The cube
The new work digs. Considering it's the Army and you can see what's on my desk, seems like I need to work on my camo skills.
be quiet
Prayer for Peace
Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Unemployed
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Athletes are not role models. The end.
Whitlock always says what people are thinking, but don't have the onions (legitimately or otherwise) to say it. Just wondering why he didn't write this piece 12 years ago about Michael Jordan. Seems like Tiger or Arenas are too easy a targets right now. However, making a point by kicking the dead horse seems like a journalistic and editorial cop-out. http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/1661486.html?storylink=omni_popular
The Vine
This was the scripture from the Following the Star Advent devotion this morning. Made me think about community, the different communities I'm part of and what impact I can have on each.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.... I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.... My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples." (John 15:1, 5, 8) How can you impact the communities you find yourself in each day?Joyful Feast of St. Nicholas
Oh God,
Help us to follow the example of Nicholas, who loved the poor, the weak, and the young, giving what he had to those who had little.
May we, too, walk in the way that leads to life:
loving you with all our heart,
and our neighbors as ourselves,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
For more information about the history of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, the poor and the innocent, I encourage you to visit the St. Nicholas Center by clicking here. It is a great resource for learning the history of St. Nicholas of Myra, as well as fun activities to celebrate with your family.
Following the Star
Advent is loud, but I don't think it's designed to be.
It's just happens.
Noise during the waiting period leading up to the birth... I'm reminded of lip-synced parade floats, bells and whistles in the mall and the Nat King Cole Christmas album taking over the local soft rock radio stations. They all have their place and time, I suppose, and they bring joy to those who have wonderful holiday memories tied up in those sounds.
There's hustle and there's bustle, but then there is the calm. The quiet. And the peace.
I'm trying to be deliberate this season with my quiet. And it's terribly hard, but entirely worth it. I think the celebration of Nine Lessons and Carols is a great combination of quiet and joyful noise.
A few weeks back my dear friend Leslie forwarded me a link to a great daily devotion site which - during Advent - shares a great meditation each day leading up to Christmas. If you're seeking out a moment of peace any time of the day, visit Following the Star by clicking here.
A great comment on Advent I stumbled upon over the weekend...
"Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present." -- Edward Hays
Beauty in Everything
Grace
She takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name
Grace
It's a name for a girl
It's also a thought that changed the world
And when she walks on the street
You can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness in everything
Grace, she's got the walk
Not on a ramp or on chalk
She's got the time to talk
She travels outside of karma
She travels outside of karma
When she goes to work
You can hear her strings
Grace finds beauty in everything
Grace, she carries a world on her hips
No champagne flute for her lips
No twirls or skips between her fingertips
She carries a pearl in perfect condition
What once was hurt
What once was friction
What left a mark
No longer stings
Because grace makes beauty
Out of ugly things
Grace makes beauty out of ugly things
Music: U2
Lyrics: Bono
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The first clementine of the year. What a cutie!
A Collect for Peace
From MPII this morning...
God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Claire of Assisi
