I've moved!

I have decided to change to a theme and format of blogging that I hope will be more productive and consistently helpful. You will find the Daily Prayer Almanac here.

Observing Earth Day, 2009

You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy. Eric Hoffer

The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it. Psalm 24:1

Creator God, You gave us responsibility for the earth, a world of beauty and plenty. Create in us a desire to live more simply, so that those who follow after us may enjoy the fruits of your creation. Amen.

April 22, 1970, marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Proposed by Sen. Gaylord Nelson as a nation wide demonstration on the environment, this first effort involved 20 million Americans.

By the 20th anniversary, Earth Day, 1990, 200 million people were mobilized in 141 countries. Environmental issues were finally lifted to the world stage.

Sen. Nelson credited the first Earth Day with persuading U. S. politicians that environmental legislation had a substantial, lasting constituency. In the wake of Earth Day 1970, Congress passed important legislation, including the Clean Air Act, protection for wild lands and the oceans, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The observance of Earth Day has always embodied biblical principles and values.

1. The Principle of Intrinsic Worth
The universe, the earth, and all its components and inhabitants have intrinsic worth.

2. The Principle of Interconnectedness
Earth is a community of interconnected living beings that are dependent on each other for survival and quality of life.

3. The Principle of Purpose
The universe, the earth, and all its components are part of a dynamic cosmic design within which each piece has a place in the overall purpose of the design.

4. The Principle of Mutual Custodianship
Earth is a balanced, diverse domain where responsible custodians can function as partners with, rather than rulers over, each other, so that the community of earth can be maintained.

Concrete action steps toward more simple living can be found at the U. S. government's Earth Day site here.

I invite you to join me in taking the Simplicity Pledge as a serious commitment, not for a day, but for a lifetime.

The Simplicity Pledge

I pledge to follow Jesus -
to live a life of integrity between my beliefs and actions
to strive to use only my fair share of the Earth's resources
to treat others fairly here and abroad
to care for creation by what I do and what I refuse to do
to support others in living this Pledge together.

Six Sentences

On this day in 1912, Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, died at the age of 64. The novel has many sources in popular legends; the plot has multiple themes; and vampire novels and movies continue to be hugely popular. Basic to the story, however, is Dracula's dependence on the blood of virgins, who then become his slaves. As Christians we are dependent on the blood of Jesus Christ, who died in faithfulness to his love of God and of us. He died willingly, freely, an act of grace. Every time we share the sacrament of Christ's body and blood we receive sustenance for living, and we become, like him, the servants, the slaves, of a compassionate God.

Recommended Book #1

My title for this post isn't an indication that the book previewed here is the most highly recommended book I've read. Rather, as with websites, the #1 is simply a chronological ordering. This is the first book that I am recommending. It may be for some of you the best as well, but would be a happy by-product.

Which is not to detract from its great value to all of us. Richard Foster is the founder of RENOVARE, which provides conferences and multiple resources for the growth of individuals and groups in intentional spiritual formation. When he wrote The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money, Sex, and Power, Foster was professor of theology at Friends University, Witchita, Kansas.

Few people would dispute the importance of money, sex, and power in our lives; however, many folks might dispute the church's authority to speak to such controversial topics. The first of multiple strengths in Foster's book is precisely that -

1. It brings areas of life which might be considered 'secular,' or even 'earthy' within the arena of Christian thought and discussion. We could identify Foster's purpose to be helping us recognize that in dealing with these themes we are treading on holy ground. "To live rightly with reference to money and sex and power is to live sacramentally. To misuse or abuse these is to desecrate the holy things of God."

2. Few areas of life are more inseparably intertwined. "Money manifests itself as power. Sex is used to acquire both money and power. And power is often called 'the best aphrodisiac.'"

3. The church has a responsibility to explore the far-reaching implications of money, sex, and power into the large enterprises business, marriage, and government.

4. The church has a long history of dealing with these issues, not always in the most positive and helpful ways. Our tradition provides parallel lines of response - monasticism and Protestantism.

The monastic response to money and related issues has been the vow of poverty; to sex and, more broadly, human sexuality, the vow of chastity; and to control the impulse to power, monastics take a vow of obedience.

The Protestant Reformation developed a parallel set of expectations. People were encouraged to be both industrious and frugal. The current formulation of sexual expectations is "faithfulness in marriage and celibacy outside of marriage." And to tamp down the worst abuses of power, there developed clearly defined organizations, and all disciples were taught to live in a covenant of mutual support and responsibility.

5. Indifference and apathy by the church permits the development of the worst forms of evil. Some would even use the word "demons." When money becomes demonized rather than sanctified, there is greed. The expression of corrupted sexual values and practices is lust. And self-centered power leads to pride.

Clearly, we need a new discussion about practicing our discipleship, under the grace of God, in the circumstances of early 21st century life.

A final value of The Challenge of the Disciplined Life is that Foster not only deals honestly with the dark sides of these issues; even more helpfully, he recognizes and affirms the light or "enlightened" aspects and provides suggestions for practicing the light side of money, sex, and power. To take one example --

In the home, power is to be used to nurture confidence, not subservience.

In marriage, power is to be used to enhance intimate knowledge and authentic relationships, not isolation or domination.

In the Church, power is to be used to inspire faith, not conformity.

In the school, power is to be used to cultivate growth, not inferiority.

On the job, power is to be used to facilitate competence, not feelings of inadequacy.

Because of its timeliness and the host of questions which these themes prompt, The Challenge of the Disciplined Life is highly recommended for group study.

Friday Fill-ins #120

1. Join me in celebrating the Festival of God's Creation on April 19 and Earth Day on April 22.

2. Put a little quiet in your day.

3. Happiness is not always a simple matter of "attitude."

4. Sleepy and confused.

5. I'm waiting for the day that I live up to my highest ideals.

6. Chocolate chip ice cream is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight, I'm looking forward to a good movie, tomorrow my plans include some outside time, and Sunday I want to be in worship!

Take a moment to answer the questions in the Comments section, and read what folks from around the country have said by clicking here and using the Comments section.

The Sacraments of Holy Thursday

Tonight the Christian church will gather to remember our Lord's final meal with his disciples. Though we call it by various names - the Lord's Supper, Eucharist, the Mass, Holy Communion - the elements and the actions will remain the same. Bread will be blessed, broken, and shared. A cup will be blessed, broken, and shared. We will remember the Body of Christ crucified and the Body of Christ gathered in our flesh around the table.

Most churches omit the other sign-action which Jesus performed that night. He instructed us to follow his example in this deed as well: "You also should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15) However, most of us will disregard his example of foot washing.

Whatever the reasons behind our reluctance, we are missing a clear and strong experience of Christ's presence. Foot washing surfaces some fundamental questions. Who is this Jesus, if not the servant of the lowliest? What characterized Jesus' life and ministry, if not humility? What practice can shape us after the image of Christ if not this offering of voluntary downward mobility?

"The greatest among you must be servant of all," Jesus said. Let us ponder the love expressed in taking a neighbor's foot, gently cleansing away the sweat and dirt, and drying it in a large towel. Foot washing is the other "sacrament" of Holy Thursday, now largely forgotten. It is time for the church to reestablish this holy practice.

Discipleship Practices

Recently I wrote about Loving-Kindness Meditation as a "discipleship practice." A couple of years ago I probably would have spoken of "spiritual disciplines." I've come to realize, however, that the language of "practice" is more descriptive of the way we mature as disciples. It implies a holistic, integrated, Christ-centered life.

"Discipline" often suggests a punitive experience, something that we dread rather than enjoy. Harsh discipline can break us down rather than build us up.

There is certainly an element of testing involved in following Christ. The way to be prepared when the test comes is to be already living a life shaped by cooperation with God's grace. That "cooperation with God's grace" is our practice.

Think of a lawyer practicing law or a doctor practicing medicine. In the same way a follower of Jesus practices the way of Jesus. There is nothing punitive about seeking to become more excellent as a person of prayer, hospitality, and generosity. As we learn more of Jesus, we claim our responsibility to live a growing faith in an environment which is always changing and challenging.

Discipleship practices reflect a desire to connect our faith with our daily living. As Dorothy C. Bass wrote, "It becomes our deepest hope to become partners in God's reconciling love for the world. We are never able to do this perfectly, at least not for any length of time. Even so, when we set ordinary daily activities in this context, they are transformed, and so are we." (Practicing Our Faith, p. 8)

In future weeks we will explore additional discipleship practices. Let our commitment be to grow toward excellence as followers of Jesus, aware that we are not alone. Best of all, when we stumble and fall short, one of the traditional discipleship practices is confession and forgiveness.

Update

Yesterday concluded one of the most eventful weeks of my life. I'm glad that it's over, though, in a truer sense, none of our life-experiences are ever "over."

After four months of treatment for a painful neurological condition, my (patient and persistent) neurologist found a combination of medications that manages the pain very well. What a relief! After the "severe and unrelenting pain," life seems worth living again.

As a result of the "Painful Legs and Moving Toes Syndrome," I have been unable to care for Becky properly. She has been with our daughter Sara since early August, with only a couple of brief visits home. As of Friday, Becky is back here.Though it was a necessity, the separation was unsatisfactory for both of us. Now our days can be complete and happy once again.

Unfortunately, I can now devote appropriate time to Becky because I no longer have a job at First United Methodist Church in Jackson. It ended this week, March 31. I am saddened because that position should have allowed me to offer my strongest gifts in service to the church. Pray with me that I may follow God's leading to a new place of service.

This week also included a final, unexpected medical development. During an eye examination, my left eye came out of the socket. Normally that kind of incident is caused either by a thyroid malfunction or a tumor behind the eye.

Following an MRI, lab tests, examination by my family doctor and an ophthalmologist, it was decided that I do not have either of the underlying precipitating problems - - no tumor, no thyroid issue. That conclusion is tentative, of course, pending another incident and continued examination.

Becky is home, and so am I. My toes are not wriggling and my eye is staying in place. What a week! A few scares, some disappointments, an uncertain future; but, as with every week, the final word is always one of blessing.

The Music of My Life

Today's guest post is written by Cathy Benson, a good friend and fellow member of First United Methodist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. She speaks of the influence of beloved family members and her early start at playing the church organ at age 12. Who has influenced you along the journey of faith?

If asked to name my favorite hymn, until a couple of years ago I would have said that it is a tie between Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. Both hymns have a powerful message about God's marvelous gifts to each of us. They also have a long spiritual history in my family.

I grew up in a small rural church. My maternal grandmother led the singing for many years. Her favorite Call to Worship was Holy, Holy, Holy and her all-time favorite hymn was Amazing Grace. My grandfather's favorite was How Great Thou Art.

Our church had an old organ that had been collecting dust; and, since I had a year of piano lessons under my belt at age 12, I was talked into giving it a try. My first Sunday playing the organ was the last Sunday my grandfather was able to attend worship. Of course, the special music for the service was my Papaw's favorite. How Great Thou Art is not an easy song to play. I'm sure that the congregation could see my hands shaking on the keys!

Fast forward 30 years past the loss of my grandparents, and I discovered a new favorite hymn. In the spring of 2007 I lost two special people in my life in the span of 10 days. One death was expected, the other was very unexpected.

I first heard Hymn of Promise (number 707, The United Methodist Hymnal) at the memorial service of a dear elderly lady who had become like another grandmother to me. So touched by the words and melody, I later suggested that it be used at the memorial for a beloved uncle. To simply say that Hymn of Promise was a comfort to me, the family, and all who loved him, would be an understatement. The hymn paints such a glorious picture of everything in God's creation that we can see and touch - but never fathom the "how." The mystery of a beautiful butterfly bursting forth from the cocoon, or how spring calls the flowers forth, opening to the heavens. Each season is a new beginning that brings hope in a future that only God can know. Each separation here on earth renews the promise of a new life, more beautiful than this one, filled with peace, gentleness, and the full abundance of God's love.

Hymn of Promise reminds me that some promises can be trusted. It encourages me to center my faith in Jesus Christ, the Easter-Maker, the Promise-Keeper.

Cathy Benson

Delay in Posting

I apologize for the recent delay in posting. There seems to be something going on with my left eye. I'm headed to the local hospital for an MRI this morning. I hope that everything can be resolved quickly, so that I can get back to writing and you can get back to reading!

Friday Fill In # 115

#115 Here we go!






I hope that you remember how this works from a couple of weeks ago. The host of Friday Fill In selects 5 to 7 questions and posts them on Friday mornings. Sometimes the questions are humorous; sometimes they are provocative; and often they ask that you reveal more about yourself than you had expected!


I'll post my answers here and in the Comment section of FFI. I invite you to post your answers in the Comment sections of both blogs.


1. When I look to the left, I see the church parking lot through my office window.


2. The living room is the room that has the best view in my home.


3. Let it work without a lot of tinkering.


4. Very few things can be done dirt cheap.


5. Protecting wilderness and wild places is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must
share.


6. If you have any flowers, feel free to share some blooms.


7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to washing laundry, tomorrow my plans include seeing friends and Sunday, I want to give thanks.

An Unexpected Haiku Poet

Richard Wright's literary reputation was secured in 1940 with the publication of Native Son. The novel became a bestseller with 250,000 hardcover copies sold within three weeks. It was selected by the Book of the Month Club in March, 1940.

Native Son remains at number 71 on the American Library Association's list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1900-2000. The Modern Library places it at number 20 on its list of the 100 best novels of the 20th century. And Time Magazine included it in the 100 best English language novels from 1923 to 2005.

Many people are surprised when they learn that
the author of such a powerful novel as Native Son also wrote haiku poetry. In fact, Wright, who only took up haiku in the last year or two of his life, wrote over 4,000 haiku!

In the midst of a grueling battle with amoebic dysentery, Wright reviewed his poems and chose his personal favorites for publication, 817 in all. It took 38 years for the collection to be published as HAIKU -- This Other World. Will we have wait another 38 years to see the other 3,200 poems?

Richard Wright had wonderful gifts of description and humor, as these examples will confirm.

Upon a pine tree
A snail slides out of its shell
To witness the spring.

A soft wind at dawn
Lifts one dry leaf and lays it
Upon another.

The dog's violent sneeze
Fails to rouse a single fly
On his mangy back.

As the sun goes down,
a green melon splits open
and juice trickles out.

A butterfly makes
The sunshine even brighter
With fluttering wings.

With a twitching nose
A dog reads a telegram
On a wet tree trunk.

The crow flew so fast
That he left his lovely caw
Behind in the fields.

After seven days,
The corpse in the coffin
Turned on its side.

I almost forgot
To hang up an autumn moon
Over the mountain.

Recommended Web Site #1

Technology and spirituality have a paradoxical relationship. We use technology, for example, in order to be more efficient and productive; but efficiency and productivity are not major concerns of most spiritualities. The desire to achieve control, to be successful, and to maintain security will frustrate any attempt to grow into the image of God through Jesus Christ.

Gerald May has written, "Love cannot be a means to any end. Love does not promise success, power, achievement, health, recovery, satisfaction, peace of mind, fulfillment, or any other prize. Love is an end in itself, a beginning in itself. Love exists only for love." The Awakened Heart

On the other hand, technology can open new avenues for spiritual growth. Some obvious examples - - some people prefer receiving the daily Upper Room devotion as an e-mail. Skillful worship leaders can use an appropriate film clip at the right time to reinforce or clarify a worship theme. There are collections of prayers, concordances and searchable Bibles on line, as well as hymns and sacred music. A computer makes available a breadth and depth of important spiritual resources which most likely would be inaccessible otherwise.

Sacred Space, maintained by Jesuits in Ireland, provides a daily prayer office full of silence, attentiveness to God, and insights into the faithful life. With on-line guidance, the prayer takes about 10 minutes. There is also a printer-friendly version available.


The opening prayer for today, March 12, is a brief one: "Lord, help me to be fully alive to your holy presence. Enfold me in your love. Let my heart become one with yours." The second prayer today is a thanksgiving for freedom.


As you move to the third section you find some thoughts for reflection. Today the question is asked, "Where do I sense hope, encouragement, and growth areas in my life? By looking back over the last few few months, I may be able to see which activities and occasions have produced rich fruit. If I do notice such areas, I will determine to give them both time and space in the future."


The Scripture selection today is Luke 16: 19-31, the story of a very poor Lazarus and a very rich Pharisee. The is an option to click on a page which has interpretative and inspirational material.


The Scripture is followed by an opportunity for intimate comversation with Jesus, "saying whatever is on my mind, what is in my heart, speaking as one friend to another." Each day's prayer ends with "Glory be to the Father . . . ."


What are some of the positives about using an on-line prayer such as Sacred Space?


1. It provides a uniform way of praying daily, while offering different prayers, Scriptures, and reflection questions every day.


2. You can move through the prayer at your own speed and add personal prayer requests as you choose.


3. While there are several ways of choosing daily scriptures, it is helpful to have well-prepared reflection questions to probe or challenge us in different ways.


4. You may be alone in front of a computer, but an average 661 people prayed with Sacred Space each hour during February, 2009.


5. There is a companion site called Living Space which provides commentary on the daily Scripture readings. You can register for a monthly Newsletter of Sacred Space; and, finally, you can send Sacred Space e-cards to persons who need encouragement.

I highly recommend Sacred Space. It should not become a substitute for your established time of prayer and worship, but it can enrich your experience of the presence of God on a daily or an occasional basis.

Six Sentences

" 1001 books you must read before you die." If you buy the book with the list, make it 1002. I have books scattered everywhere: on shelves, in the closet; on the floor, in the attic; at home and at the office. I had plans to read each of them. But an interesting question arises. How much money have I spent accumulating the wrong library?

Quotes for the Day

Read the best books first or you may not have a chance to read them at all.
Henry David Thoreau

For books are more than books; they are life, the very heart and core of ages past, the reason why men have lived and worked and died.
Gene Fowler

Of making books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the body.
Ecclesiastes 12:12

Booking through Thursday

Many blogs are providing "memes," which are technically ideas or behaviors which spread from person to person within a culture. In the blogging world, a meme is a writing prompt - sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking - which originates at one blog and then becomes the basis for posting at other blogs. Last Friday, I used a modified form of the meme "Fill-In Friday."


Today, let's do "Booking through Thursday." The home blog is btt2.wordpress.com You may post your responses in the Comments section there, as I hope you will post them in the same place here.


BBT has only one question this week:


What is the best book you have never read? Because I've been dealing with a difficult to treat neurological condition since August, I'm opting for humor. The best book I've never read is yet to be published. It is George Carlin's Parting Shots: Still Laughing, to be published this spring. Yes, Carlin can be vulgar and raw; but he "has a way with words" unlike any other comedian. Others have shown flashes of his brilliance, but Carlin is FUNNY. Sometimes the thing I need most, even from a book, is a good belly laugh.


I would also add in the 'need to read humor' category e. e. cumming's Complete Poems, 1904-62. Again, cummings had a wonderfully imaginative way with words. Have you discovered serious poetry as a 'serious' source of humor?


Finally, I want to acknowledge my love of haiku by mentioning the four volume set Haiku by R. H. Blyth, originally published in English between 1949 and 1952. Blyth had an excellent understanding of Japanese culture. He spent part of WWII in a Japanese internment camp, and was even invited to tutor the Crown Prince. He recognized the dominant influence of Zen Buddhism in Japanese arts. These combined experiences produced fine translations of Japanese poetry.


Among the first to be influenced by Blyth's work were the Beat Poets in San Francisco and New York. Blyth remains a formative source for American haiku poetry today. I've not read the four volume set, but I plan to do so.

Discipleship Practice #1: Loving-Kindness Meditation

In an earlier post, I identified attention to discipleship practices as a focus of this blog. I will soon have more to say about both "practicing" and "discipleship"; but I want to introduce a fundamental practice today. I expect the blog to move us to new ways of living the gospel , not simply new understandings. And so we begin with a type of prayer practice that is easily accessible and clearly reflects Jesus' teachings, with power to shape us into new people.

"Loving-Kindness Meditation" equips us to love God and our neighbors more fully. It is based on the assurance that "perfect love casts out fear." ( l John 4:18) We cannot inhabit that House of Fear and the House of Love at the same time. (Henri Nouwen) This meditation helps us to choose love for everyone in every circumstance.

"The practice of loving-kindness meditation enjoins an attitude of universal, non-discriminating friendliness and good will toward all beings with no exceptions . . . . It matters not how appealing or unappealing to us another being is; all are to be treated with the same loving attitude." Mary Jo Meadow, Gentling the Heart, pp 25-26.

Practicing the Practice

The substance of the meditation is printed below. I hope that you can highlight and copy that section and print several copies on card stock so that the prayer will always be within reach.

Take a comfortable posture, sitting, standing, walking, or lying down. Start with a few deep breaths, becoming present to God, to yourself, and to the moment. Then seek forgiveness by saying something like this: "I ask forgiveness of all whom I have hurt or harmed in any way. I freely forgive all who have hurt or harmed me in any way. I freely forgive myself and humbly accept forgiveness from God and all whom I have offended."

In praying the blessings, you begin with yourself. I am the being for whom I am the most responsible. If I discount my own need for blessing and healing, I will also discount others. Pray the five blessings for yourself in an unhurried way for as long as you feel necessary. Then move on to the other categories -- my family, my friends, those whom I meet today, the most vulnerable of God's children, and all living beings. You may find yourself naming different specific family and friends each time you meditate. In any case, pray the blessings for others for as long as you feel necessary.

There are five categories of blessings. They are meant to honor Jesus' admonition that we shall "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength," and "you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:29-31)

Here is a Discipleship Practice which can concentrate your attention and calm your spirit. You will be freed from envies, resentments, vengeance, restlessness, and other painful emotions. It will not drag you down in sluggishness, drowsiness, or boredom. And your capacity to love and to be love will be enhanced as you mature as a disciple of Jesus Christ.


Loving-Kindness Meditation

+ May I be safe from hatred and harm within and around me.

+ May I be peaceful in heart and clear in mind.

+ May I be strong and healthy in body.

+ May I attend to life with gentleness.

+ May I come to union with God.


{ ** my family }

{ ** my friends }

{ ** those who I meet today }

{ ** the most vulnerable of God's children }

{ ** all living beings }

Commemoration of John Wesley

Founder of the Methodist Movement, priest of the Church of England, keen scholar, brilliant organizer, social reformer, and tireless preacher, John Wesley died on this date in 1791.

As a fellow of Lincoln College, John and his brother Charles began the "Holy Club," known for its strict devotion and ministries of compassion.

A 1736 missionary trip to Georgia was a dismal failure. Wesley left the colony under the cover of night. However, encouraged by Moravian Peter Bohler, Wesley soon had his famous Aldersgate heart-warming experience of May 24, 1738.

In his many writings, Wesley created a highly original theological synthesis, both Western and Eastern, sacramental and revivalistic, emphasizing the free gift of grace and radical in its demand for personal and social holiness.

This week the United Methodist Publishing House is publishing The Wesley Study Bible. It includes study notes based on the New Revised Standard Version text, life application and inspirational articles, an explanation of core Weslyean themes, and extended references to works by John Wesley. For more information and to order a copy, click here.

O God, who plucked as a brand from the burning your servant John Wesley that he might kindle the flame of love in our hearts and illuminate our minds: Grant us such a warming of our hearts that we, being set afire by holy love, may spread its flame to the uttermost parts of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Adapted from FOR ALL THE SAINTS: A Book of Commemorations for United Methodists, edited by C. F. Guthrie, copyright 1995 by The Order of Saint Luke. Used by permission.

Friday Fill-In #113

Janet at Friday Fill-Ins offers a challenging, though thoroughly entertaining, way to bring the blogging week to a close. She gives several incomplete sentences, and we are free to fill in the blanks in the most honest or humorous, wise or ridiculous way we choose. If you have a bog or website you can put a link in her Comment section, or visit the Comments to see the answers of other people.

If you do not have a blog or website, enter your complete sentences in the Comments section here.

So, here are my answers for the week -

1. I'm making a lot of mistakes, I'm learning from my mistakes, I don't know any other way to grow.

2. Why do I have a backyard and not have it covered with flowers?

3. How does this cellphone work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put Vanilla-Flavored Light Silk on my cereal.

5. I consider myself lucky because I have friends across west Tennessee and Western Kentucky.

6. One day we'll see the real cost of environmental degradation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Carolyn Stripling's Chicken Casserole, tomorrow my plans include working on our Income Tax Returns, and Sunday, I want to experience Sabbath!

Six Sentences

Two friends are having open affairs of the heart with their pets. Suzy loves Cocker Spaniels, especially a five-year old named Shadow. Shadow occasionally disappears, having affairs of his own, leaving Suzy angry and anguished. Martha finds all beauty and mirth in Bassett Hounds. Oliver is a pup, full of piddle and poo. Who would have imagined that walking the dog at all hours could elicit so many chuckles?

Lenten Haiku

to lend God
forty of the year's best days -
a glorious spring

created of soil
destined for earth
ashes to ashes

relevance, spectacle, popularity,
temptations of every heart's
wilderness

the days lengthen
sunlight and warmth -
time to wrestle with darkness

a final meal
among best friends -
betrayal on a full stomach

sunrise
a cock crows three times
sunset

a garden tomb
sealed against light -
the light within shatters the seal

Lenten Devotional Reading

Lent is upon us this week. I invite you to join me in an ancient practice as part of our preparation for Holy Week and Easter: devotional reading. Out of the abundance of materials, I recommend two prayer books that have been helpful to me.

Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen, edited by Judy Bauer.
A national survey of clergy recognized Nouwen as the spiritual theologian who had most influenced them.

Nouwen took seriously the compassionate presence of God in the joys and sorrows of life. His own years held plenty of each, and he experienced the same kind of faith crises that many of us do. He had a nearly fatal accident on an icy roadway while he was helping a handicapped boy. A car mirror struck Nouwen a heavy blow. In his book, Beyond the Mirror: Reflections on Life and Death, Nouwen admitted that it was not love that kept him clinging to life, but "unresolved anger."

Dozens of such honest explorations are found in Lent and Easter Wisdom. Each daily reflection includes a brief insight by Nouwen, supported by Scripture, prayer, and a suggested activity for spiritual growth.

The Glenstal Abbey Book of Prayer
Glenstal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located in County Limerick. It houses a secondary school, home to over two hundred students. The grounds include Glenstal Castle (Normanesque), lakes, forests, and an old terraced walled garden featuring a 'bible garden.'

The Benedictine spirituality at Glenstal is influenced by the earthiness of Celtic spirituality, reflected in The Book of Prayer. A companion Book of Icons reveals an Orthodox influence.

The prayer book is not restricted in use to the season of Lent. There are prayers for Sunday through Monday, a section for the great festivals of the Christian year, prayers and blessings for the variety of needs and occasions that arise in life, and a selection of psalms for centering and meditating.

For information about the monastery and the way of life of its monks, click here.



The church's additions
to the blessings of spring -
prayer, almsgiving, fasting

Welcome!

new year's insight
or perennial delusion -
wisdom and happiness through blogging

Slog through another blog? I was just planning to cut back on my feeds, find some more entertaining reads, and save my brain from PC-induced drain.

We live in a word-dependent culture, don't we? Spend a few minutes in a staff meeting, a family Thanksgiving gathering, or a Protestant worship service -- words piled upon words. Good words, many of them: welcome, congratulations, shared sorrow, gentle guidance and firm hope.

Too often, however, we are not only word-dependent, but imagination-starved. The words are flat, the ideas are predictable, and the conversations fail to inspire or challenge us. One reason for these outcomes is the collective disengagement of our imaginations.

The imagination reveals meaning and mystery to us in ways that rational thought cannot. We learn different ways of seeing, listening, and speaking. We allow ourselves to think new thoughts, and most importantly, to think no thoughts.

So, another blog with more words; but I envision a distinctive purpose and method. The Pine Tree Notebook is my attempt to connect the dots among three centers of focus: the practices of our faith; the precise, random beauty of nature; and the ability of our baptized imaginations to open our personal worlds - including faith, nature, and our inner selves - to new experience and expression.

Strange that so few ever come to the woods to see how the pine lives and grows and spires, lifting its evergreen arms to the light. Henry David Thoreau, The Maine Woods