STORY OF THE DAY - POWER SUIT

I have a really great power
suit she said, but I never
wear it because no one
talks to me on those days.

Alas! I don't own a power suit.

From StoryPeople.

PLEASE PRAY FOR DAVE

From Dave (aka Arkansas Hillbilly):

June,

I haven't talked about this much because I don't like being a burden, but I have been out of work since last June. I recently applied for a job as a transplant coordinator for a major retailer, and have made it to the final round of the hiring process. I really want this particular job, as it's right up my alley skills wise, so if you and your friends in the blogverse could pray that I either get this job or that a suitable one for me comes along I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Arkansas Hillbilly

Dave, posting prayer requests is no burden at all. The ministry found me, as I had no intention of having a prayer blog when I started out, but I now look upon posting prayer requests as an important ministry.

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work, especially our brother Dave. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Remember our family and friends listed below, who also search for employment.

Alison

David@Montreal

JCF

JimB

Jonathan

Kathy

Penny

DISSONANCE OF THE DAY

This [Lambeth] Commission recommends, therefore, and urges the primates to consider, the adoption by the churches of the Communion of a common Anglican Covenant which would make explicit and forceful the loyalty and bonds of affection which govern the relationships between the churches of the Communion. (Windsor Report, 118)

Dr Caroline Hall's essays, to which I linked in an earlier post, reminded me of the nonsensical words in the Windsor Report (the report, which somehow became a set of rules that must be obeyed), making explicit and forceful the bonds of affection. Who wrote the words? Who proofread the words and permitted them to stand? I'd guess more than a few people approved the words, and the report was sent out to the member churches of the Anglican Communion. Did no one note the silliness? A picture forms in my mind of a large number of people being forced into a group hug.

The reality is that the bonds of affection are either present, or they are not. Bonds of affection cannot be coerced by threats of consequences. The covenant cannot and will not force the members of the various churches of the communion to love one another.

PLEASE PRAY FOR KIRSTIN

From Kirstin at Barefoot and Laughing:

I had an MRI last night. Oncologist called me this morning.

They're small, and not causing edema or shifting of brain contents. But, I have them. They may be responsible for the transitory numbness I've had.

The next step is a radiation oncologist, probably next week. I asked my oncologist how effective that would be. He said it would shrink them, or make them stop growing, or make them go away. There's no telling whether they'd come back.

I'll be more reflective later. Had to get this out there.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Kirstin the help of your power, that her sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

UPDATE: Two later posts from Kirstin are here and here.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - CAROLINE HALL ON THE ANGLICAN COVENANT

The Reverend Dr. Caroline Hall is priest-in-charge of St. Benedict's Church in Los Osos, California. She is a former member of the Integrity Board of Directors where her portfolio included international affairs. She is a frequent contributor to Walking With Integrity.

The Anglican Covenant - Part 1; Where did it come from?

The Anglican Covenant - Part 2; What's in it?

The Anglican Covenant - Part 3; Who wants it?

The Anglican Covenant - Part 4; Who's against it?

Part 1, especially, caught my attention because I, and I suspect others, was under the impression that the covenant had its earliest roots in the Windsor Report which came out in 2004.

Dr Hall says:

In fact, the concept of an Anglican Covenant was first suggested in the Dallas Statement in 1997. This was the statement from a conference attended by 45 conservative bishops and 4 conservative archbishops from 16 nations to develop an anti-gay strategy for the 1998 Lambeth Conference.

Hmmm. I wasn't paying attention back then.

Do read all of the essays.

H/T to Lionel Deimel at the No Anglican Covenant Blog.

STORY OF THE DAY

You have to not care either way about it,
she told me, & when you wake up in the
middle of the night with anxiety attacks,
it's best to lie & say it's because you
thought you heard something
downstairs

From StoryPeople.

INSTRUMENTS OF COMMUNION - A CLARIFICATION

Fred, at Off-Topic Allowed, offers a superb clarification of the Instruments of Communion. He even includes pictures.

CUSTOMS

A very distinguished lady on a plane from Switzerland found herself seated next to an elderly Roman Catholic priest in clericals. She asked, "Excuse me, Father, could I ask a favor?"

"Of course, my child, what can I do for you?"

"Here's the problem: I bought myself a new sophisticated hair remover gadget for which I paid an enormous sum of money. I have really gone over the declaration limits, and I am worried that they will confiscate it at customs. Do you think you could hide it under your cassock?"

"Of course I could, my child, but you must realize that I cannot lie."

"You have such an honest face, Father, I am sure they will not ask you any questions."

She gave him the hair remover and the aircraft arrived at its destination. At customs the priest was asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?"

"From the top of my head to my sash, I have nothing to declare,
my son," he replied.

The customs officer then asked, "And from the sash down, what do
you have?"

The priest replied, "Well, I have a marvelous little instrument destined for use by women, but which has never been used."

Breaking out in laughter, the customs officer said, "Go ahead Father. Next!"


Cheers,

Paul (A.)
(healing slowly day to day)

Paul, I'm sorry your healing is going slowly. More prayers for you.

I've missed you and your cheering jokes.

FUR, SILK, AND LACE

His Eminence in red and white



The full effect of the train



Lace and more lace



Kissing the ring



What's happening here?



More kissing the ring



Even more kissing the ring

Look, I know I am a hypocrite. I have not given away all my worldly goods to the poor to follow Jesus, but may we still speak of excess, excess to the point of hilarity? And kissing the ring? Don't get me started.

The entire collection of pictures may be seen here.

UPDATE ON LINDA

When Linda arrived at the airport in Atlanta, her friend, Gary, was there, but it took about an hour and a half for the two of them to get together because of a mix-up. Gary had arranged for a hotel room for Linda to rest while waiting for her flight to Johannesburg, but because of their delay in meeting up, there was no time to go to the hotel. As they were waiting to board the flight, a woman nearby must have sensed the situation, and she offered to switch seats with Linda and give her a seat in first class. The airline had already arranged for Linda to be in first class, but that the woman offered was lovely.

And that's as far as what we know takes us.

Other posts on Linda are here and here.