Two totally unrelated events

This last week, I had no idea what to do for small group.  I thought about just going through a Psalm, or maybe part of a book, or a chapter/page from a devotional, but really was lacking the initiative to do any of those.  I asked Brent and Crystal, to members of our group if they had any ideas, and if they thought of a couple if they could just let me know.

Well, Brent just so happened to have a copy of Most.  If you have the chance to watch this 30 min long "modern-day parable", please do.  I was lying on the McClintock's floor crying as I was reminded once again about our total lack of understanding of the power and the glory of the Cross.  In the words of Stanley Grenz, all we can do when confronted by it, is just to stand in awe.  That overwhelming feeling that maybe your life matters, and maybe you shouldn't let yourself get in the way.  

Lent, what an amazing time.  This time of year reminds me of what CS Lewis called the Deep Magic, its inexplicable, its a hunger that somehow has to be appeased.  So, you have to give it your all.  And you do it not because it is required, for the requirement has been met.  You give and you give because what else can you do in response to it?  

And on a totally unrelated topic, and I hope this does not detract from anything I put into what was written above...

SO, I have class tonight at Messiah on the fourth floor.  Which may not mean anything except I think the person in the middle Men's room stall probably didn't think anyone would bother him.  So he had no problem singing along to what ever music device he was listening to (I wasn't really looking to see if it was an iPod, or a discman, or a Zune).  And by singing, I mean singing.  Belting out some song, that was definitely of the Taking Back Sunday variety.  But I definitely caught him off guard.  I thought about just hanging out by the door to see if he would resume after I had left.

Idol idyllic question

In this year's American Idol competition, there is an Irish chick, and an Australian guy... Can we allow two nationals to win AMERICAN Idol?  I know they have Australian Idol, and I'm pretty sure Pop Idol is still on in the UK, so what gives?  Could they not make it back home, but here their accents are charming and endearing, so they're in!  

Crazy...

But, maybe this is what America great.  Anyone can make it.  

Even those who could not make it back home... even if they do come from some of the best places for people with accents.  

For those of you who missed out, you missed a great day today.  Well, maybe just a really great couple of minutes.  Specifically, somewhere around 7:15 P.M.  this evening.  Its an amazing time.  Wait until the next snowfall, a pretty big one, like today's, then wait until about 7:15.  Put on some boots and some long pants, and possibly a coat and a hat, and just go out on your stoop.  Its so quiet.  Its never this quiet.  A calm serenity, and yet the air just seems warm and full.  Expectant.  No breeze.  And full of movement.  When you move, it breaks like a hot knife through plastic wrap, and you need to move.   But then its broken and you start shoveling.  

40 crazy days and nights

I'm not supposed to do this, but I'm secure enough to let you know this...

I'm giving up soda for Lent.

Dah dah daaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!

I worry that I am way to attached to my little dark friend.  How do I know I am a little too attached?  Well, I find myself pining and longing, my palms get sweaty, and I look forward to the time when I can put that aluminum edge to my lips and taking a sip.  

I know, sick.  

And so here is my thought to kick off my Lenten adventure: freedom.  

I do not want to give up coke because I know it will take pounds off of me (this I remember from last year) nor do I do this because of some knowledge of its harm to my teeth (I usually drink tea instead, anyway).  I do it because I want nothing to stand in my way as I pursue Christ-likeness.  Is it a sin I want to get rid of?  If I choose Coke over Christ, than yes.  Do my palms sweat in anticipation of Christ more than when I need a Coke?  Do I look forward to my time with Him as much as I look forward to my Coke habit?  I long for freedom.  I want nothing to hold me back from the race that stretches before me.  

Why do we care about a backwater ground hog?

I hate Groundhog Day.  No real reason.  I find it amusing that there are some that will flood a town to figure out vacation plans from a rodent.  Especially a non-educated rodent.  

Which leads me to wonder if Mickey ever went to college?  What was his major?  Did he just take Art history knowing he would live off of Walt's dime for life?  

And more winter?  Come on, can we really complain?  Its been a nice winter so far.

Electile Dysfunction

Last night, a friend of mine told me her husband was suffering from what he called "Electile Dysfunction".  This is when none of the candidates present and running arouses you to vote.  I liked this term, and asked if there was a hospital, or doctor that could treat my problem.  Maybe there's a little blue pill out there for me, too.

I don't know that I'm looking for direction as far as who to vote for.  I think I just need a reason to vote.  Maybe if I feel backed into a corner on some moral or political issue then I'll have to force myself into it.  

Until then, I surf the internet hoping one of the candidates will do it for me.

a scene from a reading class

She wrote on her hand for most of the period.  Scribbling and scrawling, I'm not sure but ti seemed as if she were quoting song lyrics.  On the back of her hand she wrote, "HAte is ALL i do", written with a smiley face with crossed out eyes.

Faintly, underneath it, partly washed away was: Love ME.

She wrote and scribbled more, and was very careful never to expose her palm wide enough for me to read what was going on.  

I have a problem

So, I went to the Mormon website, because I know that they give out free copies of the Book of Mormon.  Well, it turns out that they have to actually hand you a copy via missionaries (you know, those kids with ties riding bikes?).  Well, I'm curious if there is anyone out there who is willing to go through the actual "missionary" episode so that I could get my free copy, just let me know.  That would be great.

(I thought about just filling out the address form with someone else's address and explaining later, but you can thank my wife for all of the missionaries not coming to your house.  So, yeah, you should probably thank her.)