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This was part of the call to worship at my church this past Sunday:

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: "Give me light that I may safely tread into the unknown!"

And he replied: "Go into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. Then shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way." So, I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And he led me towards the hills and the breaking day of the lone East.

Have had this sitting on my browser for months. Originally found it on a fibromyalgia Facebook page, I think:

Foods That Heal Nerve Damage

It takes a great deal of time to re-grow nerve, but it can be done and is worth the effort. In addition to the dietary suggestions, if you are diabetic, you can begin to reverse neuropathy if you keep your glucose levels below 140 at all times. I think I have managed to improve mine a bit.

This was part of the congregational prayer at my church this morning:


Now that the mad rush is over, O center of stillness and peace:
Now that the needles are falling from the tree,

We thank you that are still God-with-us.

As we face the year ahead, help us to accept the difficult parts of our lives;

Help us make the changes we must make; bring us to new places of openness and love toward you and the people around us; help us to overcome fears which keep us from fullness of life.

Be with each of us . . . each one with unique needs - whether we are in need of physical or emotional healing, in need of direction or guidance, in need of courage or hope.

As the frigid days of January and February draw near, help us to keep warm places alive with us, where we feel your peace.

As we face the year ahead, we thank you for one another and your grace made known in Jesus Christ.

If this is proven effective, it would be wonderful to have an option other than the ones I've already tried with no success.

Bring justice to the peoples, O Beloved, and your mercy to all generations!
May the people be known for mercy, rendering justice to the poor!
Let their spirits soar as the eagle, let joy abide in every heart!
May we heed the cry of the poor - the young and the old, helping to free all those in need, awakening the souls of oppression!
May every heart open to your Love from sea to sea, from the Rivers of Life out to the universe!
May fears that paralyze the people rise up from the depths into Your Light!
For you heed the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no friend.
You have compassion on the weak, the downtrodden, giving them strength and hope.
From injustice and oppression, You redeem their life; and precious they are in your Heart.
Come, let us offer our praise and prayers to the Beloved One who dwells in our hearts!

- adapted from Psalm 72 by Nan C. Merrill

Moving With Mary's Song

"Let's assume for just a second that the account of Elizabeth and Mary's pregnancies is literally true. By all accounts, Mary was a young teenager at the time - awkward; hormones raging; body growing in fits and starts into adulthood, mind following reluctantly along. Any middle schooler will tell you - it's not easy being Mary. Then, on top of all that, she discovers that she's pregnant? By the Holy Spirit? The angel says, "don't be afraid," and at first Mary responds to this astounding news proudly, almost defiantly - "Here am I" - and then . . . she flees. And far away, too. From Galilee to the Judean hill country - 50 miles or more. Remember, she's just a kid.

"According to the angel, Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, is also pregnant, even though she is quite elderly. Mary immediately bolts (no word of Joseph here) to be with her cousin. Just her greeting is enough to stir Elizabeth's womb, prompting her baby to kick (for the first time?). A bond is forged, and Mary stays for three months until just before Elizabeth's baby (john, who becomes herald of the Christ) is born.

"Why? What did Mary find there that she didn't have at home? Elizabeth offered extravagant welcome and no judgment. Perhaps because of her own experience, she could relate to the young cousin on her doorstep. Whatever the case, Elizabeth clearly offered a safe space to Mary, a place of joy, affirmation and support.

"Out of this safe space Mary is able to sing a song of praise, often called The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), that is one of the most stirring passages in all of scripture, simultaneously a song of thanksgiving and praise and a cry for justice.

"So, if we want to empower others to both sing praises and call out for justice, let us learn from these two women: they pick up the clues that angels leave; they offer hospitality without judgment or recrimination; they do not hesitate to sing out in joy but link their song to cries for justice.

"When we are non-judgmental, when we are attentive to providing a supportive environment, when we (elders) allow young voices to find their place, and when we (of Mary's age) see out the counsel of older persons, we can discover settings across generations in which both poems of praise and cries of justice emerge in beauty."

- Rev. Robert Chase

glitter-graphics.com

This month, most of the kids in my church's congregation participated in a Christmas pageant entitled "Shepherds, Sheep and a Savior". Here is one of the songs, performed by child "shepherds":

No Ordinary Night

There's something in the air tonight,
It feels as if the time is right
for something quite amazing to occur.
Folks have come from miles around.
The census has them homeward bound,
and every town and village is astir.
There's a feeling we've been feeling,
that it's time for a revealing
and is sure would be appealing if it were.

It's no ordinary night, not merely black and white,
but euphorious and gloriously grand.
An extraordinary night, it's no wonder we're excited.
Could there be a celebration close at hand?
Oh it feels as if it really could be so!
Yes, it's no ordinary night.

There's something in the air tonight.
The stars are shining extra bright,
like something must be brewing in the sky.
All the sheep are quiet now,
but even though we don't know how,
there's much more to this night than meets the eye.
There's a growing expectation of a coming revelation.
We could use an explanation as to why.

It's no ordinary night, not merely black and white,
but euphorious and gloriously grand.
An extraordinary night, it's no wonder we're excited.
Could there be a celebration close at hand?
Oh it feels as if it really could be so!
Yes, it's no ordinary night.

These are the words printed on a sweatshirt I gave to my mother for Christmas in 1994. She passed away in 1997, but when I was cleaning out her house, I found the sweatshirt and kept it. I wear it every year. Here is the full text:

All I need to know about Christmas I learned from Santa Claus
- Believe in magic
- People love you when you're jolly
- Everybody loves surprises
- The more you give, the more you get
- You can never have too many toys
- There is a little child in each of us
- If you're going to pout, you better watch out
- A few extra pounds keep you warm in the winter
- Wear red and get noticed
- It's a wonderful life

"When God Is a Child" (hymn)

Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.

When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth.

When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
telling the world that the Savior is born.

When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.

"Don't break your finger trying to make a point."

- Me

"There are people and things in this world, and people are to be loved and things are to be used. And it is increasingly important that we love people and use things, for there is so much in our gadget-minded, consumer-oriented society that is encouraging us to love things and use people."

- excerpt from William Sloane Coffin's book, "Credo"

They were on Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday night.

Got this some time ago from a fibromyalgia Facebook page. It would explain at least in part why people with fibromyalgia do not well tolerate exercise:

Study Finds Altered Utilization of Muscle Oxygen in Fibromyalgia Population

Any repetitive motion or extended physical position gives me problems. This past Sunday, I stood at the front door of the church and for half an hour shook hands with everyone who came in. The rest of the day, I was even more exhausted than usual, falling asleep on the couch FOUR times, and then the muscle cramps kicked in. And the doctors wonder why we shy away from working out.

Movie Review: "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

The moment Tolkien fanatics have dreamed of has finally arrived: the first of a three-part adaptation of the beloved introduction to Middle Earth, "The Hobbit", arrived in theatres this weekend. I was lucky enough to view it early Saturday evening, and the lines at the theatre were long even though an ice storm was going on outside. Unlike the usual theatre scenario these days, this crowd was on its best behavior: no unruly kids running up and down the aisle, no chatting teens, no cell phones in use during the movie at all that I could see. We were all there to be totally absorbed in the experience and transported to a world that is fictional but, thanks to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, as familiar as though we were hobbits ourselves.

J. R. R. Tolkien wrote "The Hobbit" in 1937 as a tale for his own children to read. It takes place some 60 years prior to the events described in "The Lord of the Rings". A hobbit resembles a man, but is smaller with hairy feet, loves to eat, and lives generally uneventfully in a tastefully decorated underground house. This is the story of one such hobbit who did what was considered unthinkable for his kind: he left home for an adventure. And not just any adventure: this had far-reaching implications, although he had absolutely no idea at the time.

The hobbit in question, Bilbo Baggins, is visited one day by a wizard, Gandalf, whom he only vaguely remembers from childhood. Gandalf, unbeknownst to Bilbo, arranges for the hobbit to host 13 dwarves in his home for the evening, including their king, Thorin. The dwarves are about to embark on a mission to reclaim the treasure that was stolen from them by Smaug, a massive dragon. They want Bilbo to come with them to serve as a burglar. Despite his initial protestations, he finds himself abandoning all his creature comforts for reasons even he doesn't fully understand.

"Unexpected Journey" introduces us to many creatures that populate the world Tolkien created: trolls, elves, goblins/orcs, massive wolves known as wargs, and even more massive eagles. Because elves and wizards have incredibly long life spans, some of the characters from "Lord of the Rings" also appear in this tale. Perhaps most importantly, we get to see how it is that Bilbo meets Gollum and acquires a magical ring.

Because 3D movies give me headaches, I chose to see the 2D version. But even without the extra dimension, the look of the film is spectacular. Rivendell, home of the elves, was so beautiful it took my breath away. I grew up reading editions of "The Hobbit" containing the wonderful illustrations of Alan Lee. His influence is all over this movie. Bilbo's home in particular looked exactly as I had always pictured it in my head. And Thorin's map, the key to the journey, is straight from the book.

There was also impressive attention to detail with the costumes and appearance of all the characters, even the ones who were fully computer generated. Gollum looks more realistic than ever before; I could practically swear I saw individual pores on his forehead. Because I have a cognitive problem differentiating between faces with similar features, I appreciated that each of the 13 dwarves had a unique look. The goblins/orcs and trolls were appropriately ugly, and the wargs appropriately fierce.

I would be remiss if I didn't address the chief complaint I have been hearing about "The Hobbit": that it is too long. This first installment  runs 169 minutes, yet only covers the first six chapters of a 19 chapter book. The chief reason for this is simple: back stories galore. Battles and important meetings that are only hinted at in the book or appear in appendices elsewhere are fully fleshed out and incorporated into the film version. So we actually get to see how Thorin lost his home and his gold, we see Gandalf's discussion of the Necromancer, and we see stone giants at play. This may be a bit much for those unfamiliar with the books, but it will delight those who have read over and over every word Tolkien has ever written and want to see it all on screen. There were two places where I thought the embellishment went on too long: the seemingly endless chase through the caverns of the goblin/orc king, and the story of Radagast. But I was rather pleased with the rest of the "bonus" story.

The movie's PG-13 rating is appropriate. These are not Disney dwarves; these are fierce warriors who fight with swords. There is not excessive gore, but young kids might find it a tad scary, and they might not be willing to sit still for a three-hour movie. Those 12 and up who are already familiar with the story will be more likely to really get into it.

"The Hobbit" An Unexpected Journey" is director/co-writer Peter Jackson's gift to the fans who have been clamoring for more ever since "Return of the King". It is only one course of a delicious meal; part two, "The Desolation of Smaug", doesn't come out for another year. But this appetizer is definitely one to savor.

I hadn't commented before now on this blog about the horrific murders of 26 people at an elementary school in Connecticut, most of which were kids ages six and seven. Why? Because I can no longer think of what to say. These shootings keep happening, and every time, words are more and more inadequate. I've prayed quite a lot about it, hoping against hope each time that something will change and that mass killings will become rare or even non-existent. But this time, I am despondent. I got the following in an e-mail today, thought a lot about it, and decided that even though it is excessively harsh, I will post it because I too am fed up:


A Note From Michael Moore

Sunday, December 16th, 2012

Friends,

I am truly beside myself this time. I tried to ring a warning bell about this a decade ago. The disease has only gotten worse.

But...you feel something different in the air across America tonight, don't you? People have had it and the outrage is loud and visible. I'm convinced the majority of Americans will now back strong gun control laws. And a better mental health care system. And perhaps a few are willing to look at the deeper issue of how this country officially sanctions violence as a means to an end.

The NRA, for the first time ever, has gone silent. They've taken their Facebook page down. They know they can't show up in Newtown next week and stick it to the people there, like they usually do after one of these mass killings. Let's face it, the gun lobby tonight is on the ropes. Now is the time to act. We can't let this sad moment pass without a true response and a president willing to be a strong leader.

I'll send some more thoughts tomorrow, but for now I thought I'd share with you what I've been sending out over Twitter this weekend. (If you're not on Twitter, please consider it. I know – not one more social media stop, please! But I've found it to be a quick and easy way to communicate with millions. Please give it a try. I send things out on it every day and I'd like you not to miss them.)

Here's my Twitter feed since the shootings on Friday:

CBS News reporting 27 dead at CT elementary school, many/mostly children.

Hoping, praying this isn't true. #schoolshooting

Only minutes away from pundits & politicians saying, "This isn't the time to talk about gun control." Really? When is that moment?

The way to honor these dead children is to demand strict gun control, free mental health care, and an end to violence as public policy.

Too soon to speak out about a gun-crazy nation? No, too late. At least THIRTY-ONE school shootings since Columbine.

19 years ago today was the FIRST Aurora gun massacre. Here's an essay from one who lived: http://mmflint.me/OOWJhi

Just 18 hrs ago, those Republicans in the Michigan House rammed thru a bill making it LEGAL to carry a gun into a school or day care center.

RT ‏@Marmel Hey, @BarackObama - you know all those nuts that fear you're going to take their guns? You can take their guns now.

RT @mat: The gun lobby already hates Obama. I wish he'd give them an actual reason.

The NRA hates freedom. They don't want you to have the freedom to send your children to school & expect them to come home alive

A Facebook post from Mark Kelly: http://mmflint.me/U0XlUU

This morning a crazy man attacked 22 children at an elementary school- in China. But all the crazy man had was a knife. Number of dead? Zero

In addition to his two handguns, the killer in CT this morning used an assault rifle called The Bushmaster.

RT ‏@ScribeHard @Burnman @AwardsDaily I never read a headline that said "Dozens of Children Dead in Hand-to-Hand Combat." Guns. Facilitate. Mass. Killings.

RT @peterbayley @MMFlint I didn't know you guys named your guns after presidents. How cute

Also located in Newtown, CT: the nat'l HQ of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the lobbying & trade org of all the gun manufacturers http://mmflint.me/Uj9IZu

In 1996, Australia banned semi-automatics. In the 18 years before, there were 13 mass shootings. Since then, none.

RT @JDillon777 @MMFlint Sad to see that 'Bowling for Columbine' has gone ignored. Perhaps you should have directed Batman, and maybe they'd listen.

Hey NRA - why so quiet? Do you hear the rumble? The will of the people today? Coming your way. Think fast - the majority have had it.

From The Onion: http://mmflint.me/UIhSep

On this day in 1791 the Founding Fathers created the 2nd Amendment. It took a good 15 seconds to load 1 bullet (musket ball) then

Nation celebrates 2nd Amend. Day in past 24 hrs: Vegas: http://mmflint.me/ZviObI  'Bama: http://mmflint.me/U30404  OK: http://mmflint.me/Zv7V9M

From The Onion 2: "'Right To Live Life In Complete, Stunned Horror' Added To Constitution": http://mmflint.me/RvWJaW

RT ‏@RobbieGorlick After yesterday... canceling my #NRA membership. Can't support a group that costs the lives of innocents. @MMFlint @NRA pic.twitter.com/rs33PeMW

RT ‏@TimDempster @MMFlint It must be so infuriating knowing you warned against exactly this. Never fear, millions agree with you... Sadly mostly overseas!

Medical Examiner: Most of the dead were killed w/ the Bushmaster assault rifle. Fires 30 rounds a pop. Most kids shot "more than once."

Medical Examiner: If the dead children suffered "it was not for long."

As is often the case in these shootings, the gunman seemed to single out the women to kill (CNN: 18 of the dead are female; 8 males.)

Ooooh. Some men didn't like that last tweet. So let me give u another:When's the last time u saw a woman walk in & spray a place w/ bullets?

Pakistani children hold candlelight vigil for CT schoolkids: http://mmflint.me/UZUoE8  Ouch.

"@jfb97n: let the victims b mourned stop pushing ur agenda." I'm done with "mourning." Time for action. To do less dishonors their deaths.

Jimmy Greene moved his family fr Canada 2 Newtown in July. Daughter Ana was killed Fri; son Isaiah lived. Here they are http://mmflint.me/URvGRP

Saturday Night Live opens w/ children singing Silent Night in honor of slain first-graders of Newtown, CT: http://mmflint.me/UKUixG

Or try this one: http://mmflint.me/WfLtRu Very moving.

RT ‏@KathShx @MMFlint UK family moved to Newtown feeling "happy & comfortable" in the town - younger son died in the shooting. http://mmflint.me/WhBZl1 …

NY Times: In past 6 months, more Americans killed by guns than COMBINED total of dead Yanks in Iraq, Afghan & all terrorist acts of past 25 years.

If only the first victim, Adam Lanza's mother, had been a gun owner, she could have stopped this before it started.

RT ‏@marlasuehale @MMFlint obviously that argument the NRA folks have been using doesn't work after all.  

RT @kazic284 @MMFlint Thanks for pointing out how dumb that logic is. People have been screaming, "If only the principal had a gun!" Missing the point.

RT @mikelondoncan @MMFlint Number of homicides in Detroit, MI, 2010 - 310. Number in Windsor, ON, Canada, one mile away - 0. Same movies, video games.

Some are asking me why I'm not on TV discussing this. Because I've turned down all requests. Here's why: http://mmflint.me/UqcM6a

Time for action. The debate & discussion are over. Just as no one should debate whether "rape is legitimate," this gun debate is effing over

I said what I had to say about guns 10 yrs ago. Nothing's changed. You can watch this pirated version for free: http://mmflint.me/Jibbz0

"RT @erikb1205:It's on Netflix bud" True. U can stream it for free there too. Don't want studio or me 2 make any $ on this. Pls watch 4 free

RT @CarlBrandt: @MMFlint Millions of guns in Switzerland, 24 gun homicides in 2009... http://mmflint.me/UKV4uP

Yes, it helps if you have strong gun control laws like in Japan: http://mmflint.me/UwPwTv

But Connecticut has one of the strongest gun laws in the U.S. So, 'splain that... http://mmflint.me/Z9qzoQ

I guess it helps if the State of CT doesn't shut down the mental hospital - like they did in Newtown, CT in 1995: http://mmflint.me/Z8ZfHk

But the killer's dad is a vice-pres of GE Financial Services (he's in charge of taxes). So he had the money for excellent mental health help

Yes we need gun laws & better mental health care. BUT even that won't stop the killings. Because, let's face it, America believes in killing

A country that officially sanctions horrific violence (invade Iraq, drones kill kids, death penalty) is surprised when a 20-yr old joins in?

I hate to say it, but killing is our way. We began America w/ genocide,then built it w/ slaves. The shootings will continue- it's who we are

The long term solution to reducing gun deaths is to change our society from one of perpetual war and fear to one of peace and tolerance.

The short term solution? A law immediately banning semi-automatic weapons & mega-clips. Must have license to own gun. Must pass mental exam.

Also, end the U.S.-sanctioned policy of killing: End the wars NOW, end death penalty. Stop banks and insurance companies from destroying ppl

It's all violence & it's all connected. Why does this happen only in America? The answer is right in front of u. And it's not just the guns.

Yours,
Michael Moore

Found this on a Facebook page dedicated to "electric" people, as in those who cause short out computers, watches, street lights and other devices on a regular basis. The list of testimonials is huge but fascinating:

Report your Unusual Phenomena: High Voltage People

Just tonight, the bathroom lights came on without me hitting the switch. They have also turned off while I was still standing in the middle of the bathroom. And I've been getting odd glitches on the DVR, but it works just fine for Dan. Hmmm....

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

- the Dalai Lama

This one was also new, but very rock and roll:

This was the last song in the show:

Trans-Siberian Orchestra always goes well with animated lights:

Hadn't heard this music before, but the display was pretty cool:

Went to the annual light display at a Sioux Falls mall. This was one of the songs to which they animated lights:

The Charter for Compassion (launched 11-12-09)
www.charterforcompassion.org

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves.

Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect. It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.

We therefore call upon all men and women
• to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion;
• to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate;
• to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures;
• to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity;
• to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world.  Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political,
dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensable to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.

"Believers know that while our values are embodied in tradition, our hopes are always located in change."

- excerpt from William Sloane Coffin's book, "Credo"