Second Hand Clothes

I bought a new suit so that I could officiate at my Grandfather's Funeral a few years back. I own four separate clerical shirts which I have purchased new. And, my socks and underwear have been purchased new.

Besides that - every t-shirt, every dress shirt, every dress pant, every pair of jeans, my tennis-shoes or sandals or dress shoes - has been purchased at some second hand store.

I don't have to purchase clothes "Second Hand" but it becomes a means by which I steward resources in my life (our own family finances). And, it becomes a means by which I steward resources that others have "discarded" for re-use.

It seems to me that the way we dress is a reflection of the way we use resources. It seems to me that the way we purchase items is a reflection of our highest priorities and values. Brand names, new clothes are not my priority.

Living my life as a steward of all that is entrusted to me, that is important for me.

I try to live my life as one who reflects and embodies the life of God's Kingdom.

Peacemaking - Prevention and Protection

I spent the day "on the Hill" as they say "in the Beltway" here in Washington D.C.

I think I have some of the insider lingo correct. I am not sure that I need to have it correct.

The important thing is that I had opportunity to meet today with persons in my Congresswoman's office - and with representatives in both my Senators offices.

Did I "change the world"? Certainly not in any singularly global or effective way.

But I raised my voice in clear ways, expressing to my federal representatives that I am aware that the U.S. has considerable forms of resources that shape Global issues. And, while I had specific requests toward issues with regard to Genocide and the situations in Sudan *right now* - I specifically expressed that the U.S. use more of its resources to advance peace - through preventive measures and protection efforts, instead of promoting militarism.

I am the recipient of many, many, many "things" as an American Citizen. I am the recipient of many, many, many "things" as a Christian.

And, I believe Americans - and Christians - can do more and do better to advance peace in our world.




And!

I had opportunity as a Carl Wilkens Fellow - to spend some one-on-one time with Carl Wilkens. Delightful.

Phyllis Tickle: Like an anthill | Faith & Leadership

I don't tend to "do" theology in the classroom - as a vocation - unless it is specific to the academic constraints that inform the task of Biblical Theologians. But, I try to "do" theology - to reflect and embody the life of God's Kingdom each and every day. And, many of the theologians and pastors that I work with have opinions and perspectives on the idea of the Emergent Church.

I am including a link to a short video clip and short audio (all one one page) that is helpful for the conversation, I think.

Phyllis Tickle makes an important connection with emergency theory (!) - the entire anthill issue. She also clarifies in the video, what I would put in my words as: "Emergent Christians are not saying 'We're doing something new and different because the old is 'dead' but we're emerging into new periods of God's unfolding future in light of the past.'"

Phyllis Tickle: Like an anthill | Faith & Leadership