This essay by Ada Calhoun was printed at Salon.com on Monday, Dec. 21, 2009.
Well said, Ada. Can you relate?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
"Because you're in the public eye and God knows you need to look good."
Oh, thank you, thank you LiturgyGeek for introducing me to "Beauty Tips for Ministers!" This is Glamour magazine for thinking girls. I adore this blog.
The writer, PeaceBang, gives beauty advice, and how to walk that appearance line for women in any profession, really. Clergy are rather scrutinized in their personal appearance, most especially women. Men can raise their outward profile tremendously by putting on a tie. Even with ratty jeans, a tie raises the bar for men. No equivalent for women, really.
But beyond beauty tips and advice, all done in a wonderfully fun and girly spirit, PeaceBang reminds those who work for the church and ultimately for God, that this is hard work. Taking care of one's self is so important.
I'm taking an online course to learn how to take an online course... One of the men was sharing that he needs to take better care of himself. The birth of his baby girl, along with his other young daughters, reminded him that he needs to take care of himself to be able to care and raise them. Most of the students in this online class are serving a church part-time for little or no salary. We are beginning our formal education to be licensed lay pastors.
It's the same mentality they use on airplanes when the cabin pressure drops... you know, if you are traveling with someone who needs your assistance, put your mask on first and then help them.
LiturgyGeek's post this week entitled, "Sabbath Rant" uses time-management, or lack thereof, to speak to the all-important issue of self-care...
Join me this week, in finding ways to take a moment for ourselves, to do something just for us. If you have time for nothing else in the midst of it all, simply take five minutes to just rest and let God love you. And to work your lipstick shade as an accessory.
The writer, PeaceBang, gives beauty advice, and how to walk that appearance line for women in any profession, really. Clergy are rather scrutinized in their personal appearance, most especially women. Men can raise their outward profile tremendously by putting on a tie. Even with ratty jeans, a tie raises the bar for men. No equivalent for women, really.
But beyond beauty tips and advice, all done in a wonderfully fun and girly spirit, PeaceBang reminds those who work for the church and ultimately for God, that this is hard work. Taking care of one's self is so important.
I'm taking an online course to learn how to take an online course... One of the men was sharing that he needs to take better care of himself. The birth of his baby girl, along with his other young daughters, reminded him that he needs to take care of himself to be able to care and raise them. Most of the students in this online class are serving a church part-time for little or no salary. We are beginning our formal education to be licensed lay pastors.
It's the same mentality they use on airplanes when the cabin pressure drops... you know, if you are traveling with someone who needs your assistance, put your mask on first and then help them.
LiturgyGeek's post this week entitled, "Sabbath Rant" uses time-management, or lack thereof, to speak to the all-important issue of self-care...
Join me this week, in finding ways to take a moment for ourselves, to do something just for us. If you have time for nothing else in the midst of it all, simply take five minutes to just rest and let God love you. And to work your lipstick shade as an accessory.
Friday, December 4, 2009
An Advent Poem
First Coming
God did not wait till the world was ready,
till nations were at peace,
God came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
God did not wait for the perfect time,
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. God did not wait.
til hearts were pure. In joy God came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame,
God came, and God's Light would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh,
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
~ Madeleine L'Engle
God did not wait till the world was ready,
till nations were at peace,
God came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
God did not wait for the perfect time,
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. God did not wait.
til hearts were pure. In joy God came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame,
God came, and God's Light would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh,
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
~ Madeleine L'Engle
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