GOD'S EAR

Prayer is the little implement
Through which men reach
Where Presence is denied them.
They fling their speech

By means of it in God's Ear
If then He hear.
This sums the apparatus
Comprised in prayer.

Emily Dickinson

In haste.

Image from Wikipedia.

SLIVERED CRESENT MOON

 

Resting on its curve
The moon a slivered crescent
Ends pointing upward

(June Butler - 4/15/10)

STORY OF THE DAY

Fits into a really tight suit to
keep his blood from rushing
to his feet where it just
makes him want to get up & go

Change that "his" to "her" and you have moi.

From StoryPeople.

DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA RESOLUTION: HONEST, HEARTFELT CONVERSATIONS WITH GAYS AND LESBIANS

From Walking With Integrity:

Integrity USA applauds the Diocese of Louisiana for it's passage of Resolution R-3 this past weekend. The resolution calls for "honest, heartfelt conversations" to take place across the diocese. Respectful conversations and the sharing of each other's stories are a first step toward bringing folks together and changing the hearts and minds of those in the moveable middle or even those who say thay are opposed to support equality and inclusion for all.

2001 Resolution R-3

Purpose: A Resolution for Unity and Honest, Heartfelt Conversation within our Diversity

Resolved, that the 174th Convention encourage each ecclesiastical unit to honor our Baptismal Covenant and sustain our unity in light of the diversity of our opinions by engaging in honest, heartfelt conversations in order to listen to the experiences of gay and lesbian Christians as God works to change us all into holy people.

The resolution was introduced by the Rev. Canon William Barnwell (Trinity, New Orleans)

Read the full text of Canon Barnwell's statement, titled A Resolution for Unity and Honest, Heartfelt Conversation within our Diversity here. The statement is excellent and a very welcome step forward to inclusion and equality for all in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.

Thanks to Ann Fontaine for the link.

FEAST DAY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR

From The Reverend King's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech on April 3, 1968:

It's all right to talk about "long white robes over yonder," in all of its symbolism. But ultimately people want some suits and dresses and shoes to wear down here. It's all right to talk about "streets flowing with milk and honey," but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here, and his children who can't eat three square meals a day. It's all right to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day, God's preachers must talk about the New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee. This is what we have to do.
....

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

King was assassinated the following day. The speech in its entirety is here.

PRAYER:

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings:

Psalm 77:11-20
Genesis 37:17b-20
Ephesians 6:10-20
Luke 6:27-36

Repost from the feast day in 2008.

A PRE-SCHOOL TEST FOR YOU

Which way is the bus below traveling? To the left or to the right?




Can't make up your mind? Look carefully at the picture again. Still don't know?


---------------------------------


Pre-schoolers all over the United States were shown this picture and asked the same question. 90% of the pre-schoolers gave this answer. "The bus is traveling to the left."


--------------------------------


When asked, "Why do you think the bus is traveling to the left?"

They answered: "Because you can't see the door to get on the bus."


--------------------------------


How do you feel now ???

"Stupid!" was my answer to Ann Fontaine, who sent me the test.

And why not visit Ann's blog, What the Tide Brings In, and read her notes for a sermon for Lent 4 and see the drawing and quote from one of my favorite books?

STORY OF THE DAY - JOY OF SPRING

The birds brought seed & flowers & bits
of brightly colored string & placed them
in her hair while she slept so that she
would remember the wild joy of spring
when she finally awoke.

From StoryPeople.

LIGHT BLOGGING OR NONE...

My brother-in-law, Frank, will be visiting for a few days, so blogging may be light to non-existent. Frank's trying to beat the heat down heah, and I think he may just do it.

HELP KIRSTIN RAISE FUNDS FOR ACS RELAY FOR LIFE

From Kirstin at Barefoot and Laughing:

I'm doing the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Sacramento on April 16. I signed up two weeks ago, and finally tonight got it together and finished my fundraising page. (I'm still feeling the sleeplessness from a four-week course of steroids that went with radiation.) I'd been thinking about it since I was first in treatment, while I was still in seminary. I went to their website more recently, clicked the "Survivors" tab, and started crying. I also know that if I'm going to do this sort of thing, it needs to be now. I'm capable, mentally and physically competent, and in the lightest course of treatment (oral chemo only) that I've ever had.

Please don't feel pressured to contribute. Your love is enough. But please do feel welcome to. Money raised doesn't go to me; it goes to the American Cancer Society. You're helping to fund research, and support patients in any number of ways.

You are also welcome (very welcome) to walk the survivors' lap with me. The event begins at 10am at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H Street, Sacramento.

Thank you. Love to all.

TWO QUICK ONES

I dialed a number and got the following recording:

"I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life.

Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes."

Cruel!

A woman asks man who is traveling with six children, "Are all these kids yours?"

The man replies, "No, I work in a condom factory and these are customer complaints".

These two were culled from a group of nine jokes for which you can blame or thank Doug.