I have a confession: I HATE writing mission statements. Half the time, I get the feeling that the hours required to debate and write out a list of goals and visions which are usually grandiosely stated and in large part self-evident can be better used actually seeking out ways to execute those ideals (probably the engineer in me crying out for help…
However, I took it all back when I read the mission statement Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) chose to define his life:
To me, that’s our job as Christians summed up in six beautifully concise words. I particularly like the use of the word “present” in this mission statement. Thinking back to roll call in elementary school, we would always have to yell out “present” to confirm our attendance in the class, not only to indicate we were physically there, rear ends in the seats, but further that we were in the right place at the right time, communicating effectively with those requiring our presence (the teacher in this case) and ready to do what we were asked. That’s the essence of the relationship we need to have with God and those around us: allowing God to teach us and transform our lives while reflecting the hope and care God grants us to our neighbours through meeting real needs. In a world of pithy and empty mission statements, this is one that truly stands out.
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Sun, 23 Oct 2005
Oct 23, 2005, 23:50
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Enrich your (fake) word power
Here’s something kind of fun — The Washington Post’s Style Invitational annually asks readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are some of this year’s winners:
Intaxication (n.): Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
Reintarnation (n.): Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.
Giraffiti (n.): Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
Sarchasm (n.): The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn’t get it.
Inoculatte (v.): To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
Hipatitis (n.): Terminal coolness.
Dopeler effect (n.): The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you’ve accidentally walked through a spider web.
Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a grub in the fruit you’re eating.
Got any others? Add them in the comments!
- Todd
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Fri, 14 Oct 2005
Oct 14, 2005, 18:53
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The Cross: Feelings About the Catholic Church
I am truly sorry if I offend anyone by this blog. I wrote this one day as I was reflecting on my feelings of the Catholic Church. This is my story.
I see the crosses row by row
Hung on necks with pride to show
Yet, not a soul to know its worth
Of what it truly means…his birth
New life he gave, but not when born
The life he gave when he was torn
On the cross he gave his life
Filled with pain and with strife
In a time when Truth was gone
Here is where he truly shone
He lived with conviction for himself
I wish I could say this for myself
So go to church and say your prayers
Kneel down and watch the stares
Of people praying to and fro
Not to our God, but to below
Their souls they tithe with added glee
Enter now…Monetary Misery
They worship now their treasured dime
And for this, they pay a fine
Their souls have sinned and all in vain
Through this act… they do not gain
A place in heaven shall not be found
Their only place is in the ground
This is where the demons lie
In their hearts they truly die
In this place and all around
Temptation lurks and will be found
Sin they mask with a cross of gold
And their hearts…they are so cold
Yet, I am not…one to say
Who should go or who should stay
In a place of Eternal Life
And this is where I find the strife
Am I this kind? Do I sin?
Yes, I do…and with my kin
Sister dear and I do learn
In a place that is quite stern
Filled with nuns and priests that say
If you falter…do not stay<
Yet girls, they wear their kilts too high
And boys they watch…Oh My! Oh My!
Sin they mask with a cross of gold
Yet, I am so often told
To marry one alike is best
Yes, a Catholic boy is best, is best
Eternally, I am betrothed to One
Or I could become a Nun
But children here, I do not see
What a life of misery
So, up the chapel steps I go
On my daddy’s arm for show
Here a man waits for me
But, has probably lost his virginity
I’ll raise a girl much like me
Who is taught to only see
A life that is filled with sin
And I’ll raise a boy much like him
Who is taught to one be
Someone who must pay a fee
I wore this cross when I was young
Around my little neck was hung
Father Son and Holy Ghost
This, the part I like the most
A place of peace…I did find
A place here…with my kind
I faltered yes, and paid the price
Then I tried to be nice
The guilt was strong and taught me well
That if I fall, I go to hell
I penance once and penance twice
Oh Holy Spirit…save my life
And now I look unto myself
A Hypocrite of wealth
I was taught to worship here
And I did… in fear, in fear
Of a God that hated well
Love was something he could sell
Lord, wake me from this wicked dream
Where in my life, if would not seem
That truth was mixed with lies galore
And in my life, it did not store
Rows of crosses hung in vain
For a God that caused this pain
Another place, I did find
More of like my mother’s kind
A Protestant church I do see
But, where can this be leading me?
So, here I sit…it Purgatory
(This, dear friend, is my story)
Poem By: Vanessa Riddell
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Tue, 11 Oct 2005
Oct 11, 2005, 23:09
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A gr8 trnslatn
In the continuing quest to make the Bible more accessible to the younger generation…
Yes, it’s the Contemporary English Version of the Bible translated into text message speak… so “In da Bginnin God cre8d da heavens & da earth” and “God so luvd da world”. You can even download it and send verses to selected text messaging buddies
here. Can’t wait to see what’s next… perhaps setting Leviticus to a rap beat…
- Todd
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