Mark 16:1-8
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Mark is a most puzzling Gospel and the end is no different. The women go tot he tomb to find it empty. Theya re told to go tell the disciples and Peter (whose last words in this Gospel account are his denial of Christ) that "he is going ahead of you..." Christ always goes ahead of us. Endures the road that we walk before we even get there. He knows where the potholes and obstacles are. The women were in shock and said nothing. This is the day that we celebrate in terror and amazement that our Lord has indeed risen and He goes ahead of us. Alleluia! Amen!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
An Old Farmer's Advice:
Some are better than others....
* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong.
* Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance.
* Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.
* Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
* Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
* It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
* You cannot unsay a cruel word.
* Every path has a few puddles.
* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
* The best sermons are lived, not preached
* Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen, anyway.
* Don't judge folks by their relatives.
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
* Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.
* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
* If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
* Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
* The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'."
* Always drink upstream from the herd.
* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
* Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.
* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. AMEN TO THIS!!!!
* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong.
* Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance.
* Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.
* Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
* Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
* It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
* You cannot unsay a cruel word.
* Every path has a few puddles.
* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
* The best sermons are lived, not preached
* Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen, anyway.
* Don't judge folks by their relatives.
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
* Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.
* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
* If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
* Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
* The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'."
* Always drink upstream from the herd.
* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
* Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.
* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. AMEN TO THIS!!!!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Maundy Thursday
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
1Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 9Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 11For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean."
12After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
May we all pause and remember the selfless act of Christ as he washed the feet of the disciples. We have all been called to serve and to love one another.
1Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 9Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 11For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean."12After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
May we all pause and remember the selfless act of Christ as he washed the feet of the disciples. We have all been called to serve and to love one another.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Election Results are In
And...Josh Gahr is the new Student Body President. Congrats to Josh. Thank you to fellow students who voted and supported me. I plan to run to be on the Worship Committee (where I currently serve). Oh well. Best of luck to Josh in his year in office and good luck to all those running for Student Senate and for committees.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Holy Week Begins
John 12:1-8
Mary Anoints Jesus
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’
Mary Anoints Jesus
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’
Sunday, April 09, 2006
golf and a day off
Yesterday was spent doing nothing, that's right, nothing. After several days of pure insanity trying to get things done, I did nothing...productive. I spent the day playing golf with Carter and Kelly, hanging out over good brisket, and watching a movie. Golf on a gorgeous day like Saturday is 4 hours (or longer) of pure paridise. The course was packed, so the play was slow. Very relaxing. Then iet was off to the Brundeen's for food and fellowship. It was nice to chat with friends and see all the relatively new babies who aren't so new anymore.
Then I came back and watched "Brokeback Mountain" with some friends in the dorm. That was a rather odd movie, and I am still not quite sure what to think about it. Then just some hanging out. There is so much left to be done for the semester, but I most definitely needed a day off. Another busy week lies ahead, more papers due, more to read (there is always more to read), and less and less time for sleep. Not many weeks left in the semester, this is the downhill race to the end. Big fun! But at least for one day, there was nothing to do.
Then I came back and watched "Brokeback Mountain" with some friends in the dorm. That was a rather odd movie, and I am still not quite sure what to think about it. Then just some hanging out. There is so much left to be done for the semester, but I most definitely needed a day off. Another busy week lies ahead, more papers due, more to read (there is always more to read), and less and less time for sleep. Not many weeks left in the semester, this is the downhill race to the end. Big fun! But at least for one day, there was nothing to do.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Theology has taken over my brain....
Okay, I am the theology nerd! I spent the better part of the day struggling with Jurgen Moltmann. We are reading "The Way of Christ" and I am presenting part of it with a fellow classmate. At one point today, I was overwhelmed by so much clutter of life, I honestly didn't know where to start. I get the chapter on Apocolyptic Suffering. So, I went to see the Professor. Dr. Cynthia Rigby, who I truly think could walk on water.
We set a time later this afternoon to meet. I went back to struggling through the chapter for the millionth time, went to choir rehearsal, then back to laboring over the chapter. As I took notes on what I had previously underlined in the book, Trinity stuck out of the text, I found it really odd that it kept coming up as this is a book on Christology. Well, lo and behold, when I met with Cindy and talked about the opening sentences of the chapter which put the cross at the heart of the passion story, which is at the heart of Christology, which is at the heart of Christianity...The Cross then stands in the center of the Trinity as the Trinity is the perichoritic nature of the 3 in 1 that is the Eternal Godhead. The cross is representative of the self giving love not only of Christ, but of the Father and the Holy Spirit as well. Christ suffered on the cross, the Father and the Spirit suffered as well. These were the sufferings not of the particular man of Jesus Christ, but the sufferings of all of creation as well, they are apocolyptic. It was like a light bulb came on. Now I am still not done unpacking the whole chapter, but at least got started. Cindy helped me in finding the path that I need to pursue and helped me see that I did actually understand this stuff.
The overwhelming task of the semester caught up with me and stress has taken over my brain. Cindy suggested golf or a movie. So heeding the advice of a trusted professor, I headed to the movie with Jensen and Papps, 2 of the Ryans. We went to V for Vendetta. Very theological movie. Purifying through fire, baptism, Christ within all people, dying to self, saving your life by losing it...we had a theological chat afterward. Nuts that you can go to movies and find theological themes in them because that is now the pattern that your brain takes on. YIKES!!!
On another note, the run-off election started today between me and Josh Gahr. We had to give 2 minute speeches. My platformless campaign changed to Academics + 2. Study, that is why we are here plus a way to feed yourself spiritually and a way to engage with the community through service and/or fellowship. We'll see what happens.
Peace,
We set a time later this afternoon to meet. I went back to struggling through the chapter for the millionth time, went to choir rehearsal, then back to laboring over the chapter. As I took notes on what I had previously underlined in the book, Trinity stuck out of the text, I found it really odd that it kept coming up as this is a book on Christology. Well, lo and behold, when I met with Cindy and talked about the opening sentences of the chapter which put the cross at the heart of the passion story, which is at the heart of Christology, which is at the heart of Christianity...The Cross then stands in the center of the Trinity as the Trinity is the perichoritic nature of the 3 in 1 that is the Eternal Godhead. The cross is representative of the self giving love not only of Christ, but of the Father and the Holy Spirit as well. Christ suffered on the cross, the Father and the Spirit suffered as well. These were the sufferings not of the particular man of Jesus Christ, but the sufferings of all of creation as well, they are apocolyptic. It was like a light bulb came on. Now I am still not done unpacking the whole chapter, but at least got started. Cindy helped me in finding the path that I need to pursue and helped me see that I did actually understand this stuff.
The overwhelming task of the semester caught up with me and stress has taken over my brain. Cindy suggested golf or a movie. So heeding the advice of a trusted professor, I headed to the movie with Jensen and Papps, 2 of the Ryans. We went to V for Vendetta. Very theological movie. Purifying through fire, baptism, Christ within all people, dying to self, saving your life by losing it...we had a theological chat afterward. Nuts that you can go to movies and find theological themes in them because that is now the pattern that your brain takes on. YIKES!!!
On another note, the run-off election started today between me and Josh Gahr. We had to give 2 minute speeches. My platformless campaign changed to Academics + 2. Study, that is why we are here plus a way to feed yourself spiritually and a way to engage with the community through service and/or fellowship. We'll see what happens.
Peace,
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
RUN OFF!!!
Well, as expected with 5 candidates for President, there is a run off election starting tomorrow. It is me and someone else, I know not who. My campaign is still kinda the non-campaign. Vote for me if you want, or don't, whatever. I am still not overly sure what to think about this whole Presidential campaign thing. Another week of waiting,
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Retreat!!!!!
Just came back from a weekend spiritual retreat..it was much needed. One of the things we did is read an article on Temptation by Henri Nouwen. It is based in the temptations of Christ in the wilderness. It discusses the temptation to be relevant, to be spectacular, and to be powerful. What I took away from this is that none of these 3 temptations are in and of themselves evil, it is our motives behind them that make them so. If my drive to be relevant is based on wanting appreciation from people, then it is not done in the right spirit. If I desire to be spectacular, it is about my glory. If I seek power, it is about me lording over someone else.
Nouwen talks about the "downward way."
"Just as we came to see God in the downward way of Christ, so we will become truly sons and daughters of God by becoming participants in this downward way, the way of the cross."
When we do not seek to be relevant, spectacular or powerful except in and through Christ then we truly are living for God. This is how we become counter-cultural. We do not seek the praise and glory of this world, but of God alone.
The downward way, the way of the cross, struck me this morning as we were closing with worship in the outdoor chapel at John Knox Ranch On the left side of the chapel, toward the front there is a stairway that then leads to a rocky path down to the road below.
The first few steps are wooden and not that difficult to traverse. Then the path is steep and rocky. There are logs in place as steps, but it is a difficult trek. The path then leads out of the trees and into a clearing. There in the sunlight is a road. Our downward way is like this too. The first steps are easier. There are habits and parts of ourselves that we can give up for Christ without too much trouble, but then the path becomes rockier and more difficult. Once we have traversed the path, the ground becomes level as we approach the foot of the cross. There, in the light, we walk the road which is not always smooth itself. We walk, like Jesus, on the road with fellow travelers, we meet people where they are.
Nouwen talks about the "downward way."
"Just as we came to see God in the downward way of Christ, so we will become truly sons and daughters of God by becoming participants in this downward way, the way of the cross."
When we do not seek to be relevant, spectacular or powerful except in and through Christ then we truly are living for God. This is how we become counter-cultural. We do not seek the praise and glory of this world, but of God alone.
The downward way, the way of the cross, struck me this morning as we were closing with worship in the outdoor chapel at John Knox Ranch On the left side of the chapel, toward the front there is a stairway that then leads to a rocky path down to the road below.
The first few steps are wooden and not that difficult to traverse. Then the path is steep and rocky. There are logs in place as steps, but it is a difficult trek. The path then leads out of the trees and into a clearing. There in the sunlight is a road. Our downward way is like this too. The first steps are easier. There are habits and parts of ourselves that we can give up for Christ without too much trouble, but then the path becomes rockier and more difficult. Once we have traversed the path, the ground becomes level as we approach the foot of the cross. There, in the light, we walk the road which is not always smooth itself. We walk, like Jesus, on the road with fellow travelers, we meet people where they are.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
For Good
This is a song from the musical "Wicked." This is a duet between Glinda the good witch and Elphaba who we know as the Wicked Witch of the West. The composer Stephen Schwarz asked his daughter what she would say to her best friend if she knew she wouldn't see her again. I absolutely love this song. And the lyrics are so true. I left many friends in Norman, OK who changed me for good and I have made many more friends here who have changed me too. I love the line that we are led to those who help us most to grow...if we let them.
To all those who have helped me to grow and who have left their handprint on my heart. I love ya!
I'VE HEARD IT SAID
THAT PEOPLE COME INTO OUR LIVES FOR A REASON
BRINGING SOMETHING WE MUST LEARN
AND WE ARE LED
TO THOSE WHO HELP US MOST TO GROW
IF WE LET THEM
AND WE HELP THEM IN RETURN
WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF I BELIEVE THAT'S TRUE
BUT I KNOW I'M WHO I AM TODAY
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
LIKE A COMET PULLED FROM ORBIT
AS IT PASSES A SUN
LIKE A STREAM THAT MEETS A BOULDER
HALFWAY THROUGH THE WOOD
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
BUT BECAUSE I KNEW YOU
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD …
IT WELL MAY BE
THAT WE WILL NEVER MEET AGAIN
IN THIS LIFETIME
SO LET ME SAY BEFORE WE PART
SO MUCH OF ME
IS MADE OF WHAT I LEARNED FROM YOU
YOU'LL BE WITH ME
LIKE A HANDPRINT ON MY HEART
AND NOW WHATEVER WAY OUR STORIES END
I KNOW YOU HAVE RE-WRITTEN MINE
BY BEING MY FRIEND...
LIKE A SHIP BLOWN FROM ITS MOORING
BY A WIND OFF THE SEA
LIKE A SEED DROPPED BY A SKYBIRD
IN A DISTANT WOOD
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
BUT BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD...
AND JUST TO CLEAR THE AIR
I ASK FORGIVENESS
FOR THE THINGS I'VE DONE YOU BLAME ME FOR
BUT THEN, I GUESS WE KNOW
THERE'S BLAME TO SHARE
AND NONE OF IT SEEMS TO MATTER ANYMORE
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
I DO BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER
AND BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD.
To all those who have helped me to grow and who have left their handprint on my heart. I love ya!
I'VE HEARD IT SAID
THAT PEOPLE COME INTO OUR LIVES FOR A REASON
BRINGING SOMETHING WE MUST LEARN
AND WE ARE LED
TO THOSE WHO HELP US MOST TO GROW
IF WE LET THEM
AND WE HELP THEM IN RETURN
WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF I BELIEVE THAT'S TRUE
BUT I KNOW I'M WHO I AM TODAY
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
LIKE A COMET PULLED FROM ORBIT
AS IT PASSES A SUN
LIKE A STREAM THAT MEETS A BOULDER
HALFWAY THROUGH THE WOOD
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
BUT BECAUSE I KNEW YOU
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD …
IT WELL MAY BE
THAT WE WILL NEVER MEET AGAIN
IN THIS LIFETIME
SO LET ME SAY BEFORE WE PART
SO MUCH OF ME
IS MADE OF WHAT I LEARNED FROM YOU
YOU'LL BE WITH ME
LIKE A HANDPRINT ON MY HEART
AND NOW WHATEVER WAY OUR STORIES END
I KNOW YOU HAVE RE-WRITTEN MINE
BY BEING MY FRIEND...
LIKE A SHIP BLOWN FROM ITS MOORING
BY A WIND OFF THE SEA
LIKE A SEED DROPPED BY A SKYBIRD
IN A DISTANT WOOD
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
BUT BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD...
AND JUST TO CLEAR THE AIR
I ASK FORGIVENESS
FOR THE THINGS I'VE DONE YOU BLAME ME FOR
BUT THEN, I GUESS WE KNOW
THERE'S BLAME TO SHARE
AND NONE OF IT SEEMS TO MATTER ANYMORE
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
I DO BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER
AND BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The Race Begins...
Well, I am now officially a candidate for Student Body President along with 4 others. Each of us brings something a little different to the table, but I truly believe that any one of us would be wonderful in the office. I am glad that my felllow students have to tough choice to make. In the end I decided that the worst thing that could happen is that I don't win and I run to be on the Worship Committee again (which I have truly enjoyed).
There are 6 weeks left of school. Due dates begin to loom ever larger so I am trying to get started on a few projects now. This is always a busy time of year and it is about to get more so. So I guess it is back to reading for now.
There are 6 weeks left of school. Due dates begin to loom ever larger so I am trying to get started on a few projects now. This is always a busy time of year and it is about to get more so. So I guess it is back to reading for now.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
OUCH!
After playing softball and a round of gold, I am a bit, okay more than a bit, sore. It has been a while since I was this sore. Have to work on that one.
Friday, March 24, 2006
An incredible Song
Thanks to Paul Burns for introducing me to this song. What a concept. Broken and spilled out. Isn't that how we should be? Isn't that exactly what Jesus did for us? I need to meditate on this song more. Here are the lyrics. More later.
One day a plain village woman
Driven by love for her Lord
Recklessly poured out a valuable essence
Disregarding the scorn
And once it was broken and spilled out
A fragrance filled all the room
Like a prisoner released from his shackles
Like a spirit set free from the tomb
Broken and spilled out
Just for love of you, Jesus
My most precious treasure
Lavished on thee
Broken and spilled out
And poured at your feet
In sweet abandon
Let me be spilled out
And used up for Thee
Lord you were God's precious treasure
His loved and his own perfect Son
Sent here to show me the love of the Father
Just for love it was done
And though you were perfect and holy
You gave up yourself willingly
You spared no expense for my pardon
You were used up and wasted for me
Broken and spilled out
Just for love of me Jesus
God's most precious treasure
Lavished on me
Broken and spilled out
And poured at my feet
In sweet abandon
Lord you were spilled out
And used up for me
One day a plain village woman
Driven by love for her Lord
Recklessly poured out a valuable essence
Disregarding the scorn
And once it was broken and spilled out
A fragrance filled all the room
Like a prisoner released from his shackles
Like a spirit set free from the tomb
Broken and spilled out
Just for love of you, Jesus
My most precious treasure
Lavished on thee
Broken and spilled out
And poured at your feet
In sweet abandon
Let me be spilled out
And used up for Thee
Lord you were God's precious treasure
His loved and his own perfect Son
Sent here to show me the love of the Father
Just for love it was done
And though you were perfect and holy
You gave up yourself willingly
You spared no expense for my pardon
You were used up and wasted for me
Broken and spilled out
Just for love of me Jesus
God's most precious treasure
Lavished on me
Broken and spilled out
And poured at my feet
In sweet abandon
Lord you were spilled out
And used up for me
Thursday, March 23, 2006
More Blog Things
Thank Ryan!!!! More sillyness!
What do you know....this is my favorite drink
A tribute to my favorite TV show
Last one....
| You Are The Empress |
 You represent the ideal female figure: beauty and nurturing. You bring security and harmony to many. At times, you are also a very sensual person. You are characterized by love, pleasure, and desire. Your fortune: You need to take some time to think about the role of commitment in your life. It's possible you need to commit more to others, or deal with how others have treated you. It is very important for you to support your friends and family right now, difficult as it may be. You may need to look at your relationship with your mother, or your relationships as a mother. |
What do you know....this is my favorite drink
| You Are a Margarita |
 You aren't just the life of the party, you are the party! You mix a good drink, bust out some great music, and know how to get down. |
A tribute to my favorite TV show
| You Are Ned Flanders |
 A good neighbor and a devout Christian, you are a community leader. And you are called to make the world a better place, especially for left handed people. You will be remembered for: your goofy expressions - "hi-dilly, ho-dilly!" Your life philosophy: "I've done everything the Bible says - even the stuff that contradicts the other stuff!" |
| You Are Kermit |
 Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know. You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems. Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green. Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies! |
Last one....
| Your IQ Is 135 |
 Your Logical Intelligence is Below Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Genius Your General Knowledge is Genius |
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Running for President and other miscellany
Today, I accepted the nomination for Student Body President. I am running against Chris and Michael, 2 very intelligent, caring, positive, great guys who are my fellow classmates and who I look forward to being colleagues in ministry with in the near future. Nominations close next Wednesday and then everyone votes. Several friends had asked me about running, and I am sure each of them had their own reasons for asking me about running. I have spent time in prayer over it, but I don't know as I can put a finger on exactly why I am running for this office. It just feels like the right thing to do.
This week has been the "Women of the Cloth" conference on campus to celebrate 50 years of women in ministry. It has been nice to see women from my presbytery, including my committee chair and another committee member. I have also been able to reconnect with a couple pastors who I spent time with in OKC in October for ords grading, as well as meeting many new female clergy. I have once again had a role on the periphery with technology.
Having been around the women of my presbytery and women I have spent time with during the ords grading, I have been extremely affirmed not only in my call, but in gifts that I bring to ministry. The women of my presbytery want me to come back there when I graduate, but another wants me in her presbytery when I graduate. It is nice to be wanted, especially when it has nothing to do with where I stand on any political issues within the church. It is all about who they have come to know me to be.
Very cool!!!!
So in the upcoming weeks...will it be Hail to the Chief? Have to wait and see.
This week has been the "Women of the Cloth" conference on campus to celebrate 50 years of women in ministry. It has been nice to see women from my presbytery, including my committee chair and another committee member. I have also been able to reconnect with a couple pastors who I spent time with in OKC in October for ords grading, as well as meeting many new female clergy. I have once again had a role on the periphery with technology.
Having been around the women of my presbytery and women I have spent time with during the ords grading, I have been extremely affirmed not only in my call, but in gifts that I bring to ministry. The women of my presbytery want me to come back there when I graduate, but another wants me in her presbytery when I graduate. It is nice to be wanted, especially when it has nothing to do with where I stand on any political issues within the church. It is all about who they have come to know me to be.
Very cool!!!!
So in the upcoming weeks...will it be Hail to the Chief? Have to wait and see.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
The 36% Evil Curler
Was reading blogs this morning and was redirected to Blogthings http://www.blogthings.com and took a couple of quizes this morning.
What Winter Sport are you? Curling...no wonder I like it so much :)
How Evil are You? Took this in honor of my favorite "333 I'm only half evil" shirt.
What Winter Sport are you? Curling...no wonder I like it so much :)
| You Are Curling |
 What you lack in athleticism, you make up for in concentration. And while curling isn't much more of a sport than bowling, you *can* win a gold medal for it! |
How Evil are You? Took this in honor of my favorite "333 I'm only half evil" shirt.
| You Are 36% Evil |
 A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well. In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil. |
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Road Trippin for Spring Break
Just got back from Norman. Went home to visit the family and get out of Austin for a bit. Most of the time was spent playing with my nephews (Josh -8 and Jayson 2), including going bowling and going to the zoo. I also got to see some good friends. It was very affirming to see friends and to have them tell me what gifts they see in me.
It was great to get away from studying for a few days, but now it is time to get started and try to work ahead. This semester is gonna get nutty!!!
Later
It was great to get away from studying for a few days, but now it is time to get started and try to work ahead. This semester is gonna get nutty!!!
Later
Monday, March 06, 2006
I am a Candidate now
Well as of last Friday afternoon I have been moved to the next phase in the ecclesiastical process, to candidacy. It involved standing in front of Presbytery telling my call story and answering questions related to it. It was a very affirming process and I am one notch further along.
I was reading a draft proposal from the New Wineskins Initiative about pastors. They are not going to require pastors to have an MDiv, which I think is a huge mistake. They are looking for practical training, an apprentice sort of role and some basic classes (that you can probably take at most major universities through the religious studies departments), but I think that is a bad idea!!!
Presbyterians have valued educated clergy. There is reason to learn the original language, the text becomes much richer and more intriguing in the original language. Our English interpretations often cannot do the original language justice in meaning. I see this as an attempt to stifle the Word. It reminds me of those who truly believe the words printed in red are precisely what Jesus said.
That being said, off to translate Greek!
I was reading a draft proposal from the New Wineskins Initiative about pastors. They are not going to require pastors to have an MDiv, which I think is a huge mistake. They are looking for practical training, an apprentice sort of role and some basic classes (that you can probably take at most major universities through the religious studies departments), but I think that is a bad idea!!!
Presbyterians have valued educated clergy. There is reason to learn the original language, the text becomes much richer and more intriguing in the original language. Our English interpretations often cannot do the original language justice in meaning. I see this as an attempt to stifle the Word. It reminds me of those who truly believe the words printed in red are precisely what Jesus said.
That being said, off to translate Greek!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Nothing like a little golf
In light of my struggles, I declared a Sabbath today. Went and hit a bucket of golf balls on the range for an hour. Came up with the "theology" of golf. Had a chance to think through some things and take out a lot of stress on little white round things. Then played at the local pitch and putt with my friend Steve. Low key day, time to sort things out.
I need to play golf more often I think.
Presbytery is Friday. Standing to become a candidate.
I need to play golf more often I think.
Presbytery is Friday. Standing to become a candidate.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Still struggling
I find myself still struggling. I am restless and don't know which way to go or what to do. This is partially about losing control. I hate not being in control. I have to let go, I have to embrace silence and allow God to speak to me and work through me. The struggle continues.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)