Our assignment was to re-write the parable of the ten virgins in "modern" (post-modern?) language. So fun!
Matthew 25:1-13
The Kingdom of Heaven will be like the launch of an amazing new app for IPhone. Ten friends brought their IPhones and met at a coffee house, waiting for the app to launch. As they waited, they played Angry Birds.
They played late into the night, draining batteries left and right. When the announcement was finally made--the app launch is here!--5 friends pulled out their chargers to plug in their IPhones.
"Let us borrow your cords!" the other 5 said.
"We can't share, we don't want to miss the download!"
The friends went home to get their chargers, but when they went to get the app, the window to get it for free was over. They called tech support, but were told, "Sorry, you missed the opportunity."
Therefore, keep charged, for you don't know when a free app opportunity might come along.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Writing Groups?
Thinking about writing groups. Anyone have any experience with one?
I am starting a closed group this week, something I'm calling "therapeutic writing group" or "healing writing group." Still working it out. There will just be three of us (at the mo). I am interested to see how the process works.
I have also purchased three books about writing groups. I am intrigued, and may start another one, along the lines of a creative writing group.
Something may be brewing...I'll try to keep you posted.
I am starting a closed group this week, something I'm calling "therapeutic writing group" or "healing writing group." Still working it out. There will just be three of us (at the mo). I am interested to see how the process works.
I have also purchased three books about writing groups. I am intrigued, and may start another one, along the lines of a creative writing group.
Something may be brewing...I'll try to keep you posted.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Church Buildings...
I'm thinking that church buildings should probably be sold and all the money given to feed and care for those in other countries who are in need. So many church buildings are only used once or twice a week, and often for very small groups. If these groups would just meet in homes, or find a community space like a library or community center (which often aren't in use on Sunday mornings or evenings), they wouldn't even need their building.
And that would put the salt back out in the world where it belongs. Instead of stuck in the shaker where it's not doing anyone any good.
And that would put the salt back out in the world where it belongs. Instead of stuck in the shaker where it's not doing anyone any good.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Aldersgate Camp. Wow.
Just back from a week in Fitchburg. Wow.
Words can't describe the extreme highs and lows of the week. Well, highs were extreme. Lows were...just low.
For those of you unable to attend, sorry you missed my performance of Irene Cara's "Flashdance: What a Feeling." DANCE performance. That was a once in a lifetime thing...sorry you have missed out. There might be a random video out there, hoping no one will think to post it...
Pray for my campers...new commitments to their spiritual journey for almost all of them. Firsts, seconds, all important.
What a feeling.
Words can't describe the extreme highs and lows of the week. Well, highs were extreme. Lows were...just low.
For those of you unable to attend, sorry you missed my performance of Irene Cara's "Flashdance: What a Feeling." DANCE performance. That was a once in a lifetime thing...sorry you have missed out. There might be a random video out there, hoping no one will think to post it...
Pray for my campers...new commitments to their spiritual journey for almost all of them. Firsts, seconds, all important.
What a feeling.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
2 years and counting...
Still trying to find healing, closure, whatever you want to call it. It's been 2 years now, and I'm still reeling from the pain. Sometimes my heart hurts so bad I can't think straight.
I've tried everything I can think of to work through this loss. I can't even think of what else I could possibly pray to find healing. Waiting, moving, forgiving (or trying to forgive?), working through my hurt and anger...I can't believe how long this has held on. I have not a clue what to do about it.
I've tried everything I can think of to work through this loss. I can't even think of what else I could possibly pray to find healing. Waiting, moving, forgiving (or trying to forgive?), working through my hurt and anger...I can't believe how long this has held on. I have not a clue what to do about it.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Confession...about Frozen Burritos
I admit it. I have some weird attraction to frozen burritos. I can go for months without having one, but then the craving hits and I just can't stop thinking about them. Even though they are terrible in so many ways: terrible for your health, terrible tasting...just terrible. Obviously it is some kind of addiction.
Then yesterday I had an epiphany. I had tried making my own burritos before, but they just didn't satisfy the craving for the frozen burrito. Something clicked yesterday, though.
I took a can of pinto beans, drained them, and threw them in the food processor with half of can of tomatoes (the kind with some green chiles added). I'm just going to keep this mixture in the fridge, and when the craving hits, I'll throw a couple of spoonfuls on a tortilla, add a little cheese, and microwave.
I tried one yesterday, and they are GOOD. Surprisingly good. They satisfied my craving, and are probably a new addiction of their own. Thankfully I found some amazing tortillas with 12 (yes I said 12) grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein and only 70 calories each.
Nothing better than a healthy bean burrito. Including a frozen burrito.
I have really turned a corner here.
Then yesterday I had an epiphany. I had tried making my own burritos before, but they just didn't satisfy the craving for the frozen burrito. Something clicked yesterday, though.
I took a can of pinto beans, drained them, and threw them in the food processor with half of can of tomatoes (the kind with some green chiles added). I'm just going to keep this mixture in the fridge, and when the craving hits, I'll throw a couple of spoonfuls on a tortilla, add a little cheese, and microwave.
I tried one yesterday, and they are GOOD. Surprisingly good. They satisfied my craving, and are probably a new addiction of their own. Thankfully I found some amazing tortillas with 12 (yes I said 12) grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein and only 70 calories each.
Nothing better than a healthy bean burrito. Including a frozen burrito.
I have really turned a corner here.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Best of the Worst?
While I was running today (pant, pant, when will this get any easier?!?), I thought, "I've got to be the worst runner ever."
Then I thought about all the people who don't run. And I cut myself some slack. Perhaps, I thought, I might be a better runner than people who don't normally run.
That made me feel a little better about it. Pant, pant.
Then I thought about all the people who don't run. And I cut myself some slack. Perhaps, I thought, I might be a better runner than people who don't normally run.
That made me feel a little better about it. Pant, pant.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Praying the Hours
I just ordered the whole set of Phyllis Tickle's The Divine Hours books. Not sure how I feel about 'praying the hours' yet, but I'm open to giving it a try.
Do you participate in praying the hours, or some similar practice?
Do you participate in praying the hours, or some similar practice?
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Why I run...(the strenuous exercise, not the coping mechanism)
Or perhaps the better title might be "Why do I run?"
I just returned from a short run, just 2 or so miles. It's the first one I've done in a while (except for the "runs" on my Wii Fit). I found myself asking the question "Why am I doing this?!?" several times during my brief flirt with exercise today.
Do I want to be physically fit? Sure.
Do I want to live longer? Yes.
Do I want to be able to eat a box of macaroni and cheese every once in a while? Probably closer to the truth.
But knowing that I am, ahem, "complicated," I figured that there were layers of reasons for the running.
Yes, I have experienced that sense of euphoria that kicks in on a longer run. "Runner's high" is a powerful drug. (Though I've wondered if that sense of euphoria is actually your common sense giving up and saying, "Fine, if you want to keep doing this to your body, go right ahead, but your good judgment and I are going out for a drink. We'll catch up to you when you're done with this business.")
Sometimes I even enjoy the occasional sore muscle that reminds me I did something active a day or two ago.
But when it comes right down to it, I think I must enjoy doing something that a lot of other people just won't do. I punish my body by running because I think that other people would look at me and say, "Whatever. Better you than me." It's a pretty healthy choice for this type of behavior. At least I'm not trying to act out in some unhealthy way (though perhaps that might be more fun). Even though I don't broadcast that I run, the knowledge that I do gives me some weird sense of otherness that I crave. Standing in a crowd of people somewhere, I'll think "Yeah, I ran today. Without anyone chasing me. How many of you can say that?" And in the crowds I stand in, odds are good: not many of them.
Oh, I know there are a lot of serious runners out there. I admire them. I just don't know many of them, or hang out with people who do. I'd like to think I'll get there one day. But I'll probably just keep it under 10 miles and go make some mac and cheese. The blue box, please.
Yes, I probably need (more) therapy.
I just returned from a short run, just 2 or so miles. It's the first one I've done in a while (except for the "runs" on my Wii Fit). I found myself asking the question "Why am I doing this?!?" several times during my brief flirt with exercise today.
Do I want to be physically fit? Sure.
Do I want to live longer? Yes.
Do I want to be able to eat a box of macaroni and cheese every once in a while? Probably closer to the truth.
But knowing that I am, ahem, "complicated," I figured that there were layers of reasons for the running.
Yes, I have experienced that sense of euphoria that kicks in on a longer run. "Runner's high" is a powerful drug. (Though I've wondered if that sense of euphoria is actually your common sense giving up and saying, "Fine, if you want to keep doing this to your body, go right ahead, but your good judgment and I are going out for a drink. We'll catch up to you when you're done with this business.")
Sometimes I even enjoy the occasional sore muscle that reminds me I did something active a day or two ago.
But when it comes right down to it, I think I must enjoy doing something that a lot of other people just won't do. I punish my body by running because I think that other people would look at me and say, "Whatever. Better you than me." It's a pretty healthy choice for this type of behavior. At least I'm not trying to act out in some unhealthy way (though perhaps that might be more fun). Even though I don't broadcast that I run, the knowledge that I do gives me some weird sense of otherness that I crave. Standing in a crowd of people somewhere, I'll think "Yeah, I ran today. Without anyone chasing me. How many of you can say that?" And in the crowds I stand in, odds are good: not many of them.
Oh, I know there are a lot of serious runners out there. I admire them. I just don't know many of them, or hang out with people who do. I'd like to think I'll get there one day. But I'll probably just keep it under 10 miles and go make some mac and cheese. The blue box, please.
Yes, I probably need (more) therapy.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Loitering with Intent
It's been a while. A lot of changes since my last blog...
I'm between careers. I'm between churches. I have aged into another decade bracket.
Although I manage to keep busy every day, my answer to the oft-asked questions "What do you do?" or "What are you doing these days?" is both complicated and simple: Nothing. And lots of stuff.
My spiritual director suggested that I tell people I am "loitering with intent." Intending to do what, I'm not sure. But I am trying to be vigilant about listening for direction. In the middle of doing nothing. And lots of stuff.
Some days I think I'll learn to draw. Or finish writing the book on my computer. Some days I just work on my kirigami calendar and finish a NY Times crossword. Sometimes I do a lot of laundry and cook. Sometimes I read. Some times I just watch reruns of Desperate Housewives...
I have spent some time looking for employment. But (thankfully with the blessing of my somewhat-gainfully employed spouse) I've decided that I'm going to wait until I'm not stressed about the money before I started earning it again. We'll see if I can manage to get there.
In any case, here I am...attempting to "loiter with intent." I have found that, amidst the laundry and the cooking, the kirigami and the puzzles, my mind seems to have a lot more space. And my heart seems to have a lot more peace. Not sure if this is the result of losing my job (or my church)...but it is interesting.
If you have any thoughts, feel free to share. You never know where the next direction is going to come from...
I'm between careers. I'm between churches. I have aged into another decade bracket.
Although I manage to keep busy every day, my answer to the oft-asked questions "What do you do?" or "What are you doing these days?" is both complicated and simple: Nothing. And lots of stuff.
My spiritual director suggested that I tell people I am "loitering with intent." Intending to do what, I'm not sure. But I am trying to be vigilant about listening for direction. In the middle of doing nothing. And lots of stuff.
Some days I think I'll learn to draw. Or finish writing the book on my computer. Some days I just work on my kirigami calendar and finish a NY Times crossword. Sometimes I do a lot of laundry and cook. Sometimes I read. Some times I just watch reruns of Desperate Housewives...
I have spent some time looking for employment. But (thankfully with the blessing of my somewhat-gainfully employed spouse) I've decided that I'm going to wait until I'm not stressed about the money before I started earning it again. We'll see if I can manage to get there.
In any case, here I am...attempting to "loiter with intent." I have found that, amidst the laundry and the cooking, the kirigami and the puzzles, my mind seems to have a lot more space. And my heart seems to have a lot more peace. Not sure if this is the result of losing my job (or my church)...but it is interesting.
If you have any thoughts, feel free to share. You never know where the next direction is going to come from...
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Unable to write more than once a month...
I don't know if I just don't think that much, or don't value what I do think enough to put it in print.
Or maybe I'm afraid of what people will read in, or read into, my words.
Things have been busy, despite the fact that I signed on a couple months ago for a "normal" desk job (9 to 5ish, M-F) and am no longer in grad school ('cause I FINISHED, yeah!).
I drove over to a place in Cinci today that I found online. It was a boxing studio. I was really interested in seeing it, thinking I might take up boxing for fun and amusement. The place looked a little sketchy (and I'm not usually one who cares, I kind of like sketchy) and there was a "Closed" sign on the door. So no boxing for me today.
I've got to find something to do to get in shape before the big 4-0. I just don't want to ooze into the next decade; I'd like to run into it with no jiggling, at least no arm or thigh jiggling. I can't find my "thing" and I've looked in several various and interesting places. Suggestions are welcome, especially from locals who have a really good thought...
And while I'm on the subject of jiggling, I'm totally letting my mind go to waste. I mean, how many gossip blogs can you read before you turn into mush? What up? They are ALL THE SAME. And yet I can't look away. Help me! Anything with more substance just doesn't entertain me...
SO, I'll try to be back before September hits. If I can just convince myself to log off Snarky Gossip...
Later!
Or maybe I'm afraid of what people will read in, or read into, my words.
Things have been busy, despite the fact that I signed on a couple months ago for a "normal" desk job (9 to 5ish, M-F) and am no longer in grad school ('cause I FINISHED, yeah!).
I drove over to a place in Cinci today that I found online. It was a boxing studio. I was really interested in seeing it, thinking I might take up boxing for fun and amusement. The place looked a little sketchy (and I'm not usually one who cares, I kind of like sketchy) and there was a "Closed" sign on the door. So no boxing for me today.
I've got to find something to do to get in shape before the big 4-0. I just don't want to ooze into the next decade; I'd like to run into it with no jiggling, at least no arm or thigh jiggling. I can't find my "thing" and I've looked in several various and interesting places. Suggestions are welcome, especially from locals who have a really good thought...
And while I'm on the subject of jiggling, I'm totally letting my mind go to waste. I mean, how many gossip blogs can you read before you turn into mush? What up? They are ALL THE SAME. And yet I can't look away. Help me! Anything with more substance just doesn't entertain me...
SO, I'll try to be back before September hits. If I can just convince myself to log off Snarky Gossip...
Later!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Not satisfied...
I have recently realized (again) that I am just not satisfied with myself--with anything about myself. It may be a phase (I've certainly been through this before) or it may just be who I am. Which will be a very disappointing life unless I can figure out what to do about it.
When I was younger, not being satisfied meant that I could push myself harder and get great results. But I still don't feel like I've achieved anything worthwhile with my life, and time, as they say, is of the essence.
So sometimes I wonder: What is it going to take to actually be satisfied with myself?
When I was younger, not being satisfied meant that I could push myself harder and get great results. But I still don't feel like I've achieved anything worthwhile with my life, and time, as they say, is of the essence.
So sometimes I wonder: What is it going to take to actually be satisfied with myself?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
