Normally, I make art, not science, but I found this link in Andrew's site, and wanted to be part of the fun. Apparently, someone at MIT is doing a research project on blogging, and I thought that the somewhat more spiritual bloggers ought to be counted in. They really want anyone who will sit still for about 15 minutes to make their voices heard, so go on over and get in on the action. It's for science, after all...
Thursday, June 23, 2005
I try to stay away from being political on this blog, mostly because I'll eventually end up showing my ignorance. But we should all be concerned about this decision just handed down by the Supreme Court. In essence, the Court has just rescinded the 5th Amendment, which states in part, "...nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." The phrase in dispute in this particular case was what constituted "public use". Apparently, that no longer just includes an interstate or government building, but also includes any project that will end up producing more tax revenue for the municipality than your existing home does.
The danger I see inherent in this is to church properties. Currently, churches are not required to pay property taxes. If this ruling stands, I see that changing, or I see church properties being siezed to be made into shopping malls because they will bring in more money to the community than the church would. The first thing I thought about when I heard this news was the retreat center my community is working towards building. When we are ready to purchase this, it will likely be in a fairly remote area, but one that is still close enough to town to allow those of us who will have jobs there to commute without a huge amount of hassle. That sort of property could end up being in the 'burbs after a few years, the way this area is growing. If that happens, our retreat center could end up condemned in favor of another development of "McMansions" or an industrial complex. That thought just makes me ill, to say nothing of the suspension of basic rights of property being violated. As one person I heard on the radio today stated, we've moved off of the "slippery slope" and fallen right off the cliff.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
I just heard about this exhibit that is coming to Lexington starting this weekend. It sounds truly fascinating, and I'm definitely going to try my best to get there before it goes away. In fact, it'd be a great "field trip" for VBCC (hint, hint, Alan)...
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Wow! Summer must be quiz season. (Yes, I know that summer is technically another couple of weeks away, but...) Anywho, here's the latest offering from Andrew:
You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.
The one question that sent me to the Methodist side of the fence rather than the Postmodern was that I agreed more with the statement about grace leading one to salvation than I did that all older churches are dead. Go figure...
It appears that I have been tagged. I was secretly hoping that someone would invite me to join the game...So here are my answers to the Inquisitors:
How many books do you own? I had to actually make a count, which was helpful because I need to take a bunch of these to the used bookstore and see if they will buy any of them from me. Anyway, my answer is: 350+
What was the last book you bought? That would be the textbook for the summer school class I am taking--Art Across Time, Vol. II--The Fourteenth Century to the Present (2nd ed.), by Laurie Schneider Adams.
Name five books that mean a lot to you: 1.How the Irish Saved Civilization, by Thomas Cahill 2.Celtic Fire: The Passionate Religious Vision of Ancient Britain and Ireland, Robert Van de Weyer, ed. (This is a sort of compendium of condensed life stories of the Celtic Saints, and selections from their writings.) 3.Shame and Grace, by Lewis Smedes. Every time I lend this book out, I end up having to buy a new copy. I definitely recommend it for anyone going through feelings of unworthiness or excessive shame. 4.The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence. A tiny little book packed through with wisdom. Written by a 17th century monk who was able to experience God in the midst of daily chores such as peeling potatoes. 5.The Celtic Way of Evangelism, by George G. Hunter III. This book will change the way you think about church and evangelism and how they are done.
Honorable Mention: There are so many, but here's a selection of my favorites: Thoughts in Solitude, by Thomas Merton Majestic Is His Name--a selection of the writings of St. Theresa of Avila Ancient-Future Faith, by Robert Webber and last but not least, A Good Man Is Hard To Find (Unless You Ask God To Be The Head of Your Search Committee), by Jo Lynne Pool. Believe it or not, I've bought 5 or 6 copies of this book for various single female friends who were all in a flurry about finding a husband. The upshot of the book is, concentrate on becoming an interesting person rather than try to find an interesting person. Then you find that interesting people gravitate toward you. One of the better chapter headings is: Get A Life. :^)
By the way, in doing my "research" for this little project, I discovered that I no longer have my copy of How the Irish Saved Civilization. I seem to remember lending it out some time ago, but can't remember to whom. If one of you reading this has it, let me know. There's no hurry on returning it, but I'd like to remember where it went...
I almost forgot, I have to "tag" some others! Let's see, how about: Allison, Alan, and Laura. (I hope I don't end up having to email them of their "tagging". Hopefully, they'll read it here. :^D)
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Ooh, another quiz! This one comes from Andrew, who has come off his blogging hiatus loaded and ready.
You scored as Rock and Roll RockStar. You a Rock and Roll Rock Star! You like to play classic guitars and listen to classic music. You like Van Halen, Led Zepplin and The Who.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
I went to the grocery store today and saw this line of products. It amused me so much that I had to share it. Can anyone explain head wipes to me?!
Hi, I'm Debi. Once in a while I have a thought and I like to write it down before it goes away. This is where I write it.
