Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi

I haven’t posted in a long time and would love to craft something witty and creative but I don’t have the time or the energy.  Here’s what I’ve been up to, even if it’s just by bullet points:

• I’m dramatically excited about the outcome of the election and looking forward to the first president that I voted FOR, rather than a nominee whose opponent I voted against.
• Despite the above statement, I am increasingly less impressed with the concept of democracy.  It boils down to the fact that I have realized more and more that “majority rules” is often neither right, righteous, nor gracious nor does it protect those whom Christians have the biblical mandate to protect and care for.
• I love ministry.  And I’ve realized that I am a minister who has no interest in “ecclesial hospice care.”  I like working for a congregation that has potential and future (like Dunningville) and don’t want to work for a congregation that’s simply trying to do “pain management” until it finally closes its doors.
• Ministry is exhausting.
• I’m a “passive extrovert.”  This is my own newly-created category.  Extroverts are those who, fundamentally, get energy from and are rejuvenated by being around other people.  I’ve learned that, while that is true for me, I get my energy “passively.”  The difference?  Classic extroverts get their energy by interacting with people at parties, in groups, etc.  “Passive extroverts” get their (our) energy from being around people in crowds (like at coffee shops, etc.) but that doesn’t necessarily mean actually interacting with them.
• I finished a pumpkin hat for Sophia and it turned out wonderfully.  You can see it over at my blog on MenWhoKnit.com.  I’m currently working on my third “Habitat” hat designed by Brooklyntweed — what a great pattern.
• We purchased a Vinturi: Essential Wine Aerator.  They’re a little pricey, but WOW, it’s perfect aeration can turn a mediocre red wine into a very pleasant one - I’d definitely recommend it and wish I’d picked it up last year on vacation (instead of waiting until this year!)
• I’ve finally finished a little document about “church membership personalities” — keep your eyes open, I’ll be unveiling it to you soon
• My thesis is not finished.  It is hanging over my head like a private little storm of misery.  If you believe in prayer, please pray that I will get it finished… and soon.  I can’t imagine having it hanging there for much longer without going truly insane.
• I graduated from college in 1997.  When I was in college most anti-racism and cultural competency trainings used resources that were a decade old.  It’s not 2008 and, disturbingly, my experience is that they’re still using many of the same resources that were old a decade ago.
• The current collection of people on the RCA’s Commission on Christian Worship (which I’m the moderator for) is an incredible group.  I’m wonderfully excited about it’s future.
• Ragbrai registration opens up later this week.  I don’t know if I’m able to go or not, but I’m applying.  I need the hope and joy of anticipating the possibility for the next six months!
• I can’t believe it’s almost time to start practice for the Christmas program at church.  I like Christmas programs and enjoy them but wish we didn’t lose a month and a half of Sunday School practicing for 45 minutes.
• Tomorrow I’m teaching the first half of a 2-part tatting class at Lizzie Anne’s Wool Company… fun!  I’m excited about it!
• I’d go absolutely crazy without the connections I have on MenWhoKnit.com, Ravelry.com, and Facebook — that’s everyone!  (My bloglist is a little outdated — I’ll pass on some of my favorites in a later post!)

Well, that’s all I have time for - smells like I need to go change someone’s diaper….  Hope each of you are well!

Grace and Peace,

`tim

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