Sunday, May 04, 2008

Good or Bad, The Matrix

Choices seem good or bad in relation to what is not. We discussed in Sunday School today choices between good and good, bad and bad, good and bad (the usual thought) and, in a proper two by two matrix, there should be one more type of choice. Is it "no choice" or something else?


We also discussed about the PC(USA), what is next and "revival" was suggested. What does that mean? 

According to The New Oxford Dictionary: Revival, noun - an improvement in the condition or strength of something a revival in the fortunes of the party an economic revival.
• an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again cross-country skiing is enjoying a revival.• a new production of an old play or similar work.• a reawakening of religious fervor, esp. by means of a series of evangelistic meetings the revivals of the nineteenth century a wave of religious revival.• such a meeting or series of meetings an usher for the revival had the job of helping the sick who went up to seek healing.• a restoration to bodily or mental vigor, to life or consciousness, or to sporting success the thunder and lightning affected his revival in the third round.
How can we do this? Should we? 
McClaren and Compolo's "Adventures in Missing the Point," in the "Worship" chapter, warns against addiction to infatuation, leading to seeking "The Feeling" and missing maturity. I like the concept and know I seek "The Feeling," always looking for the new. All I do is look for the new, I don't appreciate the old at all. I lack maturity or desire for maturity, being responsible and doing the boring (my perception) work of the same old thing.
I am talking so much about spiritual things lately, all the meetings and readings I guess. I hope more business, technology and my world topics, something interesting, come up soon.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Rid the Muck

Among my old books is Annie Dillard’s “Holy the Firm,” the most tightly packed prose I can remember reading. One sentence can last hours or more, rolling in my mind. I read the first part and buzzed.


To write blogs with power and brevity, read the book, it is very short, and craft sentences like that. For me it takes four or five passes to rid the muck.

Friday, May 02, 2008

The Next Post

I missed posting yesterday because I never got to an Internet connection. Here is what I noticed around me.


I am always more worried about looking the Christian saint than doing what I want. Is this better or worse?


I love having deep and active conflict in relationships and organizations, it is a sign of health. It becomes toxic if civility and respect are missing. This goes along with the uniformity and united discussion.


The PC(USA) moderator Reverend Joan Gray preached tonight about the problems of waiting for enough or having the money in the bank before doing what God has planned for us. This suits me fine but good stewardship is also a consideration. She advocates a season of prayer and discernment to ensure good stewardship. If time is a constraint, can intensity serve for reaching good discernment? This works in business organizations when vision, which I stress as the most important thing, is seen as needed more than, or instead of, sound financial planning. Is this better or worse?


At the Nampa Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast yesterday I listened to the 150 kids singing in the Kiwanis RAD choir. I felt an empty place in my heart as l listened, missing all I missed of that in the past, but I only knew I had an empty place as I felt it fill with joy of what was happening in front of me. It was great.