I'm a scrapbooker. Or was. I haven't actually glued down a photo in about a year. But I want to start going through photos from my childhood and putting some pages together. I ran across a picture of my and my brother standing in our Easter best in our front yard. I noticed there are several Easter photos from over the years. I could easily do a group of photos or even a few pages. That led me to consider creating a "Faithbook." Still not sure if I will go that route, but I did a little digging online. For the crafters out there, this site offers plenty of inspiration.
"Faithbooking builds a memorial with pictures and stories that capture those special moments when we recognize Jesus Christ in our daily lives. A faithbook™, simply stated, is the combination of journaling about our faith and the daily occurrences of God's active participation in our lives and the photographs that help illustrate and reinforce spiritual memorials in our lives."
Learn more
Thursday, May 31, 2007
For older couples
'Til Death Do Us Part: Support at the End of Life for the Spiritual Needs of Older Couples
When an elder receives a terminal diagnosis, he or she may have been fighting a disease for many years and may feel defeated or exhausted. A spouse or partner may feel guilty about having been unable to save the dying person. Together, the couple may feel anger, sorrow, fear, resignation and relief.
Religious professionals can offer the couple assistance in managing the dying person’s symptoms, a compassionate listening presence, acceptance of the couple’s situation and beliefs, space and encouragement to grow, and assistance in arranging whatever rituals are important to them now and after death.
Read article here
When an elder receives a terminal diagnosis, he or she may have been fighting a disease for many years and may feel defeated or exhausted. A spouse or partner may feel guilty about having been unable to save the dying person. Together, the couple may feel anger, sorrow, fear, resignation and relief.
Religious professionals can offer the couple assistance in managing the dying person’s symptoms, a compassionate listening presence, acceptance of the couple’s situation and beliefs, space and encouragement to grow, and assistance in arranging whatever rituals are important to them now and after death.
Read article here
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Dosha Quiz on Deepak Chopra site
I'm planning to run a story about Deepak Chopra's new DVD in this week's print Faith edition. I went to Chopra's Web site out of curiousity. My favorite find was the Dosha Quiz.
Of course, I can rarely resist online surveys and quizzes no matter what the topic. Still, because I know next to nothing about Ayurveda, it was neat to see how it analyzed me. It made suggestions an bringing everything into balance. Most of it was common sense stuff ... which doesn't mean I do it. But it was a good reminder that I'm not taking care of myself as well as I should. But the quiz didn't tell me anything my best friend hasn't observed and advised. While I didn't exactly gain anything from it, the survey offered a different lense through which to ponder improving my life. Maybe it'll inspire you. Give it a try.
Of course, I can rarely resist online surveys and quizzes no matter what the topic. Still, because I know next to nothing about Ayurveda, it was neat to see how it analyzed me. It made suggestions an bringing everything into balance. Most of it was common sense stuff ... which doesn't mean I do it. But it was a good reminder that I'm not taking care of myself as well as I should. But the quiz didn't tell me anything my best friend hasn't observed and advised. While I didn't exactly gain anything from it, the survey offered a different lense through which to ponder improving my life. Maybe it'll inspire you. Give it a try.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Ethics in combat
PBS has an interesting commentary on military ethics. It references a recent Pentagon report. There's also a discussion with military ethics expert Nancy Sherman. She says at one point: "It is hard to take the moral high road when you feel you're being betrayed, sometimes betrayed by the locals you're trying to help and sometimes just betrayed because you're not sure what the rules of engagement are at the moment: Am I a policeman or am I a soldier?"
On The Army Times Web site, Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, talks about his concerns about the Pentagon report's findings.
On The Army Times Web site, Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, talks about his concerns about the Pentagon report's findings.
Rush of Fools coming to Destin
Rush of Fool's Undo
Rush of Fools will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. May 25. The performance will be at Village Baptist Church, 101 Matthew Blvd., Destin.
Online inspiration
I found a new Web site that's a great source of inspiration. Gimundo, Good News ... Served Daily has a variety of topics represented. Personally, I like the Heroes and Health stories. For example, College Students Intervene in Ex-Senator’s Mugging.
Movies are another feature. So far, I've only watched one, called The Dash, but it almost made me cry. Actually, several things make me cry. My brother died four years ago, and I'm still grieving. Probably always will, but it's getting better ... or maybe I should say it's getting different. (Sigh) I'm digressing. My point is that The Dash video brought me some comfort concerning my brother.
The site offers a free e-mail daily newsletter too.
The other cool thing I found is a digital journal of gratitude. The goal is to have 1 million entries by Thanksgiving 2007. Go ahead and post something. It'll make you feel better.
Movies are another feature. So far, I've only watched one, called The Dash, but it almost made me cry. Actually, several things make me cry. My brother died four years ago, and I'm still grieving. Probably always will, but it's getting better ... or maybe I should say it's getting different. (Sigh) I'm digressing. My point is that The Dash video brought me some comfort concerning my brother.
The site offers a free e-mail daily newsletter too.
The other cool thing I found is a digital journal of gratitude. The goal is to have 1 million entries by Thanksgiving 2007. Go ahead and post something. It'll make you feel better.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Jerry Falwell dies at age 73
The Rev. Jerry Falwell died Tuesday at age 73. The Daily News is printing coverage on his death and legacy in the Wednesday edition on pages A1 and A2.
Learning about Luther
I recently browsed the May/June 2007 issue of Liberty: A Magazine of Religious Freedom.
It includes the first of two stories titled "The Scripturally Informed Conscience." This initial article by Nicholas Miller is subtitled Luther and Religious Liberty.
My history classes in high school and college touched on the Protestant reformation, but I doubt I could right a whole page about what I recall on the topic. Whether I was too young to understand the ramifications of the movement or the lessons themselves were only cursory, I'm not sure. At any rate, this author explores Luther's arguments for the separation of church of state. That's one nuance I know I didn't learn about in school. I'll have to make time to read up on Luther's ideas. Curiousity's got me now.
It includes the first of two stories titled "The Scripturally Informed Conscience." This initial article by Nicholas Miller is subtitled Luther and Religious Liberty.
My history classes in high school and college touched on the Protestant reformation, but I doubt I could right a whole page about what I recall on the topic. Whether I was too young to understand the ramifications of the movement or the lessons themselves were only cursory, I'm not sure. At any rate, this author explores Luther's arguments for the separation of church of state. That's one nuance I know I didn't learn about in school. I'll have to make time to read up on Luther's ideas. Curiousity's got me now.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Righteous Anger
I get angry. Really angry.
Sometimes over petty things, but often over serious things. I have a strong sense of justice, and I struggle with reacting to situations by jumping up and letting people "in the wrong" know that they're wrong, why they're wrong and what they should do about it. But I was raised to think all anger is bad, so I usually feel guilty after I've spoken up when I'm angry.
These passages from the Bible are part of the source of my guilt:
--"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." Ephesians 4:26-27
--"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
I used to interpret these passages as meaning I should not feel anger, much less express it. But during recent years, my views are changing. I've read articles here and there about the concept of "righteous anger." Sometimes people are violated, and somebody has to step in and correct the situation. The "I say this with love" approach is good, but it doesn't always work. Some people just don't respond unless I get in their face and show them the full extent of my anger -- otherwise they ignore it.
Now I'm not saying going around yelling and bossing folks is the right way to behave. But those same verses I used to think meant feeling angry was bad now make we think feeling angry is OK. It's holding on to that anger than is wrong. So I either need to express it and get rid of it or figure out a new way of seeing the source of the anger so that my reaction to it changes.
Meditating is good. By that I mean focusing on my breathe, in and out, ... removing myself mentally from the situation and calming my mind.
Then I try to sort through my feelings and what's happened to cull out the facts. Did I perceive the situation correctly? If so, does this annoy me personally, or can I honestly say it would anger God. If it's my irritation at the root of the anger, I work on accepting that I'm not in charge and don't really have any business being mad. More breathing here, work on accepting the situation.
But if there's true wrongdoing, I believe it must be addressed. If I avoid it, it festers. Also, I think silence can be a form of condoning a situation, which is plain dishonest in some cases. I'm careful when I do speak out in anger. I try to focus on resolving the issue instead of seeking retribution. Being an agent for positive change is the goal.
Also, I try to remove myself from known triggers. For example, a relative of mine finds it necessary to espouse his political views anytime we gather as a family. I usually feel compelled to debate with him, but it always ends up in a nasty argument. If I listen in silence, I stew about it for days. So now I stay on the other side of the crowd or skip the event completely. That cuts me off from some folks, reducing the number of relationships I have. I don't know if this is good or bad.
Anger burns up a lot of energy, whether you're acting it out or suppressing it. I hope I'll get better at acting on "righteous anger" and better at letting my own reactionary feelings dissipate.
I think I've maybe rambled too long on this topic, but I'm sure other people struggle with it as well. How do you manage your anger? I'd love to know.
Sometimes over petty things, but often over serious things. I have a strong sense of justice, and I struggle with reacting to situations by jumping up and letting people "in the wrong" know that they're wrong, why they're wrong and what they should do about it. But I was raised to think all anger is bad, so I usually feel guilty after I've spoken up when I'm angry.
These passages from the Bible are part of the source of my guilt:
--"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." Ephesians 4:26-27
--"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
I used to interpret these passages as meaning I should not feel anger, much less express it. But during recent years, my views are changing. I've read articles here and there about the concept of "righteous anger." Sometimes people are violated, and somebody has to step in and correct the situation. The "I say this with love" approach is good, but it doesn't always work. Some people just don't respond unless I get in their face and show them the full extent of my anger -- otherwise they ignore it.
Now I'm not saying going around yelling and bossing folks is the right way to behave. But those same verses I used to think meant feeling angry was bad now make we think feeling angry is OK. It's holding on to that anger than is wrong. So I either need to express it and get rid of it or figure out a new way of seeing the source of the anger so that my reaction to it changes.
Meditating is good. By that I mean focusing on my breathe, in and out, ... removing myself mentally from the situation and calming my mind.
Then I try to sort through my feelings and what's happened to cull out the facts. Did I perceive the situation correctly? If so, does this annoy me personally, or can I honestly say it would anger God. If it's my irritation at the root of the anger, I work on accepting that I'm not in charge and don't really have any business being mad. More breathing here, work on accepting the situation.
But if there's true wrongdoing, I believe it must be addressed. If I avoid it, it festers. Also, I think silence can be a form of condoning a situation, which is plain dishonest in some cases. I'm careful when I do speak out in anger. I try to focus on resolving the issue instead of seeking retribution. Being an agent for positive change is the goal.
Also, I try to remove myself from known triggers. For example, a relative of mine finds it necessary to espouse his political views anytime we gather as a family. I usually feel compelled to debate with him, but it always ends up in a nasty argument. If I listen in silence, I stew about it for days. So now I stay on the other side of the crowd or skip the event completely. That cuts me off from some folks, reducing the number of relationships I have. I don't know if this is good or bad.
Anger burns up a lot of energy, whether you're acting it out or suppressing it. I hope I'll get better at acting on "righteous anger" and better at letting my own reactionary feelings dissipate.
I think I've maybe rambled too long on this topic, but I'm sure other people struggle with it as well. How do you manage your anger? I'd love to know.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Focusing on God and ADD world
Rick Warren discusses biblical advice on staying focuses and turning attention away from negativity. I'm easily distracted almost all the time. This column gave me a couple of ideas to ponder ... until something makes me forget what I'm pondering. One reason I like to blog is that previous posts remind me of things I meant to pursue. So wish me luck with letting this column sink in. I hope it also helps you.
"Protecting Your Mind from Evil: Your mind is a special gift from God. It can potentially store 100 trillion thoughts. And it is a tool that God wants to use in your ministry to fulfill his purposes." Read the full column at Christian Today.
"Protecting Your Mind from Evil: Your mind is a special gift from God. It can potentially store 100 trillion thoughts. And it is a tool that God wants to use in your ministry to fulfill his purposes." Read the full column at Christian Today.
Prince, the Bible scholar
Word is Prince will take time off from his music career to study the Bible. Yep, that's what he says. The Lord works in mysterious ways ... who knows what will come of this.
Week of Blessings
By Patrick McDermott
DESTIN — An annual tradition in Destin hits a milestone this month when the Blessing of the Fleet turns 50.
Started in 1957, the event brings together the community to ask for God’s blessing for boats, captains, crews and their families.
“Fifty years is a huge milestone,” said the Rev. Canon Mike Hesse, minister at Immanuel Anglican Church, which hosts the event. This year the blessing will be May 17.
Each boat sails by the docks while local pastors offer prayers of protection. More than 100 boats lined up last year including charter boats, personal crafts, sightseeing tours, marine maintenance vessels and a Coast Guard ship.
“Destin’s heritage is built on the backs of those who made their livings on the sea,” Hesse said. “It’s a foundation that helps us to understand Destin at its core.”
A service starts at 4 p.m. at the Destin Community Center. Fisherman are invited to stand and give their testimonies. Dr. Forrest Mobley will be the guest speaker. Once the service is over, everyone proceeds across the street to the docks for the blessing. Afterwards, a fish fry will be held back at the Destin Community Center.
In recent years, the event has expanded to a four-day celebration known as Destin’s Week of Blessings.
Services kick off at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday with blessings for the city led by Mayor Craig Barker and area pastors. Following that, the Blessing of the Youth will be held with
special guests Matt Pitt from Whosoever Ministries and music from Chris Taylor and Tree63. All middle and high school students are invited.
On Friday, the celebration continues with the Blessing of the Children and Families from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. Face painting, balloon animals, snow cones and cotton candy are planned for the free festivities.
The event concludes with the Blessing on the Marketplace at 8 a.m. Saturday. This general worship service is designed for local businesses. Guest speaker Os Hillman will focus on the subject of faith at work.
DESTIN — An annual tradition in Destin hits a milestone this month when the Blessing of the Fleet turns 50.
Started in 1957, the event brings together the community to ask for God’s blessing for boats, captains, crews and their families.
“Fifty years is a huge milestone,” said the Rev. Canon Mike Hesse, minister at Immanuel Anglican Church, which hosts the event. This year the blessing will be May 17.
Each boat sails by the docks while local pastors offer prayers of protection. More than 100 boats lined up last year including charter boats, personal crafts, sightseeing tours, marine maintenance vessels and a Coast Guard ship.
“Destin’s heritage is built on the backs of those who made their livings on the sea,” Hesse said. “It’s a foundation that helps us to understand Destin at its core.”
A service starts at 4 p.m. at the Destin Community Center. Fisherman are invited to stand and give their testimonies. Dr. Forrest Mobley will be the guest speaker. Once the service is over, everyone proceeds across the street to the docks for the blessing. Afterwards, a fish fry will be held back at the Destin Community Center.
In recent years, the event has expanded to a four-day celebration known as Destin’s Week of Blessings.
Services kick off at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday with blessings for the city led by Mayor Craig Barker and area pastors. Following that, the Blessing of the Youth will be held with
special guests Matt Pitt from Whosoever Ministries and music from Chris Taylor and Tree63. All middle and high school students are invited.
On Friday, the celebration continues with the Blessing of the Children and Families from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. Face painting, balloon animals, snow cones and cotton candy are planned for the free festivities.
The event concludes with the Blessing on the Marketplace at 8 a.m. Saturday. This general worship service is designed for local businesses. Guest speaker Os Hillman will focus on the subject of faith at work.
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