dream today

Ahh, finally an expression of Christianity which I'm at home in. Seriously, I have traversed many a tradition within the Christian Church in my life (Methodist, Nazarene, Lutheran/Charasmatic, Mennonite, Non-denom., Presbyterian, Anglican and a good shoulder rub with Catholicism), but for all it's lifelessness at times, the Church of Ireland has felt the most like home. It's a strange animal, occupying the 'Via Media' in Christian expression, and I feel a sense of affinity for it. I'm sure much of it has to do with the process of maturation in my life (some could say it's another phase) , but I do love this Church. It is part of a larger body within the Anglican Communion which is 70 million strong and which has so much diversity. From lethargic to charismatic, liturgical to 'dance revolution', reflective to shouts of praise - it's beautiful. Given, there are bound to be heresies as well (and there are in my humble opi

I have been silent. Not necessarily because of my desire to be, but more due to my hectic schedule in recent weeks. Traveling has been average around the island (Mayo, Dublin, Kilkenny and Belfast) but other aspects of life and work have kept me at full tilt. I am very happy to announce that after two years of investing in my course at Manresa for a diploma in Spiritual Direction - I am finished! Last weekend marked the final requirement for the course and I am elated! It was a fantastic course - very well crafted, paced and balanced - with a generous and open spirit to outsiders (non-Catholic in background). My sole prayer to be challenged was answered . . it was! I made a number of new friends, many times 30 years older than me. I have been stretched and opened to understanding the riches and complexities that make up the Catholic Church and the human soul. I look forward to seeing what doors God may open to utilise this training and experience in the days

I was very intrigued and very disturbed by this exhibition by Chris Jordan . I applaud him for his work on this project which begs me to ask the question, "Is there anything I/we can do?!" or more appropriately, "What MUST I/we do about this irresponsible behaviour?!" What are you doing about it? If you're a Christian, let's not waste time trying to build the case by 'running the verses' on stewardship, creation and ethical responsibility - we shouldn't have to do that. It's all there. Know your Bible . . but more importantly, know your God. DO WHAT YOU CAN. “Statistics can feel abstract and anesthetizing, making it difficult to connect with and make meaning of 3.6 million SUV sales in one year, for example, or 426,000 cell phones retired every day. This project visually examines these vast and bizarre measures of our society, in large intricately detailed prints assembled from thousands of smaller photographs.”

This video really drew me in. Aesthetically and lyrically it provides the framework for an engaging narrative. Regardless of whether you appreciate the style, what did you 'take home' after viewing it? What was the message laiden within this video from Thrice as you see it? Labels: arts , comment , critcal thought , Image of the Invisible , musicians , Thrice , video

I'm speechless . . . In this farewell There’s no blood There’s no alibi ‘Cause I’ve drawn regret From the truth Of a thousand lies [Pre-Chorus] So let mercy come And wash away What I’ve done [Chorus] I’ve faced myself To cross out what I’ve become Erase myself And let go of what I’ve done Put to rest What you thought of me Well I cleaned this slate With the hands Of uncertainty [Pre-Chorus] So let mercy come And wash away What I’ve done [Chorus] I’ve faced myself To cross out what I’ve become Erase myself And let go of what I’ve done For what I’ve done I’ll start again And whatever pain may come Today this ends I’m forgiving what I’ve done [Chorus] I’ve faced myself To cross out what I’ve become Erase myself And let go of what I’ve done What I’ve done Forgiving what I’ve done Labels: Christian themes , Linkin Park , musicians , video , What I've Done

Well, if the world isn't getting stranger! This is the second time our little place on the map has been on the world stage in the past year! CBS just aired their television coverage of the breaking story of two weeks ago that Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama had a great, great, great grandfather from Moneygall (translated 'field of the foreigner') , Co. Offaly, Ireland who was a member of the Church of Ireland . Moneygall is in the same group of parishes that our village Cloughjordan is in and therefore, my friend and rector - Stephen Neill - has responsibility for that area too. I wasn't at church the day CBS came through due to the final weekend of my course in Spiritual Direction , but Christy and the kids were. I think Stephen told me he had done 30+ interviews, 7 radio shows and the television piece for CBS when it was all said and done. Isn't the world hungry for information! You can read the story and watch the video