if you can’t say something valuable…
Posted on November 2, 2007 by Geoff Matheson
Filed Under Links
… then point out someone who is. So while I’m suffering a minor drought of theological inspiration (or at least complete-posts worth) I thought I’d send the loyal readership elsewhere in pursuit of theology and conversation.
Anne Jackson at FlowerDust.net has written a great post on burnout (she’s a bit of an expert - she’s writing a book) as a part of her series on “Deadly Viper Character Assassins“:
“that is where it gets me. i hate disappointing people. i want to be all things to everyone - the best wife, the sharpest employee, the most considerate friend, the most giving family member, and the most effective communicator.
and then i realize; all those things are about me. ME ME ME. nothing about bringing glory to god. nothing about even desiring to grow in my relationship with christ. obviously, i do…but it gets so easily shoved to the bottom of the list when i feel i have to do all these things.” - Read the whole post
Paul at One For The Road has an interesting collection of thoughts on consumerism in Halloween. I must admit that this is one festival that hasn’t taken off in Australia (despite our love for all culture American).
“Here i think is the the centre of my angst - i am rich enough and fortunate enough to live somewhere nice enough to be able to take part in a contrived marketing fest which is celebrated by everyone one else who is also rich enough and fortunate enough to do. It’s a festival of self indulgent consumption and heck i do like to consume and self indulge - i feel a little like a cow led by the nose with my head stuck in a trough where the feed never stops pouring in - just eat and eat and eat. I never wonder why i am being fed, why the system i am part of encourages me to keep eating, i just keep filling my face…” - Read the whole post
A couple of things from Makeesha that are worth highlighting. Firstly, she’s challenged men like myself to go have a listen to Sister Joan Chittister, which I duly did (because I always do as I’m told) and would now recommend. She’s a very wise and graceful woman, and has some fantastic things to say, so make some time to have a listen. I also thought this comment from Makeesha was worth highlighting, as we seek to love one another better:
“Encouraging one another with our words (and of course our actions) is one of the most powerful and transforming acts we can engage in within the context of human interaction. Behavior modification through judgment, proclamation of “law”, shame and fear only works sometimes and in those instances, usually only for a short time. But kind and encouraging words that spur others on generates life giving interactions that last.” - Read the whole post
And finally, Shane Magee of Fake Republic and David Hayward of Naked Pastor fame have combined to create the “fakeNaked” show. It’s still in its infancy, but it certainly looks to be worth keeping an eye on.
So, if you’ve got anything that you’ve seen from someone else’s blog that you think is worth highlighting, post it in the comments. Other than that: go forth and converse elsewhere - the blogosphere needs you.
About Geoff Matheson
Geoff is a 23 year old database administrator who has birthed amateurtheology.org from some crazy thoughts he had early one Monday morning. Geoff does his best to sound lots smarter than he actually is. He also runs some youth stuff at Yarra Valley Vineyard, and he is married to the very lovely Rebecca.
Geoff's site: http://www.geoffreport.com/wp/
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4 Responses to “if you can’t say something valuable…”
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hehe…thanks - and you’re a smart man to do as the women tell you
…and in case anyone is led astray, I CHALLENGED the men to listen, I did not TELL them to listen. Not that I have a problem telling men what to do mind you
I just didn’t in this instance.
and a vey good challenge it is too
and thanks for the link as well!
thanks so much for the link. i appreciate it and am glad you’ve enjoyed the posts!
I love Sister Chittister. I subscribed to her newsletter for years, but then changed email addies and forgot to update. I’m off to listen to what she has to say (and I’m not even a man).
The blogosphere is truly quiet lately. Everybody is busy busy busy.
Come back everybody! Go to my blog too, I ask good questions and need some answers! (Shameless plug)