Miscellaneous Missives

                                    Last week one of the church members said he would donate $10 to the Red Cross for anyone that gave blood.  I had received an e-mail that week saying I was eligible to give again. Today I gave blood. It seems I need to go home and rest after giving blood.  J and I went to Ikea.  Shopping at Ikea is never a pleasant experience, but when I need to sit down every fifty feet, it's super unpleasant.  My guess is that was even more unpleasant for J.  The good news is that I did give blood and made it home without passing out.  Woot Woot!

In one more week, I'll be back at school (without the boot).  This winter break I promised myself not to do any schoolwork the first week.  Today I realized that I should probably get a start on some of my work.  I also realized that I didn't have the needed materials, so I had to go into school.  When I returned home, I realized that I needed to get ready for the gym, so I didn't do any schoolwork.  At some point putting off this schoolwork will become a problem, but for now I think I'm doing OK.

www.crimeandjustice.org "None of us got where we are solely by pullig ourselves up by our bootstraps.  We got here because somebody -- a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns-- bent down and helped us pick up our boots."       ~Thurgood Marshall This morning my plan was to sleep in and stay out of the cold.  When a friend asked my to attend her church, I whined that I would go if she picked me up.  This church, Covenant, sits directly across the the Metrodome, so it was interesting parking for church as fans dressed in purple to watch the last game in the dome arrived.  As we walked in the church doors, there was a display (doesn't really explain and/or describe) about stories of criminals.  The premise is that we are all criminals and have done illegal acts although most of us have not been caught.  Perhaps, I personally could add the obvious such as drinking under age, driving under the influence, stealing candy from t...

Yesterday evening my Sabbath group met.  It's amazing that we've been meeting since we formed this little group last Lenten season.  We meet once a month to share spiritual readings, discuss life, and sip wine.  It's always thought provoking to meet with these warm ladies.  During yesterday's discussion we talked a lot about psychics and mediums.  I feel that most of us believe in some form.  When I mentioned that I'm always intrigued when I listen to the psychic, Gary Spivey, on the radio, I was given strange looks.  Since we all had mentioned some belief, I found this strange.  J asked me if I had seen him.  After a brief conversation, I looked at his picture online... Oh!  I don't think I'll ever be able to take him seriously again.  Anyone have any thoughts/stories on the psychic world and/or psychics?

                        I've been a slug this week... reading, napping, reading...  Today my boot and I went to the gym.  It wasn't an amazing workout, but I was able to use the recumbent bike without pain.  Since "let pain be your guide" is the only advice I could use, this worked out ok.  Maybe being able to go to the gym will alleviated the sluggishness.  Now for more sugar cookies...

Day 25: Light In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light. The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born ...

Day 24: Joy The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. - Isaiah 9:2-7, Common English Bible I love Christmas eve services.  Since I have a boot on my foot, I decided it would be...

Lord God of heavenly forces, how long will you fume against your people’s prayer? You’ve fed them bread made of tears; you’ve given them tears to drink three times over!  You’ve put us at odds with our  neighbors ; our enemies make fun of us. Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!  - Psalm 80: 4-7, Common English Bible Someone's not happy. The familiar cry, "How long?" is echoed here.  And according to the psalm, it's not the people at fault. It's God. The people see no sign of God's presence in the midst of the turmoil they are experiencing. They are being made to look ridiculous in front of their neighbors. They are hurt and scorned.   How long, O Lord?   When was the last time you admitted these raw feelings to God? When have you screamed, asking, "Why, God?"  This Advent season, what is it you lament? What is it you are asking God to restore? Once again I am confused by the verse and questio...

"Signs" by Tesla And the sign says, "Long hair freaky people need not apply" So I put my hair under my hat and I went in to ask him, why? He said, "You look like a fine outstanding young man, I think you'll do" So I took off my hat I said, "Imagine that, huh me working for you" Oh, signs, signs, everywhere there's signs Blocking up the scenery, breaking my mind Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign? And the sign says, "Anybody caught trespassing will be shot on sight" So I jumped the fence and I yelled at the house Eh, what gives you the right? To put up a fence and keep me out or to keep mother nature in If God was here He'd tell it to your face, man you're some kind of sinner Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs Blocking up the scenery, breaking my mind Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign? Oh but say now, "Mister, can't you read? You got to have a ...

When John’s disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. “What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That’s right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you’ll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, ‘I’m sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.’ “Let me tell you what’s going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him.  - Matthew 11: 7-11, The Message Earlier in this chapter, we read that John the Baptist, upon hearing what Jesus had been doing [The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised,] sent his own disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?” Whatever this Jesus had been d...

Holiday Sweets are Good News! Day 20: Good news “Go, report to John what you hear and see. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them. Happy are those who don’t stumble and fall because of me.”  - Matthew 11:4-6, Common English Bible John is in prison wondering, "Jesus, are you really the one we've been waiting for?" While there, he gets reports of all these great things happening; of prophesies coming true: blind seeing, crippled walking, sick being healed. Wonder how John is feeling right about now. Is he able to rejoice in the fact that Jesus is doing what was foretold, while he's suffering in prison? In this season of merriment, how are we bringing good news to those who aren't joyful? To those who are bound by things beyond their control or grief too great to bear? ...

Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course!  - James 5:7-10,  The Message Patience is a virtue , the phrase goes.  Patience is bitter, but the fruit is sweet , said Aristotle. When is patience a virtue and under what circumstances is it appropriate to advise patience over action? When does patience become oppressive? In this passage, the author is adamant about being patient, like the farmer, who...

Day 18: Mercy My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."  - Luke 1:46-55 The response you read in this portion of the text isn't what most would expect from a teenager who had just been given the news that she would be carrying God's holy child. That happened a few verses earlier when ...

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever;  who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners  free ; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD!  - Psalm 146:5-10, New Revised Standard Version In a speech at the conclusion of a march from Selma to Montgomery, in Alabama, on March 25, 1965, the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior concluded his speech with the following: I know you are asking today: "How long will it take?" Somebody's asking: "How long will prejudice blind the visions of men, darken their understandi...

Day 16: Strong Tell fearful souls,     “Courage! [Be strong!] Take heart! God is here, right here,     on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs.     He’s on his way! He’ll save you!” Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped, Lame men and women will leap like deer,     the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness,     streams flow in the desert. Hot sands will become a cool oasis,     thirsty ground a splashing fountain. Even lowly jackals will have water to drink,     and barren grasslands flourish richly. - Isaiah 35:4-7, The Message Good preaching and interpretation is able to take old texts for new situations and helps us see things in scripture we may have missed before. In this season of Advent, how are you seeing this poem of invitation? How are these promises and call to...

The desert and the dry land will be glad; the wilderness will  rejoice  and blossom like the crocus. They will burst into bloom, and rejoice with joy and singing. They will receive the glory of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the Lord’s glory, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and support the unsteady knees. - Isaiah 35:1-3, Contemporary English Bible All of creation rejoices together in the work of reconciliation, that even the desert and dry land are glad. What a beautiful reminder that God's grace extends to all of the created order. In the midst of desolation, God creates a way in the desert for new life to spring up. Today is the third Sunday of Advent.  We are asked to rejoice and see God in the darkness.  Although we are embarking on the darkest day of the year, we are also readying for more light.  This weekend has been a combination of darkness and light.  I've mentioned the pipes and m...

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.  - Matthew  3:12 Clearing the threshing floor and burning the chaff isn't quite the image we associate with Advent or Christmas, now is it? No one wants to think of judgement and repentance during such a merry time of year.  Earlier in this text, the rogue John the Baptist appears from the wearing camel's hair and eating locusts and wild honey, proclaiming, "repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" and "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." What kind of preaching in the wilderness do you think needs to be heard? As you think about the message that needs to be shared, we leave you with the lyrics to the song,  Gather us In , found in "The Faith We Sing":  Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years away Here in this pla...

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.  - Psalm 72:1-5 Verse 18 goes on to say, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things." But we each are called to participate in these wondrous things. What it looks like for each of us varies.  "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love," Mother Theresa once wrote. What are those things you are called to do with great love so that justice, righteousness and peace might reign? I don't have much to say today.  The line that lingers as I read this text, "May he d...

Hope is the Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson “Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm - I’ve heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  - Romans 15:13 , Common English Bible Sometimes it's confused with luck, or with chance. It's that last thing you want in your pocket when all your other plans don't pan out. But Paul, the author of this letter, offers another meaning: trust. I used to have a pastor (he called himself reverent) that hated it when people said, "lucky."  He said that we weren't lucky. We were ...

Perhaps I'll be this happy tomorrow in my Cuddl Dudds May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. -Romans 15:5-7 We can each list a number of things that wear us down. Tired of living from paycheck to paycheck. Tired of institutional inequality and inequity. Tired of not fully being recognized for who we are or what gifts we bring. Tired of fighting the good fight. Tired of being tired. But did you notice that these verses don't talk about  our  steadfastness, but God's. I often forget that God's love (and many people's love) is steadfast and agree that we should live together glorifying God and the world around us.  This is, of course, the world around us is cold and the heat at our work place is not ...

The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.  - Isaiah 11:6-10 Holy!  Another word that I find fitting of Advent.  I believe that Advent is indeed a holy time.  When I take the time to sit and reflect, I appreciate the holiness of the season.  Unfortunately, this is difficult for me, but perhaps it's not terrible.  After all, the holiness...