Good behavior or Good news?

I'm pondering the ideas in a Washington Post blog post about contemporary Christian sermons and worship services. The ideas are summed up in the author's claim "The  heart of the Christian faith is Good News not good behavior."

How much of faithful living is about trying to live up to the ideals of one's religion, and how much of it is about accepting the grace that lets us off the hook because noone actually can? I feel tension every day about that.

For me, those feelings are resolved when I imagine God being much less interested in my mistakes than I am. In other words, the universe is swirling around doing its thing in a context so much larger than I could ever imagine, I need to remember that I have a real but very tiny role in it. In other, other words, it's not all about me.

What a Wedding Creates

Our daughter married a wonderful man a few years ago. Their anniversary is at this time of year, and I've been thinking about the wedding and what it meant to our family.

By committing themselves to a future together legally, spiritually, and emotionally, they created a brand-new web of relationships that didn't exist before. I am grateful that the host of people who accompanied each of them into their relationship-- relatives, friends, co-workers, mentors--are healthy influences and people of goodwill.

They established a positive climate for everyone in this new web, by making their wedding ceremony and reception activities as much about the supporters gathered there as it was about the couple. Our daughter's wedding was a wonderful event; I look back on it with pride and awe. More important, it created a new community with the potential to bless hundreds of lives in new and powerful ways.

Ministering to Animals and Pet Owners

Do animals need and deserve attention from the church? If so, how would one go about providing such a ministry? My home church has been exploring this for several years. We have an Animal Ministry and today I saw pets in the pews with their owners, enjoying our regular 11:59 worship service. What an unconventional and mind-expanding sight! A special blessing for animals was held outdoors in the courtyard after the service. Last week, our church held a pet memorial service to comfort people who mourn and miss a deceased pet. I really appreciate my pastors' inclusive concept of ministry. They constantly expand my view of compassion and service.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Public pressure has caused some food manufacturers to change their ingredients. It's even common now to see "No high fructose corn syrup" printed right on the labels. What's interesting about that, is that high fructose corn syrup is the exact same thing as cane sugar after it hits our mouths. I would be interested to know who funded the propaganda against corn syrup. This short video gives the best explanation of the facts regarding this controversy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RDCnDK2K6Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Why Drop Bombs on Syria?

I'm dismayed by recent rhetoric of Pres. Obama, Sec. of State Kerry, and Sec. of Defense Hagel justifying military intervention in Syria's civil war. After firmly criticizing the invasion of Iraq (then-senator Obama actually voted against giving authority for it), it is surreal to hear Hagel and the president speaking vaguely about "threats to American interests" and "building an international coalition" against the Syrian government. Although Prime Minister Cameron wants to join the US, yesterday the British parliament voted to stay out of it, reflecting public opinion there. A solid majority here are also against intervention, but Pres. Obama won't ask our lawmakers to vote. He used to say he would never unilaterally go to war like Pres. Bush did. Why the change of heart?

I stumbled on this map from Der Speigel of presumed chemical weapons facilities in Syria. Someone recently deployed some of them to devastating effect in the country, which the Obama administration is blaming on the government and promoting as a humanitarian reason to bomb targets there. I don't believe for a minute that's the reason.

But this map made me see for the first time how widely distributed and close to borders the materials may be. With a civil war raging and so many people on the move, I imagine equipment and chemical stock could easily become unsecured. I'm sure lots of criminal and terrorist organizations would love to scoop up some of those bad boys. Isreal is certainly worried about it. Could this be the real reason the US government wants to attack Syria?

And if so, why not just say that?

You can call me Grandma!

Our first grandchild was born last spring, and like most grandparents we are utterly smitten. What a fantastic feeling, seeing my child tend so lovingly and competently to her baby. It's indescribable, really. Indescribably GOOD.

Midcentury in Minnesota

Rochester has many wonderful Midcentury style buildings, including the Mayo Clinic and Public Library! Even the exam room at Mayo makes me happy.