Fall Foliage

This tree caught my eye this morning as I was jogging. I went back later in the morning to take a picture…doesn't really do it justice. Our fall colors have been UN BEE LEAVE ABLE!

God Weeps.

I have been slowly (very slowly) working my way through the book of Revelation in the Bible. Today I read a very interesting passage:

Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s wrath to completion…Then one of the four living beings handed each of the seven angels a gold bowl filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. The Temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues.

Revelation 15:1,7-8 (NLT)

“No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues.” We like to read these passages and think about the cruel and ruthless wrath of God. This passage is changing my mind a lot about that perception. I think that God shuts himself in the Temple because of the pain, the rejection, the suffering that He knows could have been avoided if only those who have not repented would repent. I think that at this time God is in His Temple weeping, bitterly over the inevitable loss. Sure He could fix it in an instant. Just make all humans robots. MAKE us love Him. But how much deeper a love that is chosen than a love that is forced.

I was told about a Hasidic story related to the day of Exodus when the Israelites were delivered from the Egyptians.

“What is the most joyful moment in the Torah? It might very well be the moment when the Jews made it across the Red Sea, only moments ahead of Pharaoh’s soldiers. Just then, the great walls of water that had arisen to divide the sea collapsed, swirling Pharaoh’s army to its doom. The Jews were safe! They were free! They sang their joy and thanks to HaShem. Even the angels in heaven sang in joy.

“But the rabbis of old tell us that HaShem spoke sharply to the angels: ‘No! Do not sing thus.’

“Astonished, the angels replied, ‘But are your children not free and safe?’ “HaShem said, ‘And those drowned soldiers? Are they not also my children?’ And the angels wept.

The Fire of Joy by Doug Lipman

I maybe wrong, but I believe that a God of love is consistent with His love…even to the very end.

45 years ago

Thanks to @soverpeck for the link.

Mama’s don’t let your babies grow up to be airline pilots…

Testing email forward cuz this one is interesting.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: <seacs@tulsacc.edu>
Date: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Subject: Fw: Letter to employees
To: LBrewer@tulsacc.edu

Sending for Leanne Brewer, Director of Academic and Campus Services

            Tom
            McKeon/OfficeOfPr
            esident/tcc                                                To
                                      Metro_Campus, Northeast_Campus,
            10/20/2009 04:27          Southeast_Campus, West_Campus,
            PM                        Conference_Center
                                                                       cc

                                                                  Subject
                                      Letter to employees

Dear Colleagues:

In anticipation of  declining state revenues, TCC has been taking several
proactive steps
to preserve its level of service to the community and reduce expenditures.
These include
reductions in travel and equipment budgets for the current fiscal year,
reducing service contracts, and
implementing a recommendation that caps the College paid health insurance
premium for employees.

During the first three months of the current fiscal year, we have received
reductions in our state funding
of 5% per month.  Recent reports by the  State Treasurer and legislative
leadership indicate a very
high likelihood that these monthly cuts will continue throughout the fiscal
year. Due to the current budget situation
and the future financial uncertainty in Oklahoma, the College  continues to
explore a variety of cost saving
measures, while striving to maintain student access to quality instruction
and services.

I have made the decision that for this summer (May 10th through August 2nd)
the College will be closed on
Fridays and full-time employees will work 10 hours a day Monday through
Thursday.  This decision was
made after reviewing past measures taken during similar economic challenges
and after consulting with the
Cabinet, campuses and individuals in Academic Affairs, Student Services and
Continuing Education.
This action is for this fiscal year and will enable the College to reduce
utility consumption while having a
minimal impact on classes and services.

In addition,  to reduce utility expenses during Spring Break when students
are not on campus, the college will be
closed  March 17, 18 and 19.  Full-time employees will be given a temporary
paid leave of absence for these
three days. It is my hope that these changes in our operation schedule
will be short lived and we will be able to
return to a normal schedule as soon as the state's financial situation
improves.

In the near future, HR News will be providing more specific information on
these temporary changes.
I appreciate your understanding and flexibility during these difficult
times.

Best regards,

Tom

Still gives me the chills.

Download now or watch on posterous

1018092243-00.3gp (1143 KB)

I know the audio is horrendous, but you can still make it out and you can still feel the atmosphere…50,000 strangers singing Amazing Grace!

Niger Clinic Update

Download now or preview on posterous

09-10-05 Clinic update september.pdf (334 KB)

What is this hot mess?

No. It is not wedding rings for our upcoming "Bride of Christ Series" here at The Heart Church (not that we have even planned such a series). You will have to come this Sunday to find out!

I don’t have what it takes…Part 1

Repeat after me:

“God, I don’t have what it takes. I need you.”

Again.

Forgiven?