An Intelligent Soul?

My body's now a begging bowl
That's begging to get back, begging to get back
To my heart
To the rhythm of my soul
To the rhythm of my consciousness
To the rhythm that yearns
To be released from control

--Bono

Germany finish paying off WW1 reparations.

So, 92 years after the war ended, Germany have finished paying off the reparations owed by them after they were forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles.

Have we since learned from the remarkable injustice associated with that Treaty? Looking at the current mess in the Middle East where Euro/American interests have consistently been placed in front of the interests of the local people over the past century, and with this trend set to continue well into the next century, we have clearly ignored the lesson that when we force a nation or a people into a corner, we create the wars of tomorrow.

We need to repent.

Stanley Hauerwas on Prayer

Here's a guy I've been reading a lot of recently.

East.

Miriam Elizabeth Art

Miriam is a friend of mine. She is an artist and is very good.

Here's her website - Miriam Elizabeth Art.

Get a print now before she becomes huge & famous.

LEGENDS...

all of them.

Go here... Following the Cyclists.

Hauerwas & Willimon - Resident Aliens.

"For Christians, the church is the most significant ethical unit." (81)

"The most interesting, creative, political solutions we Christians have to offer troubled society are not new laws, advice to Congress, or increased funding for social programs - although we may find ourselves supporting such national efforts. The most creative social strategy we have to offer is the church." (83)

(From Resident Aliens - Hauerwas & Willimon)

Discuss...

Time

Shakespeare said;

"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day."

It has been nearly a year since moving into this current flat. One year ago, there were three newly graduated homeless lads desperately searching for living space. A year on and things are lot more settled, but equally as busy.

This will be the first year since moving out of home that I stay in the same place for a second year in a row. Consistency decreases stress no end.

Summer holds a lot of excitement. Working for church goes all the way through until I have a holiday in September - and it is nice to think that I am not being totally lazy as has oft been the case during the student summers. Study continues at a far more comfortable pace. Hauerwas is currently excellent. In two weeks many people will be moving in or out of the flat, it's going to be a busy time. Sad to see Tom go, excited to welcome Andy in.

In September I'm off to Malaysia & Singapore - this is very exciting. I'll probably be working on some new blog to document the travels. More of this adventure to follow I'm sure.

Finally, I've sold my car. So far, liberating.

Guts

Opening prayer by Rev. Joe Wright at the opening of Kansas' Senate...

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask for your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Coffee.

As I poured my coffee this morning, I realised we'd run out of milk.

Not a problem - I like black coffee. It reminds me of holidaying in Swanage with the Menday's...