For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and . . . and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
Published by Brett
on 15 January, 2009 at 9:28 AM. 
- Why can't the Today show be more like NPR morning edition? Kate and I have been discussing this lately.
- My dad and I have been discussing lately the language that is used with cancer sufferers. People always say that someone is "fighting" or that he/she "won the battle against cancer." This implies human agency or control in this tragic event, and also implies that the people who lose are not as "strong." This is very interesting to me and something I am becoming more aware of and hope to continue to be as I do CPE, etc.
- Where do I want/should I/where would be more practical to do CPE? I am pursuing sites that I like in both Richmond and Philly area. I will be paying rent up here either way.
- Last week I took Lutheran Hymnody. This week and next I am taking ecumenism. We are talking a lot about the WCC, divisive issues between Christians, and the concept of unity. Do we want unity? On my Thinking about God (oral) final we had to discuss why the doctrine of the trinity is relevant for ministry today. I talked about that the doctrine of the trinity teaches complete diversity and complete unity, and how this is of paramount relevance as a teachable model for today. We should conceive of the trinity in the same way we should conceive of ourselves, completely equal, completely unique and respected for our differences, but completely united and willing to come together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Some questions/random things I have thought about in class . . .
- my home church, CTK, is less than five minutes from another ELCA church, but the two would never think of joining.
- Where does sin enter into this? Are we judging each other when we label division as sin? How can we follow Christ to respect others yet work toward unity?
- Unity in mission, philanthropy, and general fraternity versus actually worshipping together. . .
- My brother moved to an Air Force base in Mississippi on Tues. to start his career as a 2nd Lieutenant pilot. I keep him in my prayers and pray for his discernment, fulfillment, and relationship with God.
- The inauguration should be interesting to watch. But I am more interested in how the country reacts in the months after, like children the days after Christmas . . . there is great work to be done.
- Why are we bailing out the auto industry when what we need is a perspective switch - that we as Americans do not need new cars every 3 years or whatever, and ought not judge ourselves by this status symbol. Perhaps this is an industry that should change, should streamline.
- I like stained glass when it has rich and not pastel colors.
- I would like to catch more concerts in 2009.
