two not really important pieces of information for you:  it’s america’s birthday tomorrow and i’m reading a book about the dysfunction of the American family.  i’m 3/4 of the way through it and I’m prematurely going to recommend it to you.  

Enjoy

ok, and a little bit of this.

How to make me momentarily happy:
One part Elliot Smith’s musical genius, one part re-enactment of a scene from The Royal Tenenbaums, and finally a dash of my childhood.

I hear voices in my head.  Yes, I’m that guy.  But don’t worry - I’m not the guy who stands in the middle of the pavement talking to the people who live under the ground… no, I only hear the voices when a) it is 4am, insomnia has set in, and I’m incredibly stressed or b) when I overdose drink too much caffeine.  Speaking of coffee…I’m trying to compile a list of out of the way, secret or not so secret, great quality yet full of character coffee shops in the city that I might check out.  Any suggestions?  Leave them in the comments.   

    ”A town in South America is living in fear after several sightings of a “creepy gnome” that locals claim stalks the streets at night. The midget — which wears a pointy hat and has a distinctive sideways walk — was caught on video last week by a terrified group of youngsters. … “One of my friends was so scared after seeing that thing that we had to take him to the hospital.” ” Link 

DENIAL, a poem by Tamsin Kendrick
DENIAL
(Luke22v54)
by Tamsin Kendrick

My fingers are numb and knock
stiffly against one other. Cold strangers.
The coal and dung entwine and collapse
to scorched earth. The fire takes its toll.

Through the walls I
hear the muffled thuds of torture.
Is he crouched in a corner
or tangled-knocked to heap?

If these hands were unleashed
they would be green thorns
to his drop-blood, he blooms
like burn-scars over this blasphemy.

Walking with him
we became the very best of friends,
but now, nothing but darkness and ember.
The smacks and thuds erase the garden.

It seems I had a part to play,
It seems I was on a track,
it seems once knowing him
there was no turning back.

Are you not blood brethren?
Are you not one of him?

The crow is the heart’s dark trumpet,
it heralds lost promises, boyish hyperbole.
Through the wall the Nazarenes’ eyes
focus on my tongue-heart. Suddenly all is bright

as dawn crests my brow. Before dusk falls there
will be another darkness. But for now,

strike me down. I fall on his mercy.
My own blood burns in my veins and denies not Christ,

but me.

[here are the "further investigation" suggestions from 27 January]While we may not necessarily share every opinion with each author listed, these books have personally encouraged and challenged us in our journey with Jesus.  We encourage you always to read with wisdom and discernment. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. FosterThe Spirit of Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas WillardHow People Grow by Henry Cloud and John TownsendSacred Pathways by Gary ThomasIn the Name of Jesus by Henri NouwenMaking All Things New by Henri NouwenThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck Life Together by Dietrich BonhoefferPlaces for reflection: Contemplative Rhythms at Southwark Cathedral (a monthly gathering) see http://www.contemplativerhythms.wordpress.com for more information 

So we were talking the other day about setting up an online place where one could find out all things relating to Headspace (well, a place other than facebook since some people disdain the book of faces). So post away and be merry.