What do YOU think about "The Book of Daniel"

The Book of Daniel is "limited" primetime series on NBC. Lots of hubbub from certain quarters because of all the story lines running and intertwining in each episode, most of which - although full of the grey areas of humanity - do not portray a particular Episcopal priest and his family as being totally functional and certainly not a piously saintly group....

Have you seen it? What do you think of it? Just add a comment below to get a sense of how Farmers throughout the states view this TV show.

Taking Chances

I came across this while attempting to create some order in the chaos of my home office... it may well apply to taking chances, taking risks in order to make our selves, our families, parishes, dioceses, churches, denominations, faiths vital and relevant.

RISKS

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool;

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental;

To reach out for another is to risk involvement;

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self;

To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss or their ridicule;

To love is to risk not being loved in return;

To live is to risk dying;

To hope is to risk despair;

To try is to risk failure -

yet risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The Ministry of Plywood

The following piece was a homily by John G. Miers of Bethesda, MD. A nice dovetail (good carpentry reference!) to Barbara Crafton's e-Mo "A Circular Saw" of January 17, 2006.

The Ministry of Plywood

Thanks very much John for sharing this with us!

More Prayers for Our Animal Companions

MOLC reader Gwendolyn Chambrun has sent the following prayers to us that she uses in her daily spiritual discipline. Many thanks, Gwendolyn, from the many animal lovers who visit the Farm!

MORNING

A Prayer by Saint Basil of Caesarea (c. 329-379)

O God, enlarge within us the sense of fellowship with all living things: with our brothers and sisters the animals to whom Thou gavest the earth as their home in common with us.

We remember with shame that in the past we have exercised the high dominion of man with ruthless cruelty so that the voice of the earth, which should have gone up to Thee in praise, has been a groan of travail.

May we realize that they live not for us alone, but for themselves and for Thee, and that they, too, love the sweetness of life, and serve Thee in their place better than we in others. Amen.


NOON

A Prayer by Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)

O Thou, who bearest the pain of the weakest and lowliest of creatures, touch our hearts to hear their pain, to hear the the voice of these voiceless ones, to hear them and to heed them.

God, give us the strength to find in our hearts the ways we can best help those humble creatures who have only us to rely on, and who cannot speak for themslves.

Give us the courage to move undaunted, despite criticism and indifference, to relieve their suffering. Amen.


EVENING

A Prayer by Albert Schweitzer

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death.

We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion, gentle hands, and kindly words.

Make us ourselves to be true friends to animals and so share the blessing of the merciful. Amen.


COMPLINE

A Prayer by Albert Schweitzer

Dear God, protect and bless all creatures that have breath; save them from all evil, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.

---------
p.s. Some info on Albert Schweitzer and animals may be found at:
http://www.awionline.org/schweitzer/as-1.htm