tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11208394685900499872011-12-19T05:40:37.282-07:00Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.comBlogger3581100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-91813909875072473632011-12-19T00:32:00.000-07:002011-12-19T00:32:30.658-07:00

When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost,To heal the broken,To feed the hungry,To release the prisoner,To rebuild the nations,To bring peace among all people,To make music in the heart. - Howard Thurman

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-62950987147807235802011-11-20T00:02:00.002-07:002011-11-20T00:02:53.037-07:00

The goal of our lives is love, discipleship is a false construct. Time management is an acquired practical skill, not a spiritual revelation. - Grendal Hanks

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-24923535376521909442011-08-30T23:41:00.002-06:002011-08-30T23:43:30.655-06:00

These beautiful children live in a Children's home in Haiti run by our friends at Hearts and Hands for Haiti. The blankets they are holding come from my mom's former church's VBS class from last summer. Their mission project for the week was to tie the two sides of the blanket fringe together to make one blanket. Looks like we'll be pulling together a dental clinic mission trip in the spring

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-4877066864671866262011-06-28T00:57:00.001-06:002011-06-28T00:57:40.721-06:00

Earlier this week I returned from my second trip to Ukraine. This time, I was able to speak some words of Russian and read some of the signs so it didn't seem so "foreign" to me. I've decided that since I'm very likely to go back in a couple years, I'm setting a goal of being fluent in Russian in the next two years. Hence..the Rosetta Stone adventure. Tonight's first foray into increasing my

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-1085690494616306072011-04-23T20:15:00.001-06:002011-04-23T20:16:42.098-06:00

From an Eastern Orthodox friend at another blog. The main icon (illustration) for Pascha (Easter) is a depiction of Christ in Hades, standing on its shattered gates. Squashed under the ruins of the gates is a wormy little creature, Satan himself, utterly defeated. Christ is shown grabbing two people by their wrists and dragging them out of Hades. These two people are Adam and Eve. Around, also

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-12018280418796080852010-12-13T01:38:00.000-07:002010-12-15T01:41:44.744-07:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-79117200512344901062010-12-12T18:46:00.013-07:002010-12-13T18:58:55.062-07:00

He did not wait till the world was ready, till men and nations were at peace. He came when the Heavens were unsteady, and prisoners cried out for release. He did not wait for the perfect time. He came when the need was deep and great. He dined with sinners in all their grime, turned water into wine. He did not wait till hearts were pure. In joy he came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-55888649338882490012010-12-11T00:18:00.000-07:002010-12-12T00:45:15.259-07:00

Be praised, O God, for the blessings around us that point to you. Be praised, O God, for the signs of this holy season that awaken us in wonder. Praise for the steadfast green of this tree, like your love, enduring all seasons. Praise for the light that illuminates our darkness, like Christ, who brings light to the world. Join our voices with those of the trees and all the creation who sing

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-995424439630273782010-12-10T00:30:00.001-07:002010-12-12T00:44:46.900-07:00

Oh God, all peoples have their origin in you and it is your will to gather them as one family in yourself. Fill the hearts of all people with your love and the desire to ensure justice for all their brothers and sisters.By sharing the good things of the earth, may we secure justice and equality for every human being,  an end to all division, and a human society built on love and peace.We make

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-43282283523242633672010-12-09T23:06:00.000-07:002010-12-09T23:06:18.602-07:00

Advent Calendar He will come like last leaf’s fall. One night when the November wind has flayed the trees to bone, and earth wakes choking on the mould, the soft shroud’s folding. He will come like frost. One morning when the shrinking earth opens on mist, to find itself arrested in the net of alien, sword-set beauty. He will come like dark. One evening when the bursting red December sun

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-57383579275829423252010-12-08T09:46:00.001-07:002010-12-09T09:47:43.944-07:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-72129297044168061622010-12-07T21:32:00.003-07:002010-12-07T21:32:49.267-07:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-41651474932307314622010-12-07T00:03:00.003-07:002010-12-07T00:06:24.771-07:00

God of Strength,I need your courage.You offer to make firm the knees that are weak.Only you know how frightened I so often am. And you do offer me strength.There is the promise of your Son's comingand knowing that you will save me.I can't do this on my ownno matter how often I think I can. Give me the humility to ask for your helpand open heart to acceptyour healing and love in my life.---------

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-72951746691120408102010-12-06T05:00:00.000-07:002010-12-05T20:43:17.892-07:00

There Was a Time: An Advent Poem There was a time when there was no time, When darkness reigned as king, When a formless void was all that there was in the nothingness of eternity, When it was night. But over the void and over the night Love watched. There was a time when time began. It began when Love spoke. Time began for light and life, for splendor and grandeur. Time began for seas

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-3118635423816200732010-12-05T02:05:00.003-07:002010-12-05T02:08:55.528-07:00

I arise this daywith love in my heart,through the warmth of the sun,the radiance of the moon,freedom of the wind,joy of rushing water,splendor of fire,stability of the earth,serenity of the stars and,the wisdom of silence.I embrace this daythrough the grace of life to guide meand the promise of love to inspire me. art work found here etsy store for Meredith Bub is here

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-61611579928582171812010-12-04T01:52:00.001-07:002010-12-05T01:27:11.316-07:00

Psalm 16   A miktam by David.  1Protect me, O God, because I take refuge in you.  2I said to the Lord,   “You are my Lord. Without you, I have nothing good.” 3Those who lead holy lives on earth    are the noble ones who fill me with joy. 4Those who quickly chase after other gods multiply their sorrows.    I will not pour out their sacrificial offerings of blood   or use my lips to speak their

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-23576115376385695622010-12-02T01:08:00.001-07:002010-12-03T01:12:05.777-07:00

“Come, Lord Jesus” is a leap into the kind of freedom and surrender that is rightly called the virtue of hope. The theological virtue of hope is the patient and trustful willingness to live without closure, without resolution, and still be content and even happy because our Satisfaction is now at another level, and our Source is beyond ourselves. We are able to trust that the Lord will come

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-88893628879362021262010-12-01T00:35:00.002-07:002010-12-01T00:36:56.243-07:00

This is what Trinity Wall Street says about their 2010 online advent calendar: Trinity Wall Street’s 2010 Advent Calendar, Love Revealed, takes a look across America at young people who are growing into wisdom, advocating for change, and creating a better world, particularly through partnerships with churches and church programs. Stories this year are drawn from the Episcopal Service Corps, the

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-19972938451246381272010-11-30T07:07:00.000-07:002010-11-30T07:07:00.996-07:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-64390003925211388822010-11-29T01:35:00.002-07:002010-11-29T15:04:23.417-07:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-85811177958912484902010-11-28T02:36:00.002-07:002010-11-28T02:41:17.012-07:00

Today is the first day of Advent.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-18462794870189674072010-11-18T15:44:00.000-07:002010-11-18T15:44:25.195-07:00

Hilarious! found here

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-54943465115166050222010-09-23T23:31:00.000-06:002010-09-23T23:31:57.170-06:00

Spent the weekend with friends in Jenner. Love the rhythm of the waves there.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-31183424071592763272010-09-11T01:08:00.003-06:002010-11-29T15:05:26.488-07:00

Free Fall from ProlifikFilms on Vimeo.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-64507634919640474502010-08-18T11:27:00.001-06:002010-08-18T11:27:33.337-06:00

Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealously, and

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-6036957925147048962010-08-17T01:17:00.003-06:002010-08-17T01:17:59.577-06:00

” So much of what we deal with in day to day life is personal, subjective, emotional, reactionary, hurt, etc. None of this is dealt with in most Preaching, apologetics, exegesis or Eisegesis, eschatology, Soteriology ecclesiastical, etc. So the place where most of us spend our time, in the real world, has very little if anything to do where we are taught, exhorted, and even threatened to stay. We

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-78099784428416687102010-07-27T01:59:00.000-06:002010-07-27T01:59:44.195-06:00

Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay. Want more of everything made. Be afraid to know you neighbors and to die. And you will have a window in your head. Not even your future will be a mystery any more. Your mind will be punched in a card and shut away in a little drawer. When they want you to buy something they will call you. When they want you to die for profit they

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-8050870163914774982010-07-07T03:08:00.000-06:002010-07-07T03:08:51.811-06:00

Greatness emerges when, above all else, people are confident. When we believe—together—that life is good, God is good and humanity is good, we become very safe and salutary people for others. What we seem to suffer from today is a lack of confidence, which would become a calm self confidence. St. Therese of Lisieux wisely said that her entire spirituality was about “confidence and gratitude”!

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-32742430581554573082010-06-25T00:41:00.001-06:002010-06-25T00:43:17.695-06:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-68812352074457242632010-06-24T13:58:00.000-06:002010-06-24T13:58:51.876-06:00

ht: nakedpastor.com This image really captures what I've been feeling lately. I've liked living my life over on the colourful side for the last few years but feeling pressured, by whom I'm not sure exactly, to move over to the black and white side.  This is right, that is wrong....Do this, but not that, think this but don't even think about thinking that... I feel somewhere stuck in the middle,

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-53670620895508830572010-05-12T16:53:00.000-06:002010-05-12T16:53:16.620-06:00

Hipstamatic Application with John S lens and Kodak Verichrome film

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-60498276582668312172010-05-12T16:50:00.000-06:002010-05-12T16:50:15.740-06:00

Pile of Pallets and then "sloppy border" application.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-60654187742585203722010-05-09T19:24:00.000-06:002010-05-09T19:24:06.608-06:00

Turns out that the previous pictures were of the baby.  It's just such a large baby it was hard to tell.  Haven't seen it until today so it was a surprise to see how big it was.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-41804322857576394732010-05-09T12:02:00.000-06:002010-05-09T12:02:42.646-06:00

This little bird has set up house on the top shelf of our ladder.  We've been watching her for a few weeks now.  She's "hunkering down" more so we think that she has her eggs finally.  She's been a good mom so far and dutifully stays on the nest day and night.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-5719347995907085522010-04-20T15:44:00.002-06:002010-04-20T15:44:58.939-06:00

"The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future. The next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of God acting in the desert of the present moment. The reality of naked trust is the life of the pilgrim who leaves what is nailed down, obvious, and secure, and walks into the unknown

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-10443060132003909552010-03-22T14:08:00.007-06:002010-03-22T14:12:56.434-06:00

When our days become dreary with low hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights,let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-64821721271261102182010-03-17T00:21:00.000-06:002010-03-17T00:21:56.817-06:00

 I bind unto myself today The strong name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three. I bind this day to me for ever, By power of faith, Christ's Incarnation; His baptism in the Jordan River; His death on cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spicèd tomb; His riding up the heavenly way; His coming at the day of doom; I bind unto myself today. I bind

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-67686965861814360342010-03-06T22:21:00.001-07:002010-03-06T22:22:47.020-07:00

Today a couple of us had the opportunity to have lunch with some remarkable young women traveling from L.A. to OKC via ABQ. They are interns at a non-profit called "Falling Whistles" and are on their way to join other groups from around the country to support the activists staked out in front of Senator Coburn’s office. "Senator Coburn has put a block on the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-10172170362550255472010-03-06T20:36:00.000-07:002010-03-06T20:36:30.893-07:00

“I dont believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is vertical, so it’s humiliating. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other and learns from the other. I have a lot to learn from other people.” -Eduardo Galeano. ht: Falling Whistles

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-29198789253516954712010-02-26T02:12:00.001-07:002010-02-26T02:15:19.988-07:00

“Marvel” Liberty Hyde Bailey(From WIND AND WEATHER: POEMS Doulos Christou Press, 2008 edition) Ah, the wonders I have seen At dawn and sunset and between! The ocean beach on wild midnights Deep steaming swamps and northern bights The cirrhus clouds in high moonlights The magic calm of tropic seas The nameless sails at distant quays The long long walks on lonely strands Dead vacantness of desert

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-53846451087388820012010-02-10T00:09:00.001-07:002010-02-10T00:09:04.634-07:00

Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. I use the word "love" here not merely in the personal sense but as a state of being, or a state of grace -- not in the infantile ... sense of being made happy but in the tough and universal sense of quest and daring and growth. - James Baldwin, from his book The Fire Next Time

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-18727337316099209342010-01-22T00:48:00.000-07:002010-01-22T00:48:04.933-07:00

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo. ht: Abraham Piper although I'm not sure he'd be thrilled to know I found it funny. ;-)

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-85966554466271558502010-01-13T17:20:00.002-07:002010-01-13T17:20:48.722-07:00

As a former band geek, I have to say I absolutely LOVE this song!

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-23740132986388239272010-01-11T01:07:00.001-07:002010-01-11T01:07:45.808-07:00

Yes, slavery still exists. Even in America! Learn more here

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-63184288734491712010-01-04T22:59:00.001-07:002010-01-04T23:58:25.908-07:00

“To wait open-endedly is an enormously radical attitude toward life. So is to trust that something will happen to us that is far beyond our imaginings. So, too, is giving up control over our future and letting God define our life, trusting that God molds us according to God’s love and not according to our fear. The spiritual life is a life in which we wait, actively present to the moment,

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-89709275743925969872010-01-03T00:02:00.000-07:002010-01-03T00:02:18.514-07:00

Went to see Pirate Radio with my nephew tonight and really enjoyed it! The story line was good, with lots of twists and turnsc The actors seemed to actually be enjoying each other's company, and the sound track was a perfect fit! The young actor that plays the ship captain's godson did a great job with his role.  He had the perfect balance of innocence, surprise and michief.   Philip Seymour

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-43706392870707630272010-01-01T13:09:00.001-07:002010-01-01T13:10:01.430-07:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-20696121242976984042009-12-25T21:17:00.002-07:002009-12-25T21:17:31.305-07:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-3037648437951753302009-12-24T16:11:00.000-07:002009-12-24T16:11:11.121-07:00

1-5About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary,

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-6585481201475806242009-12-23T00:01:00.000-07:002009-12-23T00:01:44.550-07:00

Like this british short film about the true meaning of Christmas. Makes me a bit "home sick" for the UK really. That's Christmas (Short Film) HD from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-72033203974259490962009-12-22T21:39:00.000-07:002009-12-22T21:39:48.106-07:00

Found out today that a job that I thought was going to come through, didn't.   The waiting is frustrating and seems to make no sense really.  I know I'm qualified for each of these "near misses" so I'm not sure why a role hasn't come up yet.  There are moments when hope seems so hard to come by.  It feels like employment will never happen, even when I know full well it will.  It always does....

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-58102379617647716872009-12-21T21:04:00.000-07:002009-12-21T21:04:57.759-07:00

Another one of my favorite Christmas songs.  Haven't heard this Clay Aiken version before, but this video is beautifully done.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-17256538322302497302009-12-20T21:32:00.003-07:002009-12-21T13:58:35.120-07:00

God’s revelations are always pointed, concrete, and specific. They are not a Platonic world of ideas and theories about which you can be right or wrong, or observe from a distance. Divine Revelation is not something you measure or critique, but Someone you meet! All of this is called the “mystery of incarnation,” enfleshment or embodiment if you prefer, and it reaches its fullness in the

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-11455417507845637662009-12-19T03:19:00.000-07:002009-12-19T03:19:44.154-07:00

Mary's Song - Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-62399637568033388742009-12-18T13:25:00.001-07:002009-12-18T13:25:46.102-07:00

I put this video (my first) together after reading Psalms 148 during a daily advent reading time. Working on the project became my meditation time on the wonders of creation that we enjoy. Some creative and generous friends allowed me to use their images and music.  Special thanks to Erin, Mark, and Andy!!

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-50513512928805404162009-12-17T01:21:00.001-07:002009-12-17T01:21:00.286-07:00

My brother called me last night to ask me what I wanted for Christmas.  I told him, really I don't want anything.  I'm trying to get rid of things, not bring more stuff in the house. He came up with the perfect solution and said he would send me a gift certificate so I could get stuff for my "projects"!  This coming up year, we have a goal of distributing 120 backpacks full of school supplies

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-26765300679113887212009-12-16T01:08:00.002-07:002009-12-16T01:27:29.750-07:00

For many of us, there's sorrow, as well as joy, in this winter season. I spent this past weekend in Houston with family mourning the passing of my Uncle Mike. I haven't really sorted out all the emotions I'm feeling yet.  These kinds of family events are a mixed bag of emotions.  I'm sad because he's gone and because his family is hurting so much at the same time, I'm grateful and happy I got to

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-53741519309099398062009-12-15T01:16:00.002-07:002009-12-15T01:16:26.892-07:00

One of my all time Christmas favorites

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-84692560320400192472009-12-14T01:10:00.001-07:002009-12-15T02:28:13.304-07:00

http://www.catholicsun.org/2009/december/14/o-antiphons.html

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-19247477165390674642009-12-13T15:34:00.000-07:002009-12-13T15:34:25.374-07:00

Today's reflection is from the Church of England's online advent calendar Whywearewaiting.com. Be sure to scroll down a bit to see the reading and the challenges for the day.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-80316661575413545112009-12-12T14:16:00.000-07:002009-12-15T02:22:02.347-07:00

“Xmas and Christmas: A Lost Chapter from Herodotus,” by C.S. Lewis And beyond this there lies in the ocean, turned towards the west and north, the island of Niatirb which Hecataeus indeed declares to be the same size and shape as Sicily, but it is larger, though in calling it triangular a man would not miss the mark. It is densely inhabited by men who wear clothes not very different from the

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-91114440409109759672009-12-11T09:06:00.000-07:002009-12-11T09:06:03.914-07:00

Psalms 25:1-5 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-57373559224144349422009-12-10T21:58:00.001-07:002009-12-10T21:59:24.066-07:00

We pray for those who have been exiled from their native land, refugees, who have been forced to leave behind their heritage and possessions, their families and their friends, and those who have had to begin life anew in a foreign culture and among strangers. Lord, let justice run down like rivers. We pray for those who are discriminated against on grounds of their race or sex, who

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-84196188119745010812009-12-09T18:51:00.000-07:002009-12-09T18:51:28.254-07:00

Today's advent offering is a free down load from my friend Chuck Elmore called "Do you have room?" I met Chuck and the guys from his band on my latest journey to the UK. He is the youth director at New Life City in Albuquerque, a church my buddy pastors. Had a great time hanging around with them on a mission trip this summer. The photo on the banner of the site is one I took of Chuck in a

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-8112693081985938192009-12-08T15:25:00.000-07:002009-12-08T15:25:36.639-07:00

The 2nd part of the Room28ministries series

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-80321003018887985492009-12-08T00:18:00.002-07:002009-12-08T00:26:44.784-07:00

Really well done and creative advent video from Room28Ministries

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-52982316644583096672009-12-06T01:07:00.019-07:002009-12-07T01:17:15.389-07:00

                                           I. Somewhere, out at the edges, the night Is turning and the waves of darkness Begin to brighten the shore of dawn. The heavy dark falls back to earth And the freed air goes wild with light, The heart fills with fresh, bright breath And thoughts stir to give birth to colour.                            II. I arise today In the name of Silence Womb

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-55175515016781746792009-12-05T23:12:00.003-07:002009-12-06T00:09:36.780-07:00

List from Mashable of 15 sites where artists, photographers and creative types of all kinds can use to create products from their work. Create away!

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-75292315475224544152009-12-05T21:56:00.002-07:002009-12-06T00:10:01.440-07:00

Some beautiful paintings of the nativity scene. Art of the Nativity

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-84409895944666056512009-12-05T02:13:00.000-07:002009-12-05T02:13:29.535-07:00

For my first book review for Viral Bloggers, I read “The Justice Project” edited by Brian McLaren, Elisa Padilla and Ashley Bunting Seeber. The book is a compilation of essays from 35 authors. The variety of voices and perspectives is by far the major strength of the book. Men and women from many different countries and ministry groups contributed towards answering “What is Justice?” from a

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-48634335446935210822009-12-04T13:26:00.010-07:002009-12-04T13:39:24.288-07:00

Love this beautiful advent prayer from Cheryl Lawrie, Director for Spirituality, Culture and Context in the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania   She blogs at hold this space.  --------------------------------------------- god of the waiting for worship next week in Port Phillip prison  Not all anticipation is hopeful, and not all waiting is good; so we pray for those

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-36765138042073909142009-12-03T00:27:00.003-07:002009-12-03T00:28:43.224-07:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-84538094586334632502009-12-01T23:49:00.000-07:002009-12-01T23:49:35.353-07:00

Advent is a time of waiting for the savior, a time to acknowledge that a savior is needed. A savior is needed because something is wrong with the world. The whole created order is not functioning as God intended, not living into its fullness. Humanity is not living out its calling to be stewards of all creation and to be part of a society that places the other before the self, and recognizes

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-16295824629154329052009-12-01T02:21:00.002-07:002009-12-01T02:24:50.948-07:00

Good tips here for better photographic compostion.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-39177059343526707192009-12-01T00:48:00.001-07:002009-12-01T01:03:46.166-07:00

From the Cotton Patch Bible by Clarence Jordan 1. When Jesus was born in Gainesville, Georgia during the time that Herod was governor, some scholars from the Orient came to Atlanta and inquired, "Where is the one who was born to be governor of Georgia? We saw his star in the Orient, and we came to honor him." This news put Governor Herod and all his cronies in a tizzy. So he called a meeting of

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-42857124286260736932009-11-30T01:00:00.006-07:002009-11-30T01:08:49.803-07:00

Christine Sine's blog is here. ht: jonnybaker

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-23523712581692024352009-11-29T13:11:00.002-07:002009-11-29T13:13:00.591-07:00

Like many people, I'm in a time of waiting in my life: Waiting for a job Waiting for my nephew's visit Waiting for direction Waiting to see the family I've missed for so long Waiting for my Ukrainian friends to arrive in The States Waiting for the new baby in my extended family All of these things I'm waiting for are good things, things I'm looking forward to having happen and will celebrate

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-15761907462516486812009-11-29T00:53:00.001-07:002009-11-29T00:53:33.205-07:00

I decided a few weeks ago to get a new template on my blog so I searched around online until I found one I liked. Loaded it up and 1/2 of it was in spanish! Trying to get back to a "normal" template was ummm interesting. Many versions later, I've got this simple form from Blogger and it's working pretty well. Except.... for the "read more" line on EVERY post. I can not figure out how to

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-33703454986424882182009-11-28T00:25:00.000-07:002009-11-28T00:25:01.712-07:00

Most people write resolutions for New Year's. I do mine on my birthday, which is coming up in the next couple weeks. I figure it's a new year for me, so why not?! This year, I'm getting a bit of a jump start and joining up with a bunch of other folks over at Ragamuffin Soul on the 30 day holiday health challenge. For the next 30 days my goals are: Physically - loose 10 pounds and get back on

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-62909605043031304742009-11-27T01:32:00.002-07:002009-11-27T01:32:43.185-07:00

This is all over the internet this week so I figured it ought to be here as well. Good fun.... The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody @ Yahoo! Video

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-8788001654383271042009-11-26T01:05:00.000-07:002009-11-26T01:05:20.708-07:00

This year I have much to be thankful for: A renewed relationship with "family" I hadn't seen in 10 years.  Now they are part of my daily life again and a huge hole in my heart has healed. Although we lost an aunt I dearly loved, the rest of us have been healthy this year. New friends in England and Ukraine from my trip out there. A great visit with old UK friends this summer Not just one, but 2

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-80398558273228508132009-11-24T23:47:00.002-07:002009-11-24T23:48:51.370-07:00

This looks like a fun way to shoot.  I'm not great with tools and making things, but I bet even I could do this one.  May have to give it a go and see what kind of images I can get out of it. ht to gozmodo.com

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-49826796145493358502009-11-21T11:37:00.000-07:002009-11-21T11:37:36.119-07:00

Today New Mexico is saying goodbye to 3 term governor Bruce King.   He was one of my personal heroes. My dad was in the NM Mounted Patrol which meant he worked alot of public events.  Whenever Bruce King was around, my dad would take me up to say hello and shake his hand.  Governor King always said the same thing "and who's this pretty little girl?"...every time! He had a way of making every

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-60528723761571795792009-11-20T16:42:00.004-07:002009-11-20T17:12:49.800-07:00

This is today's Project365 entry on Flickr.  The idea is to take one photo a day and upload it on Flickr. It's a pretty fun project so far. I like the way that the ShakeIt application on my iphone captures neon. This Fat Tire sign is hanging up at the local pizza place where I had lunch today. More here

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-36109730253825349062009-11-09T02:19:00.001-07:002009-11-09T02:20:46.167-07:00

“On the whole, I do not find Christians, outside the catacombs, sufficiently sensible of the conditions. Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-37283322894309672312009-11-06T13:37:00.003-07:002009-11-06T13:42:29.113-07:00

Global organization that distubutes grants to women all over the world. So far has given out more than $71 million.More info here

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-90875719184414142572009-11-05T23:50:00.001-07:002009-11-05T23:52:12.695-07:00

Spiritual life is always about letting go of unnecessary baggage so that we’re prepared for death’s final letting go. That can only happen if we’re willing to know that our protected self-image is not the deepest me. Our passing personas are important and a good part of the journey and they even help us to taste moments of the Great I Am that is God. But there’s so much more. Finally, like the

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-69138938264090511382009-11-04T22:48:00.002-07:002009-11-04T22:54:13.326-07:00

Watching the first ever live streaming of a major TED event from India.You can watch it here for the next couple dayshttp://ted.indiatimes.com/

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-491581767713492472009-11-03T12:05:00.000-07:002009-11-03T12:06:02.781-07:00

Fear never wrote a symphony or poem, negotiated a peace treaty or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or a business. Courage did that. Faith did that. People who refused to consult or cower to their timidities did that. But fear itself?? Fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors. - Max Lucado

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-30569947367792959592009-11-02T14:26:00.003-07:002009-11-02T14:35:46.533-07:00

Shot this image of a local bank building with the "shakeit" application, then tweaked it with the new Photoshop Mobile from Adobe. Used the saturation and Vintage blur effects. Really like the graphical feel of this image.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-37386956656858826712009-10-31T16:18:00.002-06:002009-10-31T16:25:01.497-06:00

The other day a friend and I were at a local coffee shop just hanging out. We got to talking about a game I played recently called "PIT" and how much fun that was. Next thing you know, we were talking about how fun it would be just set up some games there in the coffeeshop and start playing them.As we were talking about the logistics of doing that, we looked over at the "hospitality room" and no

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-12638305395006219662009-10-29T02:03:00.002-06:002009-10-29T02:09:48.349-06:00

Was talking with a friend tonight about how much I don't want to be in the same industry I've been in for the last few years, but want to do something more "meaningful".He pointed me to the IT group at Wycliffe Bible Translators. They have loads of IT related positions and I'm going to follow up with them over the next two weeks to see if anything might come of it.Just the thought of not having

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-16195148962843416612009-10-27T13:50:00.003-06:002009-10-27T13:56:38.631-06:00

Took this shot with my iphone "shake it" application at the beach in California. This weed, with the foggy ocean as a background, really captured my attention. I could have stayed shooting it for another hour except my friends just didn't "get" how mysterious these shots would be. There was something beautiful in the shapes and the "feel" of the landscapes as the fog covered most of it.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-17302387435131473032009-10-25T21:48:00.004-06:002009-10-25T21:54:12.760-06:00

U2 Live StreamFrom a technical perspective, this is the most exciting thing ever! Perhaps up to a billion people across the planet watching one band live in concert.Amazing times we're living in!Did you watch?Why or why not?

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-60208464533365994982009-10-24T22:55:00.002-06:002009-10-24T23:03:44.057-06:00

Trying to decide which of 2 churches to call "home".I feel a connection to both and both have some great features to them.One has a pastor with over 35 years of bible teaching. he does a great job of explaining the story of the bible and I love listening to him.The other, a distance away, has only a couple years of pastoring, but he's got a generous spirit that amazes me every time I'm around

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-81001652258193969262009-10-11T21:04:00.002-06:002009-10-11T21:07:42.723-06:00

100 Best Logo Tutorialsht:Ross Hagen

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-87990065952192088862009-10-03T00:25:00.004-06:002009-10-03T00:31:54.408-06:00

I'm currently reading a book by Justo Gonzalez called The Story of Christianity. It's pretty light weight, just barely introducing themes and characters before moving on to the next topic. But, it has reawaked my interest in the subject. I was a religious studies minor in college and quite enjoyed my history classes in particular. Just watched TheOOZE.TV interview with Diana Butler Bass. She

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-76064538833890651272009-09-29T18:46:00.002-06:002009-09-29T18:52:05.048-06:00

Just ran across this site and love the art she does here.Loony Bin ArtEnjoy!!ht:Naked Pastor

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-10147777237125737222009-09-25T02:41:00.004-06:002009-09-26T14:16:39.817-06:00

For the last several months, my life has been full of change. Change of attitude, change of beliefs, change of direction and change of behavior. It's an odd thing really because it's not always dramatic or easily seen on the outside. But inside, almost every step has been taken with fear. Not really fear of the step itself, but fear of the step after that. If I go visit someone at the

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120839468590049987.post-57497789276598255992009-09-04T13:28:00.002-06:002009-09-04T13:35:39.505-06:00

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." Dale CarnegieThis has become my motto as I start the process of looking for work again.The last year has been full of so many changes in my attitude towards money, my role as a contributor to a community and learing to trust other people and

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119313974017690424noreply@blogger.com0