Let's go back to bed.

This is a Jewel lyric from her early work when she was a possible future wife of mine. Click the title and visit her website and I think you might find out why she is no longer on the list if the audio from her new album comes up too. That's okay, we'll always have 1998.

Yesterday I was consumed with a few things; trying to write a sermon, put together a presentation for consistory, find my replacement, and catch my breath. So far today hasn't been all that worth being awake and I'm questioning waking up. However, with my apologies, here is
THE WEEKLY INAPPROPRITAE CHURCH SIGN

This sign was passed on to me by a dear friend who drew from it that I may indeed be a good fit in the Houston area! I'm not entirely sure what she meant!

Sorry to keep you all waiting and thanks Deb.

And all I can do is try.

These lyrics are from Nelly Furtado's song Try which I'm not sure I can endorse. (pretty poppy) So instead of visiting her website, click the title to read an interesting story about the following poem.

These words were written by another Hoosier from Southern Indiana. I have always found them extremely powerful. I have been so busy the last few days, but thought I could share another man's work that inspired me.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.