One of the great challenges in reclaiming the power of saying “I don’t know” and avoiding the pitfalls mentioned in the last post – namely, giving bad information and limiting your ability to learn – is our current conception of intelligence. We tend to measure our intelligence –...
29. Mark 15:16-20
posted by DJL
Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of...
Sistine Chapel Virtual Tour
posted by DJL
To aid in Sabbath rest and reflection, I usually only post a prayer for the day on Sundays, something connected to one of the appointed readings. But I stumbled on this last night and couldn’t wait to share it. It’s a virtual 3D tour of the Sistine Chapel that the Vatican has produced. It’s almost like being there. Actually, given the music, lack of crowds, and ability to zoom in on some of the most famous paintings in Western history, it might just be better than being there. 🙂 If you want to visit, click the picture below and then click and slide your cursor in the direction you want to move; the zoom controls are at...
Fifth Sunday in Lent
posted by DJL
Dear God, Remember not our faults and failures but your faithfulness. Remember not how we broke your commands and covenants but the love with which you made and gave them. Remember not our disappointments and downfalls but your delight in your children. Remember not our sin and shortcomings...
Hunger Games Movie
posted by DJL
It’s not all that uncommon when you go to see the film version of a favorite book to come away disappointed. Sometimes it’s your fault, going in with ridiculously high expectations, perhaps. And sometimes that’s the movie’s fault, tampering with the story or over-doing the special...
Spring!
posted by DJL
Like much of the country, we’ve had a mild winter and, recently, unseasonably warm weather that has ushered in an early spring. Unlike much of the country, that means that spring is coming not just a week or two early, but about six weeks early! Last year, we didn’t have consistent temps in the 60s until May, with snow flurries on the 1st and 2nd of that month. So it’s an understatement to say that we are rejoicing to have spring-like weather on the first day of spring rather than having to wait until May Day. The photo below, of the Jefferson Monument viewed through Cherry Blossoms, captures a traditional herald of spring...
28. Mark 15:14-15
posted by DJL
Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Do you ever wonder just how much of our lives is dictated by...
“Church”
posted by DJL
What do you think of when you hear the word “church”? Episcopal priest John Mark Wiggers, of the East Tennessee Diocese, engages folks on the streets of his town to play a little word association: “When I say church, you say…?” Well, what do you say? Watch Father...
27. Mark 15:11-13
posted by DJL
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” One may well wonder while reading this portion of...
Still I Rise: A Poem...
posted by DJL
So much of Maya Angelou’s poetry is simultaneously defiant and uplifting. “Still I Rise” is one of my favorites, recognizing the difficult, at times terrible past African Americans suffered only to draw strength from it so as to confront a sometimes difficult and terrible...
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