Thirsty

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 and need someone 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 heartaches which is why I se...

(from Padre Stephanos ) (PS - speaking of Fr. Stephanos, I just came across a podcast of him and another guy talking about the original meaning behind having the priest with his back to the congregation during the Liturgy of the Eucharist in Mass. Might find it informative.)

Last night at men's prayer, Matt exhorted us to be cautious about having a "grass is greener" mentality. Sometimes we don't even realize we're doing it. And then Bill shared along the same lines, reflecting on the scripture about "where your treasure is, there will your heart be". It hit me pretty solidly, a little wakeup call about some of the things I've both consciously and internally been holding as treasure, and desires, that are not founded upon the action of God in my life. Even something as simple as reminding myself to first bring all my concerns to God, and not simply let them stew inside me. No matter how minor or major they may be, no matter what I think about whether I "should" be able to deal with these myself. That's pride. Anyway, today Calvin confirmed those prayers from last night. :)

"In our world today, religious, political, academic and economic leaders are being seriously challenged to improve the level of dialogue between peoples and between cultures. To do this effectively requires a deepening of our mutual understanding and a shared dedication to building a society of ever greater justice and peace. We need to know each other better and, on the strength of that mutual discovery, to build relationships not just of tolerance but of authentic respect. Indeed, Jews, Christians and Muslims share many common convictions, and there are numerous areas of humanitarian and social engagement in which we can and must cooperate." - Pope Benedict XVI

Hello World! Posting from docs.google.com ...

[old post, just now publishing 10/24] In these past few days, I've been constantly realizing something about the "intentional community" life I'm experiencing anew, and the aforementioned Seven Levels of Intimacy. Kelly's label for the final level, Legitimate Needs, has been constantly popping into my head. That 's what community life is, that's what we're all about, and that's what has become such a commonplace here. We ask for help, and we offer help, and we encourage one another in doing so. Earlier this week I went to help an older couple with their laptop/printer/scanner, and got a nice homemade lunch after, something a single guy doesn't always get. I also got to learn more about the couple, she had once upon a time been a nun, and then taught for 35 years, and they have 5 grown children... all adopted at young ages. She has cancer and we've been praying for her for a month or two. Yesterday I drove out to another family's ...

Last night I went with a couple other guys to see a popular speaker from Australia named Matthew Kelly come to speak about a recent book of his, The Seven Levels of Intimacy. Here they are for your benefit, from lowest to highest. Get a lot of work done in your relationships by intentionally climbing this ladder: 1. Cliches . Typically, these are used to block intimacy. The absolute bare minimum gets communicated, and it can shut down the conversation. 2. Facts . How's the weather? How about that game last weekend? Guess what happened? 3. Opinions . 4. Hopes & Dreams . If we communicate these to each others, we find ourselves thinking about *their* hopes and dreams, and helping them with them. 5. Feelings . 6. Fears, Faults, & Failures . People accomplish great things because they are able to turn their faults into strengths. Michael Jordan didn't make his high school basketball team. 7. Legitimate Needs . He also spoke about how we human beings are ver...