to the... Women's Final Four
McCarville, Whalen leading a remarkable team for the first time ever into the Elite Eight. It looked and felt like a championship game. (Can I breathe yet?)


#7 Minnesota Golden Gophers 82
#1 Duke Blue Devils 75


Three years ago they had only 8 wins. Now they are in the Final Four for the First Time!

Wow!

Power? Or....
Justin Baeder had some powerful insights the other day. He talked about the 21st Century power struggles, especially those between competing religious traditions. He then has this to say:

But if it is about power, it is not enough about Christ.

He could have called ten thousand angels
To destroy the world and set him free
He could have called ten thousand angels
But he died alone
For you and me.

Jesus had his reasons for allowing himself to be crucified, of course. I think it's significant, though, that after his resurrection he did not round up his followers for a revenge campaign. Instead, he encouraged them to wait for his power, the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit came on Pentecost, they did not begin the aforementioned butt-whoopin' campaign. They started to live in community, to care for each other, and to embody and share the news about the Kingdom of God that Jesus talked so much about. This is what we must do again, and leave the assertion of power to the One who will not abuse it.

Justin make some good points about who Christians are supposed to be:

Not an empire, not a nation, not a worldview, but a people - a called-out-to-be-God's people, who do not play by the rules of power and violence...

He mentions how hard this has already been for a religion known for Crusades. It is also clear that we will face a challenge of militant religious leaders and our own human desires for power. We wil face political pressures, patriotic feelings, national identities conflicting at times with our spiritual callings. That will be nothing new- for us or for 20 centuries of Christians.

But as Justin points out, it is in community that we will be able to find the direction, power, strength- and Holy Spirit- that will allow us to live our faith as best we can. It is in community that we will become more fully the Body of Christ. The church, in the end is not an institution- political or religious. It is people alive together in God's grace.

Three Mile Island
The steam discharge plume was a standard site from our back window. Three Mile Island was about 15 miles north of us along the Susquehanna River. We had church member friends who lived on the western side of the river within shouting distance in seemed from the massive cooling towers.

As I remember those days 25 years ago, I vaguely remember that it didn't seem all that scary- at first. But as the week went on- the weekend approached- things started to get out of hand. It, of course, had been that way from the beginning, it may just be that no one really knew what was going on inside that reactor.

Sunday morning in church was almost apocalyptic in its feelings. Many people were deciding to evacuate from the area. There was a hydrogen bubble, we were told, that was potentially explosive. It may have been growing. It maybe wasn't. No one was yet sure.

I vividly remember looking around the church that morning as the worship ended wondering if I would ever see these friends and neighbors again. Would our whole area become a vast contaminated wasteland? No one knew what a real meltdown would do. This was before Chernobyl. There had only been one other time in my life when I had felt that way- when President Kennedy announced the blockade of Cuba in 1962. The incredibly intense sense of dread was real.

The next day we, too, left for a few days with friends in eastern Pennsylvania, knowing full well that a complete meltdown and explosion would probably get even that far. Before we left we pondered what to take with us not knowing whether we would be able to return. It was just the two of us, our daughter wouldn't be born for another 2 years. Sunday night we walked through the house wondering. We did what almost everyone I have ever posed this issue to would do. We took the box of family pictures from our childhood and our then 7 years together. The totally irreplaceable.

And we took a crucifix from the wall that we had bought at the Catacombs in Rome 6 years earlier. Why that particular item we couldn't verbalize. But it seemed to have significance beyond its apparent worth.

As we know the worst didn't happen. We even sometime joke about it- you know that special "glow" that my wife and I have. But it was a significant moment for me. I had to face a moment of terror beyond my control. I had to face some tough feelings. I was scared and powerless.

Perhaps in that is why we took the crucifix. It was the reminder that there is one who has gone through far more than what we were going through. It was from the Catacombs where Christians faced far worse with great faith, integrity, and dignity. It let us know that we would never be beyond the love and care of God.

Anointing Before Passion
I got to preach today. So, why not post it....
--based on today's Gospel Lesson: John 12: 1-8


Passover was just a few days away. There would be special rules and special celebrations for that. This was more like a old family reunion. It sure felt good to have everybody together. It was the first time they had all been together since The Miracle. No one was mentioning it, of course. There was no need to. From time to time everyone in the room would glance across the table and see Lazarus sitting there. This was clearly a family that knew the power of life over death. This was a time of true joy. So they ate and drank and laughed and had a great evening.

But there was a sense of something in the air. Like in the movies when the minor chords strike in the music or the fog rolls in on an otherwise clear night. Foreboding. God forbid- even evil at work. The Yetzer Hara- the evil one has his ways and those gathered there knew it as well or better than many. The sisters could feel something bad was in the air. The Beloved Disciple perked up his story-telling senses watching the events of the evening. There might just come a day when he had to tell this story to someone else.

Martha was the hostess- as usual. She was a wonderful woman. There was no doubt whatsoever that she knew how to make anyone feel at home. Whenever Jesus was in town he stopped by their place. Martha, like her sister Mary, was filled with gratitude for what Jesus has done on that other recent trip. This was the celebration- and thanksgiving- for that.

John, the beloved, smelled what was to happen next before it happened. The fragrance of ointment filled the room as Mary walked in. It was precious and she had saved it for just such a moment. An anointing of the feet of one who had brought them Good News in the raising of their brother. All speaking stopped. Eyes turned toward the sister walking toward Jesus. The jar was HER gift of thanksgiving. She kneeled and poured. The aroma spread. A symbolic act, of course, but an act of love and devotion no less and no more heartfelt than Martha's gift of service.

But as always there was a fly in the ointment. Judas. The one you would expect to do so. The thief. He is the one who can take something wonderful and turn it into something for his own profit. He was the one who seemed so trustworthy- he had the money box. He seemed so concerned for the poor. He wanted Mary gone or at least censured. Yes, he knew how to work a crowd and get their attention. Yes, he knew that this whole foolishness had to stop.

Jesus knew the heart of this hidden enemy. Jesus knew that there was no compassion in Judas' words or actions. Jesus no doubt even knew that it would be Judas the Evil One would use in his great attempt at stopping the Savior from doing the work he was born to do.

Jesus puts Judas in his place. Leave her alone. Stop! What she has done, she has done. Her devotion is deep and beyond her own understanding. That's one of the things we discover in Jesus' words. Sometimes people, like Mary or Martha- or you and me- are used by God in ways we never realized. Did Mary know this was part of the preparation for death? Probably not. It was an act of humble adoration for his giving life back to Lazarus. But here, but hours before Palm Sunday's triumph and only a few days before Good Friday's passion, she kneels and cleanses and anoints.

No Jesus was not telling us or Judas or anyone else to ignore the poor. Throughout the Gospels the poor are the center of his ministry- for there were really only two classes- the rich and the poor. Middle class didn't exist. Some were just poorer than others. Some were unable to work or earn their own way. No, Jesus wasn't saying to ignore them. Rather, he was making sure that Judas didn't get the upper hand and take over the evening. He was making sure that Mary's moment of devotion was seen for what it was- a sign of what was to come.

What is to come is, of course, no secret to us now. Here, at the Passover, the time when the lamb is slain, Jesus is preparing. Even as the one who had brought life to that very same house and family, he was about to face his agony. His passion. Palm Sunday. Holy Week. They lay ahead.

As we get within two weeks of THOSE events, we need to be reminded, of course, that we live after the resurrection. As a young Christian many years ago, I remember being cautioned by those old-timers and spiritual mentors to not get so fixed on the death that we lose the life. It is only in the resurrection that we know what the crucifixion was all about. Without Easter, Good Friday is anything but. As a resurrection people we prepare ourselves for another Easter by reliving the Passion.

It Began 25 Years Ago Today
March 28, 1979.
Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant.
It was almost a major disaster. I lived within 15 miles of TMI on that fateful day. Will blog about it later this week. Here is an article in the Miami Herald about the workers there that morning.
Posting time below is in memory of that fateul hour.

Hometown Wins!

The local high school boys basketball team won the Minnesota state 4A Championship tonight! First time ever.



Chaska Hawks 71
Burnsville Blaze 57

Way to go, Hawks!

Stone Reader
I saw a book at Barnes and Noble the other day that had a display which included info about a documentary about the book. It seems the book was written way back when in the early 70s. It was a coming of age story of its era that received good reviews- and then dropped out of sight. There was never another book by the author- Dow Mossman. In fact, most people never heard of him. Mark Moscowitz decided to make a documentary about trying to find him.

Which is the movie, Stone Reader about the book, Stones of Summer. SO I rented the DVD and watched it this evening. It is a wonderful celebration of great books and the passion they instill in people. It seemed a little slow to begin with- after all it is a documentary. But it hooks you with its gentle naivete and mystery of who really is Dow Mossman and what happened to him.

The book is now back in print. I have it on reserve at the library and am interested to see what it reads like. Whether the book is worth reading or not all these years later we will see. The movie is neat.

You're It
Last year I was doing a Friday Feature- a love poem from God. I was in the bookstore today and came across a book of poems by the great Sufi master, Hafiz, translated by Daniel Ladinsky. So, I thought I would at least throw in one poem. Who knows, maybe I'll get to some of the others another week or more.

You're It

God
Disguised
As a myriad things and
Playing a game
Of tag

Has kissed you and said,
"You're it--

I mean, you're Really IT!"

Now
It does not matter
What you believe or feel

For something wonderful,

Major-league Wonderful
Is someday going
To

Happen.

Hafiz, 1320 - 1389,
(Translated by Daniel Ladinsky in the book, The Gift)

The Medium Carried the Message
A story on the power of the redemptive message in The Passion. It always amazes me, although I should expect it by now, that God's word can break through in the most needy of places. From MSNBC: Man confesses to murder after viewing ‘Passion of the Christ’. I am sure there will be some other story somewhere about how The Movie has led someone else away from the faith or whatever. Let us never forget that in our human free-will, we can be as evil as we can godly.

On Not Being There
Indulge me for a little while. It is my blog and most of us bloggers tend to get introspective and self-indulgent at times. It runs in the genes or something. What it is tonight is that I am not where I would normally be at this time every four years. Our district synod meeting began today over in Wisconsin. It's when all the clergy of the district and representatives of the 40 some Moravian Churches of the district get together for renewal, legislation, elections, and friendship. For the past 5+ years I have been an elected member of the district executive board. Today at 5:00 my term ended- and I will not be re-elected. I'm not there. I'm at home.

I'm where I am today because I am currently on "leave of absence" from the pastoral ministry of the church in order to work as a school-based chemical health specialist. I began the new job the first of January and have loved it immensely. It is great to be out on the "front-lines" with teenagers and school staff members. It is energizing to go to the job every day and find something new that needs attention- and be able to give it some of the attention it needs. The problem tonight is not with the job I have. The problem is I'm not where I have been every time for the past 30 years. At synod.

Now before you think I am a little wierd to miss denominational meetings, let me clear up what I mean. We are a small denomination- and a small district. There are 40 churches spread through the midwest and So. California. There are more people in the Metrodome for a Twins game than there are members of all these 40 churches. Even nationally, all the clergy in the denomination are listed in the back of our North American version of the Daily Texts. It is this smallness that has been our greatest strength- and our greatest shortcoming. Saddleback Church can offer more opportunities for ministry and mission than can our district. BUT...

We are a community.

We are small enough that what I am missing tonight is the community reunion. Colleagues I have worked with. Friends I have laughed and cried with. People who I have had disagreements with. Young adults who once were campers at a camp I directed. My life has been in this church for 30 years and in this district for 20. My vocation and avocation, my mission and my ministry, has been entwined with this church. Synod is when we come together to celebrate that and then seek ways to move into new ministry and mission. It is our community as a church at work. And I wish I were there.

But God has called me to someplace else. That is as clear as the fact that I am not in Wisconsin tonight. I have pondered this much in the past few weeks as synod got closer and I realized I was grieving what I do not have anymore. I have seen God's hand clearly at work in the process of the last year that culminated in the new position. I have seen as I have worked in my new job for nearly 3 months now that one of the things I have to bring to my school-based position is the sense of developing community.

My wife- who IS at synod since she is still under call to a pastoral ministry- and I spent some time talking about that the other night. Community is at the heart of our approach to ministry. It is not "The Pastor" being "The Authority" who has "The Answers" and does "The Ministry." It is as one of the community trying to lead the community in new and renewing ways into mission and ministry. It is not that the "ordained" clergy are a special class or role or even calling. It is one of the gifts of community.

So tonight I sit at home not in that community which has been home for so long. I wait to see how God will use me to develop community where I am in new ways. I have no idea where all this is leading. Sometimes we only see God's call when we look back and realize the moves we have made. All I can do is put one day on top the one before it, seeking God's will for that day by always trying to do the next right thing and knowing the God's strength will be with me.

Yes, I miss being there. But, you know, I don't think I would trade where I am to be there if it meant that I had to give up doing what God wants me to do. More than anything else, I will not miss doing God's will wherever and whenever I can find it.

We now return to our normal blogging schedule. Thanks for your indulgence!

Preparing for The Passion
It is only a couple of weeks until Passion Week. I just found a good page of meditations and links to artworks on the Passion set up by Tim Bednar up the road here in Minneapolis. As he says "artists have a long tradition of representing The Passion and some of their paintings are quite fanciful and metaphorical." That, he points out may give us a perspective with which to view Mel Gibson's film version. (I am thinking about seeing it this weekend. I do not want to see it, but it has attracted so much attention, I think I need to. Of course I still haven't seen Titanic.) The great masterworks of art are remarkable to view. I am grateful to Tim for his links.

Another Music Post...For Now
Andrew is done with the combined Top 100 Pop/Rock Albums of all time. He is now posting his own Top 100 at various intervals. I was reflecting on the place that music has had in popular culture (and hence the culture of the church) as we have relived the great albums of these past 40 years. The change that popular music has made in the church is remarkable.

It goes back many years, actually, before rock and roll. In general (and I am going to speak in very broad generalities) a number of things set up musical divisions in the earlier part of the 20th Century. Some of these were:
~~~ Live -vs- records.
~~~ White -vs- black.
~~~ Straight -vs- jazz.
Perhaps one of the most telling questions would have been-- "Which beat do you clap on? One and three, or two and four?" We white folks had this bad habit of clapping on the wrong beat. We did the straight-ahead 1/3 beat. It didn't have soul or movement or excitement. It was often referred to as "square." In jazz and blues the beat was emphasized differently. It was the back beat that got the emphasis- 2 and 4. It seemed to drive the music. It seemed to give it a depth that we may have felt was missing from our popular music.

Then along comes rockabilly and rock and roll and skiffle and began to combine the jazz and blues and country and whatever into a new style that truly did take the back beat and emphasize it in a much stronger way. This was a musical revolution! It cannot be overstated how much this began to affect how all of us listened to popular music. (Notice that that the excellent Beatles' bio-pic was titled Backbeat.) In no time our perceptions of music and its movement began to change. Some even believe it has become hard-wired. If you don't believe it, just watch a mixed generational audience sometime trying to clap along with a song. Those over 55 in general will start with beats 1 and 3; those under 50 will start on 2 and 4.

So, in many ways, there has been a seismic, even quantum shift in how we hear music. It has had its impact on the church. We listen with different ears than they did 60 years ago. We listen for different harmonies, different chord progressions, different timings and beats and styles. Not that a traditional style won't work- it can with the right chording and internal rhythm (or beat in 3/4 instead of 4/4.) But the style is different. And it is internal.

BTW, I am indebted to Tex Sample for some of these insights. Tex is former professor of church and society and Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City and has done some remarkable studies on lifestyles and religion. He is worth reading!

With Reviews Like This
Thanks to Jeff Jarvis we know that Ebert and Roeper better watch out for this new movie critic, PLO Leader, Yasser Arafat. Here's how it was reported:

Yasser Arafat watched Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ on Saturday, and afterward a top aide compared Jesus' pain during crucifixion to the suffering of Palestinians in the conflict with Israel.
Nabil Abu Rudeneh, one of Arafat's closest advisers, watched the film along with the veteran Palestinian leader and a group of American and European Christians and Palestinian Muslim clerics.
"The Palestinians are still daily being exposed to the kind of pain Jesus was exposed to during his crucifixion," Abu Rudeneh said in a statement after he viewed the movie.

What a sad commentary!

Meanwhile, the good news comes in from Ecumenical Insanity who found this important information in the San Francisco Chronicle:

Despite fears that it could promote anti-Semitism, the new film by Mel Gibson The Passion of the Christ may have made Americans less likely to blame Jews for the death of Jesus, according to a new survey.

Among those interviewed for a new national poll who had seen or knew about the film, 83 percent said the movie and its surrounding controversy had no effect on the extent they believe contemporary Jews are responsible for the death of Jesus. Only 2 percent said the movie made them more likely to blame Jews, while 9 percent said the movie made them less likely to hold Jews responsible.

That is another of the good things to come out of this whole controversy. With all the press about it, it is only natural that people would become more sensitive to the issue. It is clear from our Christian theology that the question of "who killed Jesus?" is very easily answered. It is not the Jews. It is not the Romans. It is me. My sins. Probably yours had something to do with it. But all God asks is that I acknowledge that he died for ME. Thanks to Mel Gibson and the controversy for reminding us of that.

A Need for Unity
Mean Dean at Blogs4God has a thought provoking post today. After watching the movie Lawrence of Arabia, he reflects on how we Christians can't seem to get along with each other.

Satan need not afflict us, he need only stand aside and watch us snipe at one another as we outdo each other with wanting to be right, wanting to get in the last word, wanting everyone to think like us …

Of course, we Christians don't have a corner on the internal arguments market. Take a look at the different sects of Islam and how they are no more civil to each other than we can tend to be. It shouldn't be that way. We know it. We give lip service to the Body of Christ. We think we have THE right answers- our answers. Sadly that means that the other answers are at best off-base and perhaps even wrong. Then the battles begin.

Meanwhile God wants us to get along. God wants us to celebrate together in His presence. Remember the story of the Prodigal Son? As the reader told the story in church this morning I was struck by one line...

The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. Luke 15:28

The father wanted the whole family to be involved in this celebration. The father wanted to make sure his whole family was together in this great banquet. And the Elder Brother was angry because he was not being singled out for special recognition. He thought he was being faithful. "Reward me!" he is saying. "Punish him. He's wrong."

As in Jesus' day, the Older Brother of this story is the "religious establishment" of the day. That usually means me. Mean Dean reminded readers that he knew that there were three fingers pointing back at himself. God, in fact, is pleading for us all to come into the banquet. It's already going on. Are we missing it because we think we deserve more? Are we jealous of the younger brother? Are we afraid that if this thing called "grace" is real- and we celebrate it- people may actually do bad things and then expect to be welcomed back- all forgiven? Do we really believe in grace- for others?

That's what this wonderfully challenging parable does to me every time. I am both the elder and prodigal brother. Both need God's love. Only one knows it. May I know more and more each day how much I need the grace and love of God in my life.

Not So Sweet Sixteen

Lots of defense. No one could hold the lead very long.
10 ties, 12 lead changes, largest lead was 7. Unfortunately, it was Pitt's offensive rebounds that won the game. In the end it was:

# 6 Wisconsin 55
# 3 Pittsburgh 59

And... Cinderella has entered the arena:
# 9 UAB 76
# 1 Kentucky 75

---

Meanwhile, back in Minneapolis in the Women's tournament:


# 10 UCLA  81
# 7 Minn   92

An Orthodox Essay
Brother Huw at Doxos.com has posted an update and essay on a previous post. Back in August he posted an article called "I Was in Hell." It has become his most popular post and will be published sometime later this year. In response to an email, he had now come up with another incredible post.

Yesterday, in three different contexts, I found myself saying "just because one wants to do something is no reason to do it."

From there he develops his understanding and changes in his life as one who has lived with "same-sex attraction." Read both essays and find what I think is one of the best thought out responses from one who knows what he's talking about and not just spouting theological statements.

It's a Tie--
Until the Next Poll
According to a CBS/Newsweek poll Bush and Kerry are in a dead heat! So, here's a bit of pmPilgrim punditry-- The polls will remain close until--
~~ Osama bin Laden is caught -- or --
~~ The Democratic Convention which will give Kerry a boost -- and --
~~ The Republican Convention which will give Bush a boost -- or --
~~ The economy tanks -- or --
~~ The election happens.

BTW, I was a political science major in college back in the dark ages of the 60s. While I tend not to be a political blogger, I do enjoy watching and reading politics even though I often find myself feeling both sides have become so polarized that compromise- the central factor of healthy politics in a democracy- is almost impossible. Single issue litmus tests and a seemingly deep divide on some major religiously impacted issues can often do more harm than good.

So, although I am already tired of presidential ads (it's March, people, it's only March!) it should be an interesting year.

Now the REAL Top 30
Well, at least MY Top 30 albums of all time. Andrew's final rankings in parenthesis at the end of the line. I have added some of my comments to the ones that were not listed.

1-- Sgt. Pepper's - Beatles (1)
   No surprise. As Andrew said- "The Citizen Kane of rock and roll albums." It has no equal.
2-- Disraeli Gears - Cream (55)
3-- Days of Future Passed - Moody Blues (71)
4-- Joshua Tree - U2 (2)
5-- Music from Big Pink – The Band
   This is one that surprised me for not being on the list. Maybe The Band was an acquired taste, but this first album by Dylan's first rock back-up band is still amazing. Martin Scorcese's documentary on The Band- The Last Waltz- may be one the best concert movies ever done.
6-- Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix (4)
7-- Blonde on Blonde – Bob Dylan
   How do you pick ONE Dylan album. Could have been anyone of many- Nashville Skyline, Blood on the Tracks, and on and on. Perhaps the 2nd greatest album of all time would be the Bob Dylan Boxed set. Right after Sgt. Pepper's, of course.
8-- Purple Rain- Prince
   Another big surprise to me. His Purple Majesty (whose studio is a few miles from my house) was just elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility. A creative genius!
9-- American Beauty – Grateful Dead
   Truckin', Sugar Magnolia, Friend of the Devil, Till the Morning Comes. Yes, this is classic Dead. It helped define a generation or two.
10-- Let It Bleed – Rolling Stones (14)
11-- Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme –
    Simon and Garfunkle
   A concept album, sort of, that flowed with power, intensity, and beauty. For Emily Wherever I May Find Her is still a hauntingly wonderful song.
12-- Abbey Road – Beatles (11)
13-- Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin (52)
14-- Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (5)
15-- Jesus Christ, Superstar – Cast Recording
   Andrew Lloyd Weber before Mel Gibson! The original was more controversial in its day than The Passion is today. It is still powerful music!
16-- All That You Can't Leave Behind – U2 (38)
17-- Surrealistic Pillow – Jefferson Airplane
   Somebody To Love, White Rabbit. THIS is the San Francisco sound. Grace Slick had a voice that molded the music.
18-- The Wall – Pink Floyd (8)
19-- Super Session – Bloomfield, Kooper, Stills
   Perhaps the first Jam album. Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, Steven Stills making blues. Can't be beat!
20-- Tommy – The Who (47)
21-- Alice's Restaurant – Arlo Guthrie (51)
22-- Santana – Santana
   The third BIG surprise- there was no Santana in the Top 100. This is his first that electrified the post-Woodstock months. He hasn't lost anything in the years since. Supernatural could be on this Top 30 as easily!
23-- Cheap Thrills – Janis Joplin
   Surprise # 4. No Janis?????
24-- Nevermind – Nirvana (7)
25-- The Rising – Bruce Springsteen
   Bruce followed up the tragedy of September 11 with this album of hope and prayer. As good as anything he ever did.
26-- Slowhand – Eric Clapton (43)
27-- Crosby, Stills, and Nash- Crosby, Stills, and Nash (64)
28-- A Night at the Opera – Queen (22)
29-- Pet Sounds – Beach Boys (32)
30-- Washington County – Arlo Guthrie
   OK. It's probably nostalgia, but this was an album of beauty and spirituality. Arlo at his musical best.

There we have it. Andrew- thanks for this fun two weeks. A review of 40 years of rock-and-roll/pop albums. There are some jazz albums that would get added if I wanted to make the Top 100 of my favorites. But that's for another day. Will probably blog sometime on the place of music- popular rock music- in culture and defining our generations. But for now, be grateful that the music hasn't died.

   On Wisconsin!



First Round NCAA action:
   # 11 Richmond 64
   # 6 Wisconsin 76

Come from behind in the 2nd half. Great work.

Power!
Writing about the Beatles' and the reference to Paul not being dead, brought back a memory of a moment of great power I experienced in the late 60s over this very issue. It was a Sunday, as I seem to remember it. I went down to the radio station at college when I got back to campus. Someone started asking about the rumor that Paul McCartney was dead- or at least seriously injured and in a coma somewhere and had been for a long time. It seems there were all these clues hidden on record jackets and in the songs themselves.

Well, not one to let a good time pass me by, I went on the air and started talking about it. We went through three or four hours of playing nothing but the Beatles and talking about the rumor which I guess had spread like wildfire on the radio stations around the country. People would show up at the radio station to talk. We had a great time until probably after midnight.

The next morning as I walked through the student union and around campus people everywhere were talking about MY radio show the night before. Many didn't know who I was- the wonderful anonymity of radio. So I had the chance to listen in- about my show. The talk of the campus was what I had done!

What power! Thanks to John, Paul, George and Ringo.

It was topped only by the morning in the summer when I had a flat tire on the way to work. Our radio station was not on the air 24/7 in those days. It was my task to turn it on at 6 a.m. Well, I was late, and so was a portion of Williamsport that morning. They had their clock radios to set to come on just a little before 6:00 so when I hit the tone for the hour and started playing the National Anthem, they woke up. Again, people were talking- about my show. (or lack of one for 20 minutes!)

What power! This time thanks to a flat tire.

But what did it get me? Not much. A few minutes of joy that people were actually listening and that I could get their attention and affect their lives if only briefly. But, sadly, it is a fleeting power. It doesn't do a whole lot in the great scheme of the cosmos. I don't care if you are Howard Stern or Clear Channel Communications reaching millions upon millions- or little old me with a few hundred on campus or a few thousand around the city. That power will only get you hungry and thirsty for more. You will thirst and hunger again because it does not ultimately satisfy.

But there is a bread that will fill and a water that will quench the thirst. There is a spring of Living Water that not only does those things, but it becomes a source of power- inner power that others can see. There is a power that lasts because it is a power of service and servanthood.

It is the power of the Cross and the strength of sacrifice and the life-giving bread and cup of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am discovering that again in new ways this Lent. I am getting ready for Easter. I can feel it- or my need for it- in the depths of my soul.

Praise be to God who gives us THIS in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

BTW: Here's a LINK to one site that talks about the Paul is dead rumor. Here's another. Have some fun if you have never heard this before.

Merrily We Roll Along Toward the Top 10
Andrew has put up Top Albums 30 - 21 and 20 - 11.

at # 22- my # 28- A Night at the Opera- Queen. Two words- Bohemian Rhapsody!

at # 19- my # 10- Let It Bleed- Rolling Stones. No, "you can't always get what you want" but it's sure fun to listen to these guys sing about it. The crown of their creative genius in many ways.

at # 11- my # 12- Abbey Road- Beatles. Here comes the sun... so come together, right now, through the bathroom window! No, Paul was not dead- and still isn't. Neither is this album. If I would have been truly selfish, I could have put all these wonderful Beatles' albums in my Top 10. But as I chose the Top 30 for myself I also wanted to make sure, as I have said, that I got the ones that changed the world of music. All the Beatles' albums may have done that- each in their own way- but only a couple were revolutionary. This is one, even coming toward the end of their career.

Starting at the Bottom of the Top 40
Andrew is back on track and is now in the Top 40 of the greatest albums. Got two more of my Top 30:
at # 38 - All That You Can't Leave Behind - U2 -- my # 16. Bono and gang left the Zooropa era behind with a remarkable album. As they have aged, they have taken some of the raw edges off, but only enough to let the power continue to dominate. Good stuff from what may be the best rock and roll band still working. (The Rolling Stones aren't making rock and roll like this anymore.)

at # 32 - Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys -- my # 29. From the era of Sgt. Pepper's and acid trips and beautiful harmonies, a record that was one of a kind. It is filled with their best music.

Only one question at this point in the Top 100- Hootie and the Blowfish at # 31????

More Pictures
I have posted a few more pictures from around Spain that we took two years ago. This is the link.

Did the Terrorists Win?
In Spain, the incumbent government was surprisingly upset in elections only three days after the bombings in Madrid. Many pundits are suggesting that it was the result of the Spanish government's support of the US position and the war in Iraq. The bombings on Thursday only heightened the issue with the government taking the blame for the terrorist attacks. If they hadn't gone along with the US, the bombings wouldn't have happened and 200 people wouldn't be dead. Does that mean that the terrorists got what they wanted? Jeff Jarvis responds to the same news:

I'm certainly not well-versed on Spanish politics but I wonder whether the ruling Conservatives' insistence on blaming ETA even in the face of evidence pointing to Islamofascists also contributed to their defeat. In any case, it's a damned shame that terrorists can have an impact on the election and can help bring in the side they apparently wanted. Let's just hope that anger in Spain will focus on the real target: Not the U.S., not the Conservative administration that joined with the U.S. in Iraq, but, of course, the evil bastards who murdered 200 innocents.

: UPDATE: Now is the time to say it again: The terrorists have won if....
The terrorists have won if they changed the course of a democracy... and made a nation lose its resolve to defeat terrorism. The terrorists have won if that happens.
It didn't happen here. It won't happen in Spain. Terrorism will not prevail.

The whole situation does again, however, point to the extreme difficulty in getting to the terrorist underground whether in Spain, Afghanistan, or the US. By nature terrorists are not interested in negotiation, or life, or compromise. They are interested in getting their way using any means necessary. They are "holy warriors" whoa re more than prepared to die while taking many, many with them. If what people are looking for is a "safe" world where there is no threat of terrorism or death or war, then we can never have that. There are no easy answers- and the problem is that whenever there are no easy answers, people can die and democracy can be compromised. We are always at a danger for that. May we keep aware and informed.

UPDATE: Instapundit weighs in as well.

Some Pictures
Over on my Fotopage, I have posted three of the pictures I took in Madrid two years ago. They are in memory and solidarity with the people of Spain in this time of mourning and shock. Here's the link.

When Evil Loses- We All Win
Finally, FINALLY, we saw The Return of the King! It was as awesome as I expected it to be- and then some. It deserved every award it got- and then some. My daughter and I spent some good time talking about it tonight. The many layers of imagery, symbolism, and story-telling hold up- even through the many times it ends- just like the book. I have a hunch it needed to end that way in order to decompress from the battles and final victory. Peter Jackson, et. al. - well done and thank you!

Now, I still haven't seen the other Movie that everyone seems to be talking about. But I think I just saw as true a portrayal of the Christian story and the victory over evil as the Passion. The overwhelming power of evil as represented by The Ring is so frightenenly portrayed. Watching Frodo's final struggle with the ring was a reminder that it is within me that evil's great struggle continues. It is as I look for the ways to maintain my power and material goods and desires that I allow evil to continue to grow.

Then the ring is destroyed and the great towers of evil crumble. The world is saved. Evil itself loses its strengths and the dead are forgiven. Tolkein, as a Christian and mythologist and storyteller, knew how to put them all together in this parable of the end of WW II, but also the eternal and universal story of God's triumph over evil. The story of the Return of the King is the story that God wants the world to know. Even as terrorists strike with death and evil, the power of God for renewal and life is never ending.

Back To The Music
I paused yesterday with the terror in Madrid. Andrew posted #s 50 - 41. From my Top 30:
# 47 - Tommy- The Who [my # 20]- The start of Pinball Wizard is one of the great intros in rock music. See Me, Feel Me is an anthem and a half.

# 43 - Slowhand- Eric Clapton [my # 26]. As I said with Disraeli Gears, quality that cannot be beat. Eric Clapton, whether in the John Mayall group, Cream, or on his own, is one truly awesome guitar player!


Two I missed that would have expanded my list to the Top 32:
#46 - Graceland- Paul Simon. Simon and Garfunkle will show up higher on the list. But this is Simon's great work. He made the world fall in love with South African music in a time of Apartheid. He made classic music fun.

#42 - Rubber Soul- The Beatles. I don't know how I missed putting this on my list. It is a wonderfully produced and written album. But then, I would say that about just about any Beatles album. I was afraid to go beyond my Top 30 or I would have been overloaded with Beatles and Stones.

And one I just realized that I should have put on the list- Woodstock (the live album). That would even have taken a place in the top 20. Oh well.

So, in case you have missed any, here are the links to the previous volumes.
~ Vol. 1 (100-91)
~ Vol. 2 (90-81)
~ Vol. 3 (80-71)
~ Vol. 4 (70-61)
~ Vol. 5 (60-51)

The Shock Doesn't Ease
I have had the whole day to think about the attacks in Spain on Thursday morning. Nearly 200 dead and over 1400 hurt. The numbers stagger the mind. No, they are not the numbers of 9/11, but they will be the numbers of 3/11. It is not the numbers that strike us numb with shock, it is the act itself. I am still reeling when I picture the beauty of that wonderful Atocha station being shattered by the explosions. I am reacting almost as strongly as I did to 9/11. It comes out of the blue, unexpected, and devastating. Some of it, of course, is that two years ago next month I walked through that station a number of times. I have been there and seen it's life. Just as I had been to New York many times and seen those wonderful towers.

Perhaps because of that I know that these are places where everyday people go- people like me. Many workers were on the trains this morning just going about their daily business as they were on 9/11. Many people were just doing whatever it is people do on whatever morning it happens to be. Then hatred and anger and terror strike at them. Fear and death and destruction changes their world forever.

I must admit I had a moment this evening. We went to the Mall of America, one of the potential targets mentioned back in 2001. I stood there looking out over the center amusement area and thought about what had happened in Madrid. I shuddered since I was standing in a place that could be a target. What was attacked again in Madrid this morning was the same as 9/11- civilization, hope, democracy.

Tomorrow I will continue to be with the people of Madrid and of Spain as they mourn this senseless tragedy. Tomorrow I will mourn - but not lose hope and the knowledge that evil in the end destroys itself. Unfortunately, it takes many innocent people with it. May we continue to pray since as a comment on my earlier post said- what else can we do?

UPDATE: Thanks to Jeff Jarvis for this link to a pdf of the coverage in El Pais.

For the Victims of Terror
A moment of silence and prayer today for the victims and families of the horrible terror attacks in Madrid. Whether ETA or Al-Quaeda or some other group, the attack on human dignity and civilized hope is just plain evil. May God's grace be with Spain and all touched by this tragedy.

Don't Trust Your Conscience
Wasn't it Jiminy Cricket of Disney fame that said let your conscience be your guide? (Yes, as a matter of fact, it was!) Well, my wife in our Lenten service this evening ended with a wonderful quote from Max Lucado in his book He Chose the Nails.

Don't trust your conscience. Trust the Cross!

How true. My conscience is really good at making me feel:
   ~~~ Guilty
     ~~~ Ashamed
       ~~~ Afraid of getting caught
         ~~~ Embarrassed
           ~~~ Unworthy
             ~~~ Unlovable

And more than I care to admit. Mostly leading me into depression and a generally bad attitude. Because, as Paul new so well, I know what my conscience wants me to do. It's just that I'm pretty bad at doing it. If I need to rely on following my conscience to get me into God's good graces, well, forget it.

But it is the Cross that makes all the difference. There I learn that God wants me to be with him more than I can ever know. It may not make much sense to me. It may confound my logic how the creator of the awesome universe can want me to be with him- along with wanting every other human creature. But He does. That is the message of the Cross. That is what this Lenten journey is all about. At the end there will be a stone sitting beside a tomb and no one will ever be able to explain that one. Yet it gives the answers and the meaning to all that has gone before and to anything any one of us can ask.

Yes, trust the Cross!

And, while speaking of the awesome universe created by this amazing God.... the Hubble telescope has done it again. Wow!

50 Down - 50 To Go
The Top 100 Pop/Rock Albums continue to unfold at Bloggedy Blog. Got three of my Top 31 in this batch:
My # 2- Disraeli Gears - Cream. (Another SuperGroup) shows up at 55. I saw Cream in Philadelphia at one of their last shows before disbanding. What an experience. Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker. Power and class and unheard of quality. It listens as well today as it did then.

My # 13- Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin. It's at 52. What can one say about Zeppelin that hasn't already been said. Heavy Metal's original masters who found incredible new ways to play music.

My # 22 - Alice's Restaurant - Arlo Guthrie comes in at 51. Probably my all-time favorite musician-type person. What a wonderful person and performer. Arlo's shows (and I have seen him a number of times) are always an experience. The title song- all 18+ minutes of it- is masterful storytelling. Many years later Arlo tells that he realized that the only other thing in the history of that era was the 18+ minute gap on the Nixon White House tapes. Hmmmm, he wondered. Could that have been the real reason?

Why isn't music like this being made today, some might ask. (Go ahead and ask. I'll wait.) Well, it is. It just doesn't always stand out as clearly because there is so much music today in so many different genres that it may take a while for the great stuff to shine through.

It is also that time does move faster these days. Information doubles in less than 2 years. Things change almost faster than most of us change our pants. The high caliber of some music is lost in the shuffle of rapid change as well.

And many of these great albums broke new ground. The stand the test of time because they were often so different and so challenging to the way things had been. They made us sit up and take notice. Like many of the albums that I am sure will be showing up in the Top 50 soon to come.

Teaching About the Holocaust
With all the press The Movie has given to anti-Semitism and the opinons of Mel Gibson's dad on the Holocaust, it was good to sit in on a 7th grade class today with a speaker on the Holocaust. It is a regular part of the 7th grade curriculum and next week they will be hearing from two Holocaust survivors. When I was in 7th grade (let's see- that was the 1960-61 school year) the Holocaust was an unknown in my small northern Pennsylvania town. Even in a mixed, Jewish/Gentile family, I was not aware of it.

Then, in April of that year, the trial of Adolph Eichmann began in Israel. All of a sudden the truth of the world's cruelty became more than real. It had a face. A truly innocuous and otherwise un-remarkable face. Hannah Arendt referred to it as the banality of evil. But it was real. And nearly as horrifying as the possibility of nuclear war to a Jewish/Gentile 7th grader preparing for a Bar Mitzvah. Even as a Christian today, it is a fear that remains a part of my psyche. I will probably blog more about it in April on Yom Ha-Shoah, the Holocaust remembrance day. But sitting in the media center today and watching a group of 7th graders learn about this terrible part of human history, made me glad that they teach it. The enormity of it is still beyond belief, even in these days of ethnic cleansing and genocide. It was- and is- the Holocaust that reminds us that even the most seemingly civilized may be only inches from becoming monsters.

Please, God. Never Again!

Keep Spinning Those Records.
[Uh, what's a record?]
From today's volume of the Top 100 according to a truly distinguished panel of judges: At # 64 - Crosby, Stills, and Nash - the first album. On my Top 31 it's # 28. As Andrew said- Suite: Judy Blue Eyes is worth the price of admission. When the album came out, C, S, & N were not a group that was known. We knew The Hollies (Nash), The Byrds (Crosby), and Buffalo Springfield (Stills). But what were they together? The answer: A Supergroup. When their album came out, I bought it on first sight. What a group. Then with Neil Young added from time to time, WOW!

But that first album still rings with wonder and joy and power. (Gee, Andrew. You have sure started a nostalgia trip for me!)

As A Year Ends
Today (Monday, March 8) ends the first year of the pmPilgrim blog. Tomorrow is Happy Blogday to me. It has been a trip! A year ago, as the war was ramping up, I started surfing around to see what others were saying and doing. I discovered blogging and went at it. There have been low times and uncertainty; there have been times of over-blogging about useless things. There have been times when I was profound beyond what I deserve to be. It has been FUN!

I have also gotten to connect through blogging to many wonderful and amazing thinkers, writers, and just plain great people with all kinds of differing opinions. The blogosphere continues to evolve- and so do I. I hope we can continue sharing this ride together for at least another year. Thanks to all who have commented, read, or just surfed by and stayed for a moment.

As a gift to myself, I may be moving this [finally] to Moveable Type in the next few weeks. If I stop reading and writing long enough to get geeky again for a while.

And the Hits Just Keep On Coming
Go to Bloggedy Blog for Vol. 3: 80-71 of the greatest Rock/Pop Albums. (In case you missed the previous editions: Vol. 1: 100-91; Vol. 2: 90-81.)

The first of my Top 31 has now appeared at # 71- Days of Future Passed by the Moody Blues. It was my #3. It was an amazing concept album blending pop/rock with the London Festival Orchestra for a real experience. One of the guys in the dorm brought it back from summer vacation when it first came out and kept inviting people over to his room to hear it- straight through. Wow! Everyone wanted to run right out and buy it. Then I played in on my "progressive rock" radio show at college- and there was another run on the stores. It was one of only a couple albums I have ever had to buy a new copy of since I wore out the original. It still is powerful with the readings mixed with the music mixed with the ambience. They tried to repeat the success but never reached the quality. Interestingly the best song on the record- Nights in White Satin- didn't become a hit for quite a few years afterward.

Andrew has also posted by Top 10 with today's listing. When we get up to the Top 31 I'll list all mine in order. Until then, keep those hits on rolling!

I Don't Love You That Much
The worship leader this morning made us think again about the power and love of God. She had seen The Passion of Christ last week and reflected on it in her opening comments. She wondered aloud about the effect that watching your child die in such a horrible way would have on her. Every time she saw Mary in the film it struck her that she was giving her son to die for her- and us. Not to mention that God was doing the same. She then looked at the congregation and said that she is not willing to do that. "I just don't love you that much to give my child to die for you."

Right between the eyes! The incredible power of God's love was such that he could do just that. But in many ways so was Mary's love that great. Only hers was a love for God so deep and so real that she could stand there and watch in pain and sadness and a horror so deep it knows no words. I know- she didn't have much choice in it. Like all the others at the cross all she could do was watch. She had long since given up any control of Jesus. She had long since understood that his was a path she could not understand. But as a human being- a parent- the pain was no doubt far greater than the horror the film depicts.

But then- that was all God was willing to do as well. He sat in the heavens- wherever they might be- and watched. Just watched. Mary- a mother's pain trusting God. God- a father's pain knowing there is no other way.

Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay--
But So Is Everything Else
We are very fortunate in the school district I live in to have a remarkable music faculty. We have 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, a 9th grade building, and a high school. There are 21 music teachers for these 11 schools- vocal, instrumental, and general music. Every year they do a benefit concert for a scholarship fund in memory of a young music teacher who died of leukemia. Last night was the 7th Annual concert- and it was fun.

One choral teacher sang two wonderful Handel Arias. A double brass ensemble did a Gabrielli canon. The jazz big band did Ellington and Jobim. The women sang Hammerstein. They turned into a rock band to have fun with ABBA's Dancing Queen and did a percussion-type number with janitor's push brooms. They played, and sang, and had a wonderful time while the full auditorium loved it.

As I sat there I thought about the musical thread and thoughts that Andrew has started me on with his Top 100 album countdown. (100-91; 90-81.) The broad range of music was one thought. This tied in to what I was writing about in yesterday's post. The audience was of all ages- and they appreciated all the music. The goose-bumps as the Gabrielli started played by antiphonal brass from the cat walk above the auditorium. The wonder of hearing the human voice as an instrument in an aria. The ways a simple utilitarian tool like a broom can make music. We are moved because it is something that touches us in ways we don't even know we were alive.

The other thought was about the fun. The teachers were having a great time with each other and the music. Even when they were "serious" you knew they were loving what they were doing. When they clowned around in the midst of Dancing Queen they showed what fun music can be. All kinds of music. They reminded me what Andrew's list is perhaps all about- the reason we have music is to enjoy! And to be part of a creative event which happens anytime we sit and listen to music. It creates music within us and hopefully makes us better than when we started.

More Musical Thoughts
Andrew has now posted Top Albums 81-90. The first time the Beatles and U2 are on the list and the 2nd time for Bob Dylan. (Am I giving away some of my prejudices?) Actually, none of my Top 31 have yet been listed. Gee, does that mean my tastes are among the best? We shall see.

Also posted was Joshua Claybourn's Top 10. It could have been my favorites as much as his, in spite of a 30-year age difference. (Other than Michael Jackson. Never did like his music.) Josh's list had 5 Beatles albums, 1 Beach Boys, 1 Rolling Stones, and 1 Elvis Presley. Other than proving what we all have known- that Josh has great taste in music, it says something about certain albums, songs, compositions and even other works of art. They truly are timeless and you know it when you hear it. There have been many times when I have heard something on the radio or TV for the first time and my mind stopped whatever it was doing to listen. It grabbed you in a special way. Sure there are always those songs that are "fun" songs- the kind you dance to or just chill with. They have special places in our lives as we sing them loudly when they come on the radio in the car when no one else is around.

But the great albums, the great songs, speak of timelessness. Yesterday or Let it Be from the Beatles are two of of those. They dig down deep and move the soul.

Sometimes it's the words:

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away but now I know their here to stay- so I believe in Yesterday.

Sometimes its the music:

the awesome guitar riffs on either version of Layla by Eric Clapton will long stand next to Bach or Gershwin.

At other times it's the way the whole picture is painted in words, music and sound like Josh's #1 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band or my #3- Days of Future Passed by the Moody Blues.

Of course we will never all agree. Some find Bach dull (???) and the Beatles old-fashioned or Eric Clapton derivative. Some like Wilson Phillips or Michael Jackson. That is great. The more music in the world, the better it is for all of us since then everyone's soul can be touched. I don't care for polka but a lot of people have a lot of fun with it- including Polka Mass at Catholic Churches in Wisconsin.

More on music tomorrow from me. Andrew's next list will be on Monday sometime. This is fun!

The Top 100 Begins
Andrew Careaga at Bloggedy Blog has begun his BIG TOP 100 countdown of the greatest pop/rock albums of all time. He has gotten his input from quite an eclectic bunch of us. I will not publish my Top 30 (couldn't get to 100) until Andrew is further along so as to keep all the fans going his way.

Will do some blogging about music as his list continues . For me, music is still the language of life. I love music. Almost all kinds of music. If I hadn't been limited to pop/rock there would have been some bluegrass and jazz and classical and CCM and world and... well, you get the picture. Music touches life in ways that very little else does. That is why I will bet that Andrew will open up a greater can of worms over the list than just about anything else- except perhaps marriage and The Movie.

Back in the mid- to late- 60s I was a DJ both on my college station and on the small local rock station in my home area. It was WMPT AM and FM, South Williamsport, PA. It was located at the bottom of the hill behind Howard J. Lamade Field, the home of the Little League World Series. It is now defunct, although I have no idea when or why. When I Googled it I got a lot of links to the Maryland Public TV station of the same call letters and only two links to the station- my bio page and a mention that Bil Byham, the sportscaster there in the 60s and 70s, had in a web article. Bill and I worked the mornings together for a summer in 1969 (Woodstock, Neil Armstrong on the moon, Chappaquidick). I had the joy of working a Little League World Series consolation game that we broadcast to the Armed Forces Radio Network. I was the "color" man although Bill let me do an inning of play-by-play.

How radio- and music- have changed in these years. For better and worse. But then I would guess that the same might have been said 35 years ago when I was starting out. In any case, more on all this as I join Andrew in celebrating the Top 100 pop/rock albums of all time.

Life in Art: Art in Life

An amazing picture. Hubble or Van Gogh's Starry, Starry Night? [Hubble link.]

It never fails to amaze me- but it does not surprise me anymore- when I find a picture like this from nature that looks like art. I am awed by the incredible beauty in the universe and the symmetry of art and nature that must be built deeply into our world, our psyches, the very patterns of life.

Fractals are an example of this. They are mathematical representations that replicate themselves as you delve more deeply into them. They produce some incredible art. But they also describe thins like jagged coastlines. Again the connections and the symmetry, even in "chaos". [Here is a neat fractals page- Sprott's Fractal Gallery.]

There is mystery in the natural world. There is a sense of mystery in scientific discoveries like chaos theory, fractals, quantum physics. Science, even in trying to explain the universe, seems to recognize that underneath it all is some truly awe-inspiring beauty. As a Christian, I find the possibilities of awe in science and the universe truly endless. I can surf the Hubble pictures or deep-space photos and be led to the Power that is greater than myself. I can think about the mind-boggling and mind-stretching implications of quantum theory and bow in humble adoration to the Creator of it all.

Truly our human creativity is but a small duplication of the First Artist and First Creator of us all.

The Pastor's Spouse
Well, it had to happen sooner or later. Sitting at choir rehearsal this evening a new person in the choir (and church) in the last six weeks, leaned over to me and said, "So, what do you do?"

Of course he didn't know who I was. He arrived after I had moved to my new job. He had no idea I was the former pastor and still the pastor's spouse. So I said first that I was the pastor's spouse and used to be the co-pastor but had just started a new job. As I said, it had to happen sooner or later. What a neat thing if there were enough new people come in over the next months that a lot of people would ask me that question. But I have to admit that it took me by surprise.

As to the job- I am having a great time. I run groups for youth- one is a clean and sober group, the other is for children who are facing some kind of chemical health issues in their families. I am getting to know the staff at the schools where I work and am feeling like this is really a new call into a non-church ministry. Not a ministry of word, but a ministry of help and assistance, using my gifts and calling in new ways. In any case, I am loving it!

And a Powerless God?
Henri Nouwen's meditation for today reminds us of something so powerful and so important that when we forget it we lose all perspective on God. Reflecting on the word Emmanuel- God with us:

Who can be afraid of a little child that needs to be fed, to be cared for, to be taught, to be guided? We usually talk about God as the all-powerful, almighty God on whom we depend completely. But God wanted to become the all-powerless, all-vulnerable God who completely depends on us. How can we be afraid of a God who wants to be "God-with-us" and needs us to become "Us-with-God"?

That may be an idea that is lost in all the words about The Movie. Only a God willing to be powerless like that can bring us the greatest power we need. Paradox? Perhaps. But in the world of God, things are never as they seem.

Clean Sweep and a Low Point
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
11 for 11.
All the power of all three films brought to fullness and much deserved praise and honor. There have never been movies as great and powerful. Of course, how do you compare apples and oranges and grapefruit. To pick one as the greatest is of course to miss the greatness of each of the nominated movies and many others. LOTR is in a league of its own!

In Memoriam- Leni Riefenstahl? The Nazi propagandist? We didn't even know she was still alive until she died.