by tashmcgill | Nov 21, 2008 | Uncategorized
“RECONCILIATION, n. A suspension of hostilities. An armed truce for the purpose of digging up the dead.” – Ambrose Bierce
“Reconciliation is to understand both sides; to go to one side and describe the suffering being endured by the other side, and then go to the other side and describe the suffering being endured by the first side. The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Reconciliation is being wholly accepted and wholly accepting in the midst of your agreeance and disagreeance. For me, in my personal journey, it’s become about being acknowledged, seen, heard.
The validity of my voice has never felt so threatened. So many people know this story – the anticipation that the words being held back on the tongue are words that could change the world.
Silence does not become my spirit. It leads me to loneliness – I have never been more lonely than when I do not share my voice. Using this voice – in conversation, in song, in writing, in speaking – it’s so tremulous within me that I am lonely if I do not open my voice.. and myself to the world. I become lonely, because the essence of who I am is shut away and hidden if I am silent. Actions speak louder than words, but words are my gift.
I am reconciling to myself, acknowledging her again – her strength, her softness, her heart. Her accessibility, her pain, her joy, her delight, her secrets, her story. I am acknowledging her with people who need to be reminded, and I’m beginning to look for the safe places.. with the people who see and acknowledge her.
Song Of The Moment: More Than Ordinary.
by Kasey Chambers
I used to make the fire
Now I’m running out of flame
The closer I get the more regrets
And I won’t change everything
To have you back again
But I can’t keep everything the same
They say it won’t get harder
I’m gonna be OK
But it’s just like me going against the break
And while I tie to your shoestrings
And I’m breaking from the strain
Those damn thongs hold on like chains
Yeah those damn things hold on like chains
Was I ever really more than ordinary
Did you ever see me like I saw you
Was I ever really more than ordinary
Did you ever need me like I need you now
I need you now
If I was a liar, I had a few more friends
The chances are my heart would never mend
Even know my conscience would go
Running back again
Doesn’t really hurt to pretend
No, it doesn’t really hurt to pretend
Was I ever really more than ordinary
Did you ever see me like I saw you
Was I ever really more than ordinary
Did you ever need me like I need you now
I need you now…
by tashmcgill | Nov 6, 2008 | Uncategorized
Album Name: And A Good Digestion
Band Name: Guglielmo Ratcliff
Hahaha, ok, the album actually isn’t out yet – but that was today’s meme from Marko.
You can play along like this….
here are the rules:
1. Band Name: Random Wikipeda Link
2. Album Title: Random quote generator (take the last four words from the first quote on the page)
3. Album Art: Flickr Interesting Photo (pick one)
Put yours in the comments section.. and I tag Sam Harvey, Rich Johnson, Etno and Danielle. Have fun!
Updates
A few been and seen basics – having been in Wellington last week, I have the final version of the message I shared to post, as well as a few other rambling thoughts. Mostly this week has been about work .. oh, yeah, and a birthday. I’m now officially getting ancient. Watched the movie “An Accidental Husband” on dvd this week – it was cute even though I don’t really like Uma in anything but Kill Bill.
Birthday Celebrations
Some great friends put together a cool day of european picnics, italian food, party games and then surprise drinks with a gathering of nearest and dearest at the beloved Corner Store. A great day.
Thoughts On Birthdays
This time last year I was in San Diego with the beloved O’s, Freeses and Co. We had mexican food and played Freestreicher volleyball. This year I celebrated at home, sharing lots of food and drink with family and friends, and loads of Facebook messages. I revised my New Years list (it runs from January 1 to November 6 every year) and I don’t feel I’ve done too bad. Everything but one is accomplished. I like the little respite of November and December to come up with the list for the coming year… suggestions are welcome!
by tashmcgill | Sep 24, 2008 | Uncategorized, youth ministry
What a week so far. There is plenty of fur flying in lots of directions.
Postive Intent
These are words that I’ve been using regularly but Marko gave me the phrase – in regards to working through conflict and resolution, postive intention. You have to assume positive intent. My positive intent is never to use this blog as a passive-aggressive method of communication.. but nor do I want to feel bullied about it’s content either. My daily observations of life and all things inclusive are the fodder for this blog – not necessarily earthshattering ideas nor are they always right. But, they deserve a forum surely – because where else should they go or be?
So what are the rules of common decency? Even now, I’m talking about something that has happened but in the context of the broader idea – therefore does that make it safe fodder? Other, far more political situations of my daily life I have left well alone… so what is my positive intent?
To Learn and grow from a situation I cannot change.
by tashmcgill | Sep 7, 2008 | Uncategorized
It’s a Sunday afternoon and I’m in the middle of things like laundry and such, so it’s the perfect time to pick up this little foodies list (being as I so love to cook) from Dani and give it a go..
The Instructions
Below is a list of 100 things that [very good taste] think[s] every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food – but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.
Here’s what I want you to do:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.
The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut 3
5. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
by tashmcgill | Jun 21, 2008 | god ideas, Uncategorized, youth ministry
you search for love notes in the corners of my room
hidden in boxes and for rainy days
but i tell you honestly, you will not find them there
i’ve written them under your skin
I’m Not There
This fantastical journey through the biography and biology of Dylan’s soul is like a visual symphony, a poem of ideas, colours and landscapes. The moods are swerving, at times colliding with each other but the music consistently pulls together the threads of a tapestry full of life like no other. Such a feast. Mark said he felt that he needed more Dylan to contextualise it, but I as a Dylan fan, still had to process and reference to see only some of the nuance. Screenings 2 & 3 will be worth it, as well as a revival of some of Dylan’s earlier works, although Time Out Of Mind remains a favourite, if later and less protest-y album.
Rain, Wind, Fire
The long night time conversation in front of the fire with deep eyes and heartfelt real life on the table is holding me steady under the wind.
Saying Goodbye To Theology?
Interesting anonymous comment on the last post in regards to abandoning theology here. Of course not = and yes, my interpretation is possibly a little incendiary. But so it suits me to illustrate the point. Theology is ever-present, inescapable. If I think, if I write, if I consider God in any way – then theology is present.
But there is a breed of theologian that I consider to be dangerous to my generation and the future of youth ministry, not to mention the future of the church. Hierarchal theologians who categorize wisdom, knowledge and qualification in such a manner that the honest conversation of the follower is swayed from left to right by man’s words and not by a truthful measure of the Gospel. Theologians who separate the understanding of truth from the common people are dangerous folk.
Example: confusing the context of language and culture for theologial statements. For your average 18 year old, the manner of clothing they wear and the media they consume on a daily basis is not a concise or well-concluded theological statement. Trying to ascertain it as such and then provoke a changed response as a result.
Example: the derivation of preferred behaviour as contextualised biblical imperative.
Whilst unity is spoken about in Scripture, I have not perceived it in my time to be a foundational issue in regards to understanding or applying the Grace of Christ to an everyday life. Especially when we teach unity as a behaviour in regards to church – a unified church that looks like full participation, never missing worship, never questioning leadership or authority and being governed in a bi-partisan manner. This is sociological instruction or at worst, experimentation when it pervades the priorities of our Christian communities.
Example: constructing societal norms within a cultural subset according to unique rules.
The rules of living explicit in Scripture, and are broadbrush stroke for a reason I believe, which is that the principles of this life are the key and most important aspect of our behavioural adaption. We do this adaption in relationship with other followers and with Christ as center. This fluidity demands wrestle, which expands relevance and accessibility but hinges everything on relationship not rulebooks. An idealistic approach yes, but one that encourages everyday young people to interact with a living God within the pages of Scripture and the Spirit living within individuals and communities. Too often and too easily, we study scriptures and then apply them with our own social constructs. They are of course, designed to make it easier for people to apply them in their own lives but truthfully – can lead to behaviour modification based on pre-constructed societal norms (drinking, alcohol, clothing, music style etc etc ).
Goodbye to theology? Not at all. If anything, a deeper embrace of everyday theology with everyone involved. I continually try to encourage those around me to be engaging in this practice for themselves.
