Calling the Lifeline

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace on Earth = The Ultimate Lifeline

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

When I ran into a brick wall, you made a way through it.
When pain and illness attacked my body, you brought miraculous healing.
When I had begun to sink, you provided a lifeline.
When sorrow attended my way, you led me to great joy.
When I wondered at the point of it all, you simply loved me.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I think of myself as the ultimate fighting champion.”

[Oh sure, He beat sin, death and the Roman Empire, but He never got into a cage. And He never said this.]

D. Blog: Connecting to the Eternalnet

When we can’t connect to the Eternalnet, what can the problem be? The message that pops up says “Something is wrong with your end of the connection, because the Server never goes offline. Try again with your communication. Patience and humility might be required.”

The Economy? No, the Divinity.

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace grows in those who learn forgiveness.
Peace grows in those who are loved.
Peace grows in those who find joy in life.
Peace grows in those whose imaginations are lively.
Peace grows in those who acknowledge the horror of war

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

The big celebration has passed, and the news reports speak of the bleak holiday purchasing numbers. Nary a word from those sources about the birth of Jesus. I’d like to shout at them: “It’s not just the economy, stupid; it’s about the Divinity!” But my shouting would work no better than choirs of angels singing their refrain. Only a few simple folk would notice.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Maybe now I’ll be able to sleep in peace.”

[I imagine He could have said it at several points in the story, but He never did.]

D. Blog: A Haiku

What if the peace we seek
Arrived in a manger?
Would we have noticed?

Reviewing

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

It’s difficult to accept defeat here on Earth. There’s a continuing insurgency against God’s dominion of peace.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Time flies. I am definitely having fun.
I feel that I owe gratitude to you. Although I don’t see you physically, I have certainly come to know you. Although my ears cannot hear your voice, I know you speak to me. Although I have not touched you, I have felt your loving arms around me.
How can I look out my window, see the glories of the season, and deny you the credit? How can I spend an evening with friends, sharing what’s important to us, and deny that you are behind our connection? How can I recall the wonders of my life and deny your presence throughout the years? I cannot. Nor do I want to withhold my thanks.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Remind me – what does the 8th commandment prohibit?”

[Maybe He checked the scroll, but He didn’t say this.]

D. Blog: Serenity

[My favorite photograph from this year.]

Who Counts?

A. Unabashed Pacifist --

Birds of Peace, you write the song of peace with your wings.
I watch and my heart sings the melody.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You grant us another day in which to know life’s joy.
We greet you with thanksgiving for the day.
You shine the light of the heavens in our endeavors.
We greet you with praise for the light.
You promise the pleasures of peace and love in our relationships.
We greet you with gratitude for family and friends.
You offer a way of true fulfillment and grace, even into eternity.
We greet you with faith and hope for the future.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I only care about the men in the crowd, so don’t bother counting the women and children.”

[Matthew’s perspective perhaps, but Jesus didn’t say this.]

D. Blog: Some Jewish Humor

A man received two sweaters from his mother for Hanukkah. The next time he visited her, he made sure to wear one of the two sweaters.

As he entered her home, instead of seeing the expected smile, he heard "What's the matter? You didn't like the other one?"

North Carolina Dreaming

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

What if we spent as much time, energy, creativity and money each year on creating peace on Earth as we do on exchanging gifts? What if the words of the angel were more than an announcement or a promise? What if “peace on Earth, good will to all” is a commission, a charge, our marching orders?

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Dreams and visions featured prominently in your coming. They continue to mark your presence, as they inspire us to create and re-create our lives in accordance with what we have seen in you. From manger to cross, from cross to resurrection, from resurrection to ascension, you move us to new life. Thank you for accompanying us through visions of hope and dreams of the divine dominion coming to Earth.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Who says you can’t go home again?”

[Perhaps Thomas Wolfe didn’t have Jesus in mind, but Jesus didn’t say this.]

D. Blog: Aphorisms

- Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job.

- No one has more driving ambition than the boy who wants to buy a car.

- There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.

- It’s a rare man who says "It's only a game" when his team is winning.

When Up Isn't Up

A. Unabashed Pacifist –

Puppies for Peace:

Time to play.
Time to explore.
Time to cuddle
No time for war.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You excel at hearing what matters to us.

Beneath our fumbling, inarticulate words and thoughts, you hear our praise and thanks: for the joy of living in this amazing world; for the expressions of care and love that do so much to help us in our daily lives; for the wonders of healing through science and the mysterious working of prayer and miracle; for the many blessings that make our lives special. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Beneath our halting words and broken thoughts, you hear our anxiety and our pain as we cry for help: for those facing illness, loss of loved ones, great tragedy, the uncertainty of physical health and of financial insecurity; for those dealing with challenges of leadership in nations torn by differences of religion and opinion; for those whose livelihoods are threatened by forces beyond their control; for victims of natural and human disasters. Help us. Help us. Help us.

Beneath our words and thoughts, O God, lie the simple desires to live and love and contribute to your great enterprise – making your dominion real on Earth, as it is in heaven.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Mom, did you see the awesome Christmas decorations at Jonathan’s house?”

[Hanukkah, maybe, but not Christmas.]

D. Blog: When Up is not Up

For the past couple of weeks, I have been noticing that we use the word “up” in a great variety of ways, most that are redundant, unnecessary or contradictory. My opinion is that if it doesn’t mean the direction “up” then it’s probably a lazy filler when we can’t think of a clear, appropriate, and precise way of saying what we mean.

The following is a listing of just the examples of words that came to my mind or that I recently heard being combined with “up” in conversation.

Unnecessary:

- finish - measure - fill - end - wait - write
- break - call - ante - sweep - wake - wrinkle
- eat - beat - meet - feel (lazy?) - cook
- brew - fry - grill - print - dial - start - close
- lock - tear (both) - drink (lazy?) - hype - dry - clog -
- clean - clear - flare - straighten -back
- wash - pack - pucker - light - cut - rest
- heat - pay - stir - mix - box - fix
- wipe - fold - join (and re-) - ripen - firm
- loosen - tie - tighten - buckle - paste - grease - grind
- link - bind - goof - cramp - shrink - shrivel
- tidy - cover - rig - tune - burn - hang
- trip - follow - ratchet - dam - heal - freshen
- liven (use “en” instead of "up") - curl

Redundant:

- add (?) - swell - climb
- pile - stack - heap
- rise - ascend

Lazy:

- act - ball - soak
- bring - talk - use
- build - drive - wise
- hook - drum - make
- dress - dope - pump
- fuck - mess - screw
- work - tie - power
- lighten - shut - put
- stick/hold - rack - turn
- speed - stood - stop
- step - take - clam
- post - sign - stock
- stuck - perk - fess
- hole - pair - ramp
- line - foul - kiss
- suck - crank - set
- toss - crop - come
- bundle - cover - string
- bang - round - trip
- frame - amp - scare
- board

Contradictory:

- open & close
- start & finish/end
- rest & wake
- tighten & loosen
- slow (also with “down”?) & speed
- trip? (usually leads to falling down, not moving up)

Divine Children

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

When peace flows like a river, I will be baptized in it.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

They said it couldn’t be done.
Divinity could not enter this mortal creation.
Divinity could not exist with the taint of humanity’s evil.
Divinity could never adapt to human frailty.
But a baby is innocent.
Perhaps such a one can remain pure and righteous.
If so, perhaps we should pay attention to his values and priorities and behavior.
After all, they say anything is possible with you!
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Mom, tell James your story of how he came to be born. I love the part with the stork.”

[Where babies come from was one of Mary’s specialties, but Jesus never said this.]

D. Blog: Divine Child

I saw two young toddler relatives over the weekend.
I’m quite certain both have divine features.
I pray that nobody ever convinces them otherwise.

What We Celebrate

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Keep alert to the coming of peace. Suppose the shepherd had fallen asleep when the angels appeared with the message of Messiah’s arrival.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You have come into our world of pain and sorrow.
The fact that you experience them, too, makes you more accessible to us.
You have come into our world of happiness and joy.
The fact that you experience them, too, makes them even greater blessings in our lives.
You have come into our world of greed and violence.
The fact that you experience them, too, reminds us how far we are from the dominion of God.
Thank you for coming into our world.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Let me see. Side A joins back G, with shiny side facing out. Or is it in? Who writes these things?”

[Would we get wrapped up in these things if He had not been born? But He did not say this.]

D. Blog: What We Celebrate

We celebrate Jesus’ birth – because in Him we see God in our midst, sharing our life and demonstrating its possibilities.
We celebrate Jesus’ birth – because His life changed our lives for the better, freeing us to live with hope and joy and love.
We celebrate Jesus’ birth – because He represents God’s great gift of love to humanity.

Chinese Christmas

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

May God’s peace rest within, upon and around you.
May God’s peace challenge, inspire and guide you.
May God’s peace reflect in you to shine on those who meet you.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You say:
“Whoever lives by the sword shall die by the sword.”
“Judge not lest you be judged.”
“Turn the other cheek.”
“The meek shall inherit the Earth.”
“Overcome evil with good.”
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers.”
You don’t say it’s easy, but the message is clear. Peace now.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Hand me my 3-iron.”

[No, He wasn’t into the trinity thing.]

D. Blog: Christmas from China

The irony gets stronger each year, as so much of what we see to buy as gifts at Christmas has “Made in China” printed on it. That includes most of the scenes of Jesus’ birth, which I notice because my wife has a substantial collection of nativity scenes. I don’t believe there are enough Christians in China to make all these things. I also see pictures of elaborate Christmas trees and decorations in other Asian countries, where the religion is certainly Buddhism, but the spirit of consumerist capitalism has taken hold and Santa Claus features prominently in December. That part of the holiday has been successfully exported. The rest does not seem to matter.

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

If peace comes next week, will I be ready?
If peace comes tomorrow, will I be ready?
If peace comes this afternoon, will I be ready?
If peace comes now, will I be ready?
Peace now, peace now, peace now, peace now, peace now.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You, Divinity, entered the world when you took the form of an infant. Vulnerable. In need of care and attention and protection. Like one of us.
You, Divinity, took the form of an infant. Crying, frightened, hungry, unaccustomed to your surroundings. Like one of us.
You, Divinity, too the form of an infant. Weak, growing, learning, full of untapped potential. Like one of us.
You, Divinity, took the form of an infant. Limited by your body, limited by time, bound to die. Like one of us.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I always wanted to live in a Light-house.”

[Is that why so many churches are white? He didn’t say it.]

D. Blog: Holy Children

Did Jesus consider himself more holy than other children? I imagine that only we would make such a comparison. All children come from God, bear God’s imprint upon them and are thereby holy. Sudanese children, Iraqi children, Palestinian and Israeli children. Only we have learned to devalue them, because we have a warped sense of values.

Christmas Sabbath

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace brings out the best in people.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

From the beginning, you had us in mind. Now we have you in mind.
From the beginning, you had great hopes for us. Now our hope rests in you.
From the beginning, you had faith in us. Now we have faith in you.
From the beginning, you loved us. Now we desire to love you will all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Where do lawyers and insurance people get off calling natural disasters ‘acts of God’? What do they know about God’s ways? Why aren’t such occurrences ‘accidents’ or ‘acts of vandalism’ from Mother Nature?”

[Even if He would agree, He never said it.]

D. Blog: Sabbath Rest

We find it hard to follow your example or the commandment to observe Sabbath. We think we need to be productive.

But perhaps our productivity is better when we rest than when we overwork. Perhaps lying fallow for a time increases our overall capacity for creativity. Perhaps time apart makes us more whole. Perhaps a resting sabbatical makes us better at everything we do.

One day a week should not be too hard to manage.

Jesus Would Shop at Payless?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

In a peaceful world, maligning others does not occur.
In a peaceful world, our positive attributes find recognition.
In a peaceful world, our powers are applied to good ends.
In a peaceful world, all of us can be good.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

From irrational fears, from physical and emotional harm, deliver us.
From viciousness and evil, from oppressive government, deliver us.
From callous hearts, dashed hopes and broken dreams, deliver us.
From sinful pleasures and petty preoccupations, deliver us.
For you are merciful.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I need some new sandals. Do you have a Payless in this town?”

[No way. But He probably would shop at Payless today.]

D. Blog: How True!

- A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

- How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

- Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.

- Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?

The Greed Bubble

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

On my knees…
I feel like a child – help me find peace;
I feel like a beggar – help me find peace;
I feel like a penitent – forgive me for breaking peace;
I feel humbled – please, let there be peace on Earth.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You delight in things beautiful. Artist that you are, you had to create a beautiful universe, beautiful birds, beautiful mountains, beautiful flowers, beautiful waters, beautiful stones, beautiful people, this beautiful morning.
Your eye for beauty sees more, of course, than the form or the gleam of color. You see to the heart of beauty.

Thank you for the beauty we can perceive. Teach us to appreciate the expressions of beauty that reach beyond our limited perceptions, for how could you make anything less than beautiful?
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I got saved when my cousin John baptized me in the River Jordan.”

[Praise the Lord! He never said this.]

D. Blog: Bubble

[My 1979 version of Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary says: ]

1: a small globule typically hollow and light; as (a:) a small body of gas within a liquid (b:) a thin film of liquid inflated with air or gas (c:) a globule in a transparent solid (d:) something that is hemispherical or semicylindrical
2: (a:) something that lacks firmness, solidity, or reality (b:) a delusive scheme
3: a sound like that of bubbling

I guess definition number two applies to our delusional financial system based on greed, which is, last I checked, defined as a sin.

What Came to Pass

A. Unabashed Pacifist –

Pilgrims for Peace:
“Make note of the fact that we desired to establish a peaceful commonwealth under God. It remains the common goal of every pilgrim, no matter what the religion. Peace is our pursuit.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

We expect you to care for us.
We expect you to hear our prayers.
We expect you to heal us.
We expect you to influence us toward justice and peace.
We expect you to guide our lives toward goodness.
We expect you to reveal yourself to us.
Well you may ask: What do we expect of ourselves?
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Mama always liked me best.”

[Perhaps, but He would never say so.]

D. Blog: What Came to Pass

It came to pass that He was born of a young woman.
It came to pass that He was a Jew.
It came to pass that He had faith in God.
It came to pass that His land was subject to Roman rule.
It came to pass that He taught and preached about the nature of God’s dominion.
It came to pass that He gained a following among people who were attracted by His liberating message of forgiveness, inclusive love and peace.
It came to pass that religious and political authorities felt threatened by His presence and His message.
It came to pass that those authorities had Him crucified to do away with the threat He posed.
It came to pass that His followers realized He and His message lived on in and through them.
It came to pass that His followers passed it on – He lives in us.
It came to pass that we celebrate His birth and life in this world.

Forget Santa Claus

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

We need peace more than we need revenge.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

When we try to learn new things, even if some of us are old dogs, you provide hope and encouragement.
When we struggle with injury, illness or disease, you hold out the promise of healing and the assurance of your care, no matter what.
When we celebrate achievement, you have had a part in bringing it to pass.
When we experience the joys of love, we know you have touched our lives fully and directly.
When we look to the future with anxiety or anticipation, you remind us that hope prevails, because you are a supportive and divine force.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Reach for the sky!”

[The western hero was not His role.]

D. Blog: Thinking of Christmas

How do we find time to do what is necessary in this season of preparation? When I think it all depends on my power, the necessary becomes the overwhelming. When I realize that everything depends on divine energy, then the overwhelming becomes the possible.

I think Jesus’ times of prayer and solitude reminded Him of this fact of life. Walking on water and calming a storm are metaphors for this reality, dependence on divine energy.

Jesus’ arrival as an infant, both awesome responsibility and wondrous possibility, also reminds me that with God, the possible reaches beyond my imagination into the eternal. Thus, I try to ignore Santa Claus.

Jesus Was No Literalist

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Resort to violence is a sign of failure, a desperate measure when hope of understanding has disappeared.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Having heard you in the voice of a sister,
Having seen you in the face of a brother,
Having felt you in the touch of another,
We go in the power of your spirit to do your will in the world.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Of course I take the Garden of Eden story literally. And snakes literally speak Aramaic to me. And women literally bear responsibility for human sin. And a human was actually there to record the literal events in the creation of the universe.”

[He didn’t say this, but what did He know?]

D. Blog: A Haiku

“Are you a pacifist?”
What does my answer tell him?
"Be not afraid."

Crazy-Making

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

If we could buy peace in a bottle at Wal-Mart for $19.95, it would be a big seller. My church offers it for free, but can’t find many takers…

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

No pressure is beyond your control.
You know nothing of time limits.
Multi-tasking comes naturally to you.
You scoff at life or death situations.
No matter what my stress level, you bring it down with the assurance that there’s nothing we can’t handle.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Virtue is its own reward – but cash is preferable.”

[Judas maybe, but Jesus never said it.]

D. Blog: Crazy-Making

Does too much activity make us crazy? Does having too many people around make us crazy? Does driving through too much traffic make us crazy? Does generally moving too fast make us crazy? Does multi-tasking make us crazy? Does all work and no play make us dull – and crazy?

Frederick Law Olmsted believed urban dwellers need public parks in order to maintain mental and spiritual well being. Up the ladder on my list of heroes, Jesus had to get away from things once in a while to maintain clarity. And, according to the Genesis story, even God took time off after six days of creative effort.

Whatever “too much” is for us individually, we maintain emotional balance by following our individual modes of Sabbath and retreat.

What Would Jesus Think?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Death cannot harm my soul. Killing can.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You have thrown us multiple life-lines.
You have sent multiple life-guides.
You have provided multiple life-paths.
All bring us to you. Rome is only a detour.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“’Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your hearts be gay.’ – But only your hearts.”

[He must look on in silent wonder at what we do to celebrate His birthday.]

D. Blog: Golden Years

They call these our “golden years,” and we are fortunate enough to feel that way – for now at least. I have heard from many people that this period, after children have left the nest and after full-time employment, can be the busiest time of life.

I don’t know about busiest. If we say fullest, however, I agree. If we say the time when we engage in the most self-selected activities, I agree.

We are free of certain obligations and able to do more things that we want to do. We have more time for leisure, hobbies, volunteer work, friends, travel, etc. Of course there’s also time for reflection, time to do the integrating that Erikson identified as part of this period of life, hopefully making sense of our lives and acknowledging our place in the universe. And it is good.

What Did He Say?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Into every life a little peace must fall. Let it pour.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
You have spoken. We hear your voice.

I say to you: Bless those who persecute you.
You have spoken. We hear your voice.

Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.
You have spoken. We hear your voice.

Love your enemies.
You have spoken. We hear your voice.

Forgive them, for they know not what they do.
You have spoken. We hear your voice.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“The end is near.”

[He could have said it from the cross, but it’s not recorded that he did – and it would not have been in English. In other words, He didn’t say it, I believe He didn’t say it, and that settles it.]

D. Blog: Highway Reading

- Remember who you wanted to be

- Militant Agnostic: I don’t know & you don’t either

- Where have all the hippies gone?

- Jesus is coming; Look busy!

[Question: Does the word "bush-whacked" have additional meaning since the year 2000?]

Are You FOBIO?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

One cost of peace is less self-centered pride.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

We seek a God who pleases our sense of beauty.
You satisfy.
We look for a God who answers our intellectual quest.
You satisfy.
We desire a God who stands above petty strife and jealousy.
You satisfy.
We want a God who surpasses what we imagine.
You satisfy.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.”

[Typing? English alphabet? No way He ever said this!]

D. Blog: FOBIO Yet?

[From the BuzzWhack website]

FOBIO: Frequently Outwitted By Inanimate Objects. A condition commonly associated with the assembly of any equipment. Peak period generally occurs on Christmas Eve.

Taking Advantage of Christmas

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace, justice and freedom. A holy trinity.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Whatever binds us, you try to provide release from its hold on us.
Oppressive government. Unjust systems. Religious restrictions. Abusive relationships. Demeaning stereotypes. Limiting preconceptions.
Anything that prevents us from realizing a full humanity, you will break so that we can walk freely in your presence.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Where’s a fast food joint when we need one?”

[Not what He said when He saw the barren fig tree.]

D. Blog: Self-Interest at Christmas

What’s the point of our Christmas shopping? They say that a large percentage of those who shop on “Black Friday” buy sale items for themselves. Have they missed the point? Or are they on point?

How many of us find greater joy in receiving than in giving?

Perhaps I have been too hard in the past on those magi because they brought gifts to the holy child but did not stick around to follow him. Perhaps they were satisfied with their giving and had no interest in seeing what advantage they could take from their association with him…

Advent Note

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Another day, another opportunity for peace.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

These familiar, perhaps adapted, lines come to mind as appropriate:
You had me at conception.
You got me, Babe.
I’m yours.
I can’t leave home without you.
Thanks for the memories.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Have you guys ever heard of something called trans-substantiation?”

[No, this was not part of the conversation at the last supper with the disciples.]

D. Blog: Christmas is Coming

When, in the course of human events, it became apparent that humanity needed divine assistance, again, Jesus came. It was such a shock to religious leaders, they could not accept the possibility of direct divine assistance in that way. But to many people, desperate and seeking, believing people, it came as great news to find relief from oppressive ideas about God and about traditional religious practice, both of which favored the rich and powerful. The poor needed and trusted divinity. Others just tried to use God to their advantage. It all sounds very familiar, even as we anticipate and celebrate divinity’s arrival/presence.

Southern Appalachian Crime

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peacemaking for Dummies: Forgive as you have been forgiven.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You offer food to satisfy our needs. Often we ignore what you put before us. We prefer sweets and junk food and won’t touch the fruit and vegetables. We neglect the well-rounded diet our souls need. Often, too, our churches offer baby food, rather than the substance that satisfies. Or they present us with stale leftovers that have lost their ability to fulfill our longings.

Heighten our sensitivity to the food you present. Make our hunger for it stronger than the tempting but false claims of both gourmet and junk food vendor. Feed us ‘til we want no more.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“You might want to keep this chalice, Nathaniel. Someday it will be worth a fortune.”

[No, He wasn’t into fortune telling.]

D. Blog: Crime in Southern Appalachia

[Sometimes stereotypes fit – the names, the criminal activity and the writing.]

FLETCHER (NC) Police here charged two men with breaking into a Fletcher business late Saturday.

Officers responded to a breaking and entering at Charlie’s on the Creek, 145 Hoopers Creek Road, according to a Fletcher police news release. While processing the crime scene, officers obtained suspect information from surveillance footage.

Investigators discovered two men had entered the business, taken two cases of beer and left on a scooter, police said. A Henderson County Sheriff’s deputy located one of the suspects riding a scooter on Hutch Mountain Road in Fletcher. The second suspect was later found and charged.

Charged were Andrew Robert Conner, 23, of Glenn Bridge Road, Arden, and Curtis Andrew Wallace, 18, of Plucky Lane, Candler. Their bonds were set at $10,000 each.

Bored? No Way!

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

I think it’s printed in my DNA: Give Peace a Chance!

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Into each life, your dawning comes. It steals upon us to break the darkness, removes our blind groping and replaces it with sure purpose. Having been enlightened, we could never return to our former state. We walk in the light.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“These sandals are made for walking, and that’s just what I’ll do…”

[Didn’t say that.]

D. Blog: Agreeing With Jesus

I try to understand people, but it baffles me when I hear some say that life is boring. I think they either are not paying attention or have lost the sense of wonder that came naturally to them as young children. In this, I think I’m restating a pair sayings attributed to Jesus: “Let those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, see and hear;” and, “Unless you become as children, you cannot enter the divine realm.”

What do you know!? Jesus agrees with me!

Petty Squabbles - in Church?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

“If I can’ have peace, I’ll just die!!” – hyperbole (??) from Cassie, age 11.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

We close our eyes in your bright presence.
We bow our heads before your majesty.
We bend our knees before your might.
We fold our hands before your mystery.
We come to prayer.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“My church will never get caught up in petty squabbles.”

[Maybe His won’t, but ours do. He didn’t say it, however.]

D. Blog: Hymn #365 (Religious Joke)

A southern Baptist minister was completing a temperance sermon.

With great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." And finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

Sermon complete, he then sat down.

The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile: "For our closing song, let us turn to Hymn #365, ‘Shall We Gather at the River.’"

Be Prepared. How?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace arrived on a donkey, not piloting a fighter plane.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I wonder about the surrogate father, Joseph. A carpenter, so he had some practical skills. A dreamer, so he had a mystical bent, too. Apparently a devout believer, but one who showed mercy upon Mary. Father to Jesus’ half-siblings, so apparently an adequate provider.

What did he think of Jesus? How did he influence Jesus? Did he have Samaritan connections? Was he a zealot, or did he have Essene inclinations? When and how did he die? Was he, too, one of Rome’s victims?

I just wonder about this man who must have helped shape Jesus. I wish more attention had been paid to him… I imagine you know all about him.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Dad, can I have a new donkey for Hanukah? Jacob and Barnabas are getting one.”

[No. That’s not in any of the stories from His childhood.]

D. Blog: Prepared For Life

Sometimes I wonder whether Divinity could have given us some preparation for what we would encounter in this life. But perhaps the only preparation we need is in our genes and a collective species memory. Perhaps our tools of observation provide what we need from the moment of birth, or even before birth. Certainly more preparation comes from parents and others who nurture and instruct us to deal with "life in the real world."

Perhaps any more prior preparation would make us less creative and adaptable in our responses to life. And perhaps any additional preparation prior to birth would be as senseless as trying to prepare for what comes after death.

Do You Hear Quacking Sounds?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

“I think peace is a great idea!” – Anthony, age 9

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

What do you think of the celebration that’s supposed to mark the birth of Jesus?
Will you be pleased with mass choirs and lavish productions?
Will you enjoy the age-old liturgies of prayer and worship?
What do you think of the extravagant purchases in this season of shopping?
Do you marvel that the health of national economies depends on this spending spree?
Do you see a connection between our celebrating and His life?
I just wonder…
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose…”

[I imagine He sang, but not this song.]

D. Blog: I Hear Quacking Sounds…

[Thanks to the Online Etymology Dictionary]

Lame-duck was originally (18c.) "any disabled person or thing;" modern sense of "public official serving out term after an election" first recorded 1863 in Amer.Eng., attributed to Vice President Andrew Johnson, in reference to Col. Forney.

He's Not a Lame Duck

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

In anticipation of the approaching new year, I’ve been listing my priorities. The list so far:
1. Peace
2. Peace
3. Peace
4. Peace
5. Peace

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I raise my eyes because I am small.
I close my eyes because I am afraid.
I raise my hands because I am overjoyed.
I bow my head because I am guilty.
I lift my head because I am forgiven.
I bend my knees because I am weak.
I stand straight because I am your child.
I open my hands because I am blessed.
I raise my eyes because I am grateful.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Not really, Thaddeus, no. I don’t think of myself as a lame duck.”

[Far from it, but He never said so.]

D. Blog: Coming Winter

The coming winter seems already imposing its quiet calm upon the landscape and upon us. Time for indoor activities, perhaps even for reflection. While it does not exactly bring us to dormancy or hibernation, it does make for a potential fallow period. We can look inward, scale back from hectic schedules, spend time with family and friends. I welcome the signs of this upcoming season, for it also includes lots of basketball.

Whatever Time

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

To what part of peace do people object?

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

On the mountain, a cloud hid you from view so that I could not see you clearly. I thought you handed me legal tablets for guiding my life.

On the mountain, I hid in a cave, fearing for my life, ready to die. You sustained me, then showed me you were not contained in great natural phenomena.

On the mountain, you came to me in a still small voice. That voice encouraged me to live on in faithful service.

On the mountain, I saw the tempter come to Jesus, offering him fame, following and power if he would place his trust in something other than you. Jesus made it clear that he would trust in your still small voice instead.

On the mountain, I heard Jesus teach the way of trust in you. Then he made that way even more clear in his ministry and his death.

On the mountain, I approach you once again. Help me see my way into the valley where the mountain’s teachings make a mountain of difference.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Matthew, did you bring your tape recorder? I’m feeling pretty good about this sermon.”

[How else did it get into the gospel? No, He never said this.]

D. Blog: Life Without Timepieces

How did people function before clocks and watches?

“I’ll meet you soon after sunup.”
“We’ll start work on your shed when full moon comes.”
“Let’s get together on each 7th day when the sun is high in the sky.”

I see one major implication in this lack of timepieces: a greater awareness of natural time rather than artificial time. Our tighter measurements of time make for tighter schedules and, in too many cases, minimal sense of connection to the natural environment and its rhythms. Even when we have opportunity to retreat from our workaday schedules, we tend to cram our retreat days with activities – scheduled or not – that keep us bound to counting, comparing and measuring. Little time left for reconnecting with and enjoying the natural world.

We need more “whatever” time.

Service From Martha

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Each breach of peace causes a flow of blood and tears.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You came – into our world of suffering and joy.
You saw – our struggles and our devotion.
You conquered – our sin and death, and our hearts.
Hail to you, Divine Mystery!
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“What does a Messiah have to do to get some service around here?”

[This was not what He said that get Martha so upset.]

D. Blog: A Haiku

All I want for Christmas is world peace.
You already sent it?
Oh, yeah…

Death: A Fair Price?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

The power of peace is subtle and pervasive. In any social grouping, peace is the normal state of affairs. Outbreaks of violence are temporary. They have no power to create coherent communities, which is what peace does constantly.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

In your arms, we are safe and warm.
In your presence, we have no fear.
In your womb, creative energy flows.
Under your wings, storms don’t matter.
In your heart, our lives know blessing.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Testing: One, two, three.”

[He didn’t say it, but I wonder how a crowd of 5,000 people could hear Him. For that matter, who was counting?]

D. Blog: Death’s A Fair Price

From the Cosmic Womb came all that is, born to experience the gift of life with varying time spans and varying awareness. For our joyful awareness in life, we pay the price of the awareness of death. I think the price is fair, for it can enhance our happiness in knowing the fullness and abundance of this amazing life into which we are born. All is blessing, the ultimate gift to celebrate -- beyond the shopping frenzy now underway.