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.

But where were they going without ever knowing the way?

This title/lyric comes from Fastball, a band that had two awesome songs and then faded from the planet shrewdly awaiting their turn to find a new band member on some unbearable reality show and mount their comeback. The song was called The Way, which is too good a title for the song, and the song is pretty good. Bible scholars know what I'm saying. Check out the band, which apparently still exists, by clicking the title and check out The Way, which still exists in some place, at a church near you.

This morning the church I am serving, First Reformed Church of Bluffton, is having a Visioning Session per my suggestion trying to determine the direction the future will take at this church. From the feedback recieved at this meeting I am going to begin my campaign to replace myself. (With two people I might add; a Youth Pastor and a Children's Pastor)

This could be the begiining for this church of an amazing future and I would be proud to help them turn the ship in this new direction, any direction they choose it turns out. I guess, as I sit here in the waning hours of Friday I am both excited and worried, hopeful and resigned, looking to their future with excitement but conscious it is not mine, and even more excited about mine. I have news on that front by the way, but want things to be official as to not jinx them.

I have my monthly award to present. I was going to try to do that today, but then I struggled to find anyone to give it to. Trust me, I simply had a merciful streak. It will pass and soon I will post that blog as well.

For now I could use all the prayers, positive thought, good will, good juju, and pleasant mojo available. Please aim it at 301 West Cherry Street, that they may begin again and I may be able to take what I've built and give it to another gifted minister to build upon. This isn't a selfless request. I want my work to continue to matter long after I am gone. I hope I do that with the best intentions, even though my ego is immense. This quote has me motivated as I look to today.

“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.”
Buddhist Proverb quotes

O Come All Ye Faithful!

George Carlin once said that this hymn was the only one to ever successfully combine sex and religion. Click the title to visit his website.

Now I told you sometimes, I can get a bit perverted. Keep in mind I work with teenagers. Here is...

THE WEEKLY INAPPROPRIATE CHURCH SIGN

I would like to apologize for my mind. Not my sense of humor so much, but my mind. However, were I on the staff at this church, this sign would have included some kind of invitation to church!

Anyone else imagine wrecked cars all along this street?

Have a great Thursday!

One life, but we're not the same. We get to carry each other. Carry each other. One.

The title/lyric is from the song One by U2, which today was voted the best pop lyric of all time. I tend to agree although I prefer Johnny Cash's cover to their original. Clicking the link willt ake you to a very cool article about how Episcopal church's are building worship services around U2's music!

I need to be a better activist.

I have been a signature bearer/supporter of The ONE Campaign since its inception. I think it's a terrific idea. From today on I will have a link to the ONE campaign's site linked on the right side of my blog. If you don't know anything about this campaign check the site out, read the blog, listen to the podcasts, and if you're so inclined sign the declaration, order bands, and get involved! If you live near me I have about twenty bands left (it's the only way to financially support the campaign) and I'll gladly give you one for free. I'm just feeling today that there is a whole lot more we can be doing and this is one way I know to start.