tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72560502011-12-09T15:27:16.177-05:00a humble attempt at authentic living. relying on community and conversation for holistic answers to fractured questions. trying to catch a glimpse of the kingdom coming. seeking the one who said "follow me"...COMMUNALITYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09307195910851968419noreply@blogger.comBlogger9271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-48928076560544246722011-12-09T14:57:00.007-05:002011-12-09T15:27:16.244-05:00

I read this article today on MSNBC. The article highlights how much US defense contractors stand to gain from the Iraqi government buying US weapons. I thought I would post it here along with a few cartoons from Michael Leunig. Unfortunately, I couldn't find one of my Leunig favorites, the one where a massive cargo truck with "LIES" emblazoned on the side is preparing to run down a small car

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-91232033872799981842011-11-28T12:28:00.002-05:002011-11-28T12:39:09.814-05:00

Today I read the article below and thought the author made some interesting observations about the current problem with jobs in America. See what you think....here is an excerpt:Yes, it's huge. But only 50 people work there.Optimists argue that the solution to the US's sky-high unemployment and income inequality is more companies like Apple--the resurgent tech company that has revolutionized the

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-4596048405681862232011-11-03T11:09:00.002-04:002011-11-03T11:24:37.839-04:00

To go along with the preceding post, here is a fascinating scholarly paper brought to my attention by my colleague Greg Leffel. The article offers a very detailed accounting of how a very small number of transnational corporations exert tremendous control over the sum total of decision making capacity in the global economy. The bulk of the article is very highly technical, but has enough plain

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-40065498667842606452011-11-03T10:41:00.003-04:002011-11-03T10:56:57.521-04:00

Though sobering and disheartening, this is a nice summary article on the deepening demographic realities of poverty in America. Here are a couple of excerpts:"New census data paint a stark portrait of the nation's haves and have-nots at a time when unemployment remains persistently high. It comes a week before the government releases first-ever economic data that will show more Hispanics, elderly

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-89877242238887487852011-09-29T12:40:00.004-04:002011-09-29T12:48:16.551-04:00

I saw this article today and though the title at first seemed counter-intuitive, I quickly thought, "Yeah, that actually does make a lot of sense." I really found the article to be an interesting and provocative look at what really matters in life and what values lead to the most lasting fulfillment.

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-42635313962507492962011-08-09T16:28:00.005-04:002011-08-10T10:12:18.890-04:00

I've been reading Zygmunt Bauman's newest book called, "Collateral Damage: Social Inequalities In A Global Age." I've been finding it to be a pretty good and generally insightful read. At the same time I've been talking about these issues with my colleague Greg and listening to his reflections, as he's been reading a related book called, "The Spirit Level," that also addresses the topic of

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-76585927210961848392011-07-19T13:58:00.004-04:002011-07-19T14:52:33.795-04:00

I seem to remember writing in this space some time ago about a book by Henri Nouwen called "Reaching Out." That book is one of the most important books I've ever read, and continues to reverberate within me to this day. However, I must admit that over the course of the last year I've been falling away from some of the vital disciplines that I learned in this spiritual classic. Any of you who've

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-42975598772503853352011-06-21T16:33:00.002-04:002011-06-21T16:38:22.466-04:00

Here is a link to a fascinating article in The Economist about what some geologists are saying about the recent and accelerating impacts of humanity on the earth and some of its cycles.

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-75840584890430610152011-06-06T16:00:00.011-04:002011-06-06T16:39:17.673-04:00

Over the past few weeks I've enjoyed reading a series of articles that address the topic of the "War on Drugs." It seems that there is at least a small groundswell of new reflection and debate about this longstanding policy and its implications for our country and our immediate neighbors. I'll offer a few links for those of you who might be interested in reading further. These links are to

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-11046830005400749172011-06-02T16:46:00.003-04:002011-06-02T17:04:20.086-04:00

Last night (when I should have been in bed resting) I enjoyed watching the last part of Lawrence O'Donnel's show. I especially enjoyed the message of last night's "Rewrite." While out of town this past week I was having a discussion with an acquaintance who works in investments. I was surprised when, in the natural course of the conversation, he stated very strongly that people need to realize

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-83856888761313494692011-05-15T23:38:00.003-04:002011-05-15T23:43:23.709-04:00

SORRY ALL...wrong blog.What are you all reading?

The White Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08697943632481431641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-60957774141475648252011-04-14T11:51:00.005-04:002011-04-14T11:59:37.703-04:00

Here is a link to a nice article in the NY Times about a tiny "mining" town in West Virginia that was forwarded to me this morning.

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-54215120306534435912011-04-11T15:08:00.005-04:002011-04-11T15:28:57.287-04:00

Some well-worn and time tested wisdom that I encountered today, along with a picture of my kids from the UK Arboretum that somehow captures for me much of what is expressed below.First, some thoughts from Thomas Merton (From "A Letter To A Young Activist"): Do not depend on the hope of results. When you are doing the sort of work you have taken on, essentially an apostolic work, you may have to

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-86629059603668522462011-03-29T15:47:00.009-04:002011-03-29T15:59:02.459-04:00

Reading this week on John Wesley's theology and came across this: "Thus, as Wesley understood and practiced theology, the defining task of "real" theologians was neither developing an elaborate System of Christian truth-claims nor defending these claims to their "cultured despisers"; it was nurturing and shaping the worldview that frames the temperament and practice of believers' lives in the

mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08080869629149026665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-26669165087447485702011-03-23T15:27:00.004-04:002011-03-24T11:24:03.788-04:00

Over the last year I've been walking pretty closely with a friend (of many years) who is trying to put his life back together after an extended stay in prison. In respect of his privacy I will not go into the details surrounding his incarceration or his life in general. What I will say is that he, like most other "ex-cons," is finding it very hard to make the adjustment to life "outside the walls

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-68541709558026493002011-02-28T16:44:00.008-05:002011-03-04T15:58:55.416-05:00

The developments that we've been witnessing over the last several weeks in the Middle-East have been truly remarkable. We do not know where they will eventually go or what in the long-run will be gained from them. However, despite all the attendant ambiguities, we can be encouraged that people are uniting (more or less collectively) to at the very least ask questions about where their countries

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-49913064823092966802011-02-23T09:58:00.006-05:002011-02-23T10:19:04.099-05:00

Here are some thoughts from, "Globalization: The Human Consequences," by the Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauman that I've been contemplating a lot as I've watched Steve and Luella Pavey fight so hard for the plight of the "Dreamers" in America; and as I've considered, prayed and participated with the efforts of so many other friends working to envision and build the spaces in which we live. Though

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-61691409123412792682011-02-16T12:39:00.004-05:002011-02-16T12:57:45.761-05:00

Unfortunately we were not able to attend the World Social Forum in Dakar, Senegal this year. Therefore, it was nice to receive this update on the forum from Immanuel Wallerstein, wherein he offers a few observations on the forum and the impending challenges facing all the various parties who feel like some kind of fundamental "civilizational change" is necessary. I think that the paragraph in

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-18746672626144482162011-02-04T15:26:00.006-05:002011-02-04T15:41:25.031-05:00

I've always been mindful of that C.S. Lewis line that if evil were not so destructive it would essentially be humorous because it is so utterly absurd in its mindlessness. Well, today I was reminded of those words when I saw this video detailing the obscene crime that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has reportedly perpetrated upon the people of Egypt. I think this might be one of the greatest

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-20646378512783035222011-02-03T13:14:00.005-05:002011-02-03T13:25:39.719-05:00

Here is a hopeful article that was revealing and thought-provoking to me. As always, the “comments” section throws light (for me) upon the infinite distances that always exist between us in our attempts to try to identify with the best and most sublime in one another-to understand one another's deepest hopes and aspirations; as well as the fleeting beauty of those moments of rare connection when

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-25202245895846892512011-01-26T16:34:00.008-05:002011-01-26T17:40:23.173-05:00

I awakened this morning to learn that my maternal grandmother, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this week, died last night. I was planning to go to Atlanta on Friday to visit with her, say goodbye and hopefully get a chance to introduce her to her great grandson (my 13 month old son Roman). I regret that I will not have that opportunity, and therefore not be able to place the celebration of

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-52976862621199970982011-01-14T11:21:00.004-05:002011-01-14T11:56:53.726-05:00

An article I read this morning made me think about a trip that I took to China a couple of years ago. During the trip we visited an amazing park in Northern Sichuan Province called Jiuzhaigou. I remember standing and looking up at one of the ridges rising above us (to around 15k feet)and remarking to my colleague Greg about how life ceases to exist as we know it at a fairly low altitude. I'll

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-77002522353194660932010-12-10T16:51:00.010-05:002010-12-13T17:39:36.924-05:00

I got an e-mail response the other day to my last post asking an important question. The respondent was asking me for more detailed thoughts on my views of the "conquest" narrative in Joshua in the light of the (obvious) conflict it creates with the teachings of Jesus-and very significant portions of the rest of scripture(something I purposely acknowledged in my post). There are many different

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-8268591512253360272010-12-03T15:49:00.011-05:002010-12-03T18:17:44.065-05:00

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever for the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!"The above verse

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-25639534652410758982010-11-24T12:13:00.007-05:002010-11-29T14:31:43.968-05:00

Tomorrow is the holiday in America that we call thanksgiving. It has become cliche to comment upon the fact that the thanksgiving holiday in our global consumerist culture has become essentially an afterthought on the way to christmas, and christmas in turn an afterthought on the way to gift giving and bargain hunting. Therefore, it becomes almost impossible to say anything that hasn't already

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-34591908215140608802010-10-01T22:53:00.001-04:002010-10-01T23:47:54.507-04:00

more pics over at my flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/geoffandsherry/ 

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-32495239607319335472010-09-24T13:03:00.002-04:002010-09-24T13:06:15.886-04:00

Darryl Gardiner's Sin Chatcheck out this fantastic rant from Daz Gardiner. Daz is a friend from New Zealand who (in my opinion) manages to cut right to the heart of the good news in this short video.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-52196133914376786332010-09-15T15:59:00.005-04:002010-09-15T16:15:10.168-04:00

This coming Wednesday, Sept. 22, the Kentucky Environmental Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary at Natasha's Bistro and Bar in downtown Lexington. The event will be from 8-10pm. KEF has done amazing work over the last twenty-years in leading the fight to insure the safe disposal of chemical weapons stored at the Bluegrass-Army Depot. In the last several years KEF has turned their

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-67891002487355621432010-08-27T13:40:00.003-04:002010-08-27T15:00:51.427-04:00

The other day Geoff sent me a link to a blog post done by a friend of his. The link touched upon two Wall Street Journal articles that took a critical view of the role of public charities, unfavorably contrasting them with the greater good (that is the claim) done by "private" entrepreneurs operating in "free-markets." You can read it here if you'd like. As unsavory, naive & reductionistic as I

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-42763495696017803602010-08-19T09:35:00.001-04:002010-08-19T09:35:20.183-04:00

check out this great article about our friends in Columbus, OH.  if you live near Columbus look this crew up…they are wonderful and faithful jesus-people. article Faith & Values Where would Jesus live? Housemates try to emulate Christ by choosing simple lives and doing good deeds in low-income Franklinton Friday, July 2, 2010  02:51 AM By Meredith Heagney

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-27650744191615138972010-08-13T14:28:00.006-04:002010-08-13T14:45:12.255-04:00

Here is a parable that I wrote many years ago. I wrote it in the context of trying to come to grips with my own feelings about the costs of trying to live the Kingdom of God in the here and now. I first shared this at a "New Monastic" gathering at the CCDA conference in Atlanta. It came up in a conversation that I had with Steve Pavey today and I thought I would share it here.A FALLEN STARThere

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-59553433955739730052010-08-06T13:26:00.013-04:002010-08-06T14:19:07.533-04:00

I wanted to ask a favor of all the readers of this blog. My sister (Tracey) has successfully submitted an idea to the "Pepsi Refresh Project" and is one of a large number of people who are now eligible for a $25k grant. Her idea centers upon providing comfort and support to patients awaiting organ transplant and raising consciousness about this vital issue. I'm trying to support her by

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-4346979301013513682010-07-27T13:39:00.006-04:002010-07-27T17:37:12.648-04:00

Feeling grateful and giving thanks for the amazing gifts of life and companionship are not things that come easily to me. I spend way too much time trying to figure out what's "happening" in the world and what "needs to happen" to avoid falling prey to the tendency to fixate upon what remains undone, broken, unjust or otherwise unhelpful in the overall scheme of things. And lately I've come to

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-82417425881863529762010-07-21T18:07:00.004-04:002010-07-21T18:36:32.581-04:00

Today I came across the section below while reading Zygmunt Bauman's book entitled "The Art of Life." I was really taken by the power of the words of Robert Kennedy, shared by Bauman, and thought I would share. Seems to me a particularly relevant meditation on a day where we've heard Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke say the immediate future outlook on economic growth is "unusually uncertain." "....as

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-15443793802579508412010-07-14T15:22:00.003-04:002010-07-14T16:16:02.222-04:00

I've been reading through a book entitled "Reconciling All Things," by Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice. The book is part of the "Resources for Reconciliantion" series that is being done colloboratively by IVP and the Duke Divinity School's Center for Reconciliation. Communality community member Sarah Brown and our good friend Andrea James recently returned from Duke's Summer Institute which

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-13618064545874018772010-07-02T11:20:00.004-04:002010-07-02T11:55:16.808-04:00

Yesterday I read a passage in Miroslav Volf's book "Exclusion & Embrace," that gave me a lot of hope and encouragement. In the light of my time at the US Social Forum last week, and the struggle to envision and believe that "another world is possible," Volf's eloquent thoughts are a critical reminder to me of both the steep cost and the incomparable joy of being with Christ in this struggle. I've

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-38211671259174122162010-06-30T17:12:00.001-04:002010-06-30T17:12:37.758-04:00

thanks for the post, billy.  it was nice to hang with mr earl at our tuesday eve gathering last week too.  he’s a treasure.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-25789952400823439002010-06-29T17:09:00.004-04:002010-06-29T17:30:38.028-04:00

Today I had the chance to visit with one of our local downtown treasures, Henry Earl, on the front porch of the High Street House. Like all of us, Henry has undoubtedly had his struggles along the road of life. But in his own inimitable way, he has one of the most entertaining and indefatigable personalities of any one I've ever met. He just seems to keep going, keep grinding, in spite of all the

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-74169125387442234892010-06-27T16:20:00.001-04:002010-06-27T16:20:42.361-04:00

  a wonderful mission team from Riverstone in Marietta, GA have returned home after 5 days.  they served our life together and the wider community by working to care for the London Ferrell Community Garden, Kid’s Cafe (bowling, picnic, fun at the fountain), and a brief visit with Luella at KRM.  the team of 11 (6 adults and 5 kids)worked very hard and showed such generosity and grace

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-54455772063381505262010-06-25T13:52:00.010-04:002010-06-25T15:24:41.421-04:00

It is hard to know where to begin sharing about the last couple of days. There is so much that has happened. But there is one thing that I've been contemplating for the last twelve hours that was brought to some degree of clarity during a walk that I took around downtown Detroit this afternoon. The photos that you see here help narrate that journey and the thoughts lately chattering in my mind.

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-50318858379258059822010-06-23T14:09:00.002-04:002010-06-23T14:13:55.379-04:00

This is a reprint of a post from 1996, whhich I wanted to share again this year.************************************************************************ While I will always, in some sense, be a Texas girl at heart, I also love being out East. The spring brings blooming fruit trees and clusters of daffodils along the roads, and the fall has the gorgeous arrays of changing leaves. It's

mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08080869629149026665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-69114565060509056602010-06-22T22:44:00.002-04:002010-06-22T23:22:59.719-04:00

I drove up to Detroit today to meet up with Greg (Leffel) and Steve (Pavey) to begin our journey with the approximately 15 thousand people who've come to attend the US Social Forum. I had a smooth journey overall. It was actually kind of nice to spend time alone in the car. It was the first road trip of decent length that I've taken in a while. I guess if you're going to take a road trip (in a

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-19172162775281664172010-06-21T12:00:00.001-04:002010-06-21T12:00:36.365-04:00

sarah and andrea shared some reflections on their recent participation in this conference. rich discoveries and insight that will continue to serve our efforts at receiving the gift of reconciliation in our city.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-23376415357320901622010-05-25T11:17:00.001-04:002010-05-25T11:21:23.631-04:00

wonderful gathering in the park this week.  that’s the sweet part…the bitter was also with us as we said farewell to the Aja and Bartlett tribes.  dear co-travelers for a small time and we will miss them.  we played and prayed, laughed and talked and shared in the meal of remembering. 

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-42265547987289714112010-05-18T12:03:00.002-04:002010-05-18T12:30:03.085-04:00

In a world where social and political discourse is so dominated by the (felt) need to capture and keep the "news-cycle," I find these words from Henri Nouwen very hopeful and challenging:"Creating space for the other is far from an easy task. It requires hard concentration and articulate work. It is like the task of a patrolman trying to create some space in the middle of a mob of panic-driven

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-28101854992562957422010-05-10T16:09:00.002-04:002010-05-10T16:42:34.196-04:00

Friendship at the Margins is part of the Resources for Reconciliation Book Series, a partnership between IVP and the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School. The series asks what it means to pursue hope in the midst of the many manifestations of brokenness in our world. Each book is co-authored by a practitioner and someone from the academy. I have been looking forward to reading

The Gladdings in Lexingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140624075840842300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-64940563245571561702010-05-10T15:51:00.001-04:002010-05-10T15:51:49.373-04:00

Chris (from word made flesh) writes beautifully here of what it means to engage in meaningful mission in our day and age.   he is writing in response to Jonathan’s wonderful book, “the wisdom of stability.” read the article

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-28081686539266192062010-05-07T15:30:00.001-04:002010-05-07T15:30:57.570-04:00

"What keeps our faith cheerful is everywhere in daily life, a sign that faith rules through ordinary things: through cooking and small talk, through storytelling, making love, fishing, tending animals and sweet corn and flowers, through sports, music, and books, raising kids ­p; all the places where the gravy soaks in and grace shines through. Even in a time of elephantine vanity and greed,

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-988036909954461992010-05-07T12:33:00.005-04:002010-05-07T13:13:04.932-04:00

Here is something remarkable that I was contemplating in my morning reading. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the United States for 2009 was over 6.25 times greater than that of the entire 53 countries of the continent of Africa. The GDP (GSP in this case) of the state of California alone in 2008 was over 80% of the GDP of the 53 countries of Africa for 2009. I know California is currently

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-3519190232011520502010-05-07T10:56:00.001-04:002010-05-07T10:56:05.058-04:00

check out this post from Christine Sine at MSA where she references seedleaf. http://godspace.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/edible-art-churches-and-backyards/

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-13751462121394653762010-05-04T10:27:00.001-04:002010-05-04T10:27:45.909-04:00

please take a minute to demand this film in your city/region.  just a couple of clicks and you can really help this film get the audience it deserves. thanks http://www.returntoelsalvador.com/blog/98

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-29945992988102838132010-05-03T16:43:00.001-04:002010-05-03T16:43:52.079-04:00

The Vertical Self: How Biblical Faith Can Help Us Discover Who We Are in An Age of Self Obsession The Vertical Self - Mark Sayers ATTENTION Mark had my undivided attention with his Acknowledgements section. He gives thanks to his regional library for “saving me a small fortune in books and for a lifetime of learning.” So, from the beginning of my reading I

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-36150466402271780092010-05-02T18:20:00.001-04:002010-05-02T18:20:22.964-04:00

so many wonderful gatherings this weekend…and then several of our basements flooded. cups runneth over! we had the growing community event in the east end, (saturday 10am-2pm), billy’s birthday party and derby gathering (saturday night), and the baby porter shower/celebration at the koch’s place (sunday morning).  good times and even in the midst of soggy basements, some cherished

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-78925398808989028982010-04-30T13:24:00.001-04:002010-04-30T13:24:18.847-04:00

a wonderful post from christine sine. here …and here’s a taste: Is This a Move of God? Saturday I facilitated a Spirituality of Gardening seminar at the Mustard Seed House.  A small but extremely enthusiastic group gathered to discuss basics of organic gardening and how we encounter God in the garden.  Towards the end of the day we talked about the current move towards

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-84265916443204805612010-04-28T20:06:00.001-04:002010-04-28T20:06:15.555-04:00

jonathan talks about community in this 5min WOTP video…i’m honored to have my photos incorporated into this piece so if your a communality peep look out for your shining face. Christian Community w/Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrve from The Work Of The People on Vimeo.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-39170541375670140702010-04-27T11:55:00.004-04:002010-04-27T12:32:42.806-04:00

In the light of Geoff's post from yesterday, and the boiling controversy over immigration in America, I thought I would share yet another thought from Henri Nouwen's "Reaching Out." This book is really helping me to better understand the path we've been upon in this community for many years, as well as helping illumine the tougher (and more glorious) path that lie ahead. Throughout the book I

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-74792733866038960432010-04-27T06:22:00.001-04:002010-04-27T06:28:05.907-04:00

if i’m reading something other than fiction, it is usually because geoff has convinced me with a fair amount of cajoling that a book is worth my time.  i didn’t need any form of convincing to start into jonathan wilson-hartgrove’s new book “the wisdom of stability.” just from the first chapter alone, i feel like his gentle words (which read just like the sound of the slow drawl of his southern

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-67072778328556884782010-04-26T14:37:00.001-04:002010-04-26T14:37:18.228-04:00

there is a storm brewing out west. recent legislation adopted by AZ threatens to unearth our fear and hate a scape-goating inclinations.  while the law of the land is important we are always challenged to affirm our ultimate obligation to the reign of God.  our story tells us (without qualification) “when an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-34957798526464191642010-04-23T11:43:00.001-04:002010-04-23T11:43:33.324-04:00

our friends, the samsons, have opened their tea shop. a beautiful downtown space with delicious tea (and coffee and scones, etc.).  i can highly recommend the earl grey with vanilla.  finally, a place where you can get (as my mum would say) a “proper cuppa”. check them out: Cuppa

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-32525115209967305092010-04-23T11:07:00.005-04:002010-04-23T11:44:35.788-04:00

I've been enjoying a great book recommended to me by a friend of Maria's named India. India came to our School for Conversion in February, and during a "side" conversation shared a thought from Henri Nouwen's book "Reaching Out" that has become one of the most timely and important things anyone has shared with me in a long time. I wanted to share a selection from the first part of the book

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-4331585843619099692010-04-21T23:33:00.001-04:002010-04-21T23:33:22.670-04:00

check out bryan’s music here great concert tonight at the high st house…. see more pics here

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-84105104283543106992010-04-19T15:06:00.001-04:002010-04-19T15:06:18.953-04:00

a beautiful time to read the book of creation and remember that all things are being made new…as tom wright says, the new heaven and the new earth interlock and overlap…we can see evidence of this all around just now.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-48645896815612430722010-04-19T07:54:00.001-04:002010-04-19T07:54:08.664-04:00

it was a full weekend for some communality peeps….on saturday the Campus Community Partnerships for Sustainability Conference happened at BCTC as well as the creative cities gig follow-up downtown: now what lexington? put on by progresslex.  i wandered into one discussion to discover our very own dustin, david, jodie, and sherry scheming with a room full of other active and engaged citizens.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-79066902771163603802010-04-13T16:24:00.001-04:002010-04-13T16:24:05.125-04:00

check out this video from jonathan about his new book.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-81571347672053557182010-03-24T16:06:00.001-04:002010-03-24T16:06:08.071-04:00

Hello! You are invited to the premier of the great new film "Deep Down" on Saturday, March 27th. "Deep in the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky, where coal is king, Beverly May and Terry Ratliff find themselves at the center of a contentious community battle over a proposed mountaintop removal coal mine." Deep Down Lexington Premier Worsham Theatre this Saturday 6:30-

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-3866967244454405712010-03-23T08:18:00.001-04:002010-03-23T08:18:13.015-04:00

Words from Leunig’s A Common Prayer: Dear God, We celebrate spring’s returning and the rejuvenation of the natural world. Let us be moved by this vast and gentle insistence that goodness shall return, that warmth and life shall succeed, and help us to understand our place within this miracle. Let us see that as a bird builds its nest, bravely, with bits and pieces, so we must build human

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-91814349387268066722010-03-01T12:34:00.001-05:002010-03-01T12:37:38.389-05:00

to all you that came for the weekend and all of the communality peeps who gave of their time and resources to host guests...much thanks!   it was a very full and blessed weekend.  yet again we are reminded that hosting a school nourishes us every bit as much as it demands.   thanks again for all the help.  check out pics from the weekend here...if you took photos and can share them with us please

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-35255545657401911912010-02-25T14:43:00.001-05:002010-02-25T14:43:27.761-05:00

check out this disturbing video.  we talked about the link between our cell phones, ipods, laptops, etc. about a year ago at one of our sunday gatherings.  dear refugees from this part of the world continue to arrive in Lexington and we continue to participate in this injustice....Lord, have mercy.  you can find out how to take action here  

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-55953613626523503692010-02-25T10:11:00.001-05:002010-02-25T10:11:43.953-05:00

Jamie Moffett (friend and director of "the ordinary radicals") has a new movie coming out.  One Horizon has worked to help produce the documentary which should be a fascinating exploration of a brutal civil war and our (US government) role in the bloodshed. Return to El Salvador Blog   check out the blog for the latest press details including this article in the Huffington Post which has a link

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-33716874191044343892010-02-23T10:31:00.001-05:002010-02-23T10:31:49.682-05:00

read about this ordinary radical On Christmas Eve 2005, Pierre Manga saw a blonde woman in the Walgreens near Henry Clay High School. She was waiting to fill her breast cancer medication prescription. Recognizing her from school soccer games, Pierre wished the woman "Merry Christmas." He smiled at her, but Paula Hollis remembers that this young man looked sadder and more tired than any 16-

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-16293265586552737052010-02-22T11:33:00.001-05:002010-02-22T11:33:26.590-05:00

  i believe in the insurrection!   

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-20596045039773112532010-02-18T08:41:00.001-05:002010-02-18T08:41:57.666-05:00

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-52437458365402832372010-02-17T08:14:00.001-05:002010-02-17T08:21:41.754-05:00

HT journey with Jesus   Walter Brueggemann (b. 1933) Marked by Ashes   Ruler of the Night, Guarantor of the day . . .This day — a gift from you.This day — like none other you have ever given, or we have ever received.This Wednesday dazzles us with gift and newness and possibility.This Wednesday burdens us with the tasks of the day, for we are already halfway home     halfway back to committees

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-78511158054882307722010-02-08T15:14:00.001-05:002010-02-08T15:14:43.764-05:00

i love mountains 2009 from Kentuckians For The Commonwealth on Vimeo. show the love by attending this rally.....the Kochs are going so contact them if you would like to car-pool. More than 1,400 miles of streams in Kentucky were buried or significantly damaged by coal mining valley fills between 1981 and 2005, and more destruction continues every day. These headwaters are the source of major

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-78445906833536070782010-02-01T20:16:00.001-05:002010-02-01T20:16:34.875-05:00

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-25553482780364669902010-01-29T11:00:00.014-05:002010-01-29T15:38:16.635-05:00

This past week Sean & Rebecca Gladding began leading us through the 12 week study they are preparing to publish entitled the "Story of God." This story covers the whole scope of the Biblical narrative in 12 weeks. Thus far it has led to some stimulating discussion and I really enjoyed the Wednesday night gathering where we used art to interact with the creation narratives in Genesis. I never go

billyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869740559280036839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-53552705204839277542010-01-29T09:12:00.001-05:002010-01-29T09:12:22.093-05:00

  from http://tumblr.tryingtofollow.com/

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-90620354548263177712010-01-29T09:10:00.001-05:002010-01-29T09:10:22.015-05:00

from http://tumblr.tryingtofollow.com/ ht http://jonnybaker.blogs.com/jonnybaker/

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-861640542627318662010-01-29T06:58:00.001-05:002010-01-29T06:58:55.445-05:00

Do not depend on the hope of results. When you are doing the sort of work you have taken on, essentially an apostolic work, you may have to face the fact that your work will be apparently worthless and even achieve no result at all, if not perhaps results opposite to what you expect. As you get used to this idea, you start more and more to concentrate not on the results but on the value, the

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-87424155747414187322010-01-27T15:29:00.001-05:002010-01-27T15:29:37.408-05:00

“If you were a stone, you could remain still, gathered in silent witness in the same landscape. The horizons and the infinity would never trouble you. Nothing could draw you out. As a human, your daily experience is riven with fracture and fragmentation. Like a nomad you wander from event to event, from person to person, unable to settle anywhere for too long. The day is a chase after ghost

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-67263004698792885322010-01-23T23:25:00.002-05:002010-01-23T23:31:32.323-05:00

One of my favorite things about my daughter Miranda is her warm, convivial nature. Upon meeting someone new, particularly another child, she quickly begins referring to them as her “friend.” “Where’s my friend?” she asks. “Where’s my new friend? And what’s her name?” For her, friendship isn’t bound up in long acquaintances or even name recognition; it often stems from nothing more involved that

mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08080869629149026665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-40368424756747636752010-01-19T14:08:00.001-05:002010-01-19T14:08:48.205-05:00

The Colbert Report Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c Coal Comfort - Margaret Palmer www.colbertnation.com Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Economy

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-4610452610018874172010-01-18T19:39:00.001-05:002010-01-18T19:39:44.882-05:00

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-1346222938272624792010-01-18T17:42:00.004-05:002010-01-18T17:54:50.828-05:00

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, I hope that we have been able to reflect a little on his life, legacy, and how it is being continued. I came across this interview of Dr. King by Robert Penn Warren. Here is a quote:In regards to what might further the movement for civil rights and follow it:I think if there is a next phase it will be an extension of the present phase. My feeling is that we

salttheplanetnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-63776638619210058772010-01-18T08:38:00.001-05:002010-01-18T08:38:39.194-05:00

thanks to the b family for hosting a great party on saturday.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-16124868698591772232010-01-16T08:48:00.001-05:002010-01-16T08:48:00.286-05:00

Christine Sine has these helpful reflections on the terrible situation in Haiti.   Christine and Tom are wise mentors and worth listening to, especially at times such as this. read the full post here The horrendous earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday evening has shocked all of us.  It is hard to imagine the death and devastation that it has caused – at least 50,000 dead, hundreds of thousands injured

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-6737494713904883892010-01-12T10:51:00.001-05:002010-01-12T10:51:56.460-05:00

  for the next 12 weeks starting this sunday evening...

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-19577179570864609662009-12-24T09:21:00.001-05:002009-12-24T09:21:18.777-05:00

some time ago mr brad flowers and i sat down to write a localized rendering of the birth of jesus. here it is (again, again) (geoff)   Zachariah was born in Harlan County. His wife, Elizabeth, was also born in Harlan County. In fact, her family had been in that county since before the Civil War, which is a long time for a group of people to stay in a place like Harlan. No one in Harlan knew them

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-80649324250959180692009-12-21T14:41:00.001-05:002009-12-21T14:41:41.872-05:00

In this final week of Advent, almost upon the inbreaking of Christmas, we conceive of reality in which the Messiah is right here. Imagine the coming of Messiah. Break out of cynicism and pessimism. Challenge yourself and others with the presumption that God is acting and that creation is being drawn into redemption - conceive the re:creation that

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-74640150270080633072009-12-21T10:36:00.001-05:002009-12-21T10:39:56.828-05:00

here's some video from the east end tree lighting a couple of weeks ago...keep an eye out for the Brown kids and Luella.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-86599537322409800352009-12-16T10:41:00.001-05:002009-12-16T10:41:39.842-05:00

Good news!  Billy and Maria wanted everyone to know their son, Roman Matthew was born at 2.38am this morning.  21.5 inches long and 8pounds 9oz.  Mother and child are doing very well.

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-42062248470117385292009-12-16T08:46:00.001-05:002009-12-16T08:46:50.946-05:00

  Friends, we're screening "What Would Jesus Buy?", a documentary by Morgan Scurlock, at Third Street Stuff this coming Sunday(12/20), beginning at 8pm. To watch the trailer, go hereThe movie documents Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir, as they head across the States coast to coast, bringing their prophetic message of hope in the face of rampant consumerism in the

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-87094934412169330602009-12-14T14:48:00.001-05:002009-12-14T14:48:06.930-05:00

  Wholeness, love, and joy come with the Advent of Messiah. We've been awakened to that. But we've also been awakened to the reality that our journey is potholed by brokenness, hate and discontent... and we're caught in the middle. We welcome the coming. We are surprised and challenged by the glimpses of advent that God reveals to us, and we would welcome its full coming sooner. We expect it; we

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-2358510670830489152009-12-10T12:58:00.001-05:002009-12-10T13:01:12.482-05:00

“The Marriage-Go-Round: the state of marriage and the family in America today”Andrew J. Cherlin   I just finished this fascinating book and wanted to post a few quotes here in case any of you find it helpful. I have not read many books this year that do a better job of describing the culture we have made around us. I thought it might just be an interesting book about marriage but the author

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-38463566775939125692009-12-10T09:39:00.001-05:002009-12-10T09:39:55.952-05:00

Please join us for National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.  On December 20 (just prior to the first day of winter and the longest night of the year), the Hope Center invites you to join us as we remember those who have died homeless in our community during 2009. George Privett Recovery Center 250 W. Loudon Ave. Lexington, Ky. Sunday, December 20 5 p.m. Each attendee is asked to bring a warm item

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-86299317418574379012009-12-07T22:19:00.001-05:002009-12-07T22:19:34.194-05:00

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-28131079847298141182009-12-07T09:11:00.001-05:002009-12-07T09:11:38.578-05:00

  Welcoming the Advent means welcoming not only Messiah come to us, but also welcoming Messiah come through us. We welcome as God has welcomed.... graciously, eagerly, lavishly, expectantly. This week of Advent, open yourself up and invite the "other" in. You may find you are hosting Jesus; you may find that Jesus is hosting you. This welcome surprises us. It comes in times and places that are

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-17106281958272351312009-12-03T06:35:00.001-05:002009-12-03T06:35:23.047-05:00

this is Tayna Fogle, the wonderful community activist responsible for the gathering State Representative, Jesse Crenshaw

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-30973421721750179882009-12-02T08:31:00.001-05:002009-12-02T08:31:44.559-05:00

we are foregoing our usual gathering at the high st house tonight to join in with the saints for the event described below.   WHAT: Gospel Fest to Restore Voting Rights to Former Felons who have served their debt to society. WHEN: Wednesday, December 2nd at 6:30pm (Arrive at 6pm if you'd like to visit the many organizations tabling at the event - or purchase some barbecue. Call: (859) 231-1555 to

geoff and sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055588922702826766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256050.post-3617194571278003352009-11-30T14:26:00.002-05:002009-11-30T14:32:38.356-05:00

This is a posting from our blog, lopetsinlaos, but I thought I would share it here on the Ashram as well.It’s advent season in the church calendar. It’s the time of year that I like to stop and ponder so that the season doesn’t pass by only to end with a heap of wrapping paper and extra pounds from the big Christmas meal. The cool weather, Christmas music, and lights all help to serve as

Lopethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07174905393375818715noreply@blogger.com1