The Bishop's Pulpit

Monday, December 15, 2008

Advent Conspiracy

Something worth thinking about:

"The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.

So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.

And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

Welcome to Advent Conspiracy.
Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All"
(www.adventconspiracy.org)

Another similar perspective that inspired me two years ago is from Imago Dei Community Church's December 2006 Advent Messages (specifically "The Relational Gift": listen here)

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Thanksgiving / Christmas Banquet

Currie and his dad have a tradition of eating the turkey neck during the afternoon while the rest of the turkey is cooking. (EWWW!)

A quite blurry picture of our Turkey-less Thanksgiving dinner (the turkey didn't finish until 8:00!).

Eli sitting on his fire truck.

Eli thinking, "Aunt Abby, MOVE!, I'm trying to see Sesame Street!"

Last night at the Marriott for the Seminary Christmas Banquet.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Carlyle Camping and the ABIGAIL ROSE

So... it's been a while since I've posted anything--the semester's gotten busy and I've been working on another project... But I figured I might as well show off some great pics of the boat that Jenny Brown took while we were camping with the Browns and the Rolands (who brought a 4-month-old! Mega kudos!) at Carlyle Lake in later October.

Since this shot was taken I have finished all but the epoxy work on installing a front buoyancy chamber that will serve as a mast-step, "dry" storage compartment and (when the mast is down) forward seat. I'll try to take some pics soon.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

A Savior on Capitol Hill

I’m so tired of these mortal men
with their hands on their wallets and their hearts full of sin
scared of their enemies, scared of their friends
and always running for re-election
so come to DC if it be thy will
because we’ve never had a savior on Capitol Hill

you can always trust the devil or a politician
to be the devil or a politician
but beyond that friends you’d best beware
’cause at the Pentagon bar they’re an inseparable pair
and as long as the lobbyists are paying their bills
we’ll never have a savior on Capitol Hill

[Bridge]
all of our problems gonna disappear
when we can whisper right in that President’s ear
he could walk right across the reflection pool
in his combat boots and ten thousand dollar suit

you can render unto Caesar everything that’s his
you can trust in his power to come to your defense
it’s the way of the world, the way of the gun
it’s the trading of an evil for a lesser one
so don’t hold your breath or your vote until
you think you’ve finally found a savior up on Capitol Hill

Beautiful Fall

I added more pics to our facebook album from our walk today. I love the way the sun sparkles through the leaves. This may be my favorite time of year.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=46660&l=a7eea&id=500377983

Saturday, November 01, 2008

A Kilt for the Rest of Us!

I just found out about a great company from Jason Bartlett--Sport Kilt.

At last! For all those of us wanting an affordable alternative to expensive custom made kilts there is now an option! (Since I'm sure there are so many of us in that category...)