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Tag Archives: christian orthodoxy

Anne Rice and the Exodus

Anne Rice

There is an exodus occurring in American Christianity.  This is not new. George Barna has reported a lot about disturbing trends in American Christianity, particularly Evangelical Christianity.  These trends span denominational lines and having watched them and seen a lot of anecdotal evidence myself over the past 20 or so years I believe that they are now having a cascade effect with visible effects.  Before the effects were covered over as mega-churches, seeker-friendly churches, the so-called “church growth movement” carved out rather large chunks out of denominational churches of all types.  The common charge leveled against “traditional” denominational churches by the new non-denominational start-ups was that they were out of touch with people, hypocritical, immersed in promoting “boring” doctrine and not keeping up with the times in their worship style, preaching or service format.  The new churches more often than not minimized the major doctrines of Christian orthodoxy, for all practical purposes reduced the Bible to a pop-psychology manual that Christians were to use to get all they wanted from God, particularly health and wealth but also self-esteem and just plain old feeling good.  Those that taught anything that deviated back toward orthodoxy usually focus on things like eschatology or on moral issues, the “culture war” and align themselves closely with political movements and parties, sometimes becoming more focused on winning the political war  than actually proclaiming the Gospel.

As a result much of the Christian landscape is dominated by churches that understand little of the Christian faith, no longer see value in practicing things like Baptism or Holy Communion and while they preach about “Biblical absolutes” in regard to abortion, an admittedly abhorrent practice and homosexuality they seem to gloss over other many moral issues including divorce, sex outside of marriage, materialism, greed and avarice, so long as those practicing them are on “our side.” Likewise they are prone to give people who actually oppose the Christian faith a pass if they fall on the same side of the political aisle.  We are simple selective literalists.

As Barna’s studies have shown Evangelical Christians have worse rates of divorce, teenage sex outside of marriage and other moral problems than those that do not claim to be Christians.  Likewise the lifestyles of many of the leaders of the Evangelical movement are prone to gross material excess and every year we see some Evangelical leader or leaders involved in some kind of sexual, financial or sometimes criminal activity.  To me it seems that American Christianity is doctrinally impoverished, politically intolerant and morally bankrupt.

So Anne Rice announces that she is leaving Christianity but not Jesus and catalogued a list of things that she found that she could not live with inside the church.  Since she announced this she has been the talk of the town. To those cynical to organized religion, though why we call any religion in America organized is beyond me, this is a boon.  For those defending the faith it is also a boon as they have an identifiable “traitor to the faith” to go after rather than some amorphous concept or idea.  Real heretics are so much more fun to go after.  I have been amazed but not surprised at the number of articles condemning Rice.  Most even if they don’t say it in the article they basically articulate the same thing that many of the early Church Fathers stated in regard to heretics and schismatics that left the church for the various heresies of the day almost all of which denied the nature of Christ, either his deity or humanity.

Rice has not done that. She has not denied the deity or humanity of Christ, his message of salvation or anything. She has protested and repudiated the outward actions of Christians and the institutional Church.  Now whether one agrees with her assessment is another matter but she has not necessarily denied Christ.  Her story is not yet completed, she may reconcile again with the Catholic Church or another Church.  To condemn her at this point would be similar to condemn Francis of Assisi when he walked out of the church.

In fact to condemn Ms Rice at this point is to miss the point of her protest.  Her protest is that the Church does not live the Gospel.  Her critics almost universally attack her for her support of homosexuals.  However a large part of that support is because her son is homosexual and to condemn her as a mother to that has lost one child at the age of 6 and is widowed for protesting the treatment that her son and other homosexuals have received from Christians is unfair to her and to them regardless of what one believes about homosexuality.  It seems to me that homosexuality is about the only unpardonable sin to many American Christians and that is the biggest criticism that I see in what her critics have written. They may talk about her separating herself from the Church and thus Christ but it really seems more to be about why she did so.   We Christians will tolerate about every sort of perversion and unfaithful action of people in the church to include leaders so long as it is not homosexuality. Divorce, no problem; gluttony, not an issue; murder, as long as it is state sanctioned; materialistic greed as long as we can link it to our own and the church’s prosperity; discrimination against people based on gender, race or religion, no problem so long as it is the name of national security or in the interest of our political party or church organization.  The argument against her is a red herring to divert people from the real issue which is the dismal state of the church, in belief and practice in the United States.

You see the argument used against Ms. Rice that by separating herself from the Church that she has separated herself from Christ and is “in schism” itself is disingenuous.  Every church body in this country can be accused of being in schism from someone and that includes the Roman Catholics and the Orthodox who to this day believe the other to be in schism.  Likewise for Protestants, especially those in independent churches to call her into question is hypocritical, many of those churches were born in schism and have few discernible beliefs or practices that link them to historic Christianity except that they “believe in Jesus.”  Protestantism itself is a “protest” against the Church and its practices, the Catholic Church to be sure but nonetheless at its heart a protest that is little different from that of Ms. Rice.

You see that is the problem with American Christianity. We want to selectively apply scripture and the teachings of the early Church to other Christians that we don’t agree with and that is something that we all do to one degree or another and it does not matter if we are conservatives or liberals, Catholics or Protestants, seeker friendly or traditionalist. No matter who we are or what our theological stance we all somehow ensure that we exclude someone else or some group from the Kingdom of God and to make it more fun we can all find something in Scripture or tradition to buttress our position.  As much as we want it to be the issue is not belief or doctrine, but practice and just who we allow the grace of God to extend to.

I don’t think that it is right to single Ms. Rice out after all let’s be truthful if a person has left a church for any issue including doctrine they are in schism.  If a person has been part of a church split at the local or the denominational level where they have left their “mother church” they too are in schism.  If someone leaves their church for a season or forever they have done the same thing that Ms Rice has done and I don’t see anyone out there making this point or going after all of us that are in schism from someone.

Let’s face it there are in the United States alone anywhere from 25,000-40,000 distinct denominational groups depending on your source. David Barrett lists 34,000 separate faith groups in the world that consider themselves to be Christian (David B. Barrett, et al., “World Christian Encyclopedia : A Comparative Survey of Churches and Religions in the Modern World,” Oxford University Press, (2001)) In fact, many consider themselves alone to be the only “true” Christian church. Now if you ask me that sounds like a whole lot of schism going on and just looking at the numbers there are a lot of people outside the walls of someone else’s church and therefore outside of the grace of God.

So with all of this in place I have to go back to some of my original statements of how we got to where we are and why Ms. Rice’s “defection” is symptomatic of a far bigger problem for American Christianity. We have over the past 40 years or so since the societal revolt of the 1960s been collectively as Christians been laying turds in our own punchbowl. We have renounced any semblance of coherent doctrine because “doctrine is boring.” Thus when we look at the most popular preachers in the country we see that one, T.D. Jakes holds a position on the Godhead (Jesus only modalism) which has been condemned by the church for like 1700 years or so. The there is Joel Osteen who seems like a nice guy but seems to have no recognizable Christian doctrine in his preaching, except that God loves us. I have no problem with that but that isn’t all that there is. Of course there is Rick Warren and before him Bill Hybels both of whom have taken the non-denominational identification to new heights.  I won’t even go into morality as I mentioned that in a recent post about the marital problems of another big time preacher, Benny Hinn who has promulgated more heresy than I can list.  On the Catholic side we have a church that despite official statements seems to still be protecting criminals and sexual predators and silencing those in the Church who raise their voices in protest to include the Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schoenborn the driving force behind the current Catechism of the Catholic Church.

For better or worse the church in the United States has become the “Church of What’s Happening Now.”  We have tossed out the riches of 2000 years of faith, replaced them with religious mumbo jumbo that most closely aligns with our special interest and when people go from church to church or drop the faith completely we wonder why?

As a military Chaplain I have had a unique perspective on the state of Christianity in this country. My experience of how people classify themselves religiously nearly mirrors what is seen in the work of the Barna Research Group and the American Religious Identification Surveys of 2001 and 2008, by The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. What I have seen in almost 20 years of being a chaplain is both a decline in those that identify themselves as Christians and those that while they identify themselves as Christians have no consistent practice or identification with any particular denomination or group. The numbers claiming “No Religious Preference” and “Christian No Denomination” seem to go up every year.  Likewise the numbers identifying themselves as Wiccan or any number of other more earth based or eastern religions is increasing.  Many of these young men and women were raised as Christians or had some kind of “Christian” experience before going off to what they are now.

Barna notes that “There does not seem to be revival taking place in America. Whether that is measured by church attendance, born again status, or theological purity, the statistics simply do not reflect a surge of any noticeable proportions.” (“Annual study reveals America is spiritually stagnant,” Barna Research Group, Ltd., at: http://www.barna.org/) and that “evangelicals remain just 7% of the adult population. That number has not changed since the Barna Group began measuring the size of the evangelical public in 1994….less than one out of five born again adults (18%) meet the evangelical criteria.” (“Annual Barna Group Survey Describes Changes in America’s Religious Beliefs and Practices,” The Barna Group, 2005-APR-11, at:http://www.barna.org/ )

The American Religious Identification Survey 2008 notes other troubling facts for American Christianity.  Among them:

The percentage of American adults that identify themselves with a specific religion dropped from 89.5% to 79.9%:

Americans who identify themselves as Christian dropped from 86.2 to 76.0 — a loss of 10.2 percentage points in 18 years — about 0.6 percentage points per year.

Americans identifying themselves as Protestant dropped from 60.0 to 50.9%.

Catholics declined from 26.2% to 25.1%

The Catholic population in the Northeast fell: From 1900 to 2008, it went from 50% in New England to 36%, and from 44% to 37% in New York state. Apparently to immigration, it rose during the same interval from 29% to 37% in California, and 23% to 32% in Texas.

Religious Jews declined from1.8% to 1.2%

The fastest growing religion (in terms of percentage) is Wicca. According to Religion Link “Specifically, the number of Wiccans more than doubled from 2001 to 2008, from 134,000 to 342,000, and the same held true for neo-pagans, who went from 140,000 in 2001 to 340,000 in 2008.”

Finally 15.0% (14.1%) do not follow any organized religion. There are more Americans who say they are not affiliated with any organized religion than there are Episcopalians, Methodists, and Lutherans combined. (Cathy Grossman, “Charting the unchurched in America,” USA Today, 2002-MAR-7, at: http://www.usatoday.com/life/dcovthu.htm)

The ARIS survey noted the following about those that left or switched churches:

About 16% of adults have changed their identification.

For the largest group, the change was abandoning all religion.

Baptists picked up the largest number of any religion: 4.4 million. But they also lost 4.6 million.

Roman Catholics lost the greatest number, 9.5 million. However, they also picked up 4.3 million.

Those are just the numbers. To look within we have to look at behaviors and we find that American Christians on the whole are very similar to those with no religion whatsoever. Rates of divorce, teenage pregnancy and other social indicators often show that American Christians differ little from and sometimes are in worse shape than their non-Christian neighbors.

If we look at reasons for people leaving the faith Barna has the answer. To put it in Padre Steve terminology “we don’t treat people well.”  Barna notes: “Based on past studies of those who avoid Christian churches, one of the driving forces behind such behavior is the painful experiences endured within the local church context. In fact, one Barna study among unchurched adults shows that nearly four out of every ten non-churchgoing Americans (37%) said they avoid churches because of negative past experiences in churches or with church people.” (http://www.barna.org/faith-spirituality/362-millions-of-unchurched-adults-are-christians-hurt-by-churches-but-can-be-healed-of-the-pain)

Instead of condemning Anne Rice maybe we as Christians, Churches and Church leaders need to get over defending ourselves and get ourselves and our churches right with God, one another and our neighbors. Maybe Anne Rice is a prophet and we should thank her even if we don’t agree with all that she says. Maybe we should stop referring to her as a traitor to her faith.

Maybe Dietrich Bonhoeffer had it right when he wrote from prison:

Religious man] must therefore live in the godless world, without attempting to gloss over or explain its ungodliness in some religious way or other. He must live a “secular” life, and thereby share in God’s sufferings. He may live a “secular” life (as one who has been freed from false religious obligations and inhibitions). To be a Christian does not mean to be religious in a particular way, to make something of oneself (a sinner, a penitent, or a saint) on the basis of some method or other, but to be a man–not a type of man, but the man that Christ creates in us. It is not the religious act that makes the Christian, but participation in the sufferings of God in the secular life.”

Padre Steve+

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I Won’t Eat Tripe…Especially the Religious Kind: An Encounter on a Social Networking site

I’m at home on leave dealing with some unexpected family concerns which will work out but necessitate a couple of days off.  As a result I am trying to make the best of things working around the house and watching the first of today’s MLB Divisional Series games between the Phillies and the Rockies, although the Rockies are looking more like crushed gravel right now.  But As I take this little break I digress.

Wanting to charitable and not wanting to appear to an arrogant condescending ass of oedipal tendencies and questionable parentage, I have to say that I did just that on a social networking site today. Once again it was after making a correct comment about a religious article that a friend posted.  Another friend, coincidently another Iraq vet and fellow Priest added to my comment. Both of us pointed out the logical and historical problems with the article and I was a bit coarser in my view of the author who on his web page bio calls himself “a prophetic voice.”  I think I said that when I read that I knew that he was full of rhymes with hit.  I’m not going into the gory details because I don’t feel like it right now.  What I will say is that it dealt with this man’s hyper-individualist view of the Christian faith in something that he calls “reimagining church.”  Actually the point is to him that we don’t need church we just need Jesus.   No I agree that we all probably need Jesus especially me even if he is no help with hitting a curve ball.  However the Christian faith is much more than me and Jesus, or you and Jesus or even that particular author and Jesus. It’s actually more about the relationship of “us” and the Holy Trinity, which if I recall somewhere reading includes the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit.…it is both individual and community, much like a baseball team.  What I am going to do is discuss a comment that another person put on the site after us.

Both of us are probably overly educated intellectuals and if I recall something from the Conservative Bible movement that intellectuals are like the liberal spawn of Satan.  Both of us have also discovered the richness of the faith inadvertently in a Southern Baptist Seminary.   Maybe we studied a bit too hard?  Whatever, the response to our critique of the author of the article was priceless and actually kind of made my day.

The exchange is funny and obnoxious enough to post here:

Padre Steve: This is not church or community…it is yet another “me and Jesus” deal. When somebody’s bio describes them as “A prophetic voice” I know that they are full of….

Padre David: The Church is relationship/community…relationship with Christ and with His people. To pretend that it is Him and only Him is to deny much of what “Him” said. We are is Body. It is Christ who established “it”, His Church.

Bertha (name changed not to humiliate the guilty): Steven @ David……is it? really? have you gone beyond the “christian” relationship/ community to know for sure? how far have you studied to know, to really know that what you know is so true that there’s no other truth? that this you know as truth is truth? uhmmmmm interesting people. WOW!

Padre Steve: Bertha, I hate to sound uncharitable but I can be an ass. Just because you’re an ignorant idiot doesn’t mean that you need to attack two people who actually have some real knowledge of the faith and history as opposed to this numb-skull who posits himself as a ‘prophetic voice.” It’s easy to be a self taught experiential expert on things, you don’t have to be accountable to anyone. David and I on the other hand live and work in an ecumenical and inter-religious world that you cannot fathom. Most of the people we work with and love you would not consider Christians; in fact many are not, especially those Jews and Moslems. But they are part of our flock. So get out of our face when we make observations on the Prophet Frank. We don’t claim to have the truth, but we do that since the Apostles it has been faithfully passed down, even when those doing it were idiots. Like I said I can be an ass and proved it here. You want to play in the big leagues you got to do better than that.

Padre David: Studied? Perhaps too much, if there is such a thing. Gone outside the community? As Steve said, we serve all kinds, all those created in His image–regardless of where they are in there faith at the moment or in the future. And yes, loving those who don’t yet have a clue; as God loves us. Peace.

Padre Steve: David, God’s humble and wonderful servant, you are just so much nicer than me. I just have such hard time not acting as an oedipal man of questionable parentage…

Padre David: Thank you for the complement. I think we make a good team. Good Cop/Bad Cop. It is easier to be nice following someone speaking passionately from their heart.

Padre Steve: So I’m just passionate and speaking from the heart and not an arrogant ass of oedipal tendencies and questionable parentage?

Padre David: All of the above are not mutually exclusive 🙂

Later Bertha continued: wow guys all I did was ask questions b/C I am searching for truth, I never said I agreed or disapproved, I read it you made a comment and I ask some questions……….thanks for the “positive” feedback you proved my point. If asking questions makes an ignorant______ then all I can say to you once again is WOW!

And then Bertha added:  @ Steven AND you didn’t answer one of my questions you cussed me out like a good “christain” does.

Padre Steve: Bertha, I compliment you for searching. However, you were pretty snarky in response to our comments about the Prophet Frank. I see the little @ in front of my name and I wonder just what you mean and had you simply asked nicely. “Hey I saw your criticism of the Prophet Frank and wonder what’s up with that?” and you might get some answers rather than sarcasm. Chalk my snarkyness up to seeing lots of people getting deceived by guys like this as well as the reaction to your sarcasm with the accusatory nature of your questions and the WOW! at the end. Read your questions and see if someone hit you that way what you would think. BTW Padre David and the both have advanced degrees requiring years of study in theology and ministry. We have also been dealing with life and death in the practice of ministry to God’s people, be they Christians, Jews, Moslems, Wiccans or even Dodgers fans for in my case about 20 years. By the way I didn’t “cuss you out” I gave an observation of how you sounded. I probably should have said “you sound like an ignorant idiot” less personal that way. Your sarcasm about me cussing you out like a “good Christian” a claim which I make no claim to be is also kind of snarky. If you want to ask nicely what I believe I will reply in kind. You attacked Padre David more than me as he pointed out something absolutely essential to the Christian faith. The Prophet Frank will make you feel good. Guys like Padre David and me will make you think and maybe just possibly help you in your journey, which I hope you find what you are looking for. So as they said when I was your age, Peace….

Bertha: LoL giving me your resume still doesn’t answer my questions but peace to you to Steven and Padre David.

Padre Steve: Bertha, Here’s the deal. I really am trying to figure out what you are seeking. Here’s why. I saw that you liked the link about the Prophet Frank. My criticism has nothing to do with you liking or disliking what he wrote. My point is that the Prophet Frank in the things he is writing is talking a lot about Jesus by interpreting the Gospel through a very narrow personal experiential hermeneutic (hermeneutic is the interpretation of Scripture.) When you do what he does you end up with a faith more reflective of you than Jesus. The Christian life and theology is done in community and takes place over 2000 years of the church…which does not need to be “re-imagined.” The Prophet Frank uses the humanness of the people of God against them. Now how do I know this. The Gospel is “Incarnational” because far from shunning humanity Jesus took on human flesh, to live and die as one of us to reconcile the world to God. Fully God and fully human Jesus through his incarnation, life death and resurrection reconciled God to humanity. We know this through the Canon of Scripture in the Old and New Testaments. Second we understand through the teaching of the Apostles and their successors. Third we understand through the lived out faith of the church in the Ecumenical Councils and Creeds, the faith of the Martyrs and all who served Christ in the Church. We know it through the frailty and sometimes the ugliness of God’s people who live in a world in need of God’s love. How do you find this? You study the Bible in the community of the faithful, you read the early Church fathers, you find out what the Church actually believed back within the first couple of hundred years of it being birthed and through the richness of the Creeds and the lives of God’s people, sometimes referred to as the Saints. So how do I know what I know? First through the witness of people who were willing to challenge me and help deepen my faith. Second and more importantly nothing I believe is something that I re-invented or imagined. It is the testimony of the 2000 years of Christianity as well as the people of
Israel. It is also enriched by the experience and faith of those who are not Christians. Some of my most profound experiences include spending time dialoguing with Iraqi and Jordanian military officers about what our faiths have in common without trying to prove who was right. The problem with the Prophet Frank and others like him as they are doing this in isolation without any depth of theological, philosophical or historical training that allows them to do this in real community which in effect just makes it their opinion based on a very limited experience and understanding of the faith which ultimately falls apart leaving their followers disappointed. I hope this is some answer to your questions. When I act like an ass to make a point it is always for a reason. Thus I encourage your journey and do hope that you will find what you are looking for. Please feel free to contact me or Padre David any time. Peace, Steve+

So all that being in the mix I was a bit of an ass, but it was a nice break from the present reality, with of course the exception of baseball which the Phillies as I mentioned made  gravel out of the Rockies with Cliff Lee pitching a complete game as the Phillies who won the game 5-1 and the Yankees dominating the Twins at the new Yankee Stadium.

So anyway, I have seen my share of tripe peddled by folks who claim to be prophets.  Real prophets don’t need to tell everyone that they are prophets.  People know it because they tell the truth, especially when it won’t earn them a buck, and real prophets tend not to be popular because they dig at us.  Likewise real prophets try to keep the message central and not them. Thus when I see someone posits (God I like that word) to be a prophetic voice I get a tad suspicious and actually take a little time to read what the guy is saying.  It’s my view that those who think they are prophets are playing with fire and often destroying the lives of God’s people who wait for what God is saying through them rather than seeking it themselves or taking stock of 2000 years of the Christian faith.  It is people like Bertha who pay the price in the long run.  The Tripe salesmen, often claiming to have a “new revelation” or special knowledge that runs contrary to 2000 years of Christian teaching prey open people like Bertha and I have hit the point in life where I will throw the bull pucky flag when I see it.  I refuse to buy tripe especially by those who prey upon God’s people, especially those like Bertha who are seeking God, faith and answers.

As for me I understand that Christians and the Church exist in a world where we have faith but seek understanding, which for me is found in the Scriptures, Sacred Tradition and Reason.

Well this has been interesting, the Los Angeles and St Louis are in the 7th inning so I shall end here.

Peace, Padre Steve+

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The Gift of Lament

Have you ever lost something? I’m sure you have. I have.

My husband and I lost a set of votive candles in their lovely holders that we used on our deck and patio table. We put them away for the winter in a place where we were certain we would find them, but that was not the case. This early spring we both searched everywhere we could think of at least three times to no avail.

These were not terribly expensive and yet I liked everything about them and I couldn’t stop them from reappearing in my mind. Each time they did I would search again. Then one day late this fall I shifted a cardboard box I had moved multiple times and decided to open it. There they were.

Sometimes we lose something of far greater value to us. I can think of more than one of those. Some I later found, but others were lost forever and yet I remember them years later.

blonde-child-curious-33126Those examples as well as people who are no longer in my life came to mind as I watched “Mary Poppins Returns.” One of the most poignant scenes and songs in the movie is “The Place Where the Lost Things Go.” If you have seen the movie, I am guessing you might find that scene and song moving as well when Emily Blunt sings it to the Banks children whose mother died a year before.

The music and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman include these verses:

“Do you ever lie
Awake at night
Just between the dark
And the morning light
Searching for the things
You used to know
Looking for the place
Where the lost things go

Do you ever dream
Or reminisce
Wondering where to find
What you truly miss
Well maybe all those things
That you love so
Are waiting in the place
Where the lost things go

Memories you’ve shed
Gone for good you feared
They’re all around you still
Though they’ve disappeared
Nothing’s really left
Or lost without a trace
Nothing’s gone forever
Only out of place”

Few losses compare to the loss of those people most dear to us. In many ways they too are “out of place.” Memories of them linger and some remain vivid for a very long time.  We may have the hope of heaven and seeing them again, but they are not here now in the place in our lives where they have always been.

Such is the anguish of C.S. Lewis in A Grief Observed as he writes candidly about the

Photo by Gianfranco Lanzio

death of his wife, Joy. The book resonates because this theologian doesn’t wrap his sorrow in scriptures that are meant to comfort and yet cannot reach the ache left behind. His words model what it means to lament in the midst of loss, to trust God with not only our sadness but also our anger and disappointment when death has taken someone from us and we know the Lord has power over death.

The gift of lament is that it invites us to come near to the Lord again when He may feel distant from us in the midst of our loss.

When the only thing you can sense is God’s absence, lament is the rope that will keep you tethered to his presence. Lament helps you hold on to God because it is an honest form of worship and communication with him.”  Aubrey Sampson

Lament also invites us to look back and it is in looking back we can often see more clearly. We can recall the person who called at just the moment we needed to hear from someone, the hug that was offered without unnecessary words, and we can see the Lord’s love in the midst of our sorrow.

Lament allows you to feel what you’re feeling and not force yourself to be somewhere that you are not. Aubrey Sampson in The Louder Song puts it this way: “In fact, you don’t have to do much: just let him love you − you and all your mixed emotions, too. God’s love will transform you. You don’t have to force it.”

4k-wallpaper-astrology-astronomy-1487009 There are so many other losses that go unacknowledged. Losses come with an illness that doesn’t get resolved and leaves us different than we were before or when our bodies age and won’t respond as they once did.  Living means we will experience loss. It wasn’t supposed to be this way and yet ever since the Garden of Eden it has been so.

“Lament is the art of trusting God no matter what he gives, no matter what he takes.” Aubrey Sampson

One of the greatest gifts we can offer to others is to be able to be with someone in the midst of their lament, in their loss. Our response is not to try to fix them as Job’s friends did, but rather to allow ourselves to be a safe person for them so they can be however they are at that moment and not be alone.

Many of you have read the review of The Louder Song that appeared on my website on February 1 of 2019. Aubrey Sampson’s words and teaching on lament speak clearly on how we deal with “things out of place” and when we wonder “where the lost things go.

“Lament declares that we have a God who hears, a God who speaks, a God who sees, a God who opens our eyes to see him, a God who calls us by name, a God who invites us into his purposes for the world. Even when we are wandering and doubting − even when we are far from where we should be, even when we are facing the worst − God is close.”

Aubrey Sampson

11 thoughts on “The Gift of Lament

  1. Thanks, Pam. Some losses, though a few years old, are still too fresh to comfortably sit with. It’s a journey and I’m praising God that He loves to comfort me in those painful times.
    Blessings to you.
    Marva | SunSparkleShine

  2. “Lament is the art of trusting God no matter what he gives, no matter what he takes.” Aubrey Sampson Love this quote. Thanks for sharing this post with us. And, thanks for linking up with us at the “Lament is the art of trusting God no matter what he gives, no matter what he takes.” Aubrey Sampson

    1. It is a powerful quote and I’m glad you thought so as well. You might find Aubrey’s new book, The Louder Song, that is all about lament a possible book to consider. Have a blessed day!💕

  3. Well, I was already eager to read Aubrey’s book, but now . . .
    And C.S. Lewis’s A Grief Observed has always resonated for me, taking me back to Isaiah 53, where God declares that Jesus has borne our grief and carried our sorrows.
    And yet we insist on keeping them and carrying them alone.

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Snuggle Me Nature | Two Layer | Elephant Parade

47” x 47”
Signature Features:
Organic Cotton Muslin | Therapeutic Herbal Dyes | Breathable | Hypoallergenic | Machine Washable | Softer With Each Wash
Herbs In The Dye:
Haritaki, Rock Salt
Snuggle Me Nature | Two Layer | Elephant Parade

“It’s so soft and cushy that you would want to cuddle with your baby inside the blanket.”

Parents and babies love the texture of our double layer organic muslin blanket on their skin. Benefit from the herbs while using it indoors to cuddle with your munchkin or outdoors as a make-shift mat. Our blanket will get softer and more fun to cuddle in every time you wash it.

The elephants are made from haritaki and the white base comes from rock salt. The therapeutic properties of these herbs are believed to:

  • Heal skin sensitivities such as sunburn, rashes and eczema
  • Promote restful sleep
  • Have anti-bacterial properties

Let's get one step closer to an eco-friendly and sustainable living with Panchhi. Love your baby, love thy nature.

Write a Review
  • 5
    I highly recommend all of them

    Posted by Deepthi Ravi-Krishnan on 2018 Jun 29th

    Quality is great, super soft, lightweight, and generously sized. My son loves the print on the blanket and will not use any other blanket.


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Four Months Closer to Forever

There is this sense of deja vu  when I look back and see that 4 months into our adventure, I had met a man who was not only artistic, romantic and persistent, but that he would eventually coerce me into writing a book with him about this fragile new relationship.  We had just met in person for the first time and as the picture he drew indicates, he was entirely smitten and optimistic about our future together.

Pannell Bytes 4 months Duane loves Selena

Looking through the ambagious prism of our book, we recall that uncertain period beginning our long distance relationship.  Today marks a different and equally significant four months, this time from publicly telling the story begun fourteen years ago.  Scared and excited, we feel like we did back then, only this time the uncertaintly lies outside us.

~Selena Pannell


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Monday, September 10, 2018

Black Panther #5 Cover

BLACK PANTHER VOL. 7 #5. 2018.
Gouache and acrylic on bristol board, 11 × 17″.

I totally forgot to post this! Here's cover #5 of Black Panther, my second of the series. (I just turned in #7 last week, and will start #8 soon). Daniel Acuña, the artist on the book, has been providing me with rough sketches to get things rolling. I'll show those once I post the full process.

detail of raw scan

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10 Common Communicable Diseases Your Child Can Pick up at School

So, your little munchkin is all grown up and ready to take the next big leap in his life with school. It’s a whole new chapter in your child’s life because school is one place where your kid not only gets educated but also learns a great deal about life. Aside from imparting education and learning to your child, school is also a place where your child comes in contact with many children. This increases the chances of coming into direct contact with parasites, viruses and bacteria. Therefore, your child is more susceptible to catching various kinds of communicable diseases at school. Read on to know more about the diseases your child can pick up at school!

Common Contagious Diseases in Kids

Here are some common communicable diseases in children or some childhood communicable infectious diseases that your child may pick up at school:

1. Common Cold

Common cold is amongst one of the most contagious diseases that can affect your child. There are more than 20 kinds of viruses that can cause common cold in children. Common cold can lead to a runny nose, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing among other symptoms. Make sure your child washes his hands often and disposes of his tissue after every use. Increase his fluid intake to help him feel better soon. Vapour rubs are great from relieving the symptoms too.

2. Head Lice

One of the most annoying and difficult problems to deal with is head lice. These parasites are found on the scalp, and they multiply very fast. They cause mild to severe itching on the scalp. There are many over-the-counter medicated shampoos available to deal with this problem. Make sure you follow the complete course of treatment, or else it may relapse.

3. Flu or Influenza

Influenza or flu is often confused with a common cold, but they are not the same. Flu has more pronounced and severe symptoms in comparison to cold, and it is characterised by extreme fatigue, stomach cramps, fever and body aches. The child needs to take ample rest, and the fluid intake should be increased. However, if the symptoms do not subside, medical help should be sought.

flu or influenza

4. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

The name of the disease may scare you, but there is no need to panic. This viral infection may cause blisters on your child’s hands, feet and mouth. These painful blisters are accompanied by fever and pain too. Antipyretic and anti-analgesic medicines can be given to providing relief. It is advised to keep your child at home if your kid gets this infection because it can spread like wildfire.

5. Conjunctivitis

This infection affects the eyes and is characterised by red, itchy and watery eyes. Sometimes discharge or pus is seen to depending on the severity of the infection. Conjunctivitis can be viral or bacterial and depending on the type, the incubation period of the infection can vary. This is a highly contagious and painful condition. Ensure good hygiene and Make sure your child is well rested.

6. Chicken Pox

This is a viral infection can affect the child, and the symptoms may appear much later. This is because the virus may have already affected the child and the itchy chicken pox blisters may appear later. Your child can have these blisters all over his body along with fever. The usual incubation period of this infection can range anywhere between 10 to 21 days. You can use any fever medicine such as paracetamol to subside the fever and calamine lotion can be applied on the blisters to prevent itching and scarring.

chicken pox

7. Pinworms

Pinworms are also very common in children and can spread easily from one child to another. Your child may accidentally or unintentionally come in contact with the eggs of the worm and can ingest them. These worms affect your child’s intestines and lay eggs around the anal region. The symptoms include severe anal itching, rash around the anal area, or you can also spot a pinworm in your child’s stool. Your doctor will administer medicines to get rid of the worms.

8. Gastroenteritis

This is a common viral ailment that may usually affect your kid during winter months. Your child may experience vomiting, nausea, tummy aches or may even have a fever. Sometimes the child may also have a sore throat or a runny nose along with other symptoms. It may last for 3 to 4 days, and your kid may take a week to become completely hale and hearty again. It is very common for children to get dehydrated during the bout of gastroenteritis, so make sure you give ample water and other fluids to keep your child hydrated.

9. Measles

This is a deadly infection which can turn very serious if not treated on time. This viral infection begins with rash and low-grade fever but the condition can quickly deteriorate, and the infection may lead to severe respiratory infection. If you think your kid has this infection, take him to the nearest hospital at the earliest and get the treatment started. If you have other children in the house, keep your affected child in isolation until he feels okay.

10. Hepatitis A

This is a highly infectious viral infection that your kid can catch in school. Your child may experience diarrhoea, nausea, fever, loss of appetite and other such symptoms. You must take your kid to the doctor if you feel your kid has hepatitis A. Proper nutrition and a good diet can help your child feel better. Also, your doctor will establish the correct course of treatment for your child.

Once your child enters school, it is imperative that he will come in contact with various kinds of disease-causing germs. However, you can reduce the risk by teaching your child to maintain good hygiene. Ask him to wash his hands before and after going to the toilet and eating his food. Tell your kid not to share handkerchiefs or other personal belongings with friends and also tell your child not to touch his mouth and nose often. Guiding your child to follow such precautions may help in the prevention of various kinds of communicable diseases.

Also Read:

Zika Virus Infection in Children
Shingles in Kids
Viral Infection in Children


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10R-0954: Reman Fuel Nozzles & Injectors
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    10R-0954: Reman Fuel Nozzles & Injectors

    Part Number: 10R-0954
    Brand: Cat
    Retrieving Price.....

    You can have it all with Cat Reman. Best-built Cat® parts with full warranty when and where you need them - all at a fraction of the price.

    Reliability - You can have peace of mind with a full warranty on our Reman components.

    Availability - For your convenience, our Reman components are available worldwide and ready to install.

    Lower Cost - Experience lower cost with our fraction-of-new pricing on Reman components*

    Quality Parts - To keep you running, we rigorously qualify all parts, and remanufacture components to Caterpillar specifications; and only Cat Reman has access to Caterpillar specs.

    Critical Updates - Providing you the latest in product development, we upgrade Reman components to include critical design improvements.

    *Purchase of a Reman part includes a core deposit. The core deposit is refunded upon return of an acceptable core (used part) to your dealer. In order to qualify for core deposit refund, cores must meet simple, visual inspection criteria. Typical criteria include: must be fully assembled and complete, not cracked or broken, free of excessive rust or pitting, free of fire damage, and must be an acceptable Cat Part Number. Core acceptance criteria may vary by product - please contact your dealer for full details.

    Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

    Cat® Genuine and Cat® Reman parts are designed and built to Caterpillar proprietary specifications, providing optimal performance and durability in the toughest applications.
    Brand: Cat
    Fuel Injector
    • US
    • Metric
    • Height (in): 3.0
    • Height (mm): 76.2
    • Length (in): 14.8
    • Length (mm): 375.9
    • Width (mm): 139.7
    We currently do not have any equipment model information for this part.


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Tag Archives: Bread

Pane Toscano (Tuscan Bread)

27 Oct Pane Toscano

“L’uomo non vive di solo pane / Man does not live by bread alone” … but this certainly doesn’t seem to apply in Tuscany. For centuries Tuscan bread has been a staple for the poor. The Tuscan bread recipe is salt-free, therefore called in Italian “pane sciapo”. In fact, its taste goes well with traditional Tuscan cuisine rich in salt and abundant flavors. It has a crispy reddish crust, while the interior is soft, but not spongy . It is a perfect base for delicious appetizers or “stuzzichini”. It can be served with tasty cured meat products, “affettato”,  such as Tuscan Prosciutto Crudo, salami (fennel-flavored finocchiona) or Tuscan pecorino cheese, and it is one of the most appetizing ways to start a meal. It can also accompany savory soups such as “ribollita” and “pappa al pomodoro”.  It can also be used for the typical “panzanella”, a bread and tomato salad. Moreover it is very palatable in the form of crouton slices, thin pieces of grilled or fried bread. The croutons are very good with chicken liver pate’, olive paste, or as the base of the famous “bruschetta” with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and fresh basil. The lack of salt has historical roots: around the twelfth century, because of the struggle between the cities of Pisa and Florence, the maritime republic stopped the salt trade to the countryside, and because of this the farmers had to prepare their bread without salt. Today, this tradition is generally maintained, although nowadays in some areas of Tuscany bread is lightly salted. You can add a small amount of salt (about 5 g (1 tsp) for 500 g of flour, 3 cups), according to your taste and to match the food you are eating.

Preparation time: 3 hours  Cooking time: 35-40 minutes  Servings: 8

500 g (3 cups) gluten-rich flour (Manitoba)
260 ml (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) water at 45 °C -110 °F
5 g (1 tsp) sugar
1 package (7 g, 1 heaping teaspoon) dried yeast or 1 cube (25 g, about 1 ounce) fresh yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra Virgin)

1. In a small glass or bowl, dissolve in about 100 ml of the warm water, sugar and yeast. Sugar is the so-called ” food” for the yeast
2. In another bowl, mix the remaining water well with the oil
3. Pour the liquid containing sugar and yeast into a large glass bowl. Add half of the flour and mix well until smooth
4 . Continue adding the remaining flour and the water with olive oil until a smooth ball can be formed
5. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead on a lightly floured surface, by hand for about 10 minutes. Do not add too much flour otherwise the dough will become tough
6. Put the dough in a glass bowl and let rise for about 20 min. Cover with a cotton towel. Let rise in a warm draft-free place at a temperature of approximately 30°C or 85°F.
7. After this time, knead the dough on a floured work surface about a dozen times.
8. Form a strand without handling it too much, cover with a sprinkling of flour , place on a baking sheet previously covered with greaseproof baking paper . Let rise for about 2 hours covered with a cotton towel.  Remember that the dough should rise in a warm room.
9. Preheat oven to 180 °C.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack.  – Paola

Pane con Pancetta e Formaggio (Bacon and Cheese Bread)

7 Oct

This delicious bread, soft and tasty, and flavored with bacon and cheese, originates from the regions of Tuscany and Umbria in central Italy.  The bread is simple and quick to prepare and is a suitable recipe to accompany a cocktail, a salad, or a picnic.

Preparation time: 55 min.               Baking time: 50 min.

Pane con Pancetta e Formaggio

3 large eggs
370 g  (2 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
15 g (3 teaspoons) baking powder
150 g (about 1 cup) diced Swiss cheese (Emmenthal)
150 g (1 ½ cups) grated Parmesan cheese
80 g (½ cup) diced bacon
60 ml olive oil (Extra Virgin)
150 ml milk

Preheat the oven to 170°C (350°F)
1. Mix the flour, baking powder and grated Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl
2. Add the eggs, olive oil and milk, mix until well blended
3. Add the Swiss cheese and the bacon
4. Stir well until the dough is smooth (you can add extra milk)
5. Pour the dough in a greased and floured bread pan (34 cm x 10 cm)
7. Bake for 50 min.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 min. on a rack, then remove it from the pan and let it cool on the rack or about 15 more minutes.

My son can hardly wait for this bread to cool before cutting into it.  It’s excellent served at room temperature, but he says that it tastes best just out of the oven!  -Paola

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Orgasm Resources

Thank you for attending my All About Orgasm/Orgasm 101 workshop!

Below is a huge list of my top sex toys, books, and resources to help you have—and keep having—your best orgasms.

Many of the links are my affiliate links, which means I get a little 💰 if your purchase through that link. Like love, it doesn’t cost a thing, and I only recommend products I genuinely enjoy and have gotten great results with in my own sex life or with my clients.

Want even more, including personalized suggestions? Click here.

A recap of the workshop

Including clips and top takeaways: All About Orgasm recap

[accordion clicktoclose=true]

[accordion-item title=”Sex Toys”]

Njoy Pure Wand — great for g-spot stimulation as well as releasing tension in the vagina

Silicone lube — amazing for P in V sex. Enhances sensation so you feel every stroke, lick, sensation more and makes it easier to experience orgasm. Scent- and taste-less, condom-safe, and doesn’t need to be

Fin finger vibe — turns your beau’s hands into a vibrator! Use it to stimulate the clitoris – the easiest way for people with vulvas to experience orgasm in P in V.

Touch external vibe — discreet external toy that easily fits between your bodies in all sorts of positions. Use it on your clit or any other body part you want some extra stimulation.

Uma g-spot vibrator — perfectly curved to stimulate your g-spot OR extend you or your beau’s arm so your clit can be stimulated in positions like doggie style

Mio vibrating penis ring — turns a penis or dildo into a vibrator! Position it so that the vibrator stimulates the clitoris. Also helps people with penises last longer since experiencing orgasm during P in V can take time!

Bootie butt plug— great beginner’s butt plug. Wear it to feel fuller during other sexy time or to prep for bigger anal penetration. Pull it out right at orgasm for extra fireworks!

Sync rabbit vibe — wearable vibe that stimulates the g-spot and clitoris at the same time. Can be used during P in V to really get that stimulation you want and need.

Looking for another toy? Check out my favorite toys or browse all the toys.

[accordion-item title=”Books Referenced”]

Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski  — the bible for female arousal, desire, and orgasm. The orgasm meditation we did is inspired by some of the exercises in this book.

[accordion-item title=”Interactive Tool To Learn How to Please Vulvas”]

[accordion-item title=”Feminist Porn Sites”]

Erotic Films

Additional Reading

[accordion clicktoclose=true]

[accordion-item title=”Arousal & Desire”]

4 Reasons to Read Romance Novels

Arousal Non-Concordance
Even more on arousal, desire, and the science behind sex: Come As You Are

How to Get in the Mood – Fast

Not in the Mood? Have More Satisfying Sex with These 3 Steps

Shy About Sex? Here’s Your 4-Step Plan for Satisfaction

The Power of Appreciation (Hint: It’s Great Foreplay)

The Secret to Having More Desire

[accordion-item title=”G-Spot”]

5 Ways to Have a G-Spot Orgasm

The Secret To Finding Your G-Spot

[accordion-item title=”Orgasm”]

5 Breathing Exercises That Lead to Better Sex (Fatherly)

9 Questions to Ask Yourself for the Best Orgasm

Can Women Think Their Way to a Better Orgasm?

How Common is It for a Woman to Be Multi-Orgasmic?

How He Can Last Longer During Sex

How to Have—and Keep Having—a Vaginal Orgasm (Blood + Milk)

Is His Penis Too Big? Here are 7 Ways to Enjoy It

This is How to Orgasm During Sex

What Does and Orgasm Feel Like—Really?

[accordion-item title=”Sex Positions”]

All About the Cervix

Coital Alignment Technique

Doggy Style

Sensation Play

[accordion-item title=”Sex Toys”]

Top Sex Toys for Couples

Favorite External Vibrators

3 Easy Ways to Care for Your Luxury Sex Toys

#treatyoself to some new toys

Introducing the Limon: A Bullet Vibrator with a Twist

Introducing: the Mona Wave + How to Find and Stimulate Your G-Spot

Introducing: The We-Vibe Touch

The Best Vibrators for Women: The Rabbit

Please note that this page contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Passion by Kait!


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Thoughts on Snow: Part One

Well, we just got our first major snowfall of the season here, and, as we only got just under a foot of snow, how can we complain, after what our friends over in upstate New York have been going through.

Yet again, I am reminded of how important it is to thank God-every day-for our everyday “conveniences” … how I pray not to ever take for granted, and to thank God, personally, every day for electricity, running water (and hot water!), for heat, for shelter from the weather, for our vehicles (including my bicycle), for having a stove and refrigerator … etc. etc. …

 God has a way of reminding us just how blessed we are … and, if I may use the term “unfortunately,” it is usually when we realize or see, someone who has it “worse off” than us. That’s why I make a point every day to thank him for what we so often take for granted … I already know how blessed I am, and most importantly, Who those blessings come from. I want Him to know I am grateful … not just for what He has already done … but, for what I know He is going to do.

 We have been blessed up here in the North Country, having enjoyed a really nice, and extended, Fall season. I have had friends from upstate New York, and I remember them explaining to me, back when I was in Georgia, and had no clue what real Winter was, how they only had a certain number of weekends in the year when they could enjoy being outdoors, when they had “good” weather. I remember that it wasn’t too many weekends. They would tell me how they would have to cram every outdoor activity they wanted to do, into these weekends. That’s why they would “go nuts” for a few weekends every year, swimming, hiking, boating, just being outside in “shirt sleeves” for these very few, numbered days. God bless them! I have a small idea of what it’s like to be stuck in “Winter-mode” while I know most of the country is enjoying nice weather … but, that’s just part of it. Our Winters up here are long, and hard, and long, and hard, and long, and … well, you get the idea …

Robert Frost used to say that when the snow covers the ground, for the first time in New Hampshire, you don’t see the ground again until May. He’s right. By the way … what a great name for a writer living in New Hampshire! Just thought about that. I remember one of my favorite quotes from Helen Keller, how she has met some people who were colder than any Nor’easter she had ever experienced. That doesn’t really fit into this subject, but it did allow me to mention Helen Keller and a Nor’easter …

So, anyway, at school on Wednesday, before Thanksgiving, as we were at the door awaiting the arrival of Kindergarteners, we were discussing snow. One of the things I was the most surprised about, after moving to northern New Hampshire, was how so many people who live up here hate the cold … and, hate the snow. I’m sure that’s the same way everywhere. We never seem to be happy, so matter where we are. I guess that’s another subject for another time, too …

Anyway, there are also many folks up here who love the Winter, and love the snow that comes with it. In fact, they are thrilled when the forecast calls for that first major storm. Thrilled! I guess it does take all kinds … anyway … we were talking about snow, and how “white” it is. I mean, there is just nothing that is whiter than snow. It is so pure … so white … so beautiful (the first time it falls … then, “ok that’s enough … you can leave now” …). We were comparing our clothing to the color of snow. We had white shirts, but not as white as snow. We would point things out, around us, which were white, but, no, they weren’t “whiter than snow.” Or as white as snow.

So, later, as I plowed the snow for the first time this year, and, just today, as I raked the roof … yes, up here we have to rake the roof … What do you mean, “How do we do that?” With a roof rake, of course! Hey-I just got a new pair of Winter boots … good to -40 Celsius! I’m not sure how cold that is, but I’m sure I’ll need them. The old snow boots just won’t take duct tape anymore … So, as I was “enjoying” all this Winter activity, I really started to wonder, “Just why is the snow so white?”

So, I did research: I found out a lot of scientific information to explain why snow is so white. It seems the real fact is that snow “appears” to be white. The explanation was pretty elaborate … I didn’t want a Degree … I just wanted to know why snow is so white …

The bottom-line reason that snow appears to be white is because, when you combine all of the colors in the spectrum together … you get “white.” Really? Yes. Here’s the scientific explanation (highly edited):
Snow is a whole bunch of individual ice crystals arranged together. Basically, all the crystals bounce the light all around, so all colors of light are bounced back out. The “color” of all the frequencies in the visible spectrum combined in equal measure is white. So this is the color we see in snow. So even though individual ice crystals are clear, their combined form – which is snow – bounces off light frequency in such a way that the final result, as we see it, is “white snow.” By the way, individual snowflakes actually do appear clear when viewed up close (under a microscope).
Snowflakes are not frozen raindrops. They’re an aggregation, or cluster, of thousands of ice crystals that fall from a cloud.

I did get the opportunity to brag on God, about He is so brilliant, He is able to make every snowflake different … just as He has made all of us different. God uses what we would call “scientific methods” to do His work. I call this “scientific processes.” In teaching about healing, I use the fact that, since God invented the process, He can step in for a moment, stop or change the process (since He invented it), and put the normal process back to working again. Again, that explains why God can heal. He is the Creator of the process, so He can control it.

Now … back to snow … Why is it that “no two snowflakes are alike?” Is this true? I figure that God can make them anyway He chooses … and, if He chooses, He could make them all alike. Individual snowflakes all follow slightly different paths from the sky to the ground, and therefore encounter slightly different atmospheric conditions along the way. This, in turn, means that each snowflake will have a slightly different growth rate and shape. Because of this, it is very unlikely that any two snowflakes will appear to be identical. But while it’s unlikely, it isn’t impossible. There have been a few occasions when twin snowflakes were found. Since so many factors affect the structure of a snowflake, and since a snowflake’s structure is constantly changing in response to environmental conditions, it is improbable that anyone would see two identical snowflakes.

One more fact about snowflakes: An average snowflake measures 1/2 inch in diameter, but can grow as large as 3 to 4 inches across. The largest snowflake on record occurred in Fort Keogh, Montana in January of 1887: It was 15 inches in diameter! Can you imagine looking outside your window … and, see snow falling … with snowflakes 15 inches wide …

Well, that’s about it for the scientific part of our program …
In closing, there is one thing I have learned, which goes against what I had heard, before moving up here:
I have learned to never say, or believe, that “it’s too cold to snow.”
I also always capitalize the word “Winter.” I do this out of respect. It reminds me of times I have traveled along the Mississippi River. The people always speak of “the River” with awe and respect. You can just hear it in their voices. So, I have learned to speak of “Winter” with respect. And, to learn to respect it, as I have lived with it.

I guess I’ve getting really adapted to the weather up here. I mentioned that we just had our first “major” snow. This is true, but we’ve had snow on the ground for a while, just not a foot. So, this past week, I dragged the grill over to the center of our front deck/porch …. And, I cooked hamburgers, on the grill … on top of the snow …
Then, just yesterday, Thanksgiving Day, I was out on the porch … the sun was trying to shine brightly … there was no wind … and it was 30 degrees …. I felt like wearing a T-Shirt …

Richard. Vincent. Rose.
Modern-Day Psalms

One response to “Thoughts on Snow: Part One

  1. Pingback: Thoughts on Snow-Part Three: A Biblical Perspective | Pastor Appreciation Gifts Blog

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Emergency Preparation and Management: A Security Imperative for Developing Nations

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Viviane Foyou
February 28, 2017

The current global environment is one prone to natural and man-made disasters, all of which require effective preparation, management and leadership to contain such events when they occur. The failure to anticipate, prepare for and manage emergencies in most developing societies has often led to the unnecessary loss of life and property. While such failures have been attributed to the lack of intellectual, analytical and management capacity to anticipate and prevent disasters and accidents, sensible policies may be crafted and implemented by leaders in developing societies to address these situations when they occur. Consequently, effective planning and permanent training must be designed to become mandatory components of strategies for counteracting natural disasters, contingencies or other emergency situations engendered by natural or man-made disaster in developing nations. Such plans or programs initiated by governments in developing countries should be well structured and coordinated. Citizens in these nations should be familiar with policy directives or prescriptions to be followed during emergencies or natural disasters. Efficient programs should always include the following; strategic planning and implementation supported by a group of experts, coordinated collaboration among different levels of government, and feedback from all stakeholders concerned. Emergency preparation and management policies must be binding and inclusive of all community stakeholders regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, political preferences or socioeconomic status.

Emergency PreparednessGiven that the preservation of human life is the fundamental duty of all governments, leaders of developing nations must embrace this principle and ensure they establish regulatory frameworks with the sole purpose of safeguarding the wellbeing of citizens during emergency situations. To that end, the overriding responsibility of leaders of developing nations should be ensuring the infrastructure and resources necessary to successfully accomplish stated goals are in place. Failure to provide for these critical components of emergency preparation and management could render these countries more vulnerable to natural and manmade disasters.

Admittedly, there is a tendency in developing countries not to adhere to emergency management protocols or to enforce compliance with them. Such shortcomings are often driven by corrupt and incompetent forces that do not serve the public interest. These practices severely undermine any efforts to craft and sustain credible emergency plans. Thus, when a severe storm, earthquake, tsunami, landslide, terrorist attack or any other disaster occurs, lives and property that could have been saved or protected are lost. Governments can avert these tragic situations through the careful planning, management and enforcement of emergency protocols. For example, when a severe storm hits a region without adequate preparation or management of emergency strategies due to the lack of proper infrastructure (roads, railways) and resources the outcome is often tragic.

It is imperative developing countries commit to acquiring best practices in emergency preparation and management that are at the core of protocols designed for such occasions. For example, developing nations can work collaboratively with developed nations to take advantage of the technology of the 21st century that developed nations have skillfully harnessed to address their emergency management needs. The transfer of such best practices and technology to environments in the developing world that are susceptible to natural disasters could go a long way toward saving lives and property. Rather than wait helplessly to receive international aid after a disaster has occurred, developing countries ought to act proactively by leveraging their relations with the developed world to acquire the resources (training, support and best practices) that will enable them successfully manage disasters and other emergencies when they occur.

Taken together, it is important to note here the preparation and management of natural and manmade disasters are indispensable aspects of the national security of both developed and developing nations. To that end, developing nations which are more susceptible to these emergency situations because of inadequate preparation and management training, lack of resources and infrastructure, corruption and the unwillingness or inability of some developing nations to seriously commit to addressing problems pertaining to emergency management, should make concerted efforts to work collaboratively with developed nations to acquire skills, knowledge and abilities needed to effectively manage their emergency needs. It is therefore imperative developing nations treat emergency planning and response as national security priorities and invest time and resources to teach present and younger generations the importance of safety. While natural disasters cannot be avoided, they can nonetheless be managed to avert the casualty toll that is likely to occur when such disasters impact environments which are not adequately prepared. Developing nations should be proactive and not wait for major disasters to occur to go to work. Strategic planning for disaster or emergency management should be a national security imperative for all developing nations.

Author: Professor Viviane Foyou joins the University of Texas, at El Paso (UTEP) as an Assistant Professor in the Public Administration Program. Viviane received her B.A. in Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College and her M.A. in Public Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato; M.A. in Political Science and Ph.D. from West Virginia University. Viviane’s teaching interests include public administration, public policy, and homeland security. Her primary research interests are in the field of emergency management, and bureaucracy.

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Autumn Clothing Haul

This week’s video is an Autumn Clothing Haul. I went shopping sooo many times recently, especially because I arrived back at university in my beloved country, England. However, I bought these clothes mostly in France and Hungary, but you can find pretty much the same items anywhere in Europe. The shop where I buy my clothes is usually H&M so you’re gonna see a lot of clothes from there, but I also like to buy some special items from different shops like Bershka or Stradivarius.

Here’s a list of all the clothes included in my video and the prices in GBP and Euros. I also put a link to all of them on british websites in case you would like to do some online shopping. Hope you enjoy!

My favourite hoodie ever: 19,99€ / £19,99

Cute scarf with nice colours: 9,99€ / £7,99

Cosiest sweatpants in the world: 14,99€ / £9,99

I couldn’t find the ecaxt same colour for this t-shirt, but it’s basically this one: 9.99€ / £6,99

I only found the grey long t-shirt, but you can buy this shape in different colours as well: 9,99€ / £6,99

Basic knitted jumper: 19,99€ / £14,99

Bras: 12,99€ / £9,99

Bronze bag: 14,99€ / £12,99

Shoes: 29,99€ / £24,99

teljes-kepernyo-rogzitese-2016-10-04-103101-bmpPink ribbed jumper: 22,99€ / £17,99

teljes-kepernyo-rogzitese-2016-10-04-103138-bmpLeather look jacket: 39,95€ / £35,99 (what I said in the video is how much it would be if you bought it in Hungary, it is apparently more expensive in the UK)

Cute panda blouse: 12,99€/ £12,99

Hope you enjoy this video and blog post just as much as I enjoyed making them! Let me know in the comments which item was your favourite one! Also let me know what you bought for autumn!


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The Four Pillars of Mortgage Sales Success

Last week, a National Mortgage News article discussed the results of Fannie Mae’s Q1 2018 Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey which measures lender’s profit-margin outlook. According to NMN, mortgage lenders had the highest level of pessimism recorded since 2014. This is not surprising given the current challenges our industry faces: the decline of the refinance market, […]

Are Your Customers Savvier than Your Originators?

Today’s customers are smarter than ever regarding the products and services they purchase. The internet has changed everything by providing a vast wealth of information on every topic imaginable including mortgages. Furthermore, customers are rating their experiences from eating at restaurants to buying vitamins to working with mortgage originators. These opinions carry an inordinate amount […]


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Calley Down Crescent, New Addington, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 0EP £275,000

ENTRANCE HALL Double glazed front door with window to side, radiator, built in cupboard housing gas and electric metres, laminate flooring, doors to living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms.

LIVING ROOM 12' 9" x 11' 6" (3.89m x 3.51m) Double glazed bay window to front, brick fireplace and chimney breast, telephone point, television aerial point, radiator, power points, laminate flooring.

KITCHEN Double glazed window to rear and side, wall and base units, sink and drainer unit, four ring electric hob with extractor hood over and oven below, space and plumbing for washing machine and dishwasher, Ariston combi boiler, power points, double glazed door to garden.

BEDROOM ONE 12' 9" x 11' 9" (3.89m x 3.58m) Double glazed window to rear, built in cupboard, radiator, power points, laminate flooring.

BEDROOM TWO 12' 9" x 11' 5" (3.89m x 3.48m) narrowing to 9'4 Double glazed window to front, radiator, power points, laminate flooring.

BATHROOM Double glazed frosted window to rear, low level W/C, wash hand basin with vanity unit below, enclosed bath with shower attachment, heated towel rail, fully tiled walls and floor.

GARDEN Paved area, raised pond (to be filled), outside tap, jacuzzi style hot tub within a wooden chalet, side access gate, wooden shed, brick built shed.

FLOORPLANS Click to enlarge

EPC RATINGS Click to enlarge

Paul Meakin Estate Agents

0208 651 1234

216 Addington Road


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“9/11 Anniversary Story: Talat Hamdani” – Video

9/11 Anniversary Story: Talat Hamdani

Official Website: http://web.mac.com/flyingwhile/iWeb/flyingwhilemuslim/Documentary.html NY Correspondent/Writer: Rima Abdelkader Cinematographer/Producer/Director/Editor: Lyra Porras Garzon This is still a work in progress and more materials will be added to the story. This is a feature/news story on a Muslim American family who lost their son during the 9/11 attacks. The US government and media had suspected he was a “terrorist” when he did not return home on that 9/11 morning. He was later redeemed as a “hero”, specifically being mentioned in the USA Patriot Act. Interviews with Talat Hamdani (the boy’s mother – Salman), Imam Shamsi Ali (Islamic Cultural Center of NY), and Clarence (an alleged Vietnam War Veteran).

To watch the video click here

Filed in: Voices of Peaceful Tomorrows

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CVS/Rite Aid Block Apple Pay – New Loyalty Program?

RiteAid CVS Apple PayLast week I wrote about Apple Pay for travel. While it was a general failure for travel, I was pleased to say it worked very well at domestic merchants like McDonald’s and Starbucks. I can also add the drugstore chain Walgreens to the positive list.

Speaking of drugstores, Walgreens competitors CVS and Rite Aid decided they don’t want Apple Pay. No specific reason was given but this article notes that both companies are supporting a rival system known as Merchants Customer Exchange (MCX).

Visiting the MCX website may offer some clues why they are dumping Apple Pay. MCX is a merchant-owned checkout system. In other words, these companies see it as a way to avoid paying fees to Apple and others. The MCX system is actually going to be a downloadable app called CurrentC, available for both Apple and Android. According to the website, it is currently in private testing but is expected to be available to the public next year. No specific date is available.

Like Apple Pay and Google Wallet, this will be a cloud-based system using tokens but they don’t say what kind. They also claim CurrentC will automatically apply all merchant coupons and promotions. One interesting tidbit: MCX’s members operate about 110,000 locations. Apple Pay is already in place – or near ready – at more than double that number.

At least there is possibly something for points junkies. The website says that users can “earn participating merchant loyalty rewards.” However, there is nothing to download yet and there is no explanation of just what kind of program they will be offering. Personally I don’t have high hopes for these loyalty rewards, thinking instead they might be merchant-based like Best Buy’s rewards program or perhaps something offered by a grocery store chain. However, I will keep my eyes open.

Really, it is fine by me if someone prefers the MCX method. However, it sails outside over my head why these giant drug retailers are completely throwing Apple Pay and Google Wallet customers under the bus. CVS and Rite Aid are losing out on all this potential existing business, instead relying on a future untested system. I guess time will tell if they are making the right decision.

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Can I call myself a writer?

The question was recently raised by a writer in one of my critique groups, voiced with doubt and despair: I’m wondering, can I even call myself a writer?

I’ve been there. The writing isn’t going well. You’re mired in a muck of words or stalled somewhere in the middle. You can’t figure out your character’s motivation or if the scene you’ve spent months writing and revising even belongs in the story. You go from questioning the point of view to asking yourself how you ever believed you could write this story or even be a writer to begin with.

If you write, you are a writer. If you must write things down (what you see and hear, read and think) to figure out what they mean to you and how you feel about them, you are a writer. If you feel the need to preserve a thought, an observation, a sound, a reflection, a moment in time by putting it into words, you are a writer. If you can’t even look at something without sensing words forming in your head mentally describing it, you are a writer.

A writer is someone who writes, feels the itch and urge and necessity of writing. Someone who can’t imagine a world without scads of pens and notebooks and Word files filled with random thoughts and ideas existing.

That world is not always a pleasant place. As another writer friend so well articulated, it is often a grinding, hellish, painful place.

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4.2 Short Engine For Sale

For Sale 4.2 XJ Short motor

What your looking at is another offering, A fully reconditioned 4.2 Jaguar short motor assembly, this one is actually a 83 S3 engine and  will suit any 76 model Series two and after.. but will go into anything with the appropriate mod’s, so if you have a 76 and right through to a 87 Series three car this one will suit you.
  This one HAS got stepped liners fitted …..  It has new  pistons, crank grind, bearings, chains, tensioner, oil pump and end float thrust washers are all fitted. This also has the FANTASTIC “Neoprene rear main seal conversion” done and fitted.
  A change over unit is a must BUT a straight out purchase can be done but a ‘no change over’ penalty applies…(add $750)
   Freight….No problem, anywhere in the country within the week, please offer a postcode and I’ll quote it to the dollar.
   Warranty……Our warranty  25/25,  25 Months or 25ooo km’s (some basic conditions apply)
Price $7500.00
GST….Yep its included in the sale !
We have a ‘FAQ document’ so email me and we’ll shoot it off to you.

Peninsula Jag


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The first time I encountered Viewpoints, I thought it was a class about character point of view, which I’ve since discovered is many improvisers’ assumption when they first hear the name.

Viewpoints are a set of elements that are always in play, whether or not you’re paying attention to them, but that can be easily manipulated by the actor through training and awareness.

It was February 2013 and the workshop was Improvisacting I with David Razowsky. Dave had taught in Toronto the previous year and Isaac Kessler, my coach, hadn’t stopped talking about him since.

I’d never been the funniest comedian, but I’d always been a decent actor, and that was what carried me through my first four years of improv training and performance. I played committed characters, but without much direction. The majority of my games were emotional heightening, but I often let the emotion overrule the scene. The few times I tried to be witty and aloof to stretch my boundaries, I forgot everything else I knew and played for cheap laughs that even I didn’t like. It worked sometimes, but it wasn’t consistent, and the biggest compliments I usually got were that I was high energy and had good stage presence.

In hindsight, the biggest mistake I made was taking improv scenes personally. I found it very difficult to separate myself from the character. I was immersed, as any young actor thinks they should be. I was so immersed that I often couldn’t see the scene beyond my character. Was there potential for a status shift? What move got a great reaction from the audience? When should I enter a scene? What was my scene partner actually saying when their character was talking? I’d been taught all of this in classes and rehearsals, but never truly absorbed it, and found it difficult to apply onstage in front of an audience. I allowed myself to get lost in the character instead of making the character work for me.

Viewpoints was what finally pushed me to separate the actor from the character. In turn, it made me, the actor, more present in scenes and backlines versus when I’d been getting lost in characters. Finally, I felt like I knew what I was doing. I began remembering scenes I’d been in, which made giving myself notes much easier, and made the notes more objective. I finally understood what people meant by “nice move,” because instead of throwing offers at the wall to see what stuck, I started making moves. Not always great ones, but I was able to recognize when a scene needed a move to be made, and was ready to provide one. I began to see improv through the eyes of a director and a content creator.

Viewpoints is a “technique of composition” created by Mary Overlie as a method of dance improvisation, then adapted for stage acting by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau, and interpreted for improvisation by David Razowsky. It breaks down time and space into nine tenets: Tempo, Duration, Kinesthetic Response, Repetition, Shape, Gesture, Architecture, Spatial Relationship, and Topography.

This may seem like a lot to pay attention to all at once, but the beauty of it is that they are already happening at all times, so even if you just want to try playing with one tenet at a time, the rest will follow.

As someone who’d always loved a practical approach, the idea of breaking down space-time seemed like a delightfully scientific method for improv. At the same time, the heightened awareness of my surroundings, the constancy of the tenets, and their malleability awakened something very spiritual in me as well.

If all I’m expected to do is define and use what’s already happening, I’ve eliminated the need to invent. I’ve eliminated the need to create funny, because the funny already exists and now I know how to simply reveal it to the audience.

One of my favourite things that Viewpoints gave me was the ability to outpace myself. With so many new things to react to, and so many new ways to react to them, I started reacting faster than I could think, and that got me into trouble. Lots of trouble. And holy shit was that fun. I no longer had to worry about “staying true” to a character or making the right move, because by the time I thought about it I was already making the move, which then further defined my character.

You know that high you get from having a great improv scene? I now had the tools to reproduce it and prolong it. Viewpoints is the science behind the state known as “flow.” It’s what’s generally known in the improv world as “having fun.” If you’ve ever been told by a teacher or coach to “have more fun” or “get out of your head,” this is exactly what they mean. Make moves before you’ve thought of them, and as long as you’re listening to yourself and reacting to everything your partner’s giving you, your character and scene will create themselves.

My newfound awareness on stage opened up a whole new world of possibilities. It made me realize the importance of taking classes. Suddenly I wasn’t taking classes to “get better,” which sounds like an exercise in humbling the ego. I was taking classes to add more tools to my tool belt. Nobody was right, nobody was wrong, everyone just had a different approach, and now I had an approach that worked for me, so I could take what I liked and forget the rest.

It also changed my approach to acting with a script. This isn’t surprising, as Viewpoints is already an established acting method. I stopped caring about finding “the character,” and started letting the words guide my choices. I started learning the words before rehearsals began, so I could spend my time in rehearsal experimenting beyond the script. “Beyond the script” meaning improvising everything else around the words, allowing myself time to try different moves and see what works best. (Believe me, your director will appreciate this as well.)

Viewpoints changed the way I play. The way I listen. The way I respond. It doesn’t replace other schools of improv, in fact it enhanced my ability to apply onstage what I’d previously learned. I already had tools, but now I was more proficient at using them. Viewpoints can work for you, and you can play with the exercises and philosophy for the next five years until it finally becomes a part of your being. Or you can forget the majority of it a month later because it’s too much to think about while you’re having fun. But if you’re lucky enough to find a class or workshop that’s accessible to you, I suggest you take it and find out. David Razowsky introduced me to a whole new religion that was, incidentally, based on science, and I’ve been living it ever since.

Oliver Georgiou is an actor, improviser, and comedian who takes himself way too seriously. He is the founder of SODA School Of Dramatic Acting where he produces SODA Theatre, SODA Underground, Hat Trick Comedy, and specialty improv classes, including an Intro to Viewpoints.

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  1. Judy Blackshear #
    September 11, 2017

    Wow. Your self-assessment echoes my own self-assessment (with the exception that I’m not necessarily that great an actor – but it does seem to be a relative strength for me), and you hooked me. I got the book Viewpoints – hoping I can make enough sense of it to apply it to Improv. If you make it to Austin, Texas with a Viewpoints workshop I’ll be all over that.

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TUTA Boldly Brings Adam Rapp Play to Life in Chilling Production

TUTA Boldly Brings Adam Rapp Play to Life in Chilling Production

(Carolyn Molloy in TUTA’s THE EDGE OF OUR BODIES – photo credit: Anthony LaPenna)

TUTA’s production of Adam Rapp’s THE EDGE OF OUR BODIES is immersive from the get-go. We enter through the garage of TUTA’s new Ravenswood Manor space and end up in a small, intimate, almost makeshift theater, and immediately, our interest is piqued.

The first moments are wholly transporting, as we’re drawn into the world of sixteen-year-old Bernadette (Carolyn Molloy). In a detailed account of her school-forbidden trip into New York City, Molloy captivates her audience as she brings Rapp’s piercing imagery to life in what is, essentially, a 75-minute monologue. Together, her performance and his language create a disturbingly honest and delicate character in Bernadette, and the attention of the audience is palpable.

As auditions approach for Bernadette’s school play, Rapp borrows from Jean Genet’s The Maids, the haunting 1956 play loosely based on Christine and Lea Papin – two young maids who famously murdered their employer in France in 1933. In Genet’s play, Solange and Claire engage in sadomasochistic, ritualistic fantasies of murder. Bernie’s desire to play Claire colors her exploration of sexuality, adulthood, death and love as she acts out the story from her diary, embodying character after character with humor, honesty, and commitment.

Jacqueline Stone’s thoughtful direction brings Bernie’s diary to life with elegance and chaos. Rarely have I seen such a cohesive production. The design works to support Molloy’s performance, offering her the freedom to play in the layers of this piece – the layers, perhaps, of Bernadette’s psyche. Joe Court’s sound design is particularly chilling. Martin Andrew’s mesmerizing scenic design elevates the whole experience and will be hard to forget.

Though I’m still not sure I understood it all, I left the theater deeply affected. This is a brave production of a haunting play and is not to be missed.

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About author

Erin Shea Brady

Erin Shea Brady is a contributing writer and critic at PerformInk and Newcity Stage. Directing credits include: Everybody (Brown Paper Box Co.) and Cabaret, Annapurna (staged reading) and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (No Stakes Theater Project). Erin has assistant directed and dramaturged productions at the Goodman, Jackalope, TimeLine, A Red Orchid, Northlight, and Remy Bumppo. Erin is a graduate of the directing program at Columbia College Chicago, the internship program at Steppenwolf, Jackalope's inaugural Playwright's Lab, and participated in the Goodman's Criticism in a Changing America bootcamp. Erin is a company member with Brown Paper Box Co. and is currently pursuing her MSW at Loyola.

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