Liquid Paper

2 Things You Must Do

I doubt that there is anyone reading this who doesn't also read Mark's blog. But, in the unlikely event that that is the case, there are two things you must do:

1) You must read the entry on Mark's website titled The Wrong Questions

2) You must read this essay (there is also a link to this on Mark's site) titled Thoughts on: Terri Schiavo and our Moral Confusion

Okay... make that 3 things you must do...

3) You must also read this article titled How Liberalism Failed Terri Schiavo

Thank you.

I Agree...

Okay, this is me -- except not in the "I only like books with pretty pictures in them" kind of way. But I definitely approach things (projects, etc.) in this way. Anyway... here's me:

"You scored as Visual/Spatial. You probably feel at home with the visual arts, maps, charts, and diagrams. You tend to think in images and pictures. You learn best by looking at pictures and slides, watching videos or movies, and visualizing. People like you include sculptors, painters, surgeons and engineers." Visual/Spatial 68% Intrapersonal 64% Bodily/Kinesthetic 57% Verbal/Linguistic 50% Interpersonal 46% Logical/Mathematical 36% Musical/Rhythmic 21% The Rogers Indicator of Multiple Intelligences created with QuizFarm.com

via Marla Swoffer

Cross-purposed?

I came across this in Mornings and Evenings, a daily devotional based on the writings of Charles Spurgeon. (Edited--sentence removed.)

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am.
- John 17:24

O death! Why do you touch the tree beneath whose spreading branches weariness finds rest? Why do you snatch away the excellent of the earth, in whom is all our delight? If you must use your axe, use it upon the trees that yield no fruit; then you may be thanked. But why do you chop down the best trees? Hold your axe, and spare the righteous. But no, it must not be; death strikes the best of our friends; the most generous, the most prayerful, the most holy, the most devoted must die. And why? It is through Jesus’ prevailing prayer—“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am.” It is that which bears them out on eagle’s wings to heaven. Every time a believer moves from this earth to paradise, it is an answer to Christ’s prayer. A good old divine remarks, “Many times Jesus and His people pull against one another in prayer. You bend your knee in prayer and say ‘Father, I desire that Your saints be with me where I am’; Christ says, ‘Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am.’” In this way the disciple is at cross-purposes with his Lord. The soul cannot be in both places: The beloved one cannot be with Christ and with you too. Now, which of the two who plead shall win the day? If you had your choice, if the King should step from His throne and say, “Here are two supplicants praying in opposition to one another,” which shall be answered? Oh, I am sure, though it were agony, you would jump to your feet and say, “Jesus, not my will, but Yours be done.” You would give up your prayer for you loved one’s life, if you could realize the thoughts that Christ is praying in the opposite direction—“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am.” Lord, You shall have them. By faith we let them go.

Self-Portrait

Nil's artistic leanings made me attempt my own self-portrait at the drawing board.

So... how'd I do?

Am I Uncoordinated?

Prayer discovers the coordination of all needs under the mastery of the one who supplies needs. Prayer is a focus upon God whereby all things come into focus. By centering attention on God the center, all things become centered. Life is not indiscriminate bits and pieces, mingled treasure and rubble. It is coherent. -- Eugene Peterson

He told them the parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. -- Luke 18:1

God does not delay to hear our prayers, because he has no mind to give; but that, by enlarging our desires, he may give us them more largely. -- St. Anselm

I don't think of myself as a praying person. Which doesn’t mean that I don’t pray. I’m uncomfortable praying out loud or in groups (except the prayers in worship services). It actually makes me uncomfortable to think about it – in fact, I’m feeling anxious now. I prefer to pray alone, and silently. In groups where they ask for a volunteer to pray, I feel like I’m in school again and pray (ironic isn’t it) that the teacher isn’t looking at me. Sometimes, I feel less uncomfortable and can participate. In a weekly Bible study I attended I did pray – I admit that I was less uncomfortable there than in other situations. I wonder if others ever feel the same way. Maybe I’m just imaging that everyone else is completely at ease? Perhaps they’re just as unsure as I am – but you’d never know it. At least, I never do.

Anyway, this week’s sermon was about prayer and the quotes featured here come from our order of worship. I think I need to work on my prayer problem – but I’ll probably be doing it alone and silently. Now that makes me feel more comfortable.

p.s. If you haven’t already, you must check out Mark’s latest post. It is sublime.

And go here if you want to hear some of Rebecca's thoughts on prayer.

I'm Only Happy When It Rains

Okay, maybe not only when it rains -- but it sure makes me feel happier. I remember growing up in South Dakota (in my head I imagine all of my southern readers saying it "Saath Duh-kota") and how much I loved rainy days. Our house had an attached garage and we would open the door and sit inside watching it pour. More often than not, our neighbors across the street would be doing the same thing. Every once in a while we'd run out and jump in the puddles, then run back in to admire the wet splotches on our clothing. There is nothing better than being young and playing outside in the rain. I strongly recommend that if you have children you let them join you -- providing that it is not too cold.

Now, I must end this post and go out to frolic in the rain!

p.s. Does anyone know who did the song that inspired the title of this entry? (And Mark, you can’t answer.)

Where I've Been

bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /

Go HERE to have a form generate the HTML for you.

Thanks Rebecca