Journey: the art of moving towards

Hell

2006-04-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Hell

"What is hell? . . . The suffering of being no longer able to love." Fyodor Dostoyevsky

With the movie release of "United 93" and the attention being given immigration, life has been filled with non-stop conversations about terrorism, Islam, Christianity, war, patriotism, "the other" and what is means to live in a Global community.

Honestly, I do not have much to say about it right now. Right now I am still chewing on the word "blessed" that orchestrates the song of the Beatitudes. For some reason I believe I need to digest it before anything worthwhile comes out.

I confess that there is a minute or two of every day that I mumble to God, let us (the USof A, UK, Iraq, Mexico, Sudan, ect.) be blessed. "Blessed" as noun and not verb. Let us not constantly ask you to bless what we want to do or who we want to be, but let us participate in what you have already blessed. (wish I could say it was an original prayer, but this is straight up Bono). Please leads us towards a suffering of loving You and our neighbors too much, away from suffering of being no longer able to love.

Lead me. . . lead us. Change me . . . change us.

Haunted

2006-04-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 28, 2006

Current mood: Divinely discontent or merely crazy, not too sur

So . . . April 17, I began a simplicity fast with my good friend Lisa from way back. A number of things inspired the move towards embracing the simple life . . . whatever that means as I type away at my office computer, mobile in hand and $40 bracelet resting ever so nicely on my wrist . . . but at the heart of it all is a book called, "The Irresistible Revolution."

It is written by a guy named Shane Claibourne, who happens to be one of the most beautiful individuals I have meet in my life. Authentic, thoughful, bold, cool but above all things a ragamuffin seeking to be faithful in his love for God and neighbor.

With every page read, God wrecks my life. Destroys it! However I seem to be a pretty good fighter because I always manage to hold to the pieces, that I would probably do good to let go.

So I picked up Shane's book today, set on making my way through the last 3 chapters of the book (pick it up and you know why it takes discipline to merely read it). It is as haunting as it is beautiful. Once I place the book down I am haunted by God the rest of the day . . . week . . . month . . .

I often get from people, stranger and friend alike, "Lanecia, just chill. It is not that serious." I have learned that there is wisdom in the "chill" suggestion, however I not totally sold on the "it is not that serious" part.

In all things balance is necessary I guess. Hopefully the next 2 months and 2 weeks will help me find just that. Cause right now I am haunted by the fact that each time I pull out my ipod, get in my car, rest nicely in on my warm couch, sip on my specialty coffee from Fido and eat my dinner after watching the news I am saying something. It does always say something ugly, but I must confess that it does not always speak beautifully either.

to know

2006-02-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Long ago, in Kentucky, I, a boy, stood
By a dirt road, in first dark, and heard
The great geese hoot northward.

I could not see them, there being no moon
And the stars sparse. I heard them.

I did not know what was happening in my heart.**

....and I longed to know the world's name."***

-Robert Penn Warren

Evoking the Mystery

2006-02-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

"Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist."
Rene Magritte

Message in a Bottle

2006-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

I can take risks or always wonder...Take the risks!

The Sanctity of the Ordinary

2005-11-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

"Nothing will sustain you more potently than the power to recognize in your humdrum routine, as perhaps it may be thought, the true poetry of life-the poetry of the commonplace, of the ordinary man, of the plain, toil-worn woman with their loves and their joys, their sorrows and their griefs."

Sir William Osler

Poem by Maya Angelou

2005-11-09T20:48:00.000-08:00

By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

2005-11-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

"It is not our job to make the children worthy of the world, but the world worthy of the children."
Mr. Cooley (He makes toys for impoverished children in the world), "Three Wishes"

All Saints

2005-11-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

"As Cardinal Suhard observed, to be a saint means, 'to live in such a way that one's life would not make sense if God did not exist.'"

A new conversation, PLEASE!

2005-11-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

Ok.

So the Bristish obsession with the Prince Charles,Camilla and Diana was a bit much for my taste last year, but understandable and bearable.

But,

the USA obsession and critique of Camilla and her union with Prince Charles is ridiculous.

The Candle

2005-11-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

"The virtue of the candle lies not in the wax that leaves its trace, but in its light."
The Wisdom of the Sands, Antione de Saint-Exupery

Rosa Parks, 1913-2005

2005-10-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

"The time had just come when I had been pushed as far as I could stand to be pushed, I suppose. They placed me under arrest. And I wasn't afraid. I don't know why I wasn't, but I didn't feel afraid. I had decided that I would have to know once and for all what rights I had as a human being and a citizen, even in Montgomery, Alabama."

- Rosa Parks, 1913-2005: Parks, civil rights hero and catalyst for the Mongomery Bus Boycott, died Monday at age 92.

Honesty

2005-10-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

The most authentic path to communication, and yet one of the most risky routes one can choose to take. Totally exposed, vulnerable, left at the mercy of grace to keep you warm.

In you, O God, I take cover; let me never be put to shame. For You are my hope and trust, knitted together by needles of faithfullness and steadfast love. I have leaned on you from birth; it was You Who took hold of me in my mother's womb.
Hold me now.
Amen
(Inspired by Psalm 71)

What Love.

2005-10-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine,"
Song of Solomon 1:2

Good Art

2005-10-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

"Good story makes for good art."

Keith Getty, Irish composer whose hymns, such as “In Christ Alone” (co-written with Stuart Townend) are sung in churches throughout the world.

My Cross

2005-10-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

It has been determined by the "computer gods" that my cross is the St Brigid's Cross: St. Brigid is an Irish saint who hand-wove a cross,out of rushes she found by the river. She made the cross while explaining the passion of our Lord to a pagan man.

Find out your cross at:
http://quizilla.com/users/maryh/quizzes/What%20Kind%20of%20Cross%20are%20You?/

Over my head

2005-10-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

...Let's rearrange
I wish you were a stranger I could disengage
Say that we agree and then never change
Soften a bit until we all just get along
But that's disregard
Find another friend and you discard
As you lose the argument in a cable car
Hanging above as the canyon comes between...

The Fray

Ten Days

2005-10-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Ten Days
Written By Missy Higgins & James Major Clifford

So we've put an end to it this time.
I'm no longer yours and you're no longer mine.
You said this hill looks far too steep
if I'm not even sure it's me you wanna keep.
And it's been ten days without you in my reach,
and the only time I've touched you is in my sleep.

But time has changed nothing at all -
you're still the only one that feels like home.
I've tried cutting the ropes and
I let you go but you're still the only one
that feels like home.

You won't talk me into it next time,
if I'm going away your hearts coming too.
'Cos I miss your hands I miss your face.
When I get back let's disappear without a trace.

'Cos it's been ten days without you in my reach,
and the only time I've touched you is in my sleep.

But time has changed nothing at all -
you're still the only one that feels like home.
I've tried cutting the ropes,
tried letting go but you're still the only one
that feels like home.

So tell me, did you really think...
oh tell me, did you really think
I had gone when you couldn't see me anymore?
When you couldn't...

'Cos baby time has changed nothing at all -
you're still the only one that feels like home.
And I've tried cutting the ropes,
I let you go but you're still the only one
that feels like home, yeah,
you're still the only one that feels like home,
you're still the only one I've gotta love.
Oh yeah...

http://missyhiggins.com/

Time

2005-10-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

when you arise in the morning,
think of what a privilege it is to be alive:
to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

Marcua Aurelius

Enough

2005-10-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in
life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you
possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the
final good-bye."

A Message

2005-10-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

A Message
Coldplay

my song is love
love to the loveless shown
and it goes up
you don't have to be alone

your heavy heart
is made of stone
and it's so hard to see you clearly
you don't have to be on your own
you don't have to be on your own

and i'm not gonna take it back
and i'm not gonna say i don't mean that
you're the target that i'm aiming at
and i get that message home

my song is love
my song is love unknown
and i'm on fire for you clearly
you don't have to be alone
you don't have to be on your own

and i'm not gonna take it back
and i'm not gonna say i don't mean that
you're the target that i'm aiming at
and i'm nothing on my own
got to get that message home

and i'm not gonna stand and wait
not gonna leave it until it's much too late
on a platform i'm gonna stand and say
that i'm nothing on my own
and i love you, please come home

my song is love, is love unknown
and i've got to get that message home

A Voice that Still Speak Volumes

2005-09-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

"A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On the one hand, we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life's roadside, but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life's highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. A true revolution of values will soon look uneasily on the glaring contrast of poverty and wealth."

Martin Luther King Jr., in his speech "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break the Silence"

Looking for love?

2005-09-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Image hits the screen, music begins to play and a male southern voice begins to sing . . .

"I found love, at a K-Mart Store."

So that is where it has been, and to think I have been spending all of my time with this guy name JC and a bunch of rugrats called humanity all over the place.

Freedom

2005-08-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in carving out sacred space in your daily rhythm of life and would like a guide, check out:

sacredspace.ie

Freedom

"A thick and shapeless tree-trunk would never believe
that it could become a statue, admired as a miracle of sculpture,
and would never submit itself to the chisel of the sculptor,
who sees by her genius what she can make of it. (St Ignatius)
I ask for the grace to let myself be shaped by my loving Creator."

We live for a Creating and Re-Creating God . . . endless possibilities.
(I took this picture while driving through the Yorkshire Dales with Monique, my last full week in Leeds. Beautiful!)

You Are Mine.

2005-08-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

My lectio divina (sacred reading) text for this morning was, Isaiah 43:1-3a. Since my time as a youth in SC, "Isaiah 43" has been one of my favorite hymns of praise and verses in the Bible. As I move towards a new chapter of life, a bit anxious and overwhelmed, my scripture choice for lectio was not by chance.

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he formed you, O Israel; Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3a

' . . . I have called you by name, you are mine. . . ." During my time of prayer, I kept coming back to this claim. "You are mine" -period. There is a comfort in that claim, a peace.

I almost want to apologize for this entry, because there is part of me that feels as though it is wrong for me to be so inward. Guilt. But the truth is that I need a Savior, just like the ones I have been called to bear witness to the Savior to.

Today I am going to soak in this claim, live into this privilege. It is going to be difficult, because everything within me wants to be afraid, worried and a bundle of nerves. But in the midst of all of the things that hinder is a loud voice of grace walking before me saying, "I have called you by name, you are mine."

My prayer is that I listen. God is creating a new thing, a new community of brothers and sisters to love and be loved by.

Exciting times, exciting times!

I love your smile!

2005-08-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

Morris is a young man, a friend, that I met and made during my time in Taize from Senegal. His smile is captivating and full of joy . . . he absolutely loves life!

When I left he had 2 more months left at Taize. This was his 4th time at Taize, and had decided to stay for 3 months working and allowing the rhythm of the community to settle down within him. When I heard about the death of Brother Roger, Morris was one of many faces that came to mind and entered into my daily prayers.

I remember him fondly. I love that smile... I am attracted to the Light that radiates from him that this picture cannot fully convey. The conversations that we shared, the way he served the community when he thought no one was looking, the way he rush to cling to the cross Friday evening of Taize, the way he danced during the "African Way of Life" skit, the way he encouraged a 29 year old African American stiff semi-reserved lady to loosen up and dance to the beat of the African drum (another blog, another day).

Please continue to remember the community of Taize in your prayers.

Taize . . . The Frame of the Portrait of Life with God

2005-08-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

"God is forgiveness. Dare to forgive and God will be with you. God is forgiveness. Love and do not fear." Taize Song #123

"Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Taize Song #210

"I returned to Taize in July 2003. There I met Maggie, a young German woman who was just ending a six-month stay. I asked her about the allure of Taize, and she answered, ' I stayed so that it would settle down in me. So that it would be not something I do but the very rhythm of my life. It's no longer this place, it's the idea of prayer and rest. I left home looking for freedom, but I take with me freedom on the inside. Taize is merely the frame- the portrait inside the frame is my life with God.'"

"The Sacred Way", by: Tony Jones
Pg. 119

I join in the prayer of thousands all over the world for the Taize community, during this time of loss and mourning. Earlier this week, Brother Roger was murdered during evening prayer by a 36 year old woman (possibly mentally disturbed) by three stabs to the neck by a knife.

A new friend of mine, Vasco from Portugal, e-mailed me Tuesday to share the death of Brother Roger with our small group. My heart was sadden by the news. I knew that he was 90, frail and drawing close to death, but the news was so sudden. My heart become heavy laden when I arrived at my sister's Wednesday, only to hear that he had been murdered during the sacred space of prayer that shapes the rhythm of life at Taize that I have grown to treasure and long for.

I mourned the lost of such a beautiful man of faith, hurt for the brothers (his friends) of the community, wondered about the mark this would leave upon the children that probably surrounded him that evening (every afternoon and evening the children were invited to sit with him during the prayer), was angry at the invasion of that beautiful space by ugliness and I struggled to join in the prayer of forgiveness, hope and love that the brothers prayed following the murder.

(the prayer) "God of Love, We thank you for the life and work of Brother Roger of Taizé. Send your loving Spirit to comfort all those who mourn his death in the Taizé community and throughout the world. May his life and witness continue to reflect your brightness, your peace, and your love. Amen."

In 1940, Brother Roger began a search for a place to establish a brotherhood of Catholic and Protestant men who were committed to God, to each other and to peace. His search led him to Taize, in the Burgundy region of southern France, where the Taize Community was formed and shaped.

Over 60 years later, there are over a 100 brothers who belong to Communaute Taize and thousands of sojourners who spend days, weeks and months in Taize, France. July 23, I left Leeds to begin a week pilgrimage to Taize. It was no doubt one of the most memorable experiences of my journey. The three-daily services of prayer were amazing . . . Pentecost experience, three times a day. There are still moments now when I break out in song and smile at the memory of those sacred moments of prayer.

I am so thankful that I had the privilege of worshipping under the leadership of Brother Roger before his death. I cannot forget the sound of his voice as he offered the closing prayer at the end of each daily office . . . frail, humble and sincere.

It is hard for me to imagine the rhythm of life and prayer at Taize now that he has passed. I cannot help but sit in awe at the prayers that the brothers continue to prayer for peace, forgiveness, reconciliation and love with their eyes closed.

"Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten. Those who seek God, never go wanting. Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten. God alone heals us.:" Taize song

I look forward to the day that I can return to Taize. I have only been away for about 3 weeks, and I am already thirsty to get back.

Today and every day, I am united in prayer by the blessed power of the Holy Spirit with all those who seek comfort, peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and amongst all things . . . love.

Barbie and Ken 101, By: Rafael Casal

2005-08-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful People! Check out this poem, it is definitely "ON POINT!" I cannot edit this young man's work, but he does have a "youth group" version (audio) at the following site:
dimensionsmagazine.com

Poem: "Barbie And Ken 101"
Poet: Rafael Casal

sometimes I feel like I'm sittin' in the back row of Barbie and Ken 101
a class we are all in, but never seem to learn from
Some general ed requirement for
Students of American culture
A GE that convinces even the brightest
of young women that sex is survival of the thinnest
and I'm sick of this education that doesn't serve our best interests
my teacher has no face
she is every Revelon model women have ever chased
her lectures come through magazines in beauty shops & add campaigns,
shit
just turn on your tv
this just in, a skewed perspective for todays youth y'al ladies aint thin enough, fellas aint trim
enough, wanna be sexy?
Y'al don't go to the gym enough, cut to commercial, common just come tune
in to our maintenance team, convince you're ugly then tell you how to fix it with maybeline
Perpetually started by these dolls marketed in the late 50's named
Barbie and Ken
hence the
class I'm in
Are you following?
Shit didn't end
They keep moldin' Barbie to fit new trends
next maybe they'll have club hoppin' Barbie
With thongs as accessories
video hoe Barbie
abusive boyfriend sold separately
underaged Barbie
Cobey Bryant included
or 9/11 victim Barbie
and Ken is proud to get recruited
problem is all these teachings are womans decay
and I'm startin' to worry cuz my girl is up front and she's getting an A
this is where I start getting pissed off ok
when the f**k did it become all about
tuckin' in the gutt I gotta get the bigger breast
shit I wanna fit a little better in a dress
so let me get a little skinny gotta fit into an itty bitty
size slimmer so I livin up the chest
please
teacher teacher I wanna give my oral presentation
cuz I have a problem with the class, and matter of fact, I have, a fat ass grudge with the
whole administration
you're the reason my girl won't eat in front of me in restaurants

the reason that she thinks she's overweight in over ten spots
less gut less pudge less lunch less real, more looks more love more Barbie
appeal?
f**k Barbie and Ken
My future daughter will never play with them
you're the reason bleedin' 15 year old girls arms are slit
You made 12 year olds think skinny was a compliment
And now it's too late
I can't write my way through this bathroom door
So I raise my hand in class cuz I can't stand it any more
Teacher teacher your lectures all backwards
You got mothers and daughters forgetting what matters
Cuz above tits, ass, lips, legs, and ugs
The most attractive women are the ones who don't give a f**k
So screw your teachings your lessons and plans
You skewed sick distant relative of the man
Your plan for brainwashin' my baby I reject
I'm walkin' out of this class, and I will proudly take, my F

Something to remember . . .

2005-08-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

"Let love be the end of every word and action."
John Wesley

Sunday Worship in Harlem

2005-08-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

My soul is looking forward to 10am. Though I could use a bit more time to wake-up and prepare for worship, 10am can not get here soon enough. The week has been a bit hectic and I must confess that I have not done a great job at taking time to be still. What's new!?!

During my time at Taize, I said that I would be more disciplined in my prayer life. Now that I am actually back in the everyday reality of my life, I am finding it difficult to stick to it.

Oh well, one of the great things about our God is that God is always desiring and waiting to spend time in conversation with the "Beloved" ones. It's a gift.

God forgive me for the moments that I take it for granted, I am sure that this list is long. And so it goes . . .

I am back!

2005-08-05T11:47:00.002-07:00

Hello Beautiful People!

Finally I am able to report to you that I am in NYC, safe and sound. I arrived around 1pm Tuesday, and I have been hanging out with friends and family since.

It is great to be back. I must confess that there are moments when I am a bit overwhelmed (NYC is like the USA on overdrive), but I am not "homesick" as of yet. :) To be honest I cannot stop praising and thanking God for the many gifts of this past year and the next chapter that is beginning.

I have only been back 4 days and I already miss the pace of life in the UK, and the simply "be" attitude that was so refreshing. Maybe it was the circles I lived within, my cultural ignorance or my "don't care attitude", but very little, if any, of my time was spent in conversations that critiqued what someone was wearing, the state of their hair, how their mate looked or their weight. Bascially, I was pretty free from superficial "rubbish".

Strange . . . I slowly feel myself becoming drenched in it again. Yikes, it's nasty! I must rage against the machine, the choice is always mine no matter where I live.

And another . . . what is up with the weather? WOW! It was 105 degrees here the other day. Oh my! My energy level is shot. :) But one thing I have learned is not to complain about the weather. Truth be told, humans are truly hard to please. I understand why God does not work in "let me please YOU" mode.

This morning though, I am absolutely loving the breeze of NYC, the heat against my neck, the people mahogony toned shades that constantly pass my parent's brownstone steps and the hustling sounds of the city.

Crazy beautiful . . . crazy beautiful.

Oh well, I best get going. Ciona and I are heading downtown Manhattan for lunch and then to the Statue of Liberty. Yes, I have never been and the one thing I have wanted to see since moving to Leeds was visit the Statue of Liberty when I returned home. Though I have come to realize that wherever God calls me I will and can go, I love my country. Proud,no, but love ... yes. There is a difference.

So now I am off to Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and then a Broadway show tonight (Rent) with Ciona and some friends.

It's great to be back,

A Week of Song, Prayer, Silence and Reflection . . .Taize

2005-07-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Oh my, time is passing so fast. It is hard to believe that in less than 24 hours I will be at Taize and in less than 2 weeks I will be on USA soil. Where did all of the time go?

Monique and I had a wonderful time in Paris and in Leeds. I have lots of pictures, but I did not have enough time to post them all. Lots of packing and stuff to do. You better believe that I will post them when I return. Paris is amazing! A definite "must do" again.

Right now I am in London, waiting to board a coach to Taize. I must confess that this is a strange time to have an hours to spend in London and that I am ready to board the coach to Taize.

I thought I would share with you a bit about Taize, since I am going to be spending the next 8 days there.

Taize, in the South of Burgundy, France is the home of an international ecumenical community, founded there in 1940 by Brother Roger. A week in Taize is a way of realizing the intimate relationship between an experience of communion with God in prayer and personal reflection on one hand, and an experience of communion and solidarity among peoples on the other.

In Taize, the visitors are welcomed by a community of brothers who have committed themselves to follow Christ by a yes for life. The two communities of sisters present n the hill also take part in the welcome. During the meetings, 3 times each day all those present gather for prayer, worshipping God together in singing and silence. Each day brothers of the community give Bible introductions that are followed by times of reflection and discussions, participants also help with practical tasks.

One can also spend the week in silence as a way of letting the Gospel illuminate one's life in greater depth. In the afternoon there are workshops that allow people to make the connection between the wellsprings of the faith and the pluralistic reality of contemporary society:
"Is forgiveness possible?" "The challenge of globalization?" "What kind of Europe do we want?" There are also topics related to art and music.

Sounds like a worth while week, and I am glad that I decided before coming to close my journey with this experience. This is by choice, no direct connection with the British Methodist Church or my job. This is just something that I have always wanted to share in, and God has provided me with an opportunity. The timing is just right, God knows what we need and when. Seems like I would have learned to totally trust God by now, but . . .

Anyway, I am off. Look forward to sharing the experience with you when I return. Please hold me, my friends in Leeds and the Taize community in prayer.

Be God's

2005-07-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

Paris

2005-07-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

Paris

2005-07-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

How beauitful!

2005-07-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

Yes! I am in Paris!

2005-07-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame at Night

2005-07-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Paris at night

2005-07-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

My last Sunday in Leeds West. This picture was taken at Farnley Hill. YES! No more "dog collar." :)

2005-07-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

Monique and me at Farnley Hill on July 17

Question of the day . . . "What's more important to you?"

2005-07-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

While working out in the gym this morning, I decided to turn off Coldplay and watch the BBC news on one of the televisions. The coverage was on all of the recent activity in London and Leeds. As always, good and credible coverage.

Towards the end of the segment, they showed 3 different survey poll results. One I found to be quite intriguing. They asked the question, "What is more important to you?" (I believe a better way of asking is, "What defines who you are and how you live?" because it is definitely a question about identity).

Anyway, they asked this question to two different groups. The first results was from the Non-Moslems asked.
Nationality 82%
Religion 12%
Ethnic Group 6%

The second results was from the Moslems asked and 62% said religion.

Fascinating! But really, it does not surprise me considering that this is a country where less than 10% of the population (a poll I read in the Fall) claim to belong to a religious community outside of Islam and other world religions.

My fascination was driven by curiosity. I could not help but wonder what the results would be if the question was posed to the citizens of the USA.

"What is more important to you?"
Nationality
Religion
Ethnic Group

Humm . . . ? The fortunate, and unfortunately, thing is that I do not really know what the results of a poll like this in the USA would be.

When I reflect upon my experiences in my home country, I am led to believe that the question might be difficult due to the fact that we have a tendency to confuse the three. Which is probably more disturbing for me than the results that were shared with me during my morning work-out. Confusion, for a country that claims to be a Christian nation, can easily lead to idolatry and forgetfulness. We forget where our freedom comes from and the Image that we were created to reflect. We confuse The Giver of freedom with the one who has chosen to protect it.

Anyway, my time is limited now. I need to reflect upon this some more later. What thoughts do you have? Send them my way. I would love to be in conversation with friends about this.

Be God's
lanecia

2005-07-19T01:34:00.000-07:00

Monique is here! She arrived early Saturday morning, and it has been lovely. We are heading to Paris in about 2 hours. YAY! Please remember us in prayer and I will write when I return. Blessings!

2005-07-16T03:22:00.000-07:00

Wesley Road BBQ: July 13 at Brian and Patricia's house (my neighbors)

2005-07-16T03:20:00.001-07:00

Brian hard at work

2005-07-16T03:20:00.000-07:00

Williams Family

2005-07-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

Allan

2005-07-16T03:14:00.001-07:00

Trouble, hahaha! Alan, Allan and David

2005-07-16T03:14:00.000-07:00

Beautiful women of God

2005-07-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

YES! My little Edna! Whenever I see her, she lets me know that she prayers daily for Ciona and me. Edna speaks the truth and I am thankful for her act of love.

2005-07-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

Wesley Road BBQ

2005-07-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

Eddie and Claire

2005-07-15T21:59:00.001-07:00

Susan, one of my dearest friends in Yorkshire

2005-07-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Pauline, the lady who has been around the world. She has touched the ground of 5 continents.

2005-07-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Wesley Raod BBQ at Brian and Patricia's, my neighbors. July 13

2005-07-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

David and Irene: Two of my friends who took me out for a meal Tuesday evening in Leeds city center. Good stuff!

2005-07-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 11, I had dinner at Jack and Shirley's with their grandchildren. Jack and Shirley are the first two people I met when I arrived in Leeds, they picked me up from the train station. They have become very good friends of mine and I hope I can make it back in two years for their 50th Anniversary celebration, awesome couple.

2005-07-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

July 10, Highfield Anniversary "Songs of Praise": This was an awesome way to end the weekend, a good sing.

2005-07-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

Highfield Anniversary Flower Festival: July 9 This is "The Last Supper", a clever piece. Look closely and you will see the lily representing Christ, then 12 white roses with one hanging on its own (Judas), the broken bread and wine. It was my favorite arrangement of the festival. Beautiful! Flower arranging is definitely an art. I love it!

2005-07-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

Highfield Anniversary Flower Festival: Arrangement in memory of all those who were married at the church

2005-07-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

Highfield Anniversary Flower Festival

2005-07-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

Highfield Anniversary Flower Festival : I love Sunflowers!

2005-07-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Highfield Anniversary Flower Festival

2005-07-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Highfield Anniversary Flower Festival

2005-07-14T16:56:00.001-07:00

Highfield Anniversary Flower Festival: Youth Club

2005-07-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Highfield Anniversary Flower Festival

2005-07-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Myrtie and Eunice: Eunice taught me how to make Yorkshire Pudding. I cannot wait to come home and share them with you. Does anyone know if you can by plain flour, not self-raising, in the USA?

2005-07-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

Finally, a visible sign of a visible reality. One of my three churches decided to put my name on the board.

2005-07-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

Pamela and Janice, the ladies behind the flower arrangements and food.

2005-07-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

Highfield 100th Anniversary Cake

2005-07-14T16:45:00.001-07:00

Myrtie and Me at Highfield

2005-07-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

My city . . . Leeds! Saturday morning (July 9), I led worship for the "Alpha" Retreat Christ Church (Anglican Church in Armley) was hostin. It was a gift and pure delight. I was so in my element. I am so thankful for the opportunties that I have had in Leeds to combine my passion for God and passion for music.

2005-07-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Wesley Road Ladies Fellowship: I met with the fellowship once a month. For the last meeting I promised to write a hymn for them, that was inspired by their stories and my experience. You know what? The Spirit moved and I was able to share a hymn for our last gathering. Thanks be to God! I have been sharing it with the whole circuit.

2005-07-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

Community! Audrey helping Edna, who is deaf, sing the hymns at the Wesley Road Ladies Fellowship. I love it!

2005-07-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

Eddie and Eddie: Nothing like an afternoon pipe smoke. Brilliant gents, absolutely brilliant!

2005-07-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

My Farnley Hill Methodist Family. I will never forget these people, never.

2005-07-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am cutting my cake from Farnley Hill at Farnley Hill.

2005-07-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Farnley Hiill had a special lunch for me on July 3. They made me a cake, fixed a wonderful lunch and gave me a very gracious gift. With a membership of 21, most of who are penshioners, they gave me nearly $350. A gracious gift to help me with moving. I was totally speachless.

2005-07-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ethel and Pamela talking. Ethel had no idea that they were going to hang all of her banners. It was a banner service, to recognize the banner that Ethel has done for the 100th Anniversary of Highfield.

2005-07-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

My last Sunday at Highfield. A of the banners that are up, are the banners that Ethel has made over the years. Beautiful! I will never forget Ethel for sure. She is the oldest member at Highfield and a dear friend.

2005-07-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Make Poverty History, Edinburgh, July 2

2005-07-14T13:02:00.001-07:00

Make Poverty History, Edinburgh, July2

2005-07-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

Make Poverty History, Edinburgh, July 2

2005-07-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

Yes! It is a beautiful day in Edinburgh.

2005-07-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

Taking in the opening of Live8 in London. Bono has got to be one of my favorite performers. I hope one day our paths cross so that I can just sit and be in conversation with him.

2005-07-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Let the march begin!

2005-07-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

Two people we met on the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh, who decided to share the day with us. Great folks, both from Canada.

2005-07-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Jack and me before joining the march. It has been a blessing to be able to share the Leeds experience with Jack. I do not want to imagine what it could have been like if he were not on this "island" with me.

2005-07-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

HaHaHa!

2005-07-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Make Poverty History March

2005-07-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

After waiting a couple of hours, we were finally able to join the march.

2005-07-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

Make Poverty History, Edinburgh

2005-07-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

All of the stores on the main roads were boarded up. I am glad that the "Make Poverty History" marchers did not get rowdy. That would have been ashame.

2005-07-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

What a day to be in Edinburgh!

2005-07-12T16:25:00.001-07:00

Make Poverty History March, July 2 in Edinburgh

2005-07-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

People of all races, creeds, ages and nationalities. It was a moment in history that I am glad I was able to be apart of.

2005-07-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Make Poverty History

2005-07-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Make Poverty History March in Edinburgh, July 2

"Come to me all who are weary, and I will give thee rest."

2005-07-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

"Open your heart to another's troubles,

and your own will be easier to bear."

anynomous

Last week I decided to give it ago, that "come to me and I will give thee rest promise." It was a trying week and I could have easily allowed myself to drown in the chaos. A friend prayed with me and reminded me Monday that the Spirit of God is hovering over the chaos, even if we need a GPS to see. God is there, moving.

So after a good cry early Monday morning, and a few hours of sleep, I allowed my work day to begin. It would have been so easy to look myself up in this house, but I needed to get out and be in the midst of someone else's trouble . . . help someone carry their burdens . . . try being that sister in Christ I keep preaching about.

I would like to say that my motivations were totally unselfish and a natural living into my calling, but we know better than that. Everything in me told me that I wanted to be alone, anger, feel sorry for myself and float to the bottom of my ocean of worried. I found myself saying things like, "God, come on now. How much more of this junk do I have to deal with? Why now? Come on, I have been doing so well. Lord take me, I have nothing more to give, I cannot manage to make myself stand. I hate this, I really do."

I am sure God got a good laugh, as well as cry, from my rantings last Monday.

My calling is what urged me on, because it was so tempting just to be alone. My motives were selfish, I wanted my burdens to be easy . . . I wanted to rest.

Thanks goodness God is wiser and more gracious than we are. Thank goodness God knows our hearts, better than we do. God met me there. Yes the chaos was there and still is, but my friends prayer for me was answered in direct ways. I was able to locate the Spirit at work and my rest came in the very ways that I did not believe I had the strength to do.

Crazy how that works.

2005-07-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

York Station: I am on my way to Glasgow, Scotland for Coldplay live.

2005-07-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Let the show begin! It was a great concert. My favorite tunes of the night were: "Clocks", "Science", "What if", "Speed of Sound" and "Fix You."