Thin~Spaces

Argh! ! Computer Issues

Hi all!  Sorry about the time of quiet and limited posting. Apart from the Christmas Holiday, i'm having some problems with my computer's power supply. Thank God for eBay! I should be up and running normally again within the week. I'm only working for a day and a half this week so i'll wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Ciao,
Darren

Merry Christmas!

Today at

12:45 PM

marks the beginning of  winter for those of us north of the equator.

More importantly, this means that starting today the days will get a bit longer each day for the next 6 months. I’ve got a full spectrum light in my cubicle and am looking forward to the longer days of summer here in the Northwest. Light is coming back into the world.

 This is a reason to celebrate. The Christians 1700 years ago saw the re-emergence of the sun as something to celebrate as well. Some wise priest decided to re:vision the Pagan Winter Solstice celebration and made a Mass celebrating the birth of the Christ. The emergence of the son of God.

 So, have a Merry Christmas or merry Christ-mass as the case may be. And by the way, have a happy Winter Solstice as well.

Five Fold Ministry?

This morning I was reading TSK’s blog and he had linked to the following paper that was sent to him by one of my favorite authors Frank Viola. It is called Rethinking the Five-Fold Ministry. I’m on about organic community growing so I decided to follow Andrews’s advice and read it. This is a great article and I thought I’d give Frank a shout out on T~S.

 An excerpt from the opening is below.

“In virtually every city where I’ve spoken, I have been asked the question, “Frank, do you believe in ‘the five-fold ministry?’ And do you believe that God is restoring ‘the five-fold ministry’ mentioned in Ephesians Chapter 4?”

In this article, I would like to answer that question.

My answer is largely hinged on what one means by “the five-fold ministry.” That is, what “five-fold ministry” are we talking about? Are we talking about the 200-year old doctrine of the restoration of “the five-fold ministry?” Or are we talking about the ascension gifts that Paul had in mind when he penned Ephesians 4:9-16?

Want to read more?

 

Certainty or Risk?

"The church which pitches its tents without constantly looking out for new horizons, which does not continually strike camp, is being untrue to its calling... [We must] play down our longing for certainty, accept what is risky, live by improvisation and experiment."

- Hans Kung

Thanks to Paul S. for the Quote.

Typepad Problems?

My previous post has been playing hide and seek. One moment it is there, the next it is gone and now my images are not showing up. I wonder what's up with that?

Beware: Political Rant

Our beloved President unexpectedly cited figure of Iraqi Civilian deaths the other day. Later, a Whitehouse spokesman was quick to add that this was not an official government estimate, but simply what the Prez had heard from the media.

I find it galling/repugnant/sick that our Government could be so careless in their account of life. I get the sense of “Oh, it’s just 30,000 people.” Like that is no big deal! “After all, our national security…(insert propaganda here.)”

Mr. President, life is valuable. Even the lives of those that are politically considered to be enemies are of immense value. Before you go and celebrate a Child born in Bethlehem, just remember this Child in Iraq.

One death is just too much!

Recharge on the Run

If you are like me and have way too many pieces of technology to carry around then I think you will like this coat. It has 40 pockets and compartments, patented Personal Area Network, Detachable Cargo Cache+, Magnetic Closures, side seam zippers and more. You can carry all your personal tech in style. It even has a volume control built in so you don’t have to access your iPod when it’s stowed away.

Most of all, it is Solar Powered. Simply walk around in the sunlight and recharge your favorite device. Very Cool!  Now if it only came in Leather.   Interested? Check it out here.

Link found on Gizmodo.

Interesting Quote on God

"The Jesuitisms of clergymen and devout ladies no longer have any hold on me now. You see, for me that God of the clergy is as dead as a doornail. But does that make me an atheist? Clergymen consider me one – so be it - but you see, I love, and how could I feel love if I were not alive myself, or if others were not alive; and if we are alive there is something wondrous about it. Now call that God or human nature or whatever you like, but there is a certain something I cannot define systematically, although it is very much alive and real, and you see, for me that something is God or as good as God…"

Source: From a letter by Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, December 21, 1881

Quote found at the Bruderhof Communities

My Workday

Just Walk Out

Pet Peeve: Ok, I was just taking a bio break and happened to notice something very strange. While standing at a urinal, the guy next to me finished his business and walked toward the sink which was behind me and off to my right.

So far, nothing new. I expected to hear the water run, hand washing and then the sound of a paper towel being dispensed. Typical sounds. Instead this person walked to the sink, rustled the towel rack and immediately headed for the door.

I was not fooled by the rustle and I’m sure that others will not be either.  If you are not going to wash your hands, just walk out and don’t fake like you washed up. I just hope he was not late for a meeting.