Sunday, April 03, 2005
Mercy vrs Destruction
"The debate about Terri Schiavo's life and death remains inescapable, and the questions it raises matter immensely to those on both sides who realize that crucial matters are at stake. But the tears shed by both families as Terri Schiavo died also ought to touch something in our souls, and to prompt us to pray -- not only for the comfort and strength of our allies, but also for God to shower mercy and grace into the lives of our opponents."
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Terri Schiavo
Continue to pray for Terri Schiavo and her family. Pray that she might not actually need the tube to survive. Pray for life and light in the name of Jesus.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Gay Issues & the ABC/USA
At www.getreligion.org, perhaps the best religion journalism blog on the Net, two stories on the the latest spasms in the Anglican Communion. First, Broken Communion notes how some Anglican clergy now "refuse to share Holy Communion" with their diocesan bishop. The equivalent in American Baptist Polity, I suppose, would be a Church refusing to give money to denominational powers. In other words, grave disagreement. Second, Everyone Loves Justice notes that the Episcopalians (the American branch of the Anglican Communion) have voted a one-year moratorium on the election of new bishops, the best way they could think of, it seems, to honor the Anglican request to avoid approving any "noncelibate homosexual bishops" until the Anglicans of the world can figure out where they stand on this troubling issue.
It is interesting to note the distribution of frozen bishops in the second article. The five frozen straight bishops are from the South (led by bishops who voted against Robinson's consecration as a bishop). The two frozen gay bishops are from California. Gay issues are only the tip of the iceberg and there not fading slowly into the night. They will continue to arise in US and European political and ecclesiastical contexts. The handwriting is all over the wall. Gay issues will ultimately bring the Church and the ABC/USA to a place of biblical and theological clarity.
It is interesting to note the distribution of frozen bishops in the second article. The five frozen straight bishops are from the South (led by bishops who voted against Robinson's consecration as a bishop). The two frozen gay bishops are from California. Gay issues are only the tip of the iceberg and there not fading slowly into the night. They will continue to arise in US and European political and ecclesiastical contexts. The handwriting is all over the wall. Gay issues will ultimately bring the Church and the ABC/USA to a place of biblical and theological clarity.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Friday, December 17, 2004
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Direction...
I'm still not sure of the direction I want to take in my blog. Perhaps someone out there can help. What would be of help to you?
Friday, August 27, 2004
Sermon to write
Today is my main sermon writing time. I spend most of my morning on this project. My goal is to get a work draft completed before noon.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
It's a Good Day
Greetings and happy new day! This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it! I hope to find my way back into my blog soon. I'm healing... I had a good vacation... the kids are back in school... nearly... the church is slowly growing... other information to come.... hopefully.... Grace and peace to you!
Monday, May 24, 2004
Try again!
It been mostly difficult but dull... I had a heart attack on Easter! I'm looking for my balance now. Pray for me.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Written Word:
John 12:20-26: 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
Catechism: Question 7. What do you believe when you confess your faith in "God the Father Almighty"? That God is a God of love, and that God's love is powerful beyond measure.
· Lam. 3:22 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end."
· Song 8:7 "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one's house, it would be utterly scorned."
· 1 John 4:8 "Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love."
Traditional English Version
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.
Vocab:
dragoman \DRAG-uh-man\ noun, plural dragomans or dragomen. An interpreter or guide.
defenestration \dee-feh-nuh-STRAY-shun\ noun : a throwing of a person or thing out of a window
Quotations of the day:
But I simply can't stand a view limited to this earth, I feel life is so small unless it has windows into other worlds...I like mathematics largely because it is not human. Bertrand Russell – Letters
The situation of Iraqis is as if one eye is crying and one eye is laughing. SAYID HASHEM AL-SHAMAA, a Shiite leader in Baghdad.
News & Virews:
The first meeting on administering postwar Iraq is scheduled for Tuesday between US officials and representatives of the nation's religious and political interests. But long-exiled Ahmed Chalabi, the opposition leader widely expected to head an interim administration, told a Paris newspaper he is "absolutely not" a candidate for any political post. The meeting, at Nasiriyah, comes as US forces arrived at the "transition point" in the war by securing control of Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tikrit.
Families of seven former US prisoners of war were planning excited reunions, a day after their rescue in Iraq. The ex-POWs told The Washington Post they were fed and given medical treatment by their captors, were interrogated, and were often moved. Meanwhile, with coalition troops in effective control of Iraq's main cities, the US is scaling back some forces. Two Navy aircraft carrier battle groups reportedly have orders to leave this week, and the submarine USS Toledo is due to arrive Tuesday at a naval base in Groton, Conn.
In an about-face, senior leaders in China said they are "very worried" about SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), after weeks of maintaining that the illness was under control. New President Hu Jintao visited hospitals in hard-hit Guang-zhou province and called for urgency in combating the problem. But in Hong Kong, seven more deaths from SARS were reported, pushing the global total to 144.
Happy Birthday:
Leonardo DaVinci - painter of the Mona Lisa, (1452-1519)
Just a thought:
Despite its fame, Niagara Falls is only the 23rd highest waterfall in North America.
John 12:20-26: 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
Catechism: Question 7. What do you believe when you confess your faith in "God the Father Almighty"? That God is a God of love, and that God's love is powerful beyond measure.
· Lam. 3:22 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end."
· Song 8:7 "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one's house, it would be utterly scorned."
· 1 John 4:8 "Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love."
Traditional English Version
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.
Vocab:
dragoman \DRAG-uh-man\ noun, plural dragomans or dragomen. An interpreter or guide.
defenestration \dee-feh-nuh-STRAY-shun\ noun : a throwing of a person or thing out of a window
Quotations of the day:
But I simply can't stand a view limited to this earth, I feel life is so small unless it has windows into other worlds...I like mathematics largely because it is not human. Bertrand Russell – Letters
The situation of Iraqis is as if one eye is crying and one eye is laughing. SAYID HASHEM AL-SHAMAA, a Shiite leader in Baghdad.
News & Virews:
The first meeting on administering postwar Iraq is scheduled for Tuesday between US officials and representatives of the nation's religious and political interests. But long-exiled Ahmed Chalabi, the opposition leader widely expected to head an interim administration, told a Paris newspaper he is "absolutely not" a candidate for any political post. The meeting, at Nasiriyah, comes as US forces arrived at the "transition point" in the war by securing control of Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tikrit.
Families of seven former US prisoners of war were planning excited reunions, a day after their rescue in Iraq. The ex-POWs told The Washington Post they were fed and given medical treatment by their captors, were interrogated, and were often moved. Meanwhile, with coalition troops in effective control of Iraq's main cities, the US is scaling back some forces. Two Navy aircraft carrier battle groups reportedly have orders to leave this week, and the submarine USS Toledo is due to arrive Tuesday at a naval base in Groton, Conn.
In an about-face, senior leaders in China said they are "very worried" about SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), after weeks of maintaining that the illness was under control. New President Hu Jintao visited hospitals in hard-hit Guang-zhou province and called for urgency in combating the problem. But in Hong Kong, seven more deaths from SARS were reported, pushing the global total to 144.
Happy Birthday:
Leonardo DaVinci - painter of the Mona Lisa, (1452-1519)
Just a thought:
Despite its fame, Niagara Falls is only the 23rd highest waterfall in North America.
Monday, April 14, 2003
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Written Word:
Psalm 27:1-14: 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh - my adversaries and foes - they shall stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. 6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 "Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face, LORD, do I seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. 13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Catechism:
Question 6. What is the first article of the Apostles' Creed? "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth."
Traditional English Version
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.
Vocab:
henotheism \HEH-nuh-thee-ih-zum ("th" as in "think")\ noun : the worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods
importunate \im-POR-tyoo-nit\ adjective 1 : troublesomely urgent : overly persistent in request or demand *2 : troublesome
Quotations of the day:
"The game is over." Mohammed Aldouri, Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations.
"When two men in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary." (William Wrigley Jr.)
News:
Nanotube Web Could Mimic Brain: Technology Research News - April 9, 2003 Researchers from NASA Ames Research Center have found a way to grow minuscule webs of connected carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are rolled-up sheets of carbon atoms that appear naturally in soot, and are central to many nanotechnology projects. Nanotube networks could herald a new type of electronics that have huge numbers of random connections, a setup similar to a brain's synapses. Such networks could also form sensors, parts for conventional electronics, or templates for assembling materials molecule-by-molecule.
Inventor Imagines Future Phones CHICAGO -- Thirty years after the first cellular phone call, inventor Martin Cooper still dreams about the day when futuristic telephone technology is a reality. Cooper's dream telephone is so small that it fits behind his ear, automatically dials out when he thinks about calling someone and it notifies him of incoming calls with a tickle instead of a ring.
U.S. Forces Take Control of Baghdad: by Patrick E. Tyler http://www.nytimes.com/todaysheadlines
KUWAIT, Thursday, April 10 - Much of Baghdad tumbled into American hands on Wednesday as Saddam Hussein's image was pulled down from pedestals and portraiture in the city. But American and British commanders said the war in Iraq, including the battle for Baghdad, was not over and faced critical days ahead.
Just a thought: College protests in America began in the 1960s, right? Not quite. Back up a couple hundred years. What did Harvard students have to complain about back in 1766? The impending war? Unmanageable class sizes? The cost of quill pens? Nope, it was all about butter. Known historically as the Great Butter Rebellion, the students were upset at the poor quality of the butter that was being served with their meals, so they did what most college students would do - they griped about it. "Behold, our butter stinketh!" wrote Asa Dunbar, Harvard student and later grandfather of none other than Henry David Thoreau. Did the establishment buckle, and provide the students with the better butter they bitterly battled for? Of course not. Instead, they punished over half the student body with suspensions and expulsions. Perhaps they should have asked: "Parkay?"
Psalm 27:1-14: 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh - my adversaries and foes - they shall stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. 6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 "Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face, LORD, do I seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. 13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Catechism:
Question 6. What is the first article of the Apostles' Creed? "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth."
Traditional English Version
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.
Vocab:
henotheism \HEH-nuh-thee-ih-zum ("th" as in "think")\ noun : the worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods
importunate \im-POR-tyoo-nit\ adjective 1 : troublesomely urgent : overly persistent in request or demand *2 : troublesome
Quotations of the day:
"The game is over." Mohammed Aldouri, Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations.
"When two men in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary." (William Wrigley Jr.)
News:
Nanotube Web Could Mimic Brain: Technology Research News - April 9, 2003 Researchers from NASA Ames Research Center have found a way to grow minuscule webs of connected carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are rolled-up sheets of carbon atoms that appear naturally in soot, and are central to many nanotechnology projects. Nanotube networks could herald a new type of electronics that have huge numbers of random connections, a setup similar to a brain's synapses. Such networks could also form sensors, parts for conventional electronics, or templates for assembling materials molecule-by-molecule.
Inventor Imagines Future Phones CHICAGO -- Thirty years after the first cellular phone call, inventor Martin Cooper still dreams about the day when futuristic telephone technology is a reality. Cooper's dream telephone is so small that it fits behind his ear, automatically dials out when he thinks about calling someone and it notifies him of incoming calls with a tickle instead of a ring.
U.S. Forces Take Control of Baghdad: by Patrick E. Tyler http://www.nytimes.com/todaysheadlines
KUWAIT, Thursday, April 10 - Much of Baghdad tumbled into American hands on Wednesday as Saddam Hussein's image was pulled down from pedestals and portraiture in the city. But American and British commanders said the war in Iraq, including the battle for Baghdad, was not over and faced critical days ahead.
Just a thought: College protests in America began in the 1960s, right? Not quite. Back up a couple hundred years. What did Harvard students have to complain about back in 1766? The impending war? Unmanageable class sizes? The cost of quill pens? Nope, it was all about butter. Known historically as the Great Butter Rebellion, the students were upset at the poor quality of the butter that was being served with their meals, so they did what most college students would do - they griped about it. "Behold, our butter stinketh!" wrote Asa Dunbar, Harvard student and later grandfather of none other than Henry David Thoreau. Did the establishment buckle, and provide the students with the better butter they bitterly battled for? Of course not. Instead, they punished over half the student body with suspensions and expulsions. Perhaps they should have asked: "Parkay?"
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Written Word:
John 10:1-18: 1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away - and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
Catechism:
The Apostles' Creed: Question 5. What does a Christian believe? All that is promised in the gospel. A summary is found in the Apostles' Creed, which affirms the main content of the Christian faith. John 20:31 "But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name."
Traditional English Version
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.
Vocab:
qua \KWAH\ preposition: in the capacity or character of : as
charisma \kuh-RIZ-muh\ noun 1: a personal quality of leadership arousing popular loyalty or enthusiasm *2: a special magnetic charm or appeal
Quotations of the day:
"The end game is the end of the regime, and that's a lot closer now than it was." - MAJ. GEN. STANLEY A. McCHRYSTAL
"The man who says he is willing to meet you halfway is usually a poor judge of distance." (Laurence J. Peter)
News:
Thirty-one antiwar protesters were arrested and a dozen were hurt, along with six bystanders, when police in Oakland, Calif., fired nonlethal weapons to disperse a rally outside the city's seaport Monday. It was one of the most violent such incidents since the Iraq war began. Police Chief Richard Word said some in the crowd threw rocks and started a fire, but pledged to review the use of projectiles.
COMPUTERS TO WATCH YOU WHILE YOU WORK: With today's computer users increasingly overloaded by a combination of e-mail, instant messages and phone calls, researchers at the Human Media Lab at Queen's University in Ontario are designing technology that will enable a PC to gauge their user's attention level and sort out which messages and phone calls are important. "Today's digital lifestyle has the unfortunate side effect of bombarding people with messages from many devices all the time, regardless of whether they're willing, or able, to respond," says Human Media Lab director Dr. Roel Vertegaal. "We now need computers that sense when we are busy, when we are available for interruption, and know when to wait their turn -- just as we do with human-to-human interaction." Techniques used to evaluate PC users' availability include an eye contact sensor that enables the PC to determine whether the user is present and whether he or she is looking at the screen. (BBC News 8 Apr 2003) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/2925403.stm
Advisory information about SARS provided by Health Ministries: The latest health advisory information about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was recently added to the Web site of Health Ministries USA (www.pcusa.org/health/usa) to help parish nurses and health ministry personnel to answer questions from congregation members.
The U.S. Department of State encourages American citizens traveling abroad to familiarize themselves with the information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) about SARS.
But I didn't open any of it… From little Twizel, New Zealand, comes word that some residents recently received, all at once, eight years' worth of mail - letters, bills, even wedding invitations. Reason: The part-time postmistress couldn't keep up with the flow and let it pile up until a visiting government inspector discovered it. The fact that she's "quite highly respected" around town didn't prevent her from being fired.
Just a thought: The westernmost state capital in the lower 48 states is Salem, Oregon.
John 10:1-18: 1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away - and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
Catechism:
The Apostles' Creed: Question 5. What does a Christian believe? All that is promised in the gospel. A summary is found in the Apostles' Creed, which affirms the main content of the Christian faith. John 20:31 "But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name."
Traditional English Version
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.
Vocab:
qua \KWAH\ preposition: in the capacity or character of : as
charisma \kuh-RIZ-muh\ noun 1: a personal quality of leadership arousing popular loyalty or enthusiasm *2: a special magnetic charm or appeal
Quotations of the day:
"The end game is the end of the regime, and that's a lot closer now than it was." - MAJ. GEN. STANLEY A. McCHRYSTAL
"The man who says he is willing to meet you halfway is usually a poor judge of distance." (Laurence J. Peter)
News:
Thirty-one antiwar protesters were arrested and a dozen were hurt, along with six bystanders, when police in Oakland, Calif., fired nonlethal weapons to disperse a rally outside the city's seaport Monday. It was one of the most violent such incidents since the Iraq war began. Police Chief Richard Word said some in the crowd threw rocks and started a fire, but pledged to review the use of projectiles.
COMPUTERS TO WATCH YOU WHILE YOU WORK: With today's computer users increasingly overloaded by a combination of e-mail, instant messages and phone calls, researchers at the Human Media Lab at Queen's University in Ontario are designing technology that will enable a PC to gauge their user's attention level and sort out which messages and phone calls are important. "Today's digital lifestyle has the unfortunate side effect of bombarding people with messages from many devices all the time, regardless of whether they're willing, or able, to respond," says Human Media Lab director Dr. Roel Vertegaal. "We now need computers that sense when we are busy, when we are available for interruption, and know when to wait their turn -- just as we do with human-to-human interaction." Techniques used to evaluate PC users' availability include an eye contact sensor that enables the PC to determine whether the user is present and whether he or she is looking at the screen. (BBC News 8 Apr 2003) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/2925403.stm
Advisory information about SARS provided by Health Ministries: The latest health advisory information about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was recently added to the Web site of Health Ministries USA (www.pcusa.org/health/usa) to help parish nurses and health ministry personnel to answer questions from congregation members.
The U.S. Department of State encourages American citizens traveling abroad to familiarize themselves with the information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) about SARS.
But I didn't open any of it… From little Twizel, New Zealand, comes word that some residents recently received, all at once, eight years' worth of mail - letters, bills, even wedding invitations. Reason: The part-time postmistress couldn't keep up with the flow and let it pile up until a visiting government inspector discovered it. The fact that she's "quite highly respected" around town didn't prevent her from being fired.
Just a thought: The westernmost state capital in the lower 48 states is Salem, Oregon.
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
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