boil a lb of whatever pasta you have on hand, add spinach, lowfat or fat free cottage cheese, and mix together. Top with cheese if you wish, or skip it. We've now got half a pan of leftovers for later in the week. WOOT!
Tuesday: Beef crockpot stew
Wednesday: Steelhead trout, Kashi pilaf, broccoli
Thursday: Catfish gumbo over rice
Friday: Date night-- children can eat leftovers, dh and I will prolly pick up a sub.
Saturday: leftovers or if it's nice, I may try to talk dh into grilling some chicken drumsticks which we'll serve with mixed veggies and roasted potatoes.
------------------------------------------
Ramblings:
I've sort of alluded here to the fact that I'm embarking on a new educational project for myself. It's called Education for Ministry. It is a four year long course on the Bible, Old and New Testaments, the history of the church, and finishes with theology. I'm in year 1. The Old Testament.
It is absolutely eye-opening to me. There is much about the make-up of the Bible that laypeople are not taught. I wonder if this is why we have so much anguish in the church over literalism, and inerrancy.
The course is offered through Sewanee. I've just received my New Oxford Annotated Study Bible in the New Revised Standard Version 4th edition. Whew! Say that 5 times fast!! I dare ya. No, seriously, try it!
The other part of what I'm learning comes from my fellow students. I'm seeing how hurtful the "church's" stance on certain issues is. The lack of acceptance, the lack of showing real Christian love, is keeping people from the love of Christ... causing them to reject Him. We, after all, are His body here on earth. We act in His name.
If ministry can be viewed as anything that a Christian does to another person (a line from the EfM materials) ... well, what does my ministry look like? Am I bringing the love Christ has for all to them? Or am I standing in His way as He tries to reach them?
These are just a few of the things I've been pondering and wrestling with lately. I'm sure there will be more.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Friday 5 10/22/10
Holy Moly!
1. What gives you the heebie-jeebies?
2. When were you most recently in double trouble?
3. What puts you in the mood for hanky panky?
4. What easy breezy task is still a pain in the neck to accomplish?
5. What area in your life seems especially rife with mumbo-jumbo?
http://www.friday5.org/
1. What gives you the heebie-jeebies?
2. When were you most recently in double trouble?
3. What puts you in the mood for hanky panky?
4. What easy breezy task is still a pain in the neck to accomplish?
5. What area in your life seems especially rife with mumbo-jumbo?
http://www.friday5.org/
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Purple!
As a redhead, I always thought that purple was an unfriendly color for me and my complexion. Turns out it's fine. My half-sister Penny showed me that. RIP+
Yesterday was a day many united to wear purple to show support and love to teens/persons bullied because of either real or perceived LGBT issues. I had many friends who did because they wanted to take a stand against bullying for any reason. Not just because of LGBT issues, but because hatred and intolerance are simply wrong.
It would be wrong to bully an overweight person to the point that suicide was preferable. It would be wrong to bully a black person to the point that suicide was preferable. Bullying is quite simply wrong. I applaud my friends who chose to take that stand.
At the same time, though, they still argue that there is something "wrong" with being LGBT. All the other differences are viewed through another lens. Racial differences, well, we can't help being born. Overweight, well, we all know persons who are and we love them.
LGBT, however, occupies a unique space in our minds. It is the last bastion. In the refusal of the religious right to allow candid discussion of sexuality; implicit permission for bullying is given. We humans fear difference.
We've been taught to accept racial differences, religous differences, cultural differences, but this is the last hold out. How can we expect our children to respect a different sexuality while we tell them it is immoral and wrong? How can we expect them not to fear that difference if we never tell them that it is okay?
We do that with race. We tell our children that God made us all differently and wonderfully. We do it with size. We do it with religion (well, some of us do... but I digress). We don't do this with issues of sexuality.
So while I applaud the outward display of purple, let's not forget that unless we start to accept our LGBT youth for who they are-- bullying for this will still be seen as acceptable. Because, after all, they chose this.
Yesterday was a day many united to wear purple to show support and love to teens/persons bullied because of either real or perceived LGBT issues. I had many friends who did because they wanted to take a stand against bullying for any reason. Not just because of LGBT issues, but because hatred and intolerance are simply wrong.
It would be wrong to bully an overweight person to the point that suicide was preferable. It would be wrong to bully a black person to the point that suicide was preferable. Bullying is quite simply wrong. I applaud my friends who chose to take that stand.
At the same time, though, they still argue that there is something "wrong" with being LGBT. All the other differences are viewed through another lens. Racial differences, well, we can't help being born. Overweight, well, we all know persons who are and we love them.
LGBT, however, occupies a unique space in our minds. It is the last bastion. In the refusal of the religious right to allow candid discussion of sexuality; implicit permission for bullying is given. We humans fear difference.
We've been taught to accept racial differences, religous differences, cultural differences, but this is the last hold out. How can we expect our children to respect a different sexuality while we tell them it is immoral and wrong? How can we expect them not to fear that difference if we never tell them that it is okay?
We do that with race. We tell our children that God made us all differently and wonderfully. We do it with size. We do it with religion (well, some of us do... but I digress). We don't do this with issues of sexuality.
So while I applaud the outward display of purple, let's not forget that unless we start to accept our LGBT youth for who they are-- bullying for this will still be seen as acceptable. Because, after all, they chose this.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wasteland Wednesday
April is the cruellest month (T.S. Eliot, The Wasteland) not so much because lilacs begin to bud, nor because Easter signals our rebirth (yes, sometimes that happens in March, it's poetic license) and we fall back to the same sins we seek redemption for; but rather because we find it a time of new beginnings. A time to cast off the old and move to the new.
Some of our members now contemplate leaving if "progress" however they define it has not happened by Easter. That raises a question for me. Do we trust God? Do we think that He has a plan for us? Do we think that we can with brute force and threats single-handedly move His church forward?
The really heartbreaking part is that several of us do seem to hold the opinion that we can do so. I am not at all certain that those who have left will return if we make "progress". In fact, I'm fairly certain that they will not as they recognize that TEC as a whole is the issue for them. It isn't the local congregation. It's the governing body that has departed their understanding and makes it increasingly clear that there is no place for them-- unless they are willing to simply pray, pay and obey. A criticism leveled often enough against the Catholic church with respect to it's members can also been to apply to TEC today.
So... how long til we make progress happen? And will progress mean regressing, that is to say... giving the building back to the diocese and looking for a place to hold an Anglo-Catholic rite once in a while? It might.
Some of our members now contemplate leaving if "progress" however they define it has not happened by Easter. That raises a question for me. Do we trust God? Do we think that He has a plan for us? Do we think that we can with brute force and threats single-handedly move His church forward?
The really heartbreaking part is that several of us do seem to hold the opinion that we can do so. I am not at all certain that those who have left will return if we make "progress". In fact, I'm fairly certain that they will not as they recognize that TEC as a whole is the issue for them. It isn't the local congregation. It's the governing body that has departed their understanding and makes it increasingly clear that there is no place for them-- unless they are willing to simply pray, pay and obey. A criticism leveled often enough against the Catholic church with respect to it's members can also been to apply to TEC today.
So... how long til we make progress happen? And will progress mean regressing, that is to say... giving the building back to the diocese and looking for a place to hold an Anglo-Catholic rite once in a while? It might.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Menu and Musings Monday on Tuesday! Woo-hoo!
Procrastinators of the world, unite... but maybe tomorrow!
I realized yesterday that Mondays have become chock a block full. Between the need to provide timely feedback to students in my classes, and attending Education for Ministry, and restoring the house from the inevitable chaos that visits each weekend... blogging just isn't a priority.
So... first the Menu, then the musings.
Monday: Ravioli, tomato sauce, green salads.
Tuesday: chicken and rice/ Arroz con pollo style with extra veggies
Wednesday: Stirfry veggies, noodles, beef/pork
Thursday: Spaghetti
Friday: Date night
Saturday: leftover spaghetti
Sunday: breakfast for supper-- eggs, sausage, salsa burritos
Musings--
The budget situation is truly just as dire as I feared. We can sustain ourselves as a church until 2015 at which point we will fade out of existence. My heart is broken about that. Still, I need to remember it isn't my church, or anyone else's for that matter... we are God's church.
What is His will for us? Are we asking? Are we instead trying to force our own way? I think some of us are. No, let's be frank here... I know some of us are. If we are to survive, though, we need His direction. So friends... please pray for the Church of the Holy Apostles. Ask that God would make His will for us clear and unmistakeable. Ask that we would have the wisdom to see which paths should be followed.
The second part of my musings revolves around, EfM course I'm taking. I truly benefit from this experience. First, it is exciting to be in a room of people with faith. Second, since so much of my work is done from home and on a keyboard, actual physical content with others is a blessing to me.
It's also eyeopening as I learn more about the Old Testament. I've never been very comfortable with the rules/law. I'm looking forward to gaining more perspective, and to being able to articulate what is taking place in greater detail. In other words, getting a better sense of who I am as a person of God.
The only way to understand that is to first consider who the people of God were when they were chosen. The people chosen to be the path through which Jesus would save people of all types and historical traditions.
My nervousness stems a bit from the fact that next week, I have the privilege/challenge of presenting my spiritual biography. I could use prayers over that. I tend to want to do and say the right things... and worry that my biography might not be "right" if you will. So I do desire your prayers for me over this.
I realized yesterday that Mondays have become chock a block full. Between the need to provide timely feedback to students in my classes, and attending Education for Ministry, and restoring the house from the inevitable chaos that visits each weekend... blogging just isn't a priority.
So... first the Menu, then the musings.
Monday: Ravioli, tomato sauce, green salads.
Tuesday: chicken and rice/ Arroz con pollo style with extra veggies
Wednesday: Stirfry veggies, noodles, beef/pork
Thursday: Spaghetti
Friday: Date night
Saturday: leftover spaghetti
Sunday: breakfast for supper-- eggs, sausage, salsa burritos
Musings--
The budget situation is truly just as dire as I feared. We can sustain ourselves as a church until 2015 at which point we will fade out of existence. My heart is broken about that. Still, I need to remember it isn't my church, or anyone else's for that matter... we are God's church.
What is His will for us? Are we asking? Are we instead trying to force our own way? I think some of us are. No, let's be frank here... I know some of us are. If we are to survive, though, we need His direction. So friends... please pray for the Church of the Holy Apostles. Ask that God would make His will for us clear and unmistakeable. Ask that we would have the wisdom to see which paths should be followed.
The second part of my musings revolves around, EfM course I'm taking. I truly benefit from this experience. First, it is exciting to be in a room of people with faith. Second, since so much of my work is done from home and on a keyboard, actual physical content with others is a blessing to me.
It's also eyeopening as I learn more about the Old Testament. I've never been very comfortable with the rules/law. I'm looking forward to gaining more perspective, and to being able to articulate what is taking place in greater detail. In other words, getting a better sense of who I am as a person of God.
The only way to understand that is to first consider who the people of God were when they were chosen. The people chosen to be the path through which Jesus would save people of all types and historical traditions.
My nervousness stems a bit from the fact that next week, I have the privilege/challenge of presenting my spiritual biography. I could use prayers over that. I tend to want to do and say the right things... and worry that my biography might not be "right" if you will. So I do desire your prayers for me over this.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tasha with psychedelic rainbow cake
Tasha with psychedelic rainbow cake
Originally uploaded by bgill_78
So... what does a feast day at the Church of the Holy Apostles look like? Well... it's pretty special. Our Easter Vigil culminates in a feast to end all feasts. There's lamb, there's salads, there's wine and cheese, beer, sherry... we are breaking a fast, and we do it with style!!
Last year was my darling daughter's first foray into contributing... and she made the world's most amazing four layer psychedelic rainbow cake. It almost matched her shoes.
Truth be told... this is what I'll miss if the church goes under. And it's looking mighty grim, friends. Mighty grim. I
I'll miss the people, but we'll still connect. I'll miss the ritual, but we can get close. I'll miss the building. What I'll truly miss though is the complete joy present in these celebrations.
Pray for us please, we desperately need it!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Christian Education-- the rubber meets the road!
In a small church, people of necessity wear many hats. For example, I teach the primary school children and sit on the Bishop's committee. A colleague sits on the Bishop's commitee and acts as our catechist. This leaves my daughter, age 16, in charge of Sunday School for one Sunday a month. Fortunately, since we are a small church there are only about 6 children... still, with the differences in ages... it's a challenge.
We've decided to begin working on an Epiphany play on those Sundays. We're performing a tale of 3 Camels... focusing on the Magi. Well, actually focusing on their camels, but the idea is centered on their travel to worship Jesus! I'm digressing a bit from my point, though, which is this...
So many people talk about how important it is to have a Sunday school, and Christian education program. So many people look for good programs when choosing churches. So many people write curriculums, have outlines, etc. However, so few say yes when asked. I marvel at this, because any time we want to do something in our Sunday school... we are blessed to have volunteers who will help, who will take classes, etc.
I've been in much larger churches where people almost hit their knees to plead for teachers/helpers/and aides. I am a friend with others in other areas who are also struggling with this... especially in big churches.
Truly, I say unto you. the fields are white for the harvest and the laborers are few very few. Luke 10:2
We've decided to begin working on an Epiphany play on those Sundays. We're performing a tale of 3 Camels... focusing on the Magi. Well, actually focusing on their camels, but the idea is centered on their travel to worship Jesus! I'm digressing a bit from my point, though, which is this...
So many people talk about how important it is to have a Sunday school, and Christian education program. So many people look for good programs when choosing churches. So many people write curriculums, have outlines, etc. However, so few say yes when asked. I marvel at this, because any time we want to do something in our Sunday school... we are blessed to have volunteers who will help, who will take classes, etc.
I've been in much larger churches where people almost hit their knees to plead for teachers/helpers/and aides. I am a friend with others in other areas who are also struggling with this... especially in big churches.
Truly, I say unto you. the fields are white for the harvest and the laborers are few very few. Luke 10:2
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thankful Thursday and the to do list!
For the example of the Chilean miners... brought from darkness, and the cold of the tomb into the light and life. May it inspire us all to go into dark places to bring the light of the world to the lost.
For my husband...
For my children...
For the cool of a fall morning run followed by a hot cup of coffee, and the luxury of a hot shower. Never underestimate the wonder and beauty of modern plumbing.
For the Church of the Holy Apostles...
For the items on my to do list which remind me I am employed, have friends, and people who depend on me. I am not alone in this world.
______________________________
To do:
2 hours live lecture
grade assignments
trip to post office
Tidy living room
deep clean dining room and bath
Laundry
Reread the EfM assignment
For my husband...
For my children...
For the cool of a fall morning run followed by a hot cup of coffee, and the luxury of a hot shower. Never underestimate the wonder and beauty of modern plumbing.
For the Church of the Holy Apostles...
For the items on my to do list which remind me I am employed, have friends, and people who depend on me. I am not alone in this world.
______________________________
To do:
2 hours live lecture
grade assignments
trip to post office
Tidy living room
deep clean dining room and bath
Laundry
Reread the EfM assignment
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Errand Running Wednesday!
Don't get me wrong... I love being at home and the freedom my job provides to do that while earning a decent income is a huge blessing in my life. However, some days it's nice to get out!
I'm running errands today and the list is longer than usual:
1. Mail church newsletters and directories to those who have not yet picked theirs up at church.
2. Update intercession prayer card at church.
3. Mail my sock swap buddies package!
4. Grocery store/Walmart/liquor store-- I'm making wine braised italian sausages with whole wheat bowtie pasta (recipe courtesy my good friend, Ann) later on in the week and I need the wine to braise the sausages.
5. Coffee with a good friend.
6. Breadsmith
The to do list is also fairly long. Sadly I do not get visits from the laundry fairy. I get visits from the dirty socks laying on my living room floor fairy and enjoy the constant companionship of the shedding dog fairy.
I'm running errands today and the list is longer than usual:
1. Mail church newsletters and directories to those who have not yet picked theirs up at church.
2. Update intercession prayer card at church.
3. Mail my sock swap buddies package!
4. Grocery store/Walmart/liquor store-- I'm making wine braised italian sausages with whole wheat bowtie pasta (recipe courtesy my good friend, Ann) later on in the week and I need the wine to braise the sausages.
5. Coffee with a good friend.
6. Breadsmith
The to do list is also fairly long. Sadly I do not get visits from the laundry fairy. I get visits from the dirty socks laying on my living room floor fairy and enjoy the constant companionship of the shedding dog fairy.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday Museday and Menu Planning Monday procrastination!
Menu Planning Monday a day late:
Monday: I had leftovers, kids and hubby headed to the in-laws for spaghetti and a look at pictures, which the kids forgot to bring with them. GRRRR!
Tuesday: Crockpot pork carnitas, tortillas, tomatos, onions, peppers.
Wednesday: Roasted eggplant, and garlic pasta ala Norma with cherry tomato sauce.
Thursday: Blackbean/left over pork/ and rice enchiladas with spinach salad.
Friday: Date NIGHT!
Saturday: chili dogs/ nachos (USF homecoming game!)
Sunday: Fend for yourselves (unless I can convince dh to grill something amazing!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And now for the museday...
Embarking on new adventures is always a bit of a strain. I'm headed into a world I know very little about, but will undoubtedly find interesting. I've started EfM. Education for Ministry from the School of the South at Sewanee seminary. It's a distance learning project. I'm both excited about the possibilities and terrified.
I'm not at all sure that God has a call on my life for ministry beyond what I already do, but learning more cannot and will not do me any harm. I am hearing from others that He does, like Gideon though... I'd like to see a bit of fire from heaven before I commit myself. This is a four year course and I'm starting to study the Old Testament. I'll likely blog a bit here about my experiences in the course. However, what is said in the class stays in the class... so this will be my online journal if you will about my thoughts and reflections on the biblical material I'm reading.
Since I'm also working on my spiritual biography for the course... I may from time to time post a bit about that. I've got time, but I'm also a crazy overachieving wackjob so... we'll see what we get.
Monday: I had leftovers, kids and hubby headed to the in-laws for spaghetti and a look at pictures, which the kids forgot to bring with them. GRRRR!
Tuesday: Crockpot pork carnitas, tortillas, tomatos, onions, peppers.
Wednesday: Roasted eggplant, and garlic pasta ala Norma with cherry tomato sauce.
Thursday: Blackbean/left over pork/ and rice enchiladas with spinach salad.
Friday: Date NIGHT!
Saturday: chili dogs/ nachos (USF homecoming game!)
Sunday: Fend for yourselves (unless I can convince dh to grill something amazing!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And now for the museday...
Embarking on new adventures is always a bit of a strain. I'm headed into a world I know very little about, but will undoubtedly find interesting. I've started EfM. Education for Ministry from the School of the South at Sewanee seminary. It's a distance learning project. I'm both excited about the possibilities and terrified.
I'm not at all sure that God has a call on my life for ministry beyond what I already do, but learning more cannot and will not do me any harm. I am hearing from others that He does, like Gideon though... I'd like to see a bit of fire from heaven before I commit myself. This is a four year course and I'm starting to study the Old Testament. I'll likely blog a bit here about my experiences in the course. However, what is said in the class stays in the class... so this will be my online journal if you will about my thoughts and reflections on the biblical material I'm reading.
Since I'm also working on my spiritual biography for the course... I may from time to time post a bit about that. I've got time, but I'm also a crazy overachieving wackjob so... we'll see what we get.
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Friday 5!
1. Have you ever dressed up as a Disney character?
2. Which was your favorite Disney movie growing up?
3. Which Disney character can you most relate to?
4. Have you ever been to a Disney theme park?
5. When does someone become too old for Disney?
My answers:
1. No.
2. Peter Pan
3. Mrs. Potts
4. Yes-- Disney World!
5. Never.
2. Which was your favorite Disney movie growing up?
3. Which Disney character can you most relate to?
4. Have you ever been to a Disney theme park?
5. When does someone become too old for Disney?
My answers:
1. No.
2. Peter Pan
3. Mrs. Potts
4. Yes-- Disney World!
5. Never.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Thankful Thursday!
Today I am thankful for:
the great goodness of God
new adventures
my children and husband
my parish family
the blessing of hot coffee, and warm socks on a chilly morning.
For all these things, make us truly grateful O, Lord.
the great goodness of God
new adventures
my children and husband
my parish family
the blessing of hot coffee, and warm socks on a chilly morning.
For all these things, make us truly grateful O, Lord.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
People Amaze Me.
Recently, in our quiet little neighborhood we've discovered that someone is going into unlocked cars and taking items that he/she (but probably he) deems valuable. Why do I presume he? Well, because most of those who go to work at Labor Ready are male. Especially those who seem to be walking by at around 6:00ish-ly in the a.m. Our alley is a convenient cut through for the walk.
Items that have gone missing from my hubby's rag-top (and therefore unlockable vehicle as we'd hate to find it cut into shreds) are: change, a stainless steel coffee mug or two, some razors kept there for emergencies when a) the alarm fails because of either power outage, or inefficient setting, b) snooze is just too attractive or c) the tired wife kills it.
It amazes me that someone feels it necessary to do this. It shocks the conscience. Yet as I was out replacing those items, I thought... maybe desperate people do desperate things. No one was hurt. Inconvenienced, yes, you bet your bippy. But truly harmed, no...
And that brought me to a pondering place. I'm pondering. How desperate are we few Anglo-Catholics? Are we desperate enough to ask leave to sell the church building or turn it over to the diocese? Desperate enough to leave the stranglehold of TEC and move to a different rented location? If we were to sell the building and rent, we could afford a priest-- albeit not one that needed pension or health insurance but a full-time priest. What would or might that mean?
There'd be a lot of pain. The Sudanese would definitely be inconvenienced, as would we... but is that what we may need to do given how thoroughly unattractive TEC is to conservatives who love ritual and Anglo-Catholic rite? I don't know.
Are we desperate enough to take this leap? Is it what God is calling us to do? I dunno... but I think we need to think about it... and it may mean that like my hubby we wind up changing our parking spot in order to avoid the slow attrition of members, funds, and in hubby's case coffee mugs and razors. TEC can keep the change... we can't afford to lose anymore of the other items or we simply won't make it.
There, I said it. We won't make it unless we do something desperate.
Items that have gone missing from my hubby's rag-top (and therefore unlockable vehicle as we'd hate to find it cut into shreds) are: change, a stainless steel coffee mug or two, some razors kept there for emergencies when a) the alarm fails because of either power outage, or inefficient setting, b) snooze is just too attractive or c) the tired wife kills it.
It amazes me that someone feels it necessary to do this. It shocks the conscience. Yet as I was out replacing those items, I thought... maybe desperate people do desperate things. No one was hurt. Inconvenienced, yes, you bet your bippy. But truly harmed, no...
And that brought me to a pondering place. I'm pondering. How desperate are we few Anglo-Catholics? Are we desperate enough to ask leave to sell the church building or turn it over to the diocese? Desperate enough to leave the stranglehold of TEC and move to a different rented location? If we were to sell the building and rent, we could afford a priest-- albeit not one that needed pension or health insurance but a full-time priest. What would or might that mean?
There'd be a lot of pain. The Sudanese would definitely be inconvenienced, as would we... but is that what we may need to do given how thoroughly unattractive TEC is to conservatives who love ritual and Anglo-Catholic rite? I don't know.
Are we desperate enough to take this leap? Is it what God is calling us to do? I dunno... but I think we need to think about it... and it may mean that like my hubby we wind up changing our parking spot in order to avoid the slow attrition of members, funds, and in hubby's case coffee mugs and razors. TEC can keep the change... we can't afford to lose anymore of the other items or we simply won't make it.
There, I said it. We won't make it unless we do something desperate.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Menu Monday and other Musings on 10/4/2010
Well... at least the menu is easy to do...
Monday: Salmon, butter, garlic and parmesan noodles, with mixed frozen veggies.
Tuesday: Pizza Margherita with fresh basil (Thanks Mike and Kim!) and mozzarella
Wednesday: Chicken drumsticks oriental, with rice, and broccoli
Thursday: Beef brisket, swiss chard, and potatoes.
Friday: Date night--
Saturday: Crockpot pork roast so leftovers are available after church on Sunday. Cornbread, and green beans.
Musings--
So, we're getting smaller not larger. Or maybe we're just replacing attrition. In a small church, every member is so badly needed. We simply can't afford to have folks move to the sidelines. All of us are necessary. So... when someone does move to the sidelines... it hurts. A lot.
It hurts because it puts more pressure on already pressured people. One more thing to do, right? It hurts because we miss those people. It hurts because it reminds us of the urgency we face in finding a priest and a focus, etc.
Monday: Salmon, butter, garlic and parmesan noodles, with mixed frozen veggies.
Tuesday: Pizza Margherita with fresh basil (Thanks Mike and Kim!) and mozzarella
Wednesday: Chicken drumsticks oriental, with rice, and broccoli
Thursday: Beef brisket, swiss chard, and potatoes.
Friday: Date night--
Saturday: Crockpot pork roast so leftovers are available after church on Sunday. Cornbread, and green beans.
Musings--
So, we're getting smaller not larger. Or maybe we're just replacing attrition. In a small church, every member is so badly needed. We simply can't afford to have folks move to the sidelines. All of us are necessary. So... when someone does move to the sidelines... it hurts. A lot.
It hurts because it puts more pressure on already pressured people. One more thing to do, right? It hurts because we miss those people. It hurts because it reminds us of the urgency we face in finding a priest and a focus, etc.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Listen, Pray, Love
When Fr. Shoberg stepped down from his position as priest of our little Anglo-Catholic bunch... that's what he asked us to do. It sounds simple, doesn't it? Listen, Pray, Love. Just three things to do... I'll talk about pray and love in another blog post later.
This is advice given as we embarked on our search for a new priest. We are at the end of our interim priest, and are dealing with division over the ordination of female clergy. We class ourselves as Anglo-Catholic and it seems that we've different definitions of that term in our midst. Some are Angl0-Catholic with regard to liturgy and ritual, and some would say that Anglo-Catholic means we hold all the catholic principles of a Roman Catholic except the tie to Rome.
It's a division... and with division comes some strife. I think this is why that wise man told us to Listen-- and that certainly seems easy enough. But listening is not as easy as it may seem. Listening, if it is to be done well, involves active listening. Making certain that we aren't just hearing, but are participating. If listening is done well than there is an understanding of others positions that comes forward.
Listening today is a much prized skill to those seeking to be heard. The world, on the other hand, encourages us to hear what we want to hear and ignore the rest. Just get the soundbite, ignore the substance. While that may work (albeit dysfunctionally) in politics, in a family such poor listening skills are death.
Perhaps this is why Jesus so often says, "Let him who has ears hear" a recognition that true listening requires more than just hearing. We all have ears but not everyone hears. We must listen.
We also need to listen by being quiet... and sometimes this is the most onerous task of them all. I know I struggle with it. I want to debate, to interject my viewpoint and demonstrate the error in the views of others, but that is not listening. I think if we really listen, we'll find more commonality than difference.
It's also important to note that just because we listen, and develop a better understanding of differing viewpoints; doesn't mean that we'll come to automatic agreement. In fact, all listening does is help to ensure that we're not misrepresenting one another and that we truly do understand the viewpoints of others. Those of us who are speaking must get over the idea that if we could just get the other side to listen or understand, they'd come around to our viewpoint... because it just doesn't work that way. To think it does is hubris. Lord knows there's plenty of that in government, in the upper level echelons of TEC, and elsewhere...
This is advice given as we embarked on our search for a new priest. We are at the end of our interim priest, and are dealing with division over the ordination of female clergy. We class ourselves as Anglo-Catholic and it seems that we've different definitions of that term in our midst. Some are Angl0-Catholic with regard to liturgy and ritual, and some would say that Anglo-Catholic means we hold all the catholic principles of a Roman Catholic except the tie to Rome.
It's a division... and with division comes some strife. I think this is why that wise man told us to Listen-- and that certainly seems easy enough. But listening is not as easy as it may seem. Listening, if it is to be done well, involves active listening. Making certain that we aren't just hearing, but are participating. If listening is done well than there is an understanding of others positions that comes forward.
Listening today is a much prized skill to those seeking to be heard. The world, on the other hand, encourages us to hear what we want to hear and ignore the rest. Just get the soundbite, ignore the substance. While that may work (albeit dysfunctionally) in politics, in a family such poor listening skills are death.
Perhaps this is why Jesus so often says, "Let him who has ears hear" a recognition that true listening requires more than just hearing. We all have ears but not everyone hears. We must listen.
We also need to listen by being quiet... and sometimes this is the most onerous task of them all. I know I struggle with it. I want to debate, to interject my viewpoint and demonstrate the error in the views of others, but that is not listening. I think if we really listen, we'll find more commonality than difference.
It's also important to note that just because we listen, and develop a better understanding of differing viewpoints; doesn't mean that we'll come to automatic agreement. In fact, all listening does is help to ensure that we're not misrepresenting one another and that we truly do understand the viewpoints of others. Those of us who are speaking must get over the idea that if we could just get the other side to listen or understand, they'd come around to our viewpoint... because it just doesn't work that way. To think it does is hubris. Lord knows there's plenty of that in government, in the upper level echelons of TEC, and elsewhere...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Heaven's Gain is Our Loss
I lost a friend yesterday. I wasn't especially close by physical standards. I never met her in real life, although, I'd argue we knew more about each other's real lives than many who see each other daily. Her name was JoAnn.
I didn't lose this friendship to petty jealousies, or "Real Houswives of Wherever" garbage. I lost this friend to melanoma stage 4 and metastized by the time a correct diagnosis was made. I could rail about the injustice of our health care system, about how she'd known something was wrong for months earlier, blame the doctors and vent up a storm. But MoJo as I teasingly called her--never did that, and so I won't either.
We knew each other through a group of women online... Prairiehomemaker. www.prairiehomemaker.com We bonded over the need to keep Christ our primary focus while recognizing that we often had to leave God at the altar in order to meet Him as we did our daily housework. We worked outside the home, had wonderful kids and great husbands. We chatted while doing laundry, making dinner, etc.
Some would say that Jo wasn't a "real" friend. I'll say that she was there more often than my IRL friends. She helped to moderate a room for Mom's of kids with disabilities. She offered insights into the working of IEP's and other challenges. She helped where she could.
I remember rejoicing with her when her son, daughter and husband were baptized into the faith. I know how she'd longed for that day and worried that due to special needs it might not happen. I know she worried over how they would cope at her death-- would it be more than their faith could handle?
I know that Jo is with God, and she's pain free... but I selfishly wish she'd had more time to chat. One more time to set the timer's and get housework done, and then come back together for a 15 minute conversation... so it isn't for Jo I grieve... but for myself and all of us here who are a little poorer because she's off enriching heaven.
I didn't lose this friendship to petty jealousies, or "Real Houswives of Wherever" garbage. I lost this friend to melanoma stage 4 and metastized by the time a correct diagnosis was made. I could rail about the injustice of our health care system, about how she'd known something was wrong for months earlier, blame the doctors and vent up a storm. But MoJo as I teasingly called her--never did that, and so I won't either.
We knew each other through a group of women online... Prairiehomemaker. www.prairiehomemaker.com We bonded over the need to keep Christ our primary focus while recognizing that we often had to leave God at the altar in order to meet Him as we did our daily housework. We worked outside the home, had wonderful kids and great husbands. We chatted while doing laundry, making dinner, etc.
Some would say that Jo wasn't a "real" friend. I'll say that she was there more often than my IRL friends. She helped to moderate a room for Mom's of kids with disabilities. She offered insights into the working of IEP's and other challenges. She helped where she could.
I remember rejoicing with her when her son, daughter and husband were baptized into the faith. I know how she'd longed for that day and worried that due to special needs it might not happen. I know she worried over how they would cope at her death-- would it be more than their faith could handle?
I know that Jo is with God, and she's pain free... but I selfishly wish she'd had more time to chat. One more time to set the timer's and get housework done, and then come back together for a 15 minute conversation... so it isn't for Jo I grieve... but for myself and all of us here who are a little poorer because she's off enriching heaven.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Morning Run
My dad used to say, "What's good about a morning that begins with getting up?" Well, aside from the fact that being able to get up is generally an indication that God has gifted you with one more day that is...
I'm a neophyte, painfully slow but inordinately determined runner. My longest distance so far has been a 10k. I've tried to run in the evening, or in the afternoon, but I can convince myself that there's this that or the other 15 things that need to be done. It's easy.
However, when I go for a morning run... I can't do that. It's the first (well, okay, getting the daughter to band, the husband on the road to work, and the son to school are the first thing) thing I do. I also find when running in the a.m. that my thoughts turn to God...
I find myself singing the Nicene Creed in my head, or Holy, Holy, Holy... or Mary's Magnificat.... I pray for those on the church intercession list, for my own family, for the neighbor's in the homes I run past... for the kids on their way to school. It's not the only time I pray... but there's something about running that on a purely unconscious level does that.
The rest of the time, I have to consciously pull my mind toward Him. It's an effort because the world, and culture has so much that isn't of Him. Running frees me from that. It's purely informal and sometimes as I gasp, wheeze and huff up a hill my prayers become very selfish... Lord, please, help me get up the hill. Still... this is my first prayer time with God, before the morning prayer, or devotion... before anything else... I meet Him while running. Maybe C. S. Lewis had it right when he said... "If one could run without getting tired, I can't imagine wanting to do much else."
I'm a neophyte, painfully slow but inordinately determined runner. My longest distance so far has been a 10k. I've tried to run in the evening, or in the afternoon, but I can convince myself that there's this that or the other 15 things that need to be done. It's easy.
However, when I go for a morning run... I can't do that. It's the first (well, okay, getting the daughter to band, the husband on the road to work, and the son to school are the first thing) thing I do. I also find when running in the a.m. that my thoughts turn to God...
I find myself singing the Nicene Creed in my head, or Holy, Holy, Holy... or Mary's Magnificat.... I pray for those on the church intercession list, for my own family, for the neighbor's in the homes I run past... for the kids on their way to school. It's not the only time I pray... but there's something about running that on a purely unconscious level does that.
The rest of the time, I have to consciously pull my mind toward Him. It's an effort because the world, and culture has so much that isn't of Him. Running frees me from that. It's purely informal and sometimes as I gasp, wheeze and huff up a hill my prayers become very selfish... Lord, please, help me get up the hill. Still... this is my first prayer time with God, before the morning prayer, or devotion... before anything else... I meet Him while running. Maybe C. S. Lewis had it right when he said... "If one could run without getting tired, I can't imagine wanting to do much else."
Monday, September 20, 2010
Menu Monday and other Musings!
Menu for 9/20-9/26
Monday: chicken stirfry with peppers, onion, carrots, and broccoli served over rice
Tuesday: Blackbean and beef burritos/mexican coleslaw
Wednesday: Catfish sandwiches/coleslaw
Thursday: Spaghetti
Friday: Bratwurst, sauerkraut, grilled onions, and apple pie to celebrate the official start of Fall!
Saturday: Leftover spaghetti/or a lasagna.
So that's the plan... it's a gray and drizzly day here in normally Sunny South Dakota. Still... not all bad.
We had a good kick off to our Sunday School program on Sunday. We've begun the onerous task of casting parts in the Epiphany play that we'll be working to put on at Epiphany. :) Followed by Lent and the Stations of the Cross, followed by Pentecost... you get the idea!!
Sunday school teachers are part of our Search Committee of the Whole for a new priest and don't want to be left out. As I am one... I know this to be true, so we came up with a creative plan for those Sundays when we are discussing and deciding on characteristics we'd like to see in a priest. I think it will work... and if not, well, it's only ONE year.
Don't get me wrong... traditional Sunday School activity will still take place, we just need to have something to fall back to on those Sundays when we teachers are tugged in more than one direction. Our Sudanese congregation has also kicked off their Sunday school and they are looking to recruit another teacher... in the meantime, there's a VHS player and some good bible movies and VeggieTales movies so that one half the group can be entertained while the other half learns and vice versa.
Monday: chicken stirfry with peppers, onion, carrots, and broccoli served over rice
Tuesday: Blackbean and beef burritos/mexican coleslaw
Wednesday: Catfish sandwiches/coleslaw
Thursday: Spaghetti
Friday: Bratwurst, sauerkraut, grilled onions, and apple pie to celebrate the official start of Fall!
Saturday: Leftover spaghetti/or a lasagna.
So that's the plan... it's a gray and drizzly day here in normally Sunny South Dakota. Still... not all bad.
We had a good kick off to our Sunday School program on Sunday. We've begun the onerous task of casting parts in the Epiphany play that we'll be working to put on at Epiphany. :) Followed by Lent and the Stations of the Cross, followed by Pentecost... you get the idea!!
Sunday school teachers are part of our Search Committee of the Whole for a new priest and don't want to be left out. As I am one... I know this to be true, so we came up with a creative plan for those Sundays when we are discussing and deciding on characteristics we'd like to see in a priest. I think it will work... and if not, well, it's only ONE year.
Don't get me wrong... traditional Sunday School activity will still take place, we just need to have something to fall back to on those Sundays when we teachers are tugged in more than one direction. Our Sudanese congregation has also kicked off their Sunday school and they are looking to recruit another teacher... in the meantime, there's a VHS player and some good bible movies and VeggieTales movies so that one half the group can be entertained while the other half learns and vice versa.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Bad Blogger, Bad!
Has it really been that long? Yes, it has. Why has it been that long? Life.
Teenagers are at the odd age where they don't depend on parents as they do when young children for every small need. However, they do need parents. They need us to check grades on the ParentView, to advocate to the school for changes in classes, to support their decisions to debate or not to debate. In short, they need but in a different way.
The different way teens need, though, should NOT be viewed as any different in time consumption. Trying to work my way through what will be the next lesson in pre-calculus so as to assist my daughter... is as time consuming as potty training (and often less rewarding!).
That said... I love life, and my church. I'm a wee bit concerned for us right now. We're a small congregation holding fast to some pretty steep ideals about the priesthood, and for a church that's still part of TE...well, it's hard to attract members with those similar ideals forsaken by TEC. Yet we sure can't afford a lawsuit to leave, and have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters in the Sudanese congregation.
Where does that leave us? Trusting in God. Listening, Loving and Praying as a great priest said. It's not an easy place... but Psalm 91 tells me we'll be okay. How??? It's a mystery... but His greatest works always are!
Teenagers are at the odd age where they don't depend on parents as they do when young children for every small need. However, they do need parents. They need us to check grades on the ParentView, to advocate to the school for changes in classes, to support their decisions to debate or not to debate. In short, they need but in a different way.
The different way teens need, though, should NOT be viewed as any different in time consumption. Trying to work my way through what will be the next lesson in pre-calculus so as to assist my daughter... is as time consuming as potty training (and often less rewarding!).
That said... I love life, and my church. I'm a wee bit concerned for us right now. We're a small congregation holding fast to some pretty steep ideals about the priesthood, and for a church that's still part of TE...well, it's hard to attract members with those similar ideals forsaken by TEC. Yet we sure can't afford a lawsuit to leave, and have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters in the Sudanese congregation.
Where does that leave us? Trusting in God. Listening, Loving and Praying as a great priest said. It's not an easy place... but Psalm 91 tells me we'll be okay. How??? It's a mystery... but His greatest works always are!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)