Why do I keep getting into political arguments with a particular family member? I posted a photo of a “Love Thy Neighbor” T-shirt, with a listing of specific neighbors; a listing that many seem to not include in the definition of ‘neighbor.’ My relative pointed out a protest sign in the background I ignored; and took an entirely different view of the posting that I intended.
I know that my relative and I will probably never agree in these matters; we have entirely different viewpoints on the world, and how it should work. I am trying to suggest to the world [the limited world that gives a rip about my thoughts] that the Way of Jesus will bring us closer to a Way of Peace than a consistent application of the methods that have been used for the last century, that haven’t worked. My relative blames the problems of today’s world on “Liberal bias”; and longs for a reincarnation of Ronald Reagan for President [I wonder what he thought, back in the 80’s?].
As I write this PBS is covering Congress’ debate over whether or not we once again enter into a war. Somehow there are political leaders who believe we can ‘sort of’ enter into a war. A limited war. That somehow we can enter into a Civil War of another country, and not enter into a Civil War. We can kill people in another country indiscriminately with bombs, and somehow not enter into a war. We can bomb, but we won’t use troops on the ground. Sounds to me like the idea of sending ‘military advisers’ to Vietnam, the war that wasn’t really a war…
$200bn has been spent this week on ‘smart phones’ and cellular technology; and apparently there is a money problem in this country. I wonder how much in taxes has been paid in regard to the generation of that $200bn… $200bn invested in phones we want but do not really need, when half of the world is starving.
From Nadia Bolz Weber–
“When it comes down to it, we just do so much damn pretending. Pretending we don’t really rely a little too much on alcohol. Pretending that we are more confident than we really are. Pretending that we care more about people than we really do. Pretending we are not afraid. Sometimes we even overcompensate so much about the things we are trying to hide, that no one ever suspects the truth… and then we are left in the aloneness of not ever really being known.
“On some level, we are continually trying to pretend some things about us are not true and other things are…
“The 2000 film, Almost Famous tells the story of a young man who finds himself as a reporter on tour with a famous rock band. His conversation with an older writer at the end of the film captures this perfectly: “The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone else when we’re uncool”
“IN the kingdom of God we need not cultivate a persona to hide or overcompensate for the lame, poor, blind and crippled parts of us. The unflattering photos. The parts which have nothing to offer, the parts of us which need help navigating our lives, the parts of us which must rely on others for help. In other words the uncool parts of ourselves are exactly that which Jesus invites around his table. As though the only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with God and each other when we are uncool, lame, blind, poor and crippled. And as uncomfortable as it might be to be seen in such a stark and uncompromising light, there is also just so much relief in it. You just don’t have to pretend, or over compensate or be shrewd. You can just be. And in just being you can, in the fierce and loving eyes of God be known, be whole and maybe even rest a little. Because keeping it all up is just exhausting.
The Way of War does not work. It only brings death.
Share this:
Tags: artist depression freelance illustration neuopathy pain persistence, Christianity, freelance, hope, intolerance, Jesus, material poverty, persistence, personal excellence, surviving
Chronicles in Ordinary Time 
September 5, 2013 at 7:31 am
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I am not sure
whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You’re wonderful! Thanks!
http://forum.airdroid.com/profile/Jade11B
LikeLike
March 3, 2014 at 3:46 pm
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for.
can you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write with regards to here.
Again, awesome website!
LikeLike
March 4, 2014 at 3:04 am
You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
At all times go after your heart.
http://millenium.altervista.org/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=3287
LikeLike
March 5, 2014 at 3:54 pm
Thanks to my father who shared with me regarding this weblog, this web site
is actually amazing.
LikeLike
March 8, 2014 at 9:57 am
Keep this going please, great job!
LikeLike
May 16, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Excellent blog site! Wonderful!
LikeLike
May 19, 2014 at 5:03 am
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!
It is the little changes that produce the greatest changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
May 29, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Remarkable issues here. I am very happy to peer your post.
Thanks a lot and I’m looking ahead to contact you.
Will you please drop me a e-mail?
LikeLike
June 5, 2014 at 6:29 am
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appearance.
I must say you’ve done a fantastic job with this. Also, the blog loads super quick for me on Firefox.
Superb Blog!
LikeLike
June 20, 2014 at 1:21 am
Hello, I read your blog regularly. Your story-telling style is witty, keep it
up!
LikeLike
June 22, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but
after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!
LikeLike
June 23, 2014 at 4:42 pm
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established
blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
Many thanks
LikeLike
June 25, 2014 at 2:29 pm
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Many thanks
for providing this info.
LikeLike
June 30, 2014 at 2:13 am
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays..
LikeLike
July 1, 2014 at 11:37 am
Thanks for your kind remarks.
customized Kubrick
LikeLike
July 7, 2014 at 3:49 am
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this info.
LikeLike
July 7, 2014 at 5:57 pm
I every time emailed this website post page to all
my contacts, since if like to read it after that my friends
will too.
LikeLike
July 19, 2014 at 12:57 am
Typically I really don’t examine content with sites, however want to point out that this write-up very pushed me personally you need to do this! Your own way with words is astonished everyone. Appreciate it, fairly great document.
LikeLike
July 26, 2014 at 11:38 am
Nice blog here! Allso your website so mucxh up fast! What hkst are you
the use of? Cann I gett your associate link to your host?
I wish mmy web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
LikeLike
July 31, 2014 at 10:58 pm
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.
LikeLike
September 12, 2014 at 12:34 am
Thanks for օnes marvelous poѕting! І truly enjnoyeԁ rеadіng it,
ƴоu could be a great author. I will make ceгtain to bookmark your blog and will often come Ƅack later on. I want to encourɑge one to continue
your greɑt work, have a nice afternoon!
LikeLike
September 24, 2014 at 4:22 am
Hi there, I wish for to subscribe for this weblog to get most up-to-date updates, thus where can i do it please assist.
LikeLike
October 19, 2014 at 9:07 am
My spouse and I stumbled over here different website and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking into your web page again.
LikeLike
October 21, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is magnificent, as well as the content!
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 7:46 pm
I’ve been writing professionally for about 40 years [mostly technical writing]; and illustrating for longer.
I started writing here, regularly, in 2011. I do most of my ‘idea processing’ in words; various things that cross my mind, with the hope that my observations may help someone else.
LikeLike
December 8, 2014 at 8:37 pm
Thanks!
LikeLike
December 8, 2014 at 2:32 pm
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post.
Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
LikeLike
December 8, 2014 at 8:28 pm
Thanks!
LikeLike
December 15, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Great blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to
your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours
lol
LikeLike
December 19, 2014 at 9:16 am
Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a
similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?
If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated.
LikeLike
December 21, 2014 at 1:46 pm
I receive thousands of spam items under “Feedback”
I finally decided to trash them en masse, rather than trying to see if there was anything worthwhile in there.
I receive a lot of spam under “Comments”. Life is hard, then you die… :o)
It rains a lot in Portland, I’ve lived here for 62 years; and never have enjoyed the rain. I enjoy the green.
LikeLike
December 30, 2014 at 4:09 am
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague
who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I stumbled upon it
for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this issue here on your site.
LikeLike
January 14, 2015 at 6:08 am
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to take
a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information.
I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Wonderful blog and brilliant design and style.
LikeLike
January 15, 2015 at 11:14 pm
I really like what you guys are usually up too. This kind of
clever work and reporting! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve included
you guys to my personal blogroll.
LikeLike
February 7, 2015 at 8:53 am
Wоnderful work! This is the kind of information that are supρosed to
be shared around the net. Diѕgrace on Googʏle for nnot poѕitioning this post upper!
Сome on over and consult ԝith my site . Thaanks =)
LikeLike
February 7, 2015 at 7:10 pm
Eѵeryone loves it when indiѵiduals ցet togеther and share ideas.
Great website, keep it up!
LikeLike
February 19, 2015 at 11:33 am
Greɑt website. Plenty of helpful information here. I’m sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing inn delicious.
Αnd obviously, tҺank уou in your effort!
LikeLike
February 26, 2015 at 8:05 am
Ԍood ɗay I am so gratefuhl Ι found your site, I reɑlly found you bbу accidеnt, while
I wwas looking on Bing for something else, Anyhow I am here noԝ and woould just like to say thank you
for a marvelous poѕt and a all round exciting ƅlog (I also love the theme/deѕign), I don’t
havе time to readd it all aɑt the minute but I have
book-marҡed it and also addeԀ үour RSS feeds, so when I hage time I
will be back too read mοre, Please do keep up the fаntɑstic work.
LikeLike
March 6, 2015 at 9:03 pm
I love үour blog.. very nice colߋrsѕ & theme. Ɗid you make
thnis wеbsite yoսrself or did yyou hkre someone to do it for уou?
Plz answer back as I’mlooking to desiɡn my own blog
and would like tߋ find οut աheгe ս got this from.
kudos
LikeLike
March 12, 2015 at 10:02 pm
WordPress blog; Kubrick template with my own additions.
LikeLike
March 7, 2015 at 2:03 am
I think thhis іs one of the most impоrtant infoгmation for me.
And i aam glad reading your article. But wanna remark on ffew general things,
Tɦe web site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D.
Ԍooɗ job, cheeгs
LikeLike
March 29, 2015 at 9:51 am
WҺats up veery cool website!! Guy .. Excellent ..
Amazing .. I will booҝmark your website and take
the feeds аlso? I am glad to find numerous helpful
informatіon here within the post, we need work oսt exrɑ tеdchniques іn this regard,thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
LikeLike
March 31, 2015 at 6:38 am
I harԀly lеaνе a response, however I read a feww of tɦe responnses on this page Chronicles in Ordinary Time 33:
The Way of War does not work | Chronicles inn Ordinary Time.
I actually do ɦave 2 questions for you if yoou do not mind.
Could it be only me or does it looҝ as if lіke a few of the comments сome across as if they ɑre written by brain dead people?
😛 And, if you are posting at othher online social sitеs,
I’d like to keep up with you. Couuld you makoe а list
of tҺe complete սrls օf your soial sites like your Facebook page, twiitter feed, or linkedin pгofile?
LikeLike
April 30, 2015 at 2:17 pm
I’m really enjoyіng the theme/design of your website.
Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems?
A small number of my blog visіtors have complaіned about my blog not working correctly
inn Εxplorer but looks great iin Firefox. Do you have
ɑny tіps to help fix this issuе?
LikeLike
April 30, 2015 at 10:58 pm
sorry; I don’t have any suggestions. I stopped using IE a long time ago. The issue could be the version of IE and the programming that most of us never see. I did more web design when dinosaurs ruled the earth; I’ve reduced my efforts to using templates like WordPress and wix, so that I don’t have to learn any new languages for smart phones…
LikeLike
May 3, 2015 at 3:46 pm
Woah! І’m rеɑlly Ԁiggіng the template/theme of tthis website.
It’s simρle, yet еffective. A lott of times it’s very diffiϲult to get that “perfect balance” betweenn user friendliness andd visual appeal.
I must say you’ve one a amazing job with this. Alsօ, the blog loads
very qquick for mе on Ѕafari. Exceptional Blog!
LikeLike
May 6, 2015 at 7:48 pm
Hеllo, I enjoy reading through your post. I wanted to write a
little comment to suρport you.
LikeLike
May 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm
Wow, wondeгful blog layout! Hοww long have you ever
been blօgging for? you make blogging glance еasy. The full glance of
yoսr webѕite iis great, let alone the content!
LikeLike
May 8, 2015 at 1:11 pm
I couldn’t refrain from сommenting. Perfectly written!
LikeLike
May 10, 2015 at 11:10 pm
I significantly take plеasure in your posts.
Many thanks
LikeLike
May 11, 2015 at 3:40 am
Greeetings frоm Ohio! I’m boгed at work so I decided to check оut yoսr bloɡ on my iphone during lunch Ьreak.
I enjߋy the info you present herе and can’t wait to take a look when I gеt home.
I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, jјust 3G .. Anyhow, excellent blog!
LikeLike
May 15, 2015 at 2:01 am
І want to too thank you for this fantaѕtic reаd!! I absolutely
enjoyed every little bіt of it. I’ve got you
book-marked to check out new things you post…
LikeLike
May 31, 2015 at 10:02 am
Hey, Ьuddy, I have not ɗisccovеrеd the best way to subscгibe
LikeLike
June 2, 2015 at 2:40 am
I couldn’t resіst commеnting. Exceptionally
well written!
LikeLike
June 3, 2015 at 5:22 am
Ӏ neеԀ to tо thgank you for this wonderful read!!
I definitеly enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you saѵed as
a fаvorite tօ look at new thіngs үou poѕt…
LikeLike
June 13, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Very goߋd post. I will ƅe dealing with some of thеse issues as
well..
LikeLike