Remembering The Alabaster Jar

Vacation Fake Out

2007-01-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

Last year, I stood in Times Square with some of my best friends in the world. “The Color Purple” on Broadway, purses on Canal Street, and dinner in Little Italy filled our weekend. We traveled by plane, train, and automobile to gather together for our annual Girls’ Weekend. We decided in college that people rarely get one really great friend in life; somehow we were lucky enough to have a

I am worried about the daffodils

2007-01-31T06:37:00.000-08:00

I am worried about the daffodils. Usually, like Wordsworth, my heart “dances with the daffodils” when I see them splash a hillside with color in spring. This time, the daffodils are a few months off on their timing. The unseasonably warm December confused them. They think spring has come, and some of them have decided to go ahead and show us what they are made of. So, in the middle of

The 30-Day Challenge: 2007

2006-12-31T13:38:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love New Year’s Resolutions. We can stop and dream of grand or miniscule changes to help create the life just around the corner that we imagine. Resolutions bring direct effects; the future stands at our fingertips. All we need to do is reach out and touch it.My resolutions in the past resembled great scenes from romantic comedies. Maybe they were just my own futile attempts to

The Christmas Truce

2006-12-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

“This will be the most memorable Christmas I've ever spent or likely to spend: since about tea time yesterday I don't think there’s been a shot fired on either side up to now,” these simple words read in a letter from an anonymous British soldier, fighting in World War I. The battle happening on Belgium soil in 1914 found a quick break on Christmas Eve.The British and German troops fought in the

Waiting and Trees

2006-12-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Ingle house meant the children would need to wait. My dad hurried to finish year-end business responsibilities, and my mother, on the other hand, directed many Christmas festivities at her school, our church, and with the extended family.My big brother, Chris, felt the same angst that I did. We wanted Christmas. By mid-December, we usually saw no hint of decorations. Our

Advent

2006-11-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

Do you all have any great ideas about celebrating Advent in your community? I would love to hear!

I Feel Like Eve

2006-11-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

I feel like Eve. The apple looks so good; I might do just about anything to have one. God placed the fruit in the Garden of Eden and told Eve to keep her hands off. My temptation is a little different. The apple of my eye is a 13-inch, white MacBook laptop. Last week, a cute guy working on his Mac while sipping

The Chinese Buffet

2006-11-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

The Chinese buffet is a marvel. Watching people approach the lanes of food leads me to wonder how they select their meal. Some people dress their plate based only on proximity. Everything on aisle one goes on the first plate. Everything on aisle two will sit on the second. Others base their selections on color. One friend of mine picks according to style; fried foods (crab rangoon, won tons

Tales of An Almost Bowler

2006-11-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

So many wonderful people in Rockdale County comment about this article, and they have gotten to know little bits about me through it. When I run into someone in the grocery store, at Starbucks, or in a restaurant, they are so kind about the article. Yet, I feel that I must make a confession. A small detail about me might change the way you feel. Dear readers: I am a bowler.Many of you may

It's Official!

2006-11-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

A friend told me once that I am not "official" until someone gets offended. Most of my posts on this blog are really my articles that run in the religion section of our local newspaper. Apparently, the one listed below got one reader hot under the collar.A woman called me this morning with her number blocked to make sure I knew what a terrible person I was for writing the article on Starbucks.

Stop and Smell The Coffee

2006-11-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Starbucks is my third place. It is my home away from home away from work. Even though their marketing campaign offers no white ribbons to us third place winners, we find great comfort in their purple chairs, smiling faces, and dialing doses of caffeine.Around this time of year, my order consists of Wild Sweet Orange teas, hazelnut lattes, or the house blend. As Christmas approaches, the calendar

Ben Franklin was from the future

2006-10-27T15:21:00.001-07:00

“Ben Franklin was from the future,” states a comical theorist as he reflects on the advancements of Mr. Franklin. The conversation arose as we discussed Franklin and his inventions and political involvement. Franklin, the inventor of bifocals, a glass harmonica, a rocking chair that swatted flies, and a heating stove, also traveled to France to woo them to assist the colonies in the

Sand Art

2006-10-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

While living in Los Angeles a few years ago, I had an opportunity to visit a Buddhist temple. One of my students who also loved art joined me. The temple housed the artwork of the monks there. For weeks, they had been working on creating amazingly intricate pieces of art, called mandalas, which use sand as their medium. The hairline swirls and blended colors reflected the precision

The $50 T-shirt ending poverty. . . .

2006-10-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I made a special trip to the GAP to pick up a (RED) shirt. Seems that Bono and Oprah have teamed up on behalf of poverty and AIDS in Africa. Wow--it seems that they have nailed my demongraphic--all the things I love. . . the GAP, Oprah, Bono, and Africa outreach. This is awesome! I can shop, listen to Oprah and Bono, and it goes to Africa. Perfect.It was perfect until I picked up

I Did it. . .

2006-10-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

http://personaldna.com/h/?k=ptVjygRmsvjCyQv-HP-ADDDD-8462&t=Encouraging+Creator">

This Is Asbury Weather

2006-10-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

"This is Asbury weather," remarked Cathy Price, a friend who qualifies for top rankings in the "Friend for Life" category. Cathy joined Ashley Atkins, another top contender in the friend category, for dinner on my birthday. We realized as we stepped out of the restaurant that a faint chill haunted the air outside. A few leaves tease us with their color. Most importantly, the heat is gone, and

Shalom and Bread

2006-09-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

My mother is a stain ninja. She can attack and remove anything that might think it found a permanent home on a beloved piece of clothing. As a child, chocolate ice-cream remained my all-time favorite snack. After ballet, she would drive me to Beasley’s, and I would run inside and buy an ice-cream. A small dollop dripped down my chin and onto my t-shirt each time. However, those stained never

Don't Go Back

2006-09-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

No man had ever shown up at my front door holding a can of SKOAL before. The irony of that moment took a back seat to the immediate blasts of pain from various points on my body.I opened the door; he quickly came inside and said, “Let’s fix those bee stings.”We took small pinches of dip and I rubbed them on my arms, my neck, my ankles, and my shin. Amazed at the instant relief, I hurried to my

Remembering College Music

2006-09-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

In college, new music was my constant entertainment. The experiences of those four years can be catalogued by the CDs being played at the moment. Adam Duritz sang through my freshman year on the Counting Crows’ “August and Everything After.” The opening line to my Art Appreciation final paper rang, “if I knew Picasso, I would buy myself a grey guitar and play.” My professor did not find the

I Dream In Color

2006-09-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Grief makes me dreams turn colors.This week, tears and sadness flooded my days. When I finally found a moment to catch a bit of rest, my grief struck often and woke me throughout my sleep. I rarely remember my dreams in the night, but when I feel sad, they stick in my imagination.Some psychologist reader out there might diagnose this, but I am willing to take the risk. My dreams glare with

Pine Street Needs Our Help

2006-09-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

“Push up / every morning / 10 times / not just / now and then / give that chicken fat back to the chickens / and don’t be chicken again.” These words blasted from the record player sitting on the corner of the table in the gym at Pine Street Elementary. “Go You Chicken Fat, Go” was our favorite song for exercise during P.E. Always being a more cerebral child, P.E. never was the highlight of my

Cell Phones and Sneezes

2006-07-28T04:55:00.000-07:00

Cavernous echoes and distant voices flood my ear as I sit and listen. It sounds as if I have fallen into a deep pit that leaves me disconnected. After a period of odd silence filled with a few lone noises from beyond, the explanation finally comes.My friend on the other end of the cell phone connection tells me, “Caroline, I just put you in my pocket. It is time to conduct commerce.” Even

Orly, Mrs. Jane, and the Recipe

2006-07-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Jane Bellefuille heard about last week’s article at a body shop last week. The cashier heard that she was attending Salem Campmeeting, and that dear reader asked how my cake turned out. Jane joined me at the church picnic, and she even tasted my cake. She, like all of the others at the picnic, graciously welcomed my cake and me into their little circle of cake bakers.On Monday, Jane stopped

My Rite of Passage

2006-07-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

Many cultures celebrate a rite of passage where a boy becomes a man. Aborigines created bungee jumping for their young men to prove their courage. Native American legends tell of young braves going on his first hunt. African tribesman sent boys into the jungle to become men through their first fight. I am staring down the barrel of my own rite of passage. It does not involve braving a jungle

Old Conyers

2006-07-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

We call it Old Conyers. This expression is not referring to Olde Town Conyers, the historic district found in the center of our city limits. Old Conyers, instead, refers to the way life was before. Old Conyers actually creates a secret grid over the city. Even though Evans Pharmacy thrives each morning with filled prescriptions and warm cups of coffee, Old Conyers calls it Beasley’s. We don’t

Luke 12:31 (The Message)

2006-07-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my

Rob Bell is coming to town!

2006-06-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

(My hero with the hipster glasses is coming to the ATL! Wanna join me?)If you’ve read Velvet Elvis, watched a NOOMA, or listened to Mars Hill Bible Church teachings online, you may be interested in hearing Rob Bell speak in a city near you.Bell's 'Everything is Spiritual' tour launches on June 30, 2006 in Chicago and will be in a different city every night through the end of July.All proceeds

Redemption

2006-06-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

"I'm an inerrantist -- I believe in the word of God -- I'm just not mad about it," Page said in a post-election news conference.These words come from the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Getting Poems Out Of My Head

2006-06-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hope is a thing with feathersHope is the thing with feathersThat perches in the soul,And sings the tune--without the words,And never stops at all,And sweetest in the gale is heard;And sore must be the stormThat could abash the little birdThat kept so many warm.I've heard it in the chillest land,And on the strangest sea;Yet, never, in extremity,It asked a crumb of me.Emily Dickenson

Audrey, Butterflies, and Finding Home

2006-06-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” found me when I was a teenager. That classic film introduced me to Holly Golightly, the offbeat heroine of the Capote tale, portrayed by Audrey Hepburn. Even though Holly suffered from too many vices and sought desperately to find herself, Holly possessed some sort of magnetism that drew people to her. She even drew me, a teenager forty years later. Holly’s ability to

"Invisible Children" Screening

2006-06-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,Three years ago, three adventure-seeking college guys from Southern California, decided they would make a film that tells the story of the atrocities currently happening in Africa. They headed off with virtually no film or travel experience and found themselves in Northern Uganda.Those three guys stumbled upon the thousands of children who live in fear of abduction. The rebels of the

The Sting of Pain

2006-06-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

While I was mixing Miracle Gro in my red watering can on Monday, a bee decided that he would interrupt my day and sting my arm. His decision derailed my plans for the day. With a homemade baking soda paste on the sting, I immediately began re-working my schedule. The inconvenience made me angrier than the sting.Pain introduces me to unwanted parts of myself. When I was in high school, my

Catching The Big One

2006-06-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

We sat on the boat off the edge of the buoy line on Lake Oconee. Our boat, encircled in fishing poles, prepared for a catch coming from any direction. The baitfish, which Dad caught with the cast net in his top-secret location earlier in the day, tempted the granddaddy of all Largemouth Bass swimming directly underneath us.At thirteen years old, my secret ability to catch big fish remained hidden

Come On Down

2006-06-01T20:34:00.001-07:00

Ryan Seacrest, the host of “American Idol,” mentioned that over 63 million votes came in the night before the final show. He stated that more people voted that night than in any presidential election. A radio show reported the next morning that more people voted for “American Idol” that night than the entire population of Hispanics and African Americans in our entire country.Everyone loves that

GRUPS

2006-06-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

"Grups" seem to be the new cultural trend, according to New York Magazine. The term comes from a Star Trek episode about a planet where the children refused to grow-up. This article is a bit frightening, considering my last post. :)If NY Mag is on to something, how does this play out in our churches?*How does a mistrust of "the man" affect people's ability to commit or align themselves with a

Reasons That I Might Be Getting Old. . . . .

2006-05-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

1. I hate that song "You're Beautiful"2. I also hate that song "You Had A Bad Day"3. Last week, I went to a movie. The car in front of mine in the parking lot left me no room. A college-age guy stopped me to tell me that I should move my car. He referred to me as "Mam." Yikes.4. Getting to spend an evening at home is the best news that I can imagine.5. Bath & Body Works makes this great

My Brain Is Swirling

2006-05-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from our monthly emergent cohort here in the Atl, and my brain is swirling. They left a question with me that I can't seem to shake.How can we re-imagine a world that creates space to welcome the "sojourners in our land"?Any ideas?

Dahh, Da, Da, Da, Dahhh, Dahh

2006-05-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is made for.” This quote was my opening line from my Baccalaureate speech given in 1994. Since then, I have forgotten who originally spoke that wise phrase and those ghastly white shoes I wore have been lost. Still, the memory of that day stuck with me somehow. Carey

Seeing the Beauty

2006-05-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

If an artist wants to create great art, then he or she must learn how to see. Training our hands is a secondary factor. The most important sense for art is vision. Seeing clearly allows an artist to take life and re-create it elsewhere. As I learn more about painting, it has become clear in my own art that the best work happens when I concentrate on what I see. My focus should open up on

Where I Come From

2006-05-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

The book of Proverbs ends by describing an ideal woman. She intimidated me most of my life. Rising before the sun, never being spiteful, knitting and sewing, and always speaking kind words are phrases used to describe her. One line always jumped out at me and assured me that my heritage still fits. "She can laugh at the days to come. . . .” (Proverbs 31:25).What happens to a child who hears

Saturday, the Mother/ Daughter Event

2006-05-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 14, my mother and I will be the speakers at a local church's Mother Daughter Tea. We just learned yesterday that the event is completely sold-out, and I was totally shocked by that. Who are these women that are coming?Anyway, we need your help. We will be opening with great, funny, terrible, etc. advice that we have received from our mothers. Will you share some with me?Thanks!

The Global Night Commute

2006-05-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, April 19, 2006, Atlanta decided to sleep on it.The process started for me around 5 p.m. that afternoon. A small group of us met together to travel into the city for the Global Night Commute, an event geared to raise awareness for the night commuters in Uganda. Some time during the prior weeks, each of us saw the documentary, "Invisible Children." My friend, Matt, simply ordered

I Couldn't NOT Post This

2006-05-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING HE'S BEEN MEANING TO SAY FOR YEARSBy Garrison KeillorTribune Media ServicesOkay, let me say this once and get it off my chest and never mention it again. I have had it with writers who talk about how painful and harrowing and exhausting and ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE it is for them to put words on paper and how they pace a hole in the carpet, anguish writ large on their marshmallow faces, and

GLOBAL NIGHT COMMUTE: ATLANTA

2006-05-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Global Night Commute absolutely amazed me. I promise to write more later.

You are invited!

2006-05-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

On May 13th, my mother and I will be the guests speakers at the Mother/Daughter Garden Tea at First Baptist Church Conyers. We rarely get an opportunity like this to speak together, so we are super-excited about it. Pleas come out and join us.Tickets are $15. Reservations can by made by calling (770) 483-8700.We would love to have you and any women dear to you join us on that day.

Global Night Commute: SATURDAY

2006-04-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

This Saturday night, April 29, we have an opportunity to make a global difference. A few years ago, three college guys from California took a trip to Africa to tell a story. With no travel or film experience, they still created a film called "Invisible Children" that documents the children who walk miles into the cities of Uganda at night because they fear being abducted by rebel forces. They

Weddings--Take Cover

2006-04-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

“At a wedding, you must always be prepared for anything. Ripped pantyhose, lost buttons, lipstick on a wedding dress, drunk groomsmen, bad hair, hysterical mothers, brides who change their minds, preachers who are no shows. Let nothing throw you,” instructs my mother, the queen of weddings.As a child, I spent countless Saturdays in churches helping my mother coordinate weddings. Most of the

New Painting

2006-04-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is what I did last night, instead of finishing my sermon or cleaning my house. However, I finished both of those this morning. All is well.

May the Love of Jesus Surround You

2006-04-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

“May the love of Jesus surround you/ May the love of Jesus pour forth/ May the love of Jesus surround you forevermore/ In the hearts that have been broken/ In the hearts that have been torn/ May the love of Jesus surround you forevermore.” (Andrew Phillip, “May the Love of Jesus Surround You”It all began on Monday. After giving up all movies and television for the season of Lent, the time had

I Have Been Banned From A Church

2006-04-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

Due to my association with Emergent found on google, I have been banned from a church. They scheduled me to lead a few seminars months ago for an event next weekend, but that has been cancelled. The associate pastor called me yesterday to inform me of the change.Please pray that I come to understand why.

The Invisible Children

2006-04-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

On April 29, 2006, the city of Atlanta will be participating in the Global Night Commute. Come and join those speaking out on behalf of the invisible children of Uganda.Stop what you are doing and check out www.theinvisiblechildren.com

Money Egg Hunts

2006-04-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Easter always brought out my competitive streak. The entire church would take the children over to Joanne Caldwell’s house for the Granddaddy of all Easter egg hunts. She would section the yard off according to age groups, and they would set us lose. Bowties, smocked dresses, and Easter baskets would fly into the spring air as we soared out on our quest. We had one purpose that day, finding

I've Just Ruined Another Pair Of Jeans

2006-04-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) God made something we could hold.As a person who makes art, I find great inspiration in those words. Not only did Christ decide to walk around with us, broken humans that He loved desperately, but that statement also proves that God is an artist. His art was made of flesh; it was Jesus. People call this the “Incarnation.”The story of God is

Way of the Cross: #2

2006-04-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm at step 2! Isn't that an old country song, "I've Gotta Long Way To Go And A Short Time To Get There"?

The Way Of The Cross

2006-04-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

As of now, it looks like an old, broken door. Matt & Jay found it on the side of the road. Those B.B. boys stopped and picked it up for me; they knew it would make a great piece of art.Hopefully, they will be right.Our church is creating a "Way of the Cross" art exhibit/prayer path that will be open during Holy Week. It illustrates the journey of Christ from the garden to the grave. I am

RGBP Friday . . . .

2006-03-31T11:20:00.000-08:00

O.K. Here goes. . . .Family sayings:Orly (Mom's mom): "Once you turn 11, don't even think of leaving another woman in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner. She may say that it doesn't matter, but she will talk about you later to all of her friends." This has gotten me through many first dinners with old boyfriends' mothers.Mom: "It's not what happens to you; it's how you handle it."Grandma: "

Ninjas for the Kingdom

2006-03-31T08:27:00.000-08:00

Dr. Phil ran a show last year called, “Am I Normal?” Thousands of people had written him to ask if a habit, behavior, or opinion of theirs was socially acceptable. Either they had never revealed this secret or people had been questioning them for years. They sought the validation of Dr. Phil to see if they passed the normal test. If I remember correctly, one guest on the show counted everything

I need words

2006-03-29T09:29:00.000-08:00

As I sit and try to write my article for the paper this week, my words just will not come out. My brain and heart are all wrapped around this immigration bill. My friends in South Central continue to send emails and directions about what is happening in Los Angeles concerning protests. Please pray for that city. Also, pray that I find my words to communicate clearly and respectfully.

Words From C.P.T.

2006-03-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

"I woke at 5:30 a.m. to the news on the BBC that the remaining three Christian Peacemakers held captive in Iraq and finally been released. I knelt by the side of my bed and wept - with the joy of liberation and the grief of the suffering these brothers have endured for the sake of the cross.For nearly four months, as a global community, we have prayed our way down this via dolorosa. We have

Cherry Blossom Festival

2006-03-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

“Ogino-san dozo stagee ni.” My father, the first previous resident of Milstead to speak Japanese in a public arena, summoned his friend, Mr. Ogino, to the stage at Conyers Middle School. It was the second International Cherry Blossom Festival, and he was presenting an award to Mr. Ogino, the plant manager of Maxell.The prior year, Maxell, a thriving Japanese business in our community, gave the

Motorcycles

2006-03-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

Big Bro with new bike. . . SG on back.

Spring Breaks remembered

2006-03-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

Per Songbird's request, I have spent Spring Breaks in the past at the following locations:1. Key West, Florida: This was the location of Spring Break, 1995 (Freshman year in college). It is a beautiful city, and I haven't been down again. Visiting the home of Hemmingway was definitely my favorite part. I know--I am a nerd.2. Panama City Beach, Florida: Spring Break, 1993 (Junior year in High

Taken from a McLaren Blog--inspiring words

2006-03-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

"At most gatherings, Grace has been able to bring together some amazing women leaders. The tide is turning and doors are opening, although all of us wish the progress was faster and farther along.Through all this we've had great meals, met phenomenal people, heard both inspiring and heartbreaking stories, and grown in our awareness that something important and far-reaching is indeed happening

Peaceable Realm of God

2006-03-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

Only guard yourself and guard your soul carefully, lest you forget the things your eyes saw, and lest these things depart your heart all the days of your life, and you shall make them known to your children, and to your children's children. Deuteronomy 4:9These words blaze above a single candle shining against the front wall in the Hall of Remembrance at the National Holocaust Memorial Museum in

The Healing Service

2006-03-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

Last night, our church hosting a healing service. They followed the tradition order of worship for United Methodist churches. It was my first time ever experiencing a healing service of this nature, and it had a profound effect upon me.First, the liturgy was simple and brief. The sanctuary was lit by candles. Our pastor gave a brief testimony about healing from a heart attack, and we sang

What Message Are We Sending?

2006-03-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

“Hello, Hello!” sings Bono when my cell phone rings. The chorus of “Vertigo” screams out to let me know that someone is calling. Neil Diamond used to sing “Sweet Caroline” with each ring, but it started to annoy me. My older brother, who owns a courier business, has Willie Nelson singing, “On The Road Again.” Andrew Atkins, an avid turkey hunter, has one of the most original ring tones going.

Donald Miller Words

2006-03-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.donaldmillerwords.com/pdf/thirteenparadigmshifts.pdfI have a ton to say about the Donald last Sunday night, but time is running short today. You can find an overview of his remarks at the website listed about. Check it out. I'd love t read your comments on it.

ONE Campaign

2006-03-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

The new spot for the ONE campaign is unbelievable. You must check it out!http://www.one.org/dia/organizationsONE/one/content.jsp?content_KEY=9

Article #3: Turn Off the Noise

2006-02-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

“Loretta! Did you hear? There’s a Peepin’ Tom out!” explained my Grandma to her sister, Loretta, on the phone twenty-five years ago. The call was unnecessary; Loretta had already heard the big news. A direct, secret source linked them into the heartbeat of the Conyers crime ring. Grandma and Loretta were, and still are, faithful listeners to their police scanners.That scanner provided our

Your #1 Match: INFP

2006-02-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

"You are creative with a great imagination, living in your own inner world. Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships. It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close. But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop. You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or

the Donald

2006-02-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

In the famous words of Dora the Explorer, "I did it! I did it!"

Are you tired?

2006-02-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (From The Message by Eugene Peterson, Matthew

Article: 01.18.06

2006-02-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

It all started in April of 1987. Seventh grade at Conyers Middle School was a warm mixture of energy and trauma. We walked the halls of that school as semi-people, students searching for their real selves. However, no one could find a hint of what we were seeking. One day, our questions came booming through our radios, all tuned into Power 99. “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for,”

The Disgruntled Recycler

2006-02-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

This year, I made a few resolutions. One: recycling. I have known that I should be recycling, but it seemed like such a pain. Getting bins, rinsing cans, saving paper, blah, blah, blah. However, it was implemented into my life after returning from a Gathering in New Mexico. Ever since, I have been astonished. I hardly have any trash!On an average week, my kitchen trash can is about 1/4 full.

Headshot/ Mugshot

2006-02-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

So, I'm walking out the door to my next appointment. They are taking a headshot for the local paper. They will be running a column of mine (my very first one!) in the Religion section every Saturday.My friend made a funny comment yesterday. She asked if they had taken my "mugshot" yet. What if they ran a mugshot of me, taken at the local jail, by the column. Have you ever stopped to imagine

Donald Miller Hits the ATL

2006-02-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

Lawrenceville, GeorgiaFebruary 26, 2006 - Crossroads Community Church6pm church service - open to publicFor directions and service times, visit: www.crossroadsconnect.comIs it possible to get a crush on some guy that wrote a book? Aren't we supposed to save those for rock stars and people on Entertainment Tonight? Well--I'm crushing on Donald Miller. Watch out world! He's coming to town!

World Vision Devotions

2006-02-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

World Vision has been sending me these daily devotions. Two guys decided to spend a year living on the streets. These devotions are the fruit of that time.Daily Devotions: Day 18"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." Hebrews 10:24One of the most exciting aspects of human relationships is that we really do affect one another. While on the streets, Sam and I spent

Verse for Today

2006-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

"So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" Luke 17:10

Quote for the Day

2006-02-09T07:18:00.000-08:00

"Often we substitute prayer for service. It's easier to pray that someone's needs are met than to supply them." -- A.W. Tozer

Asbury Experiencing Revival

2006-02-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

Please take a moment to stop and pray for Asbury College, my alma mater. God is moving there in a fresh way as we speak. Asbury has had a history of revival over the last 100 years. When God moves there, it seems that the world feels it. I've heard from friends in the area that it is quite beautiful.http://www.asbury.edu/press/chapelcontinues06

BONO'S REMARKS TO THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST

2006-02-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you.Mr. President, First Lady, King Abdullah, Other heads of State, Members of Congress, distinguished guests…Please join me in praying that I don’t say something we’ll all regret.That was for the FCC.If you’re wondering what I’m doing here, at a prayer breakfast, well, so am I. I’m certainly not here as a man of the cloth, unless that cloth is leather. It’s certainly not because I’m a

Bono, the International Hero

2006-02-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

In a statement today, Bono said: "It must be an emergency when an Irish rock star is being invited to speak at the National Prayer Breakfast and the House Democrat annual retreat all on the same day. And it is. Because in this long day 6,500 Africans will die of AIDS and 110 million kids won't get to go to school. The good news is that politicians on both sides, and more importantly the people

What Has Joshua Harris Done To Us?

2006-02-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

http://yyyc514.backpackit.com/pub/48159What happens when the poor guy finds her?

We Lost A Legend Yesterday

2006-02-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

"I believe that there is a plan and a purpose for each person's life and that there are forces working in the universe to bring about good and to create a community of love and brotherhood. Those who can attune themselves to these forces - to God's purpose - can become special instruments of his will."- Coretta Scott King, in her 1969 autobiography My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Color Purple

2006-01-24T18:56:00.000-08:00

How do you take a story of racism and incest and make a musical out of it?The set, a beautiful tree, etchings of letters writeen between sisters, and a revolving stage, held us captive throughout the show.The music consisted of gospel spirituals and old jazz tunes played at "Harpo's Juke Joint." Shug Avery held power in her voice. Seeing characters that I know through a book come to life on a

The Trip to New York

2006-01-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

As we waited in the freezing cold to purchase discount tickets for a show, Cathy was struck by the sign hanging to our left. Faces from various "Miss America" pageants covered the billboard, but they all were taken the moment Miss Lucky learned of her big break. Quite interesting.Cathy decided to show what a square mouth looks like in real life. If you look over her shoulder, she shares the same

Meeting Results: Emerging Women In Leadership

2006-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Many present dreamed of ministry as a little girl, but they had never seen an example. Some gave communion to their dolls! When one woman confessed this, everyone burst out laughing. Many others remembered secretly doing the same thing. They talked extensively about how female pastoral leadership "looks." This issue came up in Glorieta as well. What does she wear? How does she counsel men?

Why Danielle Was Right

2006-01-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

At tonight's meeting (which I will share more about later), Danielle explained that she would not be ordering coffee because it keeps her up at night. She added later that this phenomenon is new for her; it has come with age. She continued to say that it will happen to us someday. . . .I smiled at her comment and took a sip of my steamy second cup. Now, it's 1:43 a.m. and I am writing on my

Questions for Emerging Women In Ministry

2006-01-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

(Tonight, 01.03.06, various women from the Atlanta area will be gathering to begin conversation together as emerging women in ministry. Listed below are the ideas we will be discussing. I would love to hear from you as well! Also, please keep this evening in your prayers.) This is an Emergent Cohort meeting to flesh out four commitments: to God in the way of Jesus to the Church in all its

The Flock

2005-12-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

by Billy CollinsIt has been calculated that each copy of the Gutenburg Bible required the skins of 300 sheep.I can see them squeezed into the holding penbehind the stone building where the printing press is housed.All of them squirming around to find a little roomand looking so much alikeit would be nearly impossible to count them.And there is no telling which one of themwill carry the news that

Christmas 2005

2005-12-26T19:37:00.001-08:00

1. What is the best gift you received this year? (Tangible gifts only, please!)My mom gave me a ticket to see The Color Purple on Broadway in NYC with my best friends from college. We are meeting together on MLK weekend and plan to see the show then. I am a huge fan of the book and Oprah, I must confess, so this is quite a dream come true!2. What is the best gift you gave this year?I gave my

Emerging Women Leaders. . . Save the Date!!

2005-12-16T07:27:00.000-08:00

On January 3, 2006, the emerging women leaders in Atlanta will be gathering together. This time is intended to give life and support to those women leading others in the way of Jesus. Please feel free to invite others to join us in this conversation.Date: 01.03.06Time: 7:30 p.m.Location: The Flying Biscuit Cafe1655 McLendon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 map driving directionsphone: (404) 687-

Oscar Romero

2005-12-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

"We must not seek the child Jesus in the pretty figures of our Christmas cribs. We must seek him among the undernourished children who have gone to bed tonight with nothing to eat, among the poor newsboys who will sleep covered with newspapers in doorways."--Oscar Romero, The Violence Of Love

The Charming Faun

2005-12-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

I must say, when it comes to the Narnia movie, Mr. Turmnus was so charming. He captured what must be on of the most beloved characters in all of the Chronicles. Also, the Beavers stole the show!The film has delighted me. The only differences I saw were rather insignificant, outside of the added scene in the beginning. Also, the "Blue Bottle" was flying on the windowsill! Maybe Disney was

It's All Coming To Life

2005-12-13T20:29:00.000-08:00

On Saturday and again on Monday, I sat and watched Aslan come to life. Well, at least his computer-animated self came to life. Now, my best girls from college and I are headed up to the Big Apple to see "The Color Purple" on Broadway. How will it translate? We will wait and see. . . .

Preparing My Heart

2005-12-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Immanuel’s Name, the Prince of life and peace.God with us, our lips proclaim, our faithful hearts confess.God is in our flesh revealed;Heav’n and earth in Jesus join.Mortal with Immortal filled, and human with Divine.Fullness of the Deity in Jesus’ body dwells,Dwells in all His saints and me when God His Son reveals.Father, manifest Thy Son; breathe the true incarnate Word.In our inmost

Advent. . .Preparing the Way

2005-12-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

"Advent is a time of joyful anticipation of the realization of God's promise."Last Sunday, my sermon focused on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (meaning "rejoice"). Since I have spent the last 15 years in churches that do not celebrate the Advent season, I had to gather all sorts of materials and research. In fact, I was a teenager when I last worshipped in a church that celebrated

The Journey of the Magi

2005-12-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

'A cold coming we had of it,Just the worst time of the yearFor the journey, and such a long journey:The ways deep and the weather sharp,The very dead of winter.'And the camels galled, sore-footed, refractory,Lying down in the melting snow.There were times we regrettedThe summer palaces on slopes, the terraces,And the silken girls bringing sherbet.Then the camel men cursing and grumblingAnd

From the RevGalBlogPal List. . .

2005-12-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

1) Do you display a nativity scene, and if so, where?Yes! My grandma gave me a miniature Precious Moments nativity scene when I was a child. Being a lifelong hater of Precious Moments sappy art, this is such a struggle for me each year. However, Grandma gave it to me, so it's on my coffee table. She also gave me a stuffed Santa and elf that sing when you touch their hands. Yes, they are sitting

We Must Pray Today

2005-12-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today, Dec. 1, is one that requires great prayers from us. First, we must stand together and pray on behalf of the 4 Christian workers who are missing in Iraq. http://www.cpt.org/ These men are in Iraq on behalf of the Kingdom of God. Let us pray for hope and protection for them. Also, let us pray for the hearts of those holding them captive. Dec.1 marks another very important day. It is