The "new vinyl"

Remember vinyl records?  Vinyl records were popular back in the 1950s to 1990s.  In 1930 RCA Victor launched the first commercially-available LP.  These were designed for playback at 33 1/2 rpm, pressed on a 12" flexible plastic disc.

Yuri Suzuki has developed a 3-dimensional LP called The Sound of the Earth.  He has traveled the world, recording music from around the world.  His invention takes the form of a glossy black globe.  A button is pressed, and Viola!  The orb begins to spin.  A stylus runs logitudinally down the side of the globe, tracking a continuous groove spiraling around the circumference from pole to pole.  What you hear is a mashup of Suzuki's field recordings form his travels as well as fragments of national anthems and folk music from around th world.  The resulting sound is pretty disjointed.  Probably not something I would list on my Top 20 favorites!

Suzuki is quite prolific with his creativity!  Take a look at some of his products on his website!

And I Will Raise You Up!!

On Eagle's Wings is one of my favorite songs!  God is indeed our refuge!!!  Whether, in life or in death, His Faithfulness is certainly our shield and our help!  Seek God, and He will not disappoint you!

On Eagle's Wings was composed in 1979 by Fr. Michael Joncas, a priest, liturgical theologian, and composer.  On Eagle's Wings is probably the composition he is most known for.  Many people are familiar with this song, whether they are Catholic or not! 

Did you know that in 2003 Fr. Joncas was very ill with Guillain-Barre syndrome.  He became paralyzed and found himself on the receiving end of ministry!  He has now regained the use of his arms and legs, although he still lives with pain in his hands and feet.  He can no longer play the guitar.  He has gained many insights into his life through his suffering.  Read more about his experience in an article by The Catholic Review.  

Fr. Joncas was ordained in 1980 and has been a professor at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul for over 20 years.  Last May he received the prestigious Franciscan International Award for his lifetime achievements.  This award recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates the ideals and values of St. Francis of Assisi. Past recipients include the Rev. Billy Graham, Sister Helen Prejan, Archbishop Emeritus Harry Flynn, Habitat for Humanity and CaringBridge.

Enjoy!

Edmodo - Where Learning Happens!

Last year I was introduced to a new learning tool called Edmodo. Edmodo is a free social learning
platform that provides a safe way for students and teachers to connect and collaborate.  During the TIE Conference in April, we used Edmodo to connect and learn during our sessions.  Later this summer, I used Edmodo whlie facilitating a class I taught during the Arts Education Institute.

My goal is to introduce Edmodo to students in Grades 3-6 before the end of the year.  This week was the beginning.  Sixth graders logged in and began a combination Technology/Science assignment.

Each student took home a letter of explanation to their parents as well as a special code that will enable their parents to log into their child's Edmodo page.  One o the cool things about Edmodo is the ability for both students and teachers to communicate and complete assignments online during times outside of the school day.  I'm hoping that parents will frequently check in on their child's page!

Edmodo is designed to get students excited about learning in a familiar environment.  We can continue classroom discussions online.  Learning is personalized and engaging for students.  Special apps help teachers to supplement what is learned in class.  Edmodo also makes it simple to track student progress. Grades and badges can be assigned or awarded.  Through student discussion posts, understanding can be clarified, and frustration or confusion can be minimized.

I'm looking forward to working with Edmodo this year, and hope to learn lots along with the students!

Humility...

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” --Luke 14:11

Humility is not something that comes naturally for us...it takes discipline to focus our lives not on ourselves, but on God...in all that we do, think, believe.  The video below is a beautiful reflection and prayer for us.

Let's Move Those Fingers!!

Was developed by gunmakers E. Remington & Sons in Ilion, NY from 1874-1878.  It was named  the "Sholes & Glidden Type Writer," and it was produced by the gunmakers E. Remington & Sons in Ilion, NY from 1874-1878.  Read more about how the design came about here.

A major emphasis of technology at the elementary level has always been improving our keyboarding skills.  Even though we don't normally type on "regular" typewriters any more, keyboarding is an integral part of our life.  Most occupations have a technological component and technology is integrated into your child's education from Day #1.  Throughout the year we will also cover such topics as Internet Safety, Digital Communication, using appropriate digital tools and resources and use of computer applications.

South Dakota is now part of The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, a state-led consortium working to develop assessments to measure student progress toward college- and career-readiness. This assessment system is aligned to the  Common Core State Standards (CCSS) .  One major difference we see in these tests is that they are all given online (vs. paper and pencil) and that the test itself is more rigorous, requiring deeper thinking with extended explanations in more of an essay-type format (vs. multiple choice).  Of course, students need to be proficient in their keyboarding skills for this type of assessment!

Kindergarteners are just learning where the keys on the keyboard are located.  We play a variety of online games as to develop this skill.  Mouse control is also a new skill for many Kindergarteners.  We are also learning the correct terminology used for different parts of the computer hardware  (monitor, keyboard etc.) as well as vocabulary for things located on the desktop of the computer (icon, dock, cursor etc.)

First Graders are about to begin a program called Dance Mat Typing, an introduction to touch typing for ages 7-11.  There are 4 levels that will gradually build keyboarding skills. Dance Mat Typing is a fun program with some singing and dancing of their characters built into the program.  Kids love the British accent as well!

Third-Sixth graders use a program called Type To Learn.  This is a cumulative touch typing program which retains students' information from year to year.  Review, demonstration, practice and assessment are all included in this program.  Accuracy AND words per minute (speed) are analyzed and assessed. Since this program is in a game format, it is engaging for the students.

• KEYBOARDING TIPS!

• Use the correct fingers
• There's no need to rush!
• Always rest your wrists on the desk
• You should take a rest, and shake your hands and arms to relax your muscles if you get tired
• It's important not to look at your hands when you are learning to type. The best way to ensure that you don't look at your hands is to cover them up - you can make a simple box out of cardboard or wood to cover both the keys and your hands
• Sit comfortably with your back up straight and your feet on the ground!

The Star-Spangled Banner

We've been learning about the history behind the Star-Spangled Banner in school.  One of the videos we watched this week was this one -  the Star-Spangled Banner played by Jake Shimabukuro on his ukulele.  Jake has quite a few recording on YouTube if you want to take a listen!

City of God

One of my favorite songs by Dan Schutte!  A new day is dawning!!!

NewSong: Who Loved You First

NewSong is an American contemporary Christian music group that was founded in 1981, at Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia. They have had eight GMA Dove Award nominations. Wikipedia

How Long?

Tonight the Stars Speak by The Glorious Unseen

The Lord's Prayer/Ave Maria

A video by Bill & Gloria Gaither performing a medley of Ave Maria / The Lord's Prayer.

Are you Mary or Martha?

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Mt 6:33

Today's Gospel reading is the familiar story of Mary and Martha.  I have often thought about my own life, and who I identify with more.  For sure, it's Martha!  I am a DO-er!  I find it hard to even do one thing at a time!  For quite awhile now, I have been conscious of my priorities, and have made an effort to be more like sister Mary.  I am still a DO-er, no doubt.  I have taken time, though, as part of my daily routine, to sit quietly, read Scripture, pray.

In school, it's easy to have an agenda for class time.  There is always lots to get done.  One of my goals is to remember to focus not on the activity, but on the STUDENT.  Taking time to listen, really listen, to a student, or another adult, can only strengthen a relationship.

Another area that I am conscious of is when we have friends and family over for a gathering.  Of course, there is always lots to do when there's a crowd around.  I'm not sure if I'm very good at it, but I DO try to sit, listen, visit, and not worry about the dishes or the mess.  I can take care of that after people have gone home...now for me this is a big deal!  I am one who likes to clean things up and have them in their place!  I'm far from perfect in trying to be more like Mary...but I'm trying!

Contemplate who you are most like, as you reflect with this video by  Elizabeth Etheridge:

AHH-Coca-Cola!

Coca-Cola has a pretty cool new ad campaign...what first drew me there was THIS VIDEO. where Kurt Hugo Schneider made back-up music using coke cans, bottles etc.  Pretty cool!

 

  After you've listed to this cool piece, go to "menu" at the bottom, and on each letter of AHHHHHHHH you will find games,videos and even the Coke version of the Can Can!  Cats in Boxes is pretty cute too!  30 different things to check out.  This was created by ad agency Wieden + Kennedy Portland. (check out their site too, some interesting things there!)   Coke actually has 61 different url's that are some kind of version of AHHHHH, their new slogan.

The site is aimed at teens, so these little snippets are short and sweet.  Every two weeks the company will review the traffic for each URL, and replace those that don't receive many visitors.  I'm not a big fan of Coke, but this site will occupy your time for awhile!  

Also, check out Kurt's cover of CUPS for Pitch Perfect! He also has a YouTube Channel that you can subscribe to.

My Hands

"My hands are the Lord's hands; with out me how can His work be done? I will reach where He would reach, loving kindness in my touch. I'll be His healing hands to ev'ry one."

Titanic Violin Found

In the deep recesses of an attic in England, a special musical treasure has been found.  It has been verified, using CT scan, that it is the violin played by Wallace Harley, the bandmaster of the famed Titanic.  One of the most touching moments remembered in the movie is of the ship's band playing "Nearer My God To Thee" to calm the passengers as the ship sank.  What courage those musicians had!  

The violin is not playable any more since it was submerged in salt water.  Harley had placed the violin in its case and strapped it to his body.  It was presented to his fiance' Maria after his body was recovered.  She had given it to him on the occasion of their engagement.  The instrument had been passed down in the family over the years.

Read more and see more photos in this article by Huffington Post.

Titanic Violin Confirmed Authentic By CT Scan; Instrument Belonged To Bandmaster Wallace Hartley 

Save The Last Dance For Me...PS 22 Chorus

Follow ME

Luke 9:23-62

A Conductor's Journey

"Self-doubt will undoubtedly make us less than our best selves."

Anthony Trecek-King is the conductor for the Boston Children's Chorus.  Listen to his journey and the life lessons that he has learned.  We are always making an impact on others...whether negative or positive....be aware and EAGER  for the opportunities that are put in front of you each day.  God is always at work in our lives.

I like what he says about giving people respect on THEIR own terms, not OURS.

The Servant Song

"I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh, I'll laugh with you."

A Fresh Breath...

Love this video by ThePetersonFarmBros.  The Peterson Farm Bros are made up of Greg, Nathan, and Kendal Peterson.  They have several videos to check out!  Life on the farm......refreshing!

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

"open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers..."

By Casting Crowns...

Jesus Forgives the Sinful Woman

A dramatic presentation of today's Gospel reading...
The full-length (2-hours) docudrama on the life of Jesus Christ based on Luke's Gospel, can be found here.
It can also be viewed in MANY different languages AND has a children's version!  Check those versions out on this page.  I LOVE the children's version...it's told from children's point of view...check it out if you have kids or grandkids!

Psalm 30 "Joy Comes In The Morning"

SING PRAISE TO THE LORD!

I Just Felt Like Dancin'!!

Take a trip down memory lane with this Mister Rogers remix by Symphony of Science's John D. Boswell for PBS Digital Studios.

God In Me, by Allan Scott

I'd never listened to Allan Scott before, I like him!  He hasn't had an easy life - a former drug addict and dropout, he ended up in jail where he invited God into his heart.  He now shares his experience in song, and with "God In Me", released on May 4 at iTunes® sings about God's redemption and hope. Check out his webpage and other songs.  You can also follow him on Facebook.

My Last Days: Meet Zach Sobiech

If you've already watched this, watch again.

UP UP UP

On May 20, 2013, cancer took the life of Zach Sobiech but his legacy will live on through the beacon of love and hope he delivered through infectious lyrics and memorable tunes have imprinted on the minds and hearts of millions around the world.  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDC97j6lfyc&list=HL1370032967)
Love this.  



Also, check out this video, Fix Me Up. Zach and Sammy Brown are life-long friends, since toddlerhood.  They began playing music together when they were 12.  Since Zach's diagnosis, in 2009 they have remained together, and formed the band A Firm Handshake with another friend, Reed Redmond.  Such strength.

It's Not About the Nail...

Sometimes we simply fail to recognize the obvious....

The Supper Of The Lord

The Supper of the Lord is one of my most favorite songs!  Perfect for today's liturgy, the Feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus.  It is written by Laurence Rosania.  Laurence Rosania is a composer, conductor, pianist/organist and singer who performs extensively in the New York City area.  He works with Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker.  Some of his other compositions include: As Grains of Wheat, Gather Us Together, Psalm 23, The Call of Micah and Ubi Caritas.

Blessed are the Persecuted

¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

What does it mean to be persecuted?  What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?  Here’s what Dietrich Bonhoeffer has to say about it:

In Bonhoeffer’s classic work The Cost of Discipleship he begins his concluding thoughts on the beatitudes with the following words,

Having reached the end of the beatitudes, we naturally ask if there is any place of this earth for the community which they describe. Clearly, there is one place, and only one, and that is where the poorest, meekest, and most sorely tried of all men is to be found – on the cross at Golgotha. The fellowship of the beatitudes is the fellowship of the Crucified. With him it has lost all, and with him it has found all. From the cross there comes the call ‘blessed, blessed.’” (113-114).

(http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com/2007/11/13/dietrich-bonhoeffer-on-the-beattitudes/)

So, we are called to be ON the cross with Jesus…not standing nearby, but ON that cross.  That is what true discipleship really is.  We are promised JOY as well…an inner joy that is not destroyed by external circumstances.  What is the cross in your life?  Do you experience the joy of God as you life out your life on this cross? 

This final verse completes the Beatitudes.  Below is the complete text.  Notice that in both the first and the last Beatitude, the promise for us is the same, the Kingdom of Heaven.  What a glorious day that will be!

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

⁵ Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.  Matthew 5:9

Peace…what is it?  Is it the absence of conflict?  Or is it the active presence of God’s peace in my life?  The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, meaning “nothing is missing and nothing is broken.  In Greek, the word is eiréné: (εἰρήνη, ης, ἡ), meaning one, peace, quiet, rest, cloth woven together and restored.

I think that peace is more of a proactive attitude than the absence of conflict.  Conflict is always going to be present in our lives.  My reaction to conflict, though is an action…an action of binding together God’s gift of peace, which I already possess, to my actions in the world.  I have a choice in my behavior.

Yesterday and today we are experiencing much wind in South Dakota….it’s an outside force of nature…nothing that I can control for sure.  Trying to harness the wind and it’s effects is pretty hard to do.  Most of the time, perhaps all of the time, it’s fruitless to try to manipulate, rearrange things so that the wind does not blow something across the yard. I’m spending energy battling forces that I don’t have any control over!

What other kinds of “wind” are there in my life?  Criticism, betrayal, hurtful words?  Often, my gut reaction might be to push back with more hurt, more criticism.  But does this help anything?  Instead, a response rooted in the peace that Christ has given us, will put the situation into God’s hands, not mine.  If I can cultivate this peace within me, not only am I more in tune with God’s will, but it will be evident in my actions.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Matthew 5:8

What does it mean to be pure in heart?  Does it mean that I must be perfect in all that I think and do?  We may try to strive for purity, but we are not perfect, and we are not going to attain perfection in this life! 

In the story of Mary and Martha, Luke 10:38-42, Jesus is not telling Martha that all of her preparations and organization are unimportant.  He says, ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I can easily relate to Martha.  I have to consciously tell myself at times to stop, be a Mary, and choose what is important.  It’s easy to become distracted with “things” that need to be done, even while in prayer.  If I can unite all of my actions towards my relationship with Jesus, (singleness of heart) then my day will flow as acts of worship, always bringing my attention back to Jesus, not burdens that distract me from my real purpose in life.

Mercy

Blessed are the Merciful for they shall attain mercy.  Matthew 5:7

What is mercy?  Here’s a definition from The Free Dictionary:

mercy

noun

1. compassion, charity, pity, forgiveness, quarter, favour, grace, kindness, clemency,leniency, benevolence, forbearance Neither side showed its prisoners any mercy.
compassion

Mercy comes from the Hebrew word for kindness, Chesed (or khesed (חסד)) – often translated loving-kindness. 

It is said that God’s first act of mercy was the  creation of universe…into nothingness, there was created something.  God made a covenant with us.  So, is mercy a kind of covenant? 

In my own relationships at work, in my family, in my church, is mercy a visible characteristic?  Do I readily show mercy when someone wrongs me in some way?  After all, we are not a perfect people.  It’s not going to be very long before “I” am the one making the mistakes!  If I am not willing to show mercy, will others show mercy towards me when I have fallen?

When I think of the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, it gives me a model for my own parenting.  I hope that I am a parent, a grandparent,  that is always scanning the horizon, watching, waiting, hoping, for the child to return that has gone on a difficult path of life.  I know that God, my Father, is also watching and waiting for me when my life is not on the path He desires for me.  God never tires of forgiving me (us). I think that my relationship with God experiences exponential growth when I have truly accepted His forgiveness and experience total contentment with my God.

Who are models of mercy for you in our world today?  Mother Theresa comes to my mind.  Humble, selfless, loving. When I was a child, we learned the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.  These are a good guide to use to examine my life to determine if I am a person others will think of as one who shows mercy.

 

Taste and See!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.  Matthew 5:6

Filling the needs of hunger and thirst are paramount to our survival.  It’s not a luxury for us to nourish our bodies, but a necessity.  Our relationship with Jesus is not a luxury either, it’s a necessity for our spiritual survival.  It is in prayer that we seek to fulfill these needs.  Christ first seeks us, He DESIRES us!  Prayer is an encounter of God’s thirst with ours….it’s mutual fulfillment.

In John 4:10 Jesus promises the gift of living water, the Holy Spirit:  “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water”.  Jesus is a never-ending source of nourishment for us.  The more we seek Him, the more we will be satisfied – and satisfied to overflowing! 

Think about Thanksgiving dinner.  I always eat more than I should, I am stuffed.  It was all so good, I could not resist trying a little of everything.  I feel like I could not eat another bite ever.  Yet, evening arrives, and I am foraging for leftovers.  I am not hungry again because the big Thanksgiving meal did not satisfy me, but BECAUSE it did!  We hunger for more because it was so good.

Do I seek Jesus as a starving, thirsting woman, as the only source for my parched soul?   I come to Jesus HUNGERING and THIRSTING after righteousness, not just casually wanting a sample. I am starved.  I’m ready for that Thanksgiving meal. Jesus can feed my deepest hunger and quench my parched mouth.

O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave?

I love Madison Rising's version of our national anthem.  Here it is in honor of all those who have bravely served our country!!

A Day to Remember...

Memorial Day is a day set aside in the United States to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.  It is always an honor to participate in some way in honoring our soldiers.  Take time today to thank a soldier who is still living as well as honor those who have died.  
Here's a short video with the history of Memorial Day.

Strength Under Control

Meekness is not weakness.  Many times meekness is thought of as the opposite of strength.  A person may not think it’s a compliment if they are described as meek.  The word meek comes from the Greek word prauß (praus), which means mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, strength under control.   It might be thought of in terms of domesticating an animal for work in the field because of its strength.  The horse yields to the farmer, it has a teachable spirit. 

So it is with us.  A meek person has the ability to use one’s gifts to build up rather than tear down.  People who are meek are those who listen to you, who make you feel special and appreciated.  Their focus is not on themselves, but on others and on God’s work.  People who are meek are happy to submit to God.   There is an openness to what the Lord wants to give, Christ is in control.

Again, we have a paradox…it is only in releasing ownership of the earth (something that will not last!) that we realize that it is a gift to us to care for, treasure and enjoy.  

Rend Your Heart

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

On the surface, this might seem to be a paradox….it’s a blessing to mourn??  St. Augustine initially refused to mourn the death of his mother Monica.  He thought it was inconsistent with the resurrection of Christ.  Eventually, though, he did grieve and states that “my tears became like a pillow for my soul.”

There are two types of mourning being referred to in this verse.  There is the mourning we experience over our lifetimes of deep pain, grief, sadness for perhaps a death or event.  As we work through our grief, we often find that we are not alone.  It is then that we receive the blessings of God and experience His presence in our life, right beside us.  It can even be a catalyst to conversion.  We experience God’s mercy, and can trust and hope in Him! When I have walked through periods of grief, I find that the lessons I learned, the comfort that I received, enables me to console others with God’s mercy in similar situations

.

The second type of mourning we need to consider is spiritual mourning.  Do we mourn not only our sins but also the sins of the world - abortion, genocide, terrorism, the abandonment of the poor?  As we weep over our sins, we are led to repentance.   This is spoken of in Joel 2:13:  Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. 

I looked up the definition of rend (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/rend):

 1. To tear or split apart or into pieces violently. See Synonyms at tear¹.

2. To tear (one's garments or hair) in anguish or rage.

3. To tear away forcibly; wrest.

4. To pull, split, or divide as if by tearing: "Chip was rent between the impulse to laugh wildly and a bitterness that threatened hot tears" (Louis Auchincloss).

5. To pierce or disturb with sound: a scream rent the silence.

6. To cause pain or distress to: tales that rend the heart.

v.intr.

To become torn or split; come apart.

Rending my heart is not an easy thing!  It will be painful, it will be changed.  It will OPEN.  It will be open for me to peer in and see my true self and it will be open so that it can be filled with the merciful love of God.  It is spiritual broken-heartedness.   This video from Come Wind, a band from the Canton, Ohio area, called “Rend Your Heart” puts these thoughts to music.

The Begging Bowl

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.   Matthew 5:3

Photo credit: wallyg / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Have you ever heard of a begging bowl?  It is a bowl carried by a beggar to receive food or alms.  This practice is especially common with Franciscans as well as Buddhist monks.  For both Christians and Buddhists, the begging bowls is a symbol of nonattachment. In the 13^th Century, Western monasticism rediscovered a truth more often remembered in the east, in Hinduism and Buddhism - that the holy man's only possession is his begging bowl.  (Read more:  http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=aa90#ixzz2U21xoY2b)

To be poor in spirit does not mean that we are necessarily poor monetarily, although I think that living a lifestyle of poverty certainly does put into concrete practice these words of Jesus.  We are called, no matter what our economic standing, to be humble hearted.  When we understand that apart from God, we have nothing and we are nothing, it is then that we have everything.  St. Francis said to hold loosely to all that is not eternal.  Hang on tightly to God and His Word.  Having nothing, we possess everything. 

Today, these prayerful words written by St. Francis seem appropriate:

Let us desire nothing else
Let us wish for nothing else
Let nothing else please us and cause us delight
Except our Creator and Redeemer and Saviour.
The One True god, Who is the Fullness of Good.
All good, every good, the true and supreme Good.
Let nothing hinder us,
Nothing separate us or nothing come between us.
May the power of your love O Lord, fiery and sweet as honey, wean my heart from all that is under heaven, so that I may die for love of your love, You who were so good as to die for love of my love. Amen

“Lex orandi lex credenda”  - “As we pray so also we believe”  

Jesus' Blueprint for Our Lives

We find The Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 5: 1-12.  This is the first of 5 great sermons of Jesus in this Gospel.  It’s also known as the Sermon on the Mount.  Lots of important things have happened on mountains in our Christian history .  God revealed Himself to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb) and gave him the 10 Commandments. (Exodus 19:16-20:12).  Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18).  Jesus taught His disciples on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:3), and Noah’s ark came to rest after the flood on the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4), to name a few.  Is there anything in your life that has been a “mountaintop experience?”

The Beatitudes are a guide for us as we journey towards the Kingdom of God.  They are a blueprint for our lives.  The Beatitudes reveal the human person fully alive - the heart of God’s plan for humanity.

 Below is a well-done performance of David Haas’ “Blest Are They” by the Mississippi Baptist All-State Youth Choir.  As you reflect on the Beatitudes, see them also as the face of Jesus Christ….like mini bios of Jesus, snapshots of Him from 8 different angles.  As you reflect on each Beatitude, does anyone in particular come to your mind?    Take time today to read aloud the Beatitudes.  Hear the Word.  Let it resonate in your heart.

"American Beautiful" The Henningsens ft. PS22 Chorus

The Henningsens  collaborated with PS 22 for this new video from PS 22.  I'm always impressed with these young singers:)  Watch till the end for a special treat on the drum set!

The MOST expensive iOS apps!

If you're like me, one of my criteria for an iPad or iPhone app is, "Is it free??"  Or VERY cheap!  Well, here's a compilation from Make Use Of for the more "sophisticated" techie....

The 10 Most Expensive iOS App Store Downloads

Didn't see anything there I needed :)  Guess I'll spend my extra $1,000 elsewhere...

Lord, Have YOUR Way With Us!

Today is Pentecost.  Can others see the power of the Holy Spirit in the way that I live my life?  Are my decisions, my actions, my goals, formed by my relationship with God's Spirit?  Reflect on how you have seen the Spirit working in your life lately as you listen to Consuming Fire by Hillsong United.  The Hillsong United band is an Australian band that originated as a part of Hillsong Church. The band tours the world, performing at the various Hillsong church locations as well as general concert venues. Wikipedia
(Did you know that red is the color associated liturgically with Pentecost because it recalls the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles on the first Pentecost.  It also reminds us of the blood of Christian martyrs.)