Could it get any worse?

This morning, I logged onto my local talk radio channel’s website to see what was playing this weekend. And what do I see?

Rush Lumbaugh on the Glenn Beck show. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Church Bus Fail

Doh!

Here’s hoping the van was carrying some type of “Adult Bookstore Ministry Team.”

A moment of gratitude

Over the past couple days, I have been developing some curriculum related to mentoring young people who come from immigrant and refugee families. I’ve discovered some staggering statistics about these children and families and read some pretty amazing stories. And then I stumbled into this short paragraph:

“I believe in helping people in difficult times, in trying to understand people, and in trying to study because education is power. I see people who have a lot of material possessions, but I do not feel jealous because what is really important is love and relationships. I know how quickly you can lose what you have. In America, we don’t have money. But we have peace.”

– Helene Bounsana, refugee youth from Congo, Brazzaville

It’s ironic that I read this after I just celebrated Thanksgiving, because reading those words evoked the deepest feelings of gratitude that I’ve experienced in quite some time.

Not only do I have money and all the resources and luxuries that come with life in America, I have everything else that’s much more important: love, relationships, family, friends, and even a very good education.

I am so amazingly blessed.

 

(If you’re interested in learning more about the issue generally, you can find great resources here)

A Prayer for World AIDS Day

God, we lift up all those suffering from HIV and AIDS; bring your healing and restoration to their bodies. Help us to do our part in ministering in loving care, support, and patience for your people who suffer with HIV and AIDS. Lead us to do whatever it will take to eradicate this illness from the lives of those who are touched by it, both directly and indirectly. Trusting in you and the strength of your Spirit, we pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

(via)

Hermeneutical Humor

A Prayer for the Earth

 

Most gracious God, creator of all good things, we thank you for planet earth and all creatures that share it.

Have mercy on us, Lord. Through ignorance and carelessness we have poisoned clean air and pure water. For monetary gain we have reduced verdant forests to barren wastes. In our craving for more we have plundered your beloved creation and driven many of our fellow creatures to extinction. Only recently have we begun to realize the dangerous future into which our current patterns of consumption and waste are driving us, especially in relation to earth’s climate. Only recently have we begun to see our need to find a wiser and better way of life in the future, before it is too late and our choices are limited by the consequences of inaction.

We who join in prayer today believe the time has come, Lord. Please guide us now, our God, at this critical moment in history, to better fulfill our role as stewards of this fragile planet. Guide the leaders of nations who (will) gather in Copenhagen (on December 6). Give them courage to set noble goals that reach beyond short-range political expediency, short-term economic profit, and short-sighted self-interest. Impress upon their conscience our sacred duty to bequeath to our children and grandchildren a healthy and thriving environment rather than a world in climate crisis.

If our leaders fail, Lord, if they fail to take the necessary action, they will violate both our trust and your calling to use their power for the common good. If they fail, every person will be affected, including generations not yet born. Rouse us all to action for we are all woven together in the fabric of creation.

This is the moment, God, when a great turning of hearts must begin. So through this prayer, we of many traditions who follow Christ — joined by friends and neighbors of many faiths – unite our hearts in a cry for change. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray in the name of Christ, through whom you have given yourself to the whole world in incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. Amen.

- by Brian McLaren and and Tim Costello (source)

Awesome Church Bulletin Bloopers

For even more hilarity, you can check out this website. My personal favorite, “Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.”

“I am a Christian”

When you say, “I am a Christian,” what exactly do you mean? I recently discovered this wonderful poem that says it perfectly for me.

When I say, “I am a Christian,”  I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!  That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian,”  I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian,”  I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian,”  I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian,”  I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, “I am a Christian,”  I do not wish to judge
I have no authority–I only know I’m loved

What a beautiful poem. Thank you, Carol Wimmer, for giving such beautiful expression to the thoughts and feelings of so many, including myself.

Is Your Bible Too Liberal?

Prophecy Fail

Should have seen it coming!