It has been almost a year since I last posted. It isn't that I have not been writing. I have been doing a great deal of writing--my doctoral paper is finished. I found out yesterday I will be graduating this May. I hope to use some of this work for future publishing purposes, so I thought now is a good time to get back to this blog.
This happens to coincide with the beginning of Lent. I would say I am giving up school work for Lent, but that would not be quite right. I still have to make sure that the pages are formatted just so and the other minor details associated with preparing a doctoral paper for publication. So, I thought I would write for Lent. I am already two days behind. This is pretty usual for me--getting a late start on Lenten practices. Ash Wednesday consumes my time entirely, and then yesterday--well yesterday, I was celebrating.
I will attempt to keep up with blogging daily, Monday-Saturday, for the rest of Lent. Who knows? Maybe this will become a regular practice, and I will continue it. Lent is good for developing good habits such as study or meditation and to end bad habits such as over indulging or negativity. So, my practice this year will be to offer a Lenten reflection/meditation each day. I hope somehow God uses this blog to speak to you. Blessings for a Holy Lent!
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Friday, February 20, 2015
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Thanks for Noticing
Thanks goes out to Katie Z. Dawson, Pastor of First UMC Marengo, IA, who wrote an article, "Blogging for Pastors," for Circuit Rider, a professional magazine for United Methodist clergy. In the article she talks about pastors blogging, and she gives pointers or tips for those who would like to start blogging. In the article she lists twelve United Methodist blogs for people to check out. This blog was one of the twelve. I am honored. Thanks Katie, and blogging blessings go out to you as well.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Interview with MomPriest
An interview with mompriest at revgalblogpals...
1. Where do you blog? If you are asking about my geographic location, in Oklahoma. If you are asking where I sit to blog, generally in my bed propped up on pillows with my laptop. I know, it seems lazy, but hey, my desk is too cluttered.
2. What are your favorite non-revgal blog pal blogs? Well here are a few:
Life Must Go on in Gaza and Sderot a blog by two friends, one who lives in Gaza and one who lives right across the border in Sderot, Israel. They do not post often, but it is interesting to see their perspective of the situation in which they live.
Tablescaping a blog about tablescaping. What can I say, I love the dishes.
Pressing On a blog by my favorite author, CurtissAnn Matlock on the personal side of her life.
Hacking Christianity a blog by a young(er) colleague in ministry who has a different take and perspective on things.
The MethoBlog a blog with UM blogger feeds.
3. What gives you joy? Not tough to answer this one, my family. Next in line, my calling.
4. What is your favorite sound? The three beeps that signals that the coffe maker is finished. I also love the sounds of outside on my back porch...nature, birds, insects, the train going by...
5. What do you hope to hear once you enter the pearly gates? "Welcome home my good and faithful servant." What do I not want to hear? "You're working in the kitchen."
6. You have up to 15 words, what would you put on your tombstone? "She tried." Ha! Seriously - I would probably like to replace the dash between the date of my birth and the date of my death with daughter, sister, wife, mother, pastor, friend, lover of God and God's children."
7. Write the first sentence of your own great American novel. "It was a dry, hot, windy day as she gazed into the blinding sun." I do live in Oklahoma, it's what I know.
8. What color do you prefer your pen? Black, gel pen or preverably an ultra fine Sharpie.
9. What magazines do you subscribe to? The Interpreter (but that is a given), Circuit Rider (also a given), Birds and Blooms, Woman's Day, Biblical Archeology Review.
10. What is something you want to achieve in this decade? Possibly my Doctorate.
11. Why are you cool? Because my daughters and their friends think I am. Also, because my husband must sleep with a fan.
12. What is one of your favorite memories? One - too difficult to do. I think soon it will be of my trip to Israel, but of the things that has already occured, my memories involve things like my daughter kissing me on the cheek, looking into my husband's eyes, seeing a planet for the first time through a telescope, wondering at nature.
13. Anything else you've always wanted to be asked? Sure, I have always wanted to be asked my opinion on how to fix the world, and as soon as I have an answer, then I'll let you know. I've also always wanted to be asked to tell you about my children.
1. Where do you blog? If you are asking about my geographic location, in Oklahoma. If you are asking where I sit to blog, generally in my bed propped up on pillows with my laptop. I know, it seems lazy, but hey, my desk is too cluttered.
2. What are your favorite non-revgal blog pal blogs? Well here are a few:
Life Must Go on in Gaza and Sderot a blog by two friends, one who lives in Gaza and one who lives right across the border in Sderot, Israel. They do not post often, but it is interesting to see their perspective of the situation in which they live.
Tablescaping a blog about tablescaping. What can I say, I love the dishes.
Pressing On a blog by my favorite author, CurtissAnn Matlock on the personal side of her life.
Hacking Christianity a blog by a young(er) colleague in ministry who has a different take and perspective on things.
The MethoBlog a blog with UM blogger feeds.
3. What gives you joy? Not tough to answer this one, my family. Next in line, my calling.
4. What is your favorite sound? The three beeps that signals that the coffe maker is finished. I also love the sounds of outside on my back porch...nature, birds, insects, the train going by...
5. What do you hope to hear once you enter the pearly gates? "Welcome home my good and faithful servant." What do I not want to hear? "You're working in the kitchen."
6. You have up to 15 words, what would you put on your tombstone? "She tried." Ha! Seriously - I would probably like to replace the dash between the date of my birth and the date of my death with daughter, sister, wife, mother, pastor, friend, lover of God and God's children."
7. Write the first sentence of your own great American novel. "It was a dry, hot, windy day as she gazed into the blinding sun." I do live in Oklahoma, it's what I know.
8. What color do you prefer your pen? Black, gel pen or preverably an ultra fine Sharpie.
9. What magazines do you subscribe to? The Interpreter (but that is a given), Circuit Rider (also a given), Birds and Blooms, Woman's Day, Biblical Archeology Review.
10. What is something you want to achieve in this decade? Possibly my Doctorate.
11. Why are you cool? Because my daughters and their friends think I am. Also, because my husband must sleep with a fan.
12. What is one of your favorite memories? One - too difficult to do. I think soon it will be of my trip to Israel, but of the things that has already occured, my memories involve things like my daughter kissing me on the cheek, looking into my husband's eyes, seeing a planet for the first time through a telescope, wondering at nature.
13. Anything else you've always wanted to be asked? Sure, I have always wanted to be asked my opinion on how to fix the world, and as soon as I have an answer, then I'll let you know. I've also always wanted to be asked to tell you about my children.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Five Friends
Jan at RevGalsBlogPals wrote "Ever since I found out I could be the hostess for the third Friday Five of each month, I have not been able to get the thought of friends out of my mind. Being an only child (all growed up) who moved around a lot in my lifetime, friends have always been very important to me. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: "The way to have a friend is to be a friend."
So today let's write about the different kinds of friends we have, like childhood friends, lost friends, tennis friends, work friends, and the list goes on. List 5 different types of friends you have had in your life and what they were/are like."
So for today's post, I am writing about the 5 different types of friends in my life.
Friend Type #1 - The Childhood Friend - I really do not have any childhood friends that I am still in contact with, but I must say that my friends in my childhood were very important to me. I was the baby of the family - by a long shot - and the friends I had then were like siblings to me. I was a tomboy so, when I was younger my friends tended to be boys. I liked playing G.I. Joes and getting muddy in the creek by our house. I did have girlfriends as I got older, but many of them turned out to be 'fair-weather' friends. I still tend to have more male friends than female friends.
Friend Type #2 - High School Friends - I do have a few of these friends with which I am keeping contact. My friends in high school tended to be those with whom I worked through the angst of adolescence - for better or worse. We got into our fair share of trouble, and those things no one found out about. We probably keep up with each other to make sure we keep our mouths shut! Even if we don't talk much anymore, some of my best memories come from the friends I ran with in high school.
Friend Type #3 - Job's Friends - We all have friends who are not the most helpful. These friends seem to be more toxic than helpful. But even these friends have a purpose and place. Quite often these friends can help us shore up our self-understanding. By explaining or defending our self, we can define who we are, as Job did. They can also have the opposite effect of tearing down your confidence if allowed.
Friend Type #4 - Family Friends - My family are my friends; my sister and niece, my children, my husband - I consider them friends. As my daughters become adult young women, our relationship has adapted for this transition. I think we have handled this well, and I am proud of our relationship. My sister and niece are close friends, and I enjoy getting together with them to do things. Although we don't live close anymore, the internet and telephone make the miles disappear. My husband began as my friend, and we have maintained that close friendship in our marriage. In our family, sometimes saying "I like you" can mean as much or more as "I love you."
Friend Type #5 - Proverbs 18:24 Friends - Those who are as close or closer than a sibling. I have friends that are friends in the good and the really bad. You know those times when you need chicken soup, or Imodium. Those who are there and you can relate in ways no one else can. Those you may not see very often, but when you are together you can pick back up where you left off like there was no time in between. Friends that are your surrogate family and love you just as unconditionally.
These are five of the types of friends I have had in my life. I am now entering into a new type of relationship with those who I meet in our blogging. Some I know personally, and some I only know through meeting them in their writings in their blog. I cherish these new friendships as well.
So today let's write about the different kinds of friends we have, like childhood friends, lost friends, tennis friends, work friends, and the list goes on. List 5 different types of friends you have had in your life and what they were/are like."
So for today's post, I am writing about the 5 different types of friends in my life.
Friend Type #1 - The Childhood Friend - I really do not have any childhood friends that I am still in contact with, but I must say that my friends in my childhood were very important to me. I was the baby of the family - by a long shot - and the friends I had then were like siblings to me. I was a tomboy so, when I was younger my friends tended to be boys. I liked playing G.I. Joes and getting muddy in the creek by our house. I did have girlfriends as I got older, but many of them turned out to be 'fair-weather' friends. I still tend to have more male friends than female friends.
Friend Type #2 - High School Friends - I do have a few of these friends with which I am keeping contact. My friends in high school tended to be those with whom I worked through the angst of adolescence - for better or worse. We got into our fair share of trouble, and those things no one found out about. We probably keep up with each other to make sure we keep our mouths shut! Even if we don't talk much anymore, some of my best memories come from the friends I ran with in high school.
Friend Type #3 - Job's Friends - We all have friends who are not the most helpful. These friends seem to be more toxic than helpful. But even these friends have a purpose and place. Quite often these friends can help us shore up our self-understanding. By explaining or defending our self, we can define who we are, as Job did. They can also have the opposite effect of tearing down your confidence if allowed.
Friend Type #4 - Family Friends - My family are my friends; my sister and niece, my children, my husband - I consider them friends. As my daughters become adult young women, our relationship has adapted for this transition. I think we have handled this well, and I am proud of our relationship. My sister and niece are close friends, and I enjoy getting together with them to do things. Although we don't live close anymore, the internet and telephone make the miles disappear. My husband began as my friend, and we have maintained that close friendship in our marriage. In our family, sometimes saying "I like you" can mean as much or more as "I love you."
Friend Type #5 - Proverbs 18:24 Friends - Those who are as close or closer than a sibling. I have friends that are friends in the good and the really bad. You know those times when you need chicken soup, or Imodium. Those who are there and you can relate in ways no one else can. Those you may not see very often, but when you are together you can pick back up where you left off like there was no time in between. Friends that are your surrogate family and love you just as unconditionally.
These are five of the types of friends I have had in my life. I am now entering into a new type of relationship with those who I meet in our blogging. Some I know personally, and some I only know through meeting them in their writings in their blog. I cherish these new friendships as well.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Happy Blogging Anniversary!
This is the anniversary of my first blog! Thanks to all my loyal readers, and those who have read, responded, and encouraged this in my life! I know I haven't been extremely faithful to getting posts out, but I think I am still trying to figure out why I am doing this exercise. Oh well, it is a learning experience and as I continue to explore what blogging means to me and what good it might be to anyone else, I ask for patience.
Just a thought for this auspicious occasion, in my recent moments spent reading, reflecting, meditation and praying, I have stumbled across a thought found in Rueben Job's book, "Three Simple Rules, A Wesleyan Way of Living." It is an excerpt from John Wesley's journal (JW was the original blogger!), which speaks to our need for spiritual guidance and growth. Job explained,
I am noticing (might have something to do with a pastoral perspective) that there are more and more Christians who seem to be more calloused than I have ever noticed before. It isn't that they do not go about doing the work of the church, but the commitment to church is low. They say they believe in God, but their practices and actions speak more along the lines of, "I believe in the concept of God, but that is only when I choose to think about God in my life." They are not living a life changed or transformed, but it seems as if they have managed to squeeze God into their schedule on occasion, and that God should be grateful because they are there and are a committee member or a Sunday school teacher! It seems their faith lacks spark or fire!
I don't think that this is entirely based on my perspective as a pastor dealing with church members. I would not have understood this before I went into ministry. There were times that I was "out of church," and I would not even begin to say I have a good reason. However, I did not pretend that the "personal" relationship I had with God was all I needed, I knew that wasn't true, or that I was doing God or the church any favors when I might drag myself to church on Easter Sunday. Removing myself from a practicing community of faith and forsaking practicing my faith in personal devotion was not what God had planned for me and it certainly wasn't pleasing to God, and I knew it.
I know that as much as anyone else, I have a problem keeping to a routine of study, prayer, and devotional time, or any other way of 'practicing my faith.' But the end result is I continue, in my own fashion, to be faithful to the spiritual disciplines, to seeking God's guidance, and to participating in a community of faith, including celebrating sacraments (okay, this last part is kind of required.) I keep practicing something, even if they change periodically.
I would encourage you to examine your life and are you responding to God out of love or duty. Are you pretending that what you do in the church or coming to the church is a favor to God, or simply one you do because so-and-so needs you to be there to help with the potluck today? Do stay away from a community of faith because you think that 'those people' are hypocrites, or because you have something better to do on Sunday morning, like sports or just catching up on sleep? Or do you come to church because you crave to worship God, to return the love God has given you? Do you forget to include God in your life anytime other than the regular hour or so on Sunday morning, if then? Or do you live in the presence of God continually, living with an attitude of prayer?
Just a few questions to think about.
Just a thought for this auspicious occasion, in my recent moments spent reading, reflecting, meditation and praying, I have stumbled across a thought found in Rueben Job's book, "Three Simple Rules, A Wesleyan Way of Living." It is an excerpt from John Wesley's journal (JW was the original blogger!), which speaks to our need for spiritual guidance and growth. Job explained,
He (Wesley) feared that new converts to Christ would fail to practice their faith and would, in his words, become more a "child of the devil" than before their conversion. ["Journal from August 12, 1738, to November 1, 1939," in Works, Vol. 1; page 239]. (Job, 16)It seems as if he is saying, if we do not practice faith, it is worse than if we never came to have faith. Not only are we not living the changed life to which we are called, but we know about it and still don't do it, and know all the things to say to rationalize it. We shirk our accountability.
I am noticing (might have something to do with a pastoral perspective) that there are more and more Christians who seem to be more calloused than I have ever noticed before. It isn't that they do not go about doing the work of the church, but the commitment to church is low. They say they believe in God, but their practices and actions speak more along the lines of, "I believe in the concept of God, but that is only when I choose to think about God in my life." They are not living a life changed or transformed, but it seems as if they have managed to squeeze God into their schedule on occasion, and that God should be grateful because they are there and are a committee member or a Sunday school teacher! It seems their faith lacks spark or fire!
I don't think that this is entirely based on my perspective as a pastor dealing with church members. I would not have understood this before I went into ministry. There were times that I was "out of church," and I would not even begin to say I have a good reason. However, I did not pretend that the "personal" relationship I had with God was all I needed, I knew that wasn't true, or that I was doing God or the church any favors when I might drag myself to church on Easter Sunday. Removing myself from a practicing community of faith and forsaking practicing my faith in personal devotion was not what God had planned for me and it certainly wasn't pleasing to God, and I knew it.
I know that as much as anyone else, I have a problem keeping to a routine of study, prayer, and devotional time, or any other way of 'practicing my faith.' But the end result is I continue, in my own fashion, to be faithful to the spiritual disciplines, to seeking God's guidance, and to participating in a community of faith, including celebrating sacraments (okay, this last part is kind of required.) I keep practicing something, even if they change periodically.
I would encourage you to examine your life and are you responding to God out of love or duty. Are you pretending that what you do in the church or coming to the church is a favor to God, or simply one you do because so-and-so needs you to be there to help with the potluck today? Do stay away from a community of faith because you think that 'those people' are hypocrites, or because you have something better to do on Sunday morning, like sports or just catching up on sleep? Or do you come to church because you crave to worship God, to return the love God has given you? Do you forget to include God in your life anytime other than the regular hour or so on Sunday morning, if then? Or do you live in the presence of God continually, living with an attitude of prayer?
Just a few questions to think about.
Friday, January 2, 2009
2008 Top Ten
These were the top ten viewed blog posts from this site in 2008:
1. Adam Hamilton Sermon Series
2. Nasty People
3. Support Group for Parents of Adult Children
4. Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin? How's that Working for Us?
5. My Father's Day Sermon
6. Still Fussin' over Women in Ministry
7. Weddings and Other Craziness
8. Christmas Lament
9. Superheroes
10. Music for Worship
And it didn't make the top ten most viewed, but my favorite:
In Honor of my Daddy
And another honorable mention:
God was in This Place. Did I Know It?
I thought maybe if you missed some of these you may want to check them out. As I was looking over my last year of blogging (it will be my anniversary on January 17th!), it has become apparent to me that I have neglected my writing. I have mainly just posted the podcasts of my sermons. For those who follow me, I apologize. I will endeavor to do better in 2009. This is not a resolution mind you, or it would be doomed to failure.
Blessings for 2009
1. Adam Hamilton Sermon Series
2. Nasty People
3. Support Group for Parents of Adult Children
4. Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin? How's that Working for Us?
5. My Father's Day Sermon
6. Still Fussin' over Women in Ministry
7. Weddings and Other Craziness
8. Christmas Lament
9. Superheroes
10. Music for Worship
And it didn't make the top ten most viewed, but my favorite:
In Honor of my Daddy
And another honorable mention:
God was in This Place. Did I Know It?
I thought maybe if you missed some of these you may want to check them out. As I was looking over my last year of blogging (it will be my anniversary on January 17th!), it has become apparent to me that I have neglected my writing. I have mainly just posted the podcasts of my sermons. For those who follow me, I apologize. I will endeavor to do better in 2009. This is not a resolution mind you, or it would be doomed to failure.
Blessings for 2009
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Spoke too soon...
Okay, so I am having more difficulty than I have time to deal with at the present. I will try to switch my blog over to my own domain after the holidays.
SUCCESS!!!!
I have had a hard time getting this transferred, but it is finally complete. My new url is revsonja.com. I hope this hasn't been too inconvenient if you follow me regularly. I am still not certain about changing my information on the blog rolls I am on, but I will try to get that accomplished as soon as possible. Anyway, have a blessed Wednesday!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Followers
Just a note to tell you of a new feature on my blog. It is called "Followers" and is located in the right hand column toward the bottom of the page above the label cloud. If you would like to admit you are a regular follower of this blog, please sign up! You can either sign up with your name or anonymously. Thanks for reading my blog. I know I haven't been blogging as much recently, but I hope to do more in the future. Blessings!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Blog of Note
I have neglected to add Rev. Steve Littrell's blog "Recognizing the Moments" to my list at the right. That oversight has been corrected, and I would encourage you to check this out! His most recent, "a follow-me moment" I think is very well done.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Get Real
I read a blog called beauty and depravity by Eugene Cho. Recently he had an “open mic” post which opened the forum to those who read his blog. The following is by a woman name Rachel:
I think her observations are interesting. We are so busy being “religious” we forget to be “real.” We want God to change us so much, we go about doing the work ourselves and it comes out as the cheap, second-rate imitation that it is.
I have read a great deal recently on how “religion is the cause of war, genocide, hate crimes, etc.” But as Christians we should know, as others do not, that God isn’t responsible for this. This is the work of people who have created God in their own image rather than allowing themselves to be transformed. What have I done to embarrass God? What have you done to embarrass God? It’s time we get “real.”
this is my first time really reading your blog. my aunt kept sending me the link
and always forgot to check it out. really love your blog. i have been chewing on
something for a while now and wanted to share.
i teach 4th grade
ESOL (english speakers of other languages). my kids are mostly refugees from
africa and burma mixed in with a lot of cuban, mexican, p.rican flavor…i’m on a
mission trip everyday it seems like! i love it. love is in full force…. my
husband on the other hand is in construction. he rarely meets warm-hearted
people who love God.
so, his ministry, aside from buying his crews
lunch and sitting down and spending time with them, is the “PPM
“(portapottyministry). he writes encouraging scriptures inside the potty. one
day last week, he got a response back…”Religion is the cause of war, genocide,
hate crimes, etc. Your God is responsible..Why would i want to be involved in
that?”. It hurts because we as a church (worldwide) can represent God in such a
horrible way…
then i read your blog…and relate to the people who
post comments…no religion, just real….it’s so relevant..anyone would be open to
reading it.
I pray that everyone who knows God now, is really led
to know Him more-so confident in their relationship that they can be normal with
everyone-that they can stop hiding behind their religion for one second and
truly be Jesus’ hands and feet.. Paul wouldn’t have a religious flow if he
walked the earth today…neither would Jesus…so thanks for being like Jesus…
I think her observations are interesting. We are so busy being “religious” we forget to be “real.” We want God to change us so much, we go about doing the work ourselves and it comes out as the cheap, second-rate imitation that it is.
I have read a great deal recently on how “religion is the cause of war, genocide, hate crimes, etc.” But as Christians we should know, as others do not, that God isn’t responsible for this. This is the work of people who have created God in their own image rather than allowing themselves to be transformed. What have I done to embarrass God? What have you done to embarrass God? It’s time we get “real.”
Friday, May 16, 2008
Things to Check Out
My friend, Jeremy Smith at Hacking Christianity has posted on what he is reading, and a few videos to watch. In this same spirit, I would like give you a few things I have been reading or looking at online, and have you check them out for yourself.
Of course, check out Hacking Christianity for a wide variety of interesting observations. Don't forget to watch the video of them moving the 100 year old church. Pretty interesting!
Adam Hamilton is senior pastor at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and author of several wonderful books, including my favorite, "Selling Swimsuits in the Artic" which is about evangelism. He writes a blog called Seeing Gray. His recent post And Jesus Went to a Quiet Place to Pray talks about getting away to spend some quality time with God, but it also talks about the "process" preachers go through to come up with sermons. I like they way he gets ideas for sermon planning from the people of his congregation. Here is a quote from his post:
I believe this is important, and I will see about the best way to implement such an idea. Until I formally implement this, feel free to give me feedback by email.
Also on preaching is my friend, David Mercer's, blog Deep Calls to Deep. David is a UM pastor soon to be moving, but hopefully will continue his blogging in his new location. His post on The Myth of Certainty really punctuates how ignorance is truly bliss. Here is a quote from his post:
There is a blog I have stumbled across entitled beauty and depravity by Eugene Cho, pastor of Quest Church in Seattle. In the age old gender struggle, he weighs in and in order to fully appreciate the male side of this check out his post Ultimate Fighting Jesus. I loved reading his post on his conversation with Rob Bell. Here is a quote from the blog:
Rob Bell, is the senior pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church, author and is well known for his NOOMA videos.
Of course, the really funny gender struggle post on Eugene Cho's blog is 10 Reasons Why Men Should Not be Ordained for Ministry. This is of course, in conversation with the top arguments given on why women should not do thus and such. It's a hoot and worth the read.
Of course, I have to keep track of my favorite author - CurtissAnn Matlock. She writes delightful books about women and life in a small fictional town called "Valentine, OK." She has a blog entitled Pressing On which talks about a variety of topics, writing, living gluten-free (she is a Celiac), and life in general. Of course, I keep up with her blogs not because she is my favorite author, but because she is my friend. One of her blogs in particular is near and dear to my heart, Blessed Bread. It is about how her pastor included her in communion.
Of course, I check out Scribbit almost everyday. It isn't about theology or posted by someone I already know, it is something I actually stumbled across and have been going back to check it out. It is about parenthood, family, and life in general in Alaska. My favorite was a guest blog by her husband entitled Driving Miss Gracie: Teaching My Teen to Drive. Apparently in Alaska a 14-year old can get their learner's permit. YIKES! Glad I live in good 'ol Oklahoma. But it is a delightful recounting of what those of us with driving children have all been through.
These are but a few and will keep you busy for a bit.
Of course, check out Hacking Christianity for a wide variety of interesting observations. Don't forget to watch the video of them moving the 100 year old church. Pretty interesting!
Adam Hamilton is senior pastor at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and author of several wonderful books, including my favorite, "Selling Swimsuits in the Artic" which is about evangelism. He writes a blog called Seeing Gray. His recent post And Jesus Went to a Quiet Place to Pray talks about getting away to spend some quality time with God, but it also talks about the "process" preachers go through to come up with sermons. I like they way he gets ideas for sermon planning from the people of his congregation. Here is a quote from his post:
Over the next month I will invite our staff, our leaders and our congregation to share with me their thoughts and reflections on what our congregation most needs by way of sermons to deepen their faith, to bring healing and help for their lives and to be equipped to live for Christ. At the end of June I’ll spend a week in Colorado praying, reading and meditating on the scriptures before outlining possible sermon series for the next two years.
I believe this is important, and I will see about the best way to implement such an idea. Until I formally implement this, feel free to give me feedback by email.
Also on preaching is my friend, David Mercer's, blog Deep Calls to Deep. David is a UM pastor soon to be moving, but hopefully will continue his blogging in his new location. His post on The Myth of Certainty really punctuates how ignorance is truly bliss. Here is a quote from his post:
I think we have a responsibility to seek to know more, but more knowledge often means more wrestling; and therefore, more work. We like things in neat nice packages and wish our pastor's would put it all together for us. Sorry folks, we wrestle just like you. Which is why, I will be implementing Adam Hamilton's suggestion above - to find out where we need to struggle through the questions together.
People don’t like their preachers to be uncertain. They don’t want to hear my verbal meandering where I say, “on the one hand we have this view… then on the other hand there’s this thought.” Many people come to church to hear what they’re supposed to think and do. They want answers stated in snappy phrases that remove all doubt and uncertainty.
There is a blog I have stumbled across entitled beauty and depravity by Eugene Cho, pastor of Quest Church in Seattle. In the age old gender struggle, he weighs in and in order to fully appreciate the male side of this check out his post Ultimate Fighting Jesus. I loved reading his post on his conversation with Rob Bell. Here is a quote from the blog:
Rob Bell is bluntly, one of the most visible and influential figures of Christianity in the 21st century. He is arguably the face of the emerging Evangelical Christianity in North America. It must be both a burden and blessing and I’m interested how he will use the platform of his visibility to distribute and share that power and influence.
For women and on a lesser level, people of color, it’s an uphill journey. It just is. And if you have to ask…you just don’t understand. And on this uphill journey, it’s uplifting when those who have power can acknowledge and advocate for those on this uphill journey.
Rob Bell, is the senior pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church, author and is well known for his NOOMA videos.
Of course, the really funny gender struggle post on Eugene Cho's blog is 10 Reasons Why Men Should Not be Ordained for Ministry. This is of course, in conversation with the top arguments given on why women should not do thus and such. It's a hoot and worth the read.
Of course, I have to keep track of my favorite author - CurtissAnn Matlock. She writes delightful books about women and life in a small fictional town called "Valentine, OK." She has a blog entitled Pressing On which talks about a variety of topics, writing, living gluten-free (she is a Celiac), and life in general. Of course, I keep up with her blogs not because she is my favorite author, but because she is my friend. One of her blogs in particular is near and dear to my heart, Blessed Bread. It is about how her pastor included her in communion.
Of course, I check out Scribbit almost everyday. It isn't about theology or posted by someone I already know, it is something I actually stumbled across and have been going back to check it out. It is about parenthood, family, and life in general in Alaska. My favorite was a guest blog by her husband entitled Driving Miss Gracie: Teaching My Teen to Drive. Apparently in Alaska a 14-year old can get their learner's permit. YIKES! Glad I live in good 'ol Oklahoma. But it is a delightful recounting of what those of us with driving children have all been through.
These are but a few and will keep you busy for a bit.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Of worth and value...
Good Monday morning! Of course, if you are reading this at another time then, "Good (insert day) (insert time of day!)
Since I have begun this endeavor of blogging, at least once a week, I have been looking more at other's blogs (it's only fair after all), and I find I must ask myself a question....what's the point? I originally started this as a discipline of writing for myself, which one would assume then it wouldn't matter if others read it or not; however, I have discovered that I appreciate it when others read my blog, so maybe my motives have changed.
In looking at other's blogs around blogspot and those I know of in other venues, I have found some really good blogs with a variety of purposes. There are those that are casual and mainly for the purpose of keeping up with friends and family who live far apart (pictures of babies, etc.), there are those which are written on parenting, on gardening, and on cars. There are those like mine which have a decidedly religious point although many times there are many different angles. I have even found a blog where two people post - one inside Gaza and one in Israel about their lives (for those who took my Israel/Palestine study). And in looking at all of these, I have discovered that the really good ones are much like writers of articles in magazines. Some offer 'how-tos', some offer insight and wisdom, some offer quirky recipes, both for life and food.
So after a great deal of research, I have discovered that I do this, as I attempt to do all things, for the glory of God. Yes, sometimes, as it happens, stuff gets in the way, like life and self. Sometimes, strongly held opinions are spouted, or single-mindedness occurs. But I pray that if you do follow my blog on a regular basis, it has helped you grow in your own faith as I continue to grow in mine. We are all on this journey together, and often rely on one another for information about the path, much like OTR truckers do (for my driving friends out there.)
So, this post isn't wrestling with ideas of faith, but ideas of examining motives and why we do things, and if what we are doing is of any worth or value. I hope my weekly blog is of worth and value to those who follow. When it ceases to function in that way, I will cease to blog.
By the way, for those who only check on Monday, I have posted twice since last Monday, so see below. Thanks for all the comments and feedback, they are appreciated.
Since I have begun this endeavor of blogging, at least once a week, I have been looking more at other's blogs (it's only fair after all), and I find I must ask myself a question....what's the point? I originally started this as a discipline of writing for myself, which one would assume then it wouldn't matter if others read it or not; however, I have discovered that I appreciate it when others read my blog, so maybe my motives have changed.
In looking at other's blogs around blogspot and those I know of in other venues, I have found some really good blogs with a variety of purposes. There are those that are casual and mainly for the purpose of keeping up with friends and family who live far apart (pictures of babies, etc.), there are those which are written on parenting, on gardening, and on cars. There are those like mine which have a decidedly religious point although many times there are many different angles. I have even found a blog where two people post - one inside Gaza and one in Israel about their lives (for those who took my Israel/Palestine study). And in looking at all of these, I have discovered that the really good ones are much like writers of articles in magazines. Some offer 'how-tos', some offer insight and wisdom, some offer quirky recipes, both for life and food.
So after a great deal of research, I have discovered that I do this, as I attempt to do all things, for the glory of God. Yes, sometimes, as it happens, stuff gets in the way, like life and self. Sometimes, strongly held opinions are spouted, or single-mindedness occurs. But I pray that if you do follow my blog on a regular basis, it has helped you grow in your own faith as I continue to grow in mine. We are all on this journey together, and often rely on one another for information about the path, much like OTR truckers do (for my driving friends out there.)
So, this post isn't wrestling with ideas of faith, but ideas of examining motives and why we do things, and if what we are doing is of any worth or value. I hope my weekly blog is of worth and value to those who follow. When it ceases to function in that way, I will cease to blog.
By the way, for those who only check on Monday, I have posted twice since last Monday, so see below. Thanks for all the comments and feedback, they are appreciated.
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