Bits and Pieces for Saturday
Nothing profound today. Just some bits and pieces.

>> Martin Roth, whose Martin Roth's Christian Commentary was a regular read, has a new blog, and it's all about Southern Gospel. Simply it's called Southern Gospel Beat.

>> A couple weeks ago Beliefnet had a link to a quirky site:
America's Roadside Miracles- A tour of America's lesser-known holy destinations through a gallery of photos from a book called "Roadside Religion." Here's their link to the gallery.



>> Maggi Dawn thanked Ian's Messy Desk for a great quote from A. A. Milne:

One of the advantages of being disorderly
is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.

I, too, am grateful for the quote. Messy desks are such a joy when you need a diversion- just do some archeological digging!

>> And, since I am on the theme of quotes, here are four from recent weeks on the Quotes of the Day from the Quotation Page:

Bethania McKenstry
"I'm not sure I want popular opinion on my side -- I've noticed those with the most opinions often have the fewest facts."
Caskie Stinnett
"A diplomat... is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip."
Richard Diran
"I have a rock garden. Last week three of them died."
Hubert H. Humphrey
"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously."

>>Finally, I give a hearty AMEN to Jordon Cooper on this post from Thursday:

Idealism
Today I realized again that I am an idealist. I really do believe that the church and those that make it up can live out the faith better than we do (I am included in that). Pragmatism and power kind of sicken me many days. I know that it is a part of the world but I want it not to be a part of my world even though it is.

As an idealist, I am often frustrated by the people around me. As an idealist I am often frustrated in myself as well and for my failures. Because of that I live in a world of pain and disappointment with other people and myself.

Hopefully I live in a world of grace, for others and for myself. Despite the disappointment, it seems to be a better world than a world without those ideals and giving in to the world where I expect less than I know we can accomplish.

Amen- don't give up on the idealism, Jordon. It's the only thing that keeps us coming back day after day, week after week, to the greatest idealist and pragmatist of all time. Jesus showed us that it works!