Lenten Reading

If you are not a Christian, Lent may be baffling.

Even for some Christians it is a profound season.

In the old days, people spoke of "giving up something for Lent". The idea was to give up something sinful or evil. Later it became... let's use these 40 days to go on a diet and maybe give up dessert or smoking or candy and give the money we saved to the poor.

Many people today look at Lent as a time to draw closer to God, to atone for sins, to strive for enlightenment. A time of study and introspection.

My Lenten reading this year is Original Blessing by Matthew Fox. Perhaps you have heard of it. It is an alternative view of the theology of creation. Proposing that instead of Original Sin, we are born with Original Blessing.

The book is elemental to understanding Creation Spirituality. Matthew Fox refers to this as a more ecologically oriented doctrine than the original sin perspective.

Interesting that Matthew Fox was a Dominican priest and is now an Episcopalian priest because his views went beyond what was acceptable to Dominicans.

The four paths of Creation Spirituality do reflect the seasons and are worthy reflection for this season. I have attended some CS workshops and seen some videos but I have never read this basic text, so in these next few weeks I shall learn and read and reflect some more.

In what way will you honor this Lenten season? Fasting? Meditation? Service?

someone asked me what eccelesiastes is

someone asked me what Ecclesiastes is

So, I guess the first thing to identify is that it is a book of the Bible. It is in the Old Testament. The reference in the previous post is to Chapter 4 verses 9 and 10. It says:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work;
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

So, my suggestion is to read and reflect. I have not read the story of the 47 Beavers yet but I am sure there is a lot of teamwork involved.

Creator Of Veggietales Tells His Own Tale

Somehow I received a Veggie Tales poster in the mail the other day.

It is precious.

I do not NEED a Veggie Tales poster any more than I need more dust under my desk!

But since it arrived, I decided to read up on the charming little Veggies.

Here is an article I found about the guy who created the series.

I found it interesting so here I share it.

"In 1990, 24-year-old computer animator Phil Vischer sat down to create characters that could teach Christian values to kids in a delightfully weird way. Hence, a tomato named Bob and a cucumber named Larry were born. VeggieTales would revolutionize Christian filmmaking, selling more than 50 million videos and placing Phil's faith-filled stories in one in three American households with young children.

In Me, Myself & Bob (Nelson Books), currently in bookstores, Phil Vischer, founder of Big Idea and creator of "VeggieTales," gives a behind-the-scenes look at his journey with the very loveable veggies.
This is a story of dreaming big and working hard, of success and failure, of shouted questions and whispered answers. With trademark wit and heart, Phil shares an amazing story that shows how God can use failures and the death of a dream to point us toward true success."Larry was the loveable goofball-the guy who entertains your kids at a birthday party. But Bob had ambition. The first words that ever came out of his mouth were, in fact, 'I have a dream.' Bob, the tomato, was a dreamer. He wanted to change the world. Like me."

Now, the man who made the vegetables talk has written a new picture book that may make your heart sing. After his bankruptcy, Phil is no longer heading Veggie Tales and has started fresh with a new company called Jellyfish Labs.

His new book, 47 Beavers on the Big, Blue Sea, is a children's picture book that begs to be read again and again. When 47 Beavers on the Big, Blue Sea find themselves lost on the great deep, obstacles and assorted adventures abound.

The aquatic critters also discover the true meaning of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 and that things just go better when they work together.

The book is accompanied by a sing-along CD and children and adults may find themselves singing its silly song long after the story is over.

Filled with riotous retro art, Vischer's imaginative tale on the importance of cooperation through the ebb and flow of life is great for reading aloud and sharing at bedtime.

Look for 47 Beavers on the Big, Blue Sea at your bookstore this spring.

The VeggieTales stars may be the most famous vegetables you'll ever eat.

By: Stacey Moore

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

http://www.articlesdashby.com

Submit Articles to ArticlesDashby Directory - Article submission and content you can use for free at ArticleDashboard.com

Great Deals on Veggie Tales Products Here Just enter Veggie Tales in the search box to see them

Was Valentine a Revolutionary?

Now there is a question for the ages!

You see

the origins of Valentine's Day can be traced back to the days of the

Roman Empire.

Not many people think of it often though.

We tend to think of the romantic aspects of the day.

But back then this brave priest quietly married couples

EVEN THOUGH IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW FOR SOLDIERS TO MARRY!

As a consequence, Valentine, the priest, was thrown into prison.

He was to be executed on FEBRUARY 14, 270

It was what happened IN Prison that we cherish today.

Valentine... once a radical priest...

later considered a saint...

showed tenderness and care for the jailer's blind daughter.

The message he left for her before his execution was

"FROM YOUR VALENTINE"

I know this sounds like it MUST be a Joke.

But it is legendary history for sure!

And the card companies Love it even unto today