tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97594102011-09-14T11:12:33.090-04:00the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.comBlogger2221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-61640460321058751982007-04-05T15:47:00.000-04:002007-04-05T15:49:53.136-04:00

I've decided to move to a new platform for this weblog. Here is the link to the new just an apprentice.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-48074946931293361682007-03-28T13:20:00.000-04:002007-03-28T15:03:37.536-04:00

Here is an essay by Frederica Matthewes-Green expressing an Orthodox perspective on the ordination of women.The words that jumped out of the essay for me were these:"I don’t mind if Protestant denominations want to ordain women. Many times, this just means allowing them to do things Orthodox women have always done."I am intrigued by one thing in the conversation that has been taking place in LMC

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-32111022011683767752007-03-27T23:12:00.000-04:002007-03-27T23:14:54.583-04:00

Link to Bono's speech at the NAACP Awards.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-58396722826381659002007-03-27T22:25:00.000-04:002007-03-27T22:36:09.287-04:00

Here are some pics from our trip to Kansas. More can be found here.Went to Reading this afternoon to tape a show for BCTV at the invitation of Ira's cousin, Calvin Kurtz. Father Demetrius and I talked about the dialogue three weeks ago and the ongoing conversation between Mennonites and Orthodoxy.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-21527069389727081052007-03-26T15:46:00.000-04:002007-03-26T16:11:46.151-04:00

We celebrate Communion once a month at SMC. We made the transition from Communion two times a year, to once a month almost eleven years ago. Some might question whether the increased frequency might detract from the depth of the meaning. I have never heard that question asked about singing or sermons--that we should not have these pieces every week out of a concern that they would become

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-78780714371302838072007-03-23T17:05:00.000-04:002007-03-23T17:30:24.697-04:00

Trinitarian missiology. A must read paper (11 pages) by Nelson Krabill, presented for Allelon Missional Schools project.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-70914195286637176292007-03-15T15:28:00.000-04:002007-03-15T15:34:42.578-04:00

Working on the sermon for Grandma Unruh's funeral on Sunday. In my preparation, I came across these beautiful words by Henri Nouwen. I am being stretched more than ever before, but with it comes a deeper appreciation for the spiritual community I am a part of--those living and dead.As we grow older we have more and more people to remember, people who have died before us. It is very important

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-30930174851987278212007-03-14T13:56:00.000-04:002007-03-14T15:58:19.081-04:00

The First Green of SpringDavid Budbill Out walking in the swamp picking cowslip, marsh marigold,this sweet first green of spring. Now sautéed in a pan meltingto a deeper green than they were alive, this green, this life,harbinger of things to come. Now we sit at the table munchingon this message from the dawn which says we and the worldare alive again today, and this is the world's birthday.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-59566950698962139532007-03-13T15:23:00.000-04:002007-03-13T17:14:21.281-04:00

"There is a fundamental schism in American cultural, political, and economic life. There's the quicker-growing, economically vibrant...morally relativist, urban-oriented, culturally adventuresome, sexually polymorphous, and ethnically diverse nation...and there's the small town, nuclear-family, religiously-oriented, white-centric other America, [with]...its diminishing cultural and economic

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-60933884846804096812007-03-13T13:08:00.000-04:002007-03-13T13:14:20.550-04:00

alefbetgimeldalethevavzayinchettetyodkaflamedmemnunsamekayinpetsadeqofreshsinshintav

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-66017794783481913932007-03-11T16:10:00.000-04:002007-03-11T16:13:55.031-04:00

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-10383279430280542502007-03-11T09:36:00.000-04:002007-03-11T10:33:22.141-04:00

The following message is republished here from the blog of a catholic priest who is known to stand on his head. The excellent work done by this subversive counter-intelligence agent has filtered out, de-coded and translated the exchanges between the Inquisitor and one of his minnions--Hogwart.While these messages have been merely reproduced here, there are some indications that new messages are

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-6521846136965580042007-03-07T07:37:00.000-05:002007-03-08T13:31:49.768-05:00

I came across this blog post by Jim Wallis yesterday and this one by Brian McLaren that preceded it. I am thinking about the need for Christians to enter into dialogue with those who see things differently. I am thinking about the tone we use when engaging those who use different words and a different configuration of values when talking about Christian faith.I am cautiously hopeful that the

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-11951912296423472592007-03-06T17:57:00.000-05:002007-03-06T18:00:36.524-05:00

Here are some photos from the Mennonite/Orthodox dialogue on Saturday.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-13061400245415157762007-03-03T16:41:00.000-05:002007-03-04T07:06:20.564-05:00

We had a good afternoon at Annunciation for the Mennonite/Orthodox dialogue. You can download the paper I presented here. It is not perfect, but it is an iteration of how Anabaptists read and interpret the Bible. I think the part on how authority is expressed in the Mennonite (and more broadly the Protestant/Evangelical stream) is particularly important to understanding the contemporary situation

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-41290992801894420072007-02-27T13:01:00.000-05:002007-02-27T13:04:57.929-05:00

Lord and Master of my life,Take away from me the will to be lazy and sad,The desire to get ahead of other people,And to boast and brag. Give me instead a pure and humble spirit,The will to be patient with other people,And to love them. Grant, Lord, that I may see my own sins,And keep me from judging the things other people do.For you are holy, now and forever,And to the ages of ages. Amen. --St

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-30488595289760924762007-02-24T19:32:00.000-05:002007-02-24T19:36:56.205-05:00

Went to see Amazing Grace this afternoon on a date with Heather. It is well done. I highly recommend it. Inspiring! A clear witness for Christ his Kingdom breaking in.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-10707093397654916422007-02-20T15:53:00.000-05:002007-02-25T13:06:41.139-05:00

I have been consumed with the process of writing for the last week and a half or so (and it is not yet completed!!). Working on the paper that will be presented for the Mennonite/Orthodox Dialogue on March 3. I think the paper is starting to come together. Looking at interpreting Scripture and the relationship of tradition and praxis as loci of authority in the community of interpretation (

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-51881096253800635282007-02-15T13:29:00.000-05:002007-02-15T13:47:52.366-05:00

One is either a good German or a good Christian. It is impossible to be both at the same time.--Adolf HitlerHere is more medicine from Mere Discipleship, Lee Camp.It is not nation-states that run the world or determine the real meaning

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-83380324218191053072007-02-14T15:22:00.000-05:002007-02-14T22:37:35.725-05:00

Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?" And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. See,

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-75497565250878920032007-02-13T20:56:00.000-05:002007-02-15T13:10:33.166-05:00

Softly, gently in the secret night,Down from the North came the quiet white.Drifting, sifting, silent flight,Softly, gently, in the secret night.White snow, bright snow, smooth and deep.Light snow, night snow, quiet as sleep.Down, down, without a sound;Down, down, to the frozen ground.Covering roads and hiding fences,Sifting in cracks and filling up trenches.Millions of snowflakes, tiny and light

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-80512606877877037342007-02-06T17:34:00.000-05:002007-02-06T17:38:43.058-05:00

I knew the names of all the cows beforeI knew my alphabet, but no matter thesubject; I had mastery of it, and whenit came time to help in the fields, I learned to drive a tractor at just the rightspeed, so that two men, walkingon either side of the moving wagoncould each lift a bale, walk towardsthe steadily arriving platform andsimultaneously hoist the hay onto the rack, walk to the next bale,

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-52183787300653737912007-02-01T06:18:00.000-05:002007-02-01T06:21:20.798-05:00

This is amazing!

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-84004706283787154712007-01-31T14:49:00.000-05:002007-01-31T14:58:56.013-05:00

By Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic, Serbian bishop who spoke out against Naziism, was arrested, and taken to Dachau.Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them. Enemies have driven me into your embrace more than friends have. Friends have bound me to earth; enemies have loosed me from earth and have demolished all my aspirations in the world.Enemies have made me a stranger in

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-9347435888426797112007-01-29T15:03:00.000-05:002007-01-29T15:21:34.862-05:00

Mennonite theologian A. James Reimer says, "Nicene Orthodoxy needs to be retrieved by the Christian church in general and by the Mennonite Church in particular as a way of remaining faithful to the Bible, as a way of preserving the essential tenets of the Christian faith within a post-biblical context, and as a theological framework for contemporary ethics.""...I believe we need to enter

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-62934165214910094012007-01-25T06:28:00.000-05:002007-01-27T18:02:07.003-05:00

An excellent essay on Christians and culture by Frederica Matthewes-Green. She expresses so well the idea I was trying to bring out in my evaluation of Dr. Dobson in a previous post--more specifically, his approach to engaging culture. It is not that we should put no effort into changing the "weather conditions" in culture by influencing the entertainment industry, the legal system, the

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-63069634358659783712007-01-24T16:15:00.000-05:002007-01-25T17:23:57.786-05:00

Walking with Jesus is a resource that Dawn brought to my attention. Looks like an excellent resource in helping children know how to respond in the way of Jesus to bullies without being doormats.And here is a resource that provides some practical suggestions for helping kids deal with bullying situations.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-83003266749532015552007-01-23T12:43:00.000-05:002007-01-23T13:17:38.015-05:00

At SMC, a number of us have been watching the video series, bringing up boys, by Dr. James Dobson. Last Sunday evening we viewed two sessions--"The Wounded Spirit" and "The Origens of Homosexuality." As I have been reflecting on these two sessions a number of questions have been developing for me. I welcome your responses.A primary theme of the first session on “The Wounded Spirit” was the issue

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-14686736448746003902007-01-15T15:12:00.000-05:002007-01-15T15:26:43.881-05:00

As the deer pants for streams of water,so I long for you, O God.I thirst for God, the living God.When can I come and stand before him?Day and night, I have only tears for food,while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,"Where is this God of yours?" My heart is breakingas I remember how is used to be:I walked among the crowds of worshipers,leading a great procession to the house of God,singing

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-21433052993168755382007-01-07T17:09:00.000-05:002007-01-07T17:52:57.714-05:00

Here is a link to an NPR story on a situation that ocurred in the rice industry this last year. My father-in-law, Jackie Loewer, was interviewed.The story was on the Saturday morning edition of NPR.We are very proud of him!

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-82901150977349234582007-01-02T12:52:00.000-05:002007-01-06T07:51:00.093-05:00

go stand at the crossroads and look around. ask for directions to the old road, the tried and true road. then take it. discover the right route for your souls. jeremiah 6:16then he added, “every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old."matthew 13:52Prayers of the Saints is one of

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-3406162817514958512006-12-30T16:05:00.000-05:002007-01-01T10:09:22.684-05:00

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-56699246471818709322006-12-23T20:29:00.000-05:002006-12-23T20:51:57.158-05:00

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-65751349035773968372006-12-20T13:37:00.000-05:002006-12-21T06:18:59.087-05:00

There is a fascinating exchange on Dwight Longenecker's blog in recent posts. There is much to chew on in the Monday post about the elephant in the chancel--authority in the Church and how we interpret Scripture. The exchange between Fr. Dwight and Nicholas Lubelfeld is beautiful. My words are insufficient, yet I will only open my mouth to utter the words... God of grace and God of glory, on thy

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-21785949389264430402006-12-19T15:49:00.000-05:002006-12-20T05:37:11.724-05:00

Dan Wilt has a blog post where he shares a link to access chord charts and free downloads of how to play simple carols with acoustic guitar.Angels We Have Heard on High is one that he shares.You can also download the Christmas carol chord charts.Peace

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-75634460537141261502006-12-15T14:49:00.000-05:002006-12-16T05:03:02.722-05:00

Some are quite critical in their analysis of the current state of American public education. Thomas Friedman, while honest about the challenges, offers a more optimistic spin.This post is not an in depth opinion on this topic, just a few observations that were triggered by the simple joy of quality learning experiences our third grader had yesterday.You know it's been a good day at school when

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-22567787783571280652006-12-12T17:09:00.000-05:002006-12-14T14:33:57.035-05:00

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. My soul is filled with joy as I sing to God my savior:you have looked

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-9115607136190500572006-12-11T13:57:00.000-05:002006-12-11T15:52:00.109-05:00

A Christmas season tradition around our house is the making of peppernuts. Dalina usually would come over and help with the process. This year it was Heather and the kids, keeping the tradition alive.Peppernuts, if you haven't tasted them, are spicy little holiday sweets about the size of a nut. They may be dark and peppery, soft and light, or crisp and crunchy. It is a tradition that comes down

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-28347861773566460942006-12-08T13:32:00.000-05:002006-12-08T14:02:20.335-05:00

It's Friday. Time for some lighter fare. I found an interesting post by Bradley Wright on slang expressions people use. "Sweet mother of pearl"This one is used as some would use "holy cow" or "oh my gosh"."When I saw all the Christmas shopping traffic downtown today, I loudly exclaimed "sweet mother of pearl, that's a lot of cars." Here is another hilarious example of this slang expression

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-12043869011185070382006-12-06T17:37:00.000-05:002006-12-06T18:29:48.518-05:00

We are finally taking the big step. We are getting a dog. This is Magnolia. She has already been born. We will bring her back with us from Louisiana at Christmas.She is a Dachshund. My mother-in-law, Onietta Loewer, raised dachshunds before she passed away in 2004. So Maggie has a special sentimental value for us. Speaking of Christmas in Louisiana...it is about time we get back to LA. It has

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-16171978009250008762006-12-02T06:27:00.000-05:002006-12-04T16:14:37.844-05:00

Most holy and merciful Father:I confess to you and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth.I have not loved you with my whole heart, and mind, and strength.I have not loved my neighbors as myself.I have not forgiven others, as I have been forgiven.Have mercy on me, Lord.I have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us.I have not been true to the mind of Christ.I have

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-60814140480979388412006-11-30T15:23:00.000-05:002006-12-01T14:50:18.981-05:00

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.Matthew 16:18Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-40432654294400446802006-11-28T20:59:00.000-05:002006-11-29T06:23:58.850-05:00

morning commutedrivetime liturgynpr, coffeethoughtsadriftlourdes garcía-navarro colony Mennonitesin ChihuahuaMéxicopast and presentdrift togethera richmonk’s blendaromaoverturned spadeloamy childhood subsoilcircularityserendipityunder the compost diggingI uncover…los mochismissionary exoduspowder blue Ford galaxycargo aboard the iron shipferrocarril del pacíficovirgintrain ridenine year-oldeyes

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-513327714477356372006-11-27T17:22:00.000-05:002006-11-27T18:21:24.396-05:00

I've added Bradley Wright to my links to blogs that I visit regularly. He has a good post on November 26 in which he writes about the characteristics of good blogging. How often should one blog. Quality over quantity and questions like that.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-85521842438404474772006-11-27T13:01:00.000-05:002006-11-27T13:11:15.413-05:00

What an overwhelming turnout to the showing of the film last evening. Stan estimated the attendance around 350! Where do we go from here? The planning committee and a number of others are discussing possibilities to continue the momentum and interest generated by this event. Because of the delay last evening (due to the high attendance that precipitated a move from the fellowship hall to the

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-73554958572678652832006-11-25T09:54:00.000-05:002006-11-27T05:22:55.569-05:00

The Lancaster District churches of Lancaster Mennonite Conference are sponsoring an important event on Sunday evening at 7 pm. The Ground Truth is a film that features the voices of soldiers who have served in Iraq. I have previewed the film and would agree with the critics that it is riveting and intensely provocative. Out of their own experiences on the frontlines, the soldiers speak an

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-49510843038090767642006-11-23T13:14:00.000-05:002006-11-24T00:14:58.258-05:00

The missiologist David Bosch described authentic Christian community in the following way:The new fellowship transcends every limit imposed by family, class or culture. We are not winning people like ourselves but sharing the good news that in Christ God has shattered the barriers that divide the human race and has created a new community. The new people of God has no analogy; it is a "

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-39614038300885474642006-11-22T22:20:00.000-05:002006-11-23T13:55:37.999-05:00

The two paintings by Caravaggio are two versions of the Supper at Emmaus. Based on the episode recorded in Luke 24, both are examples of Caravaggio's virtuoso talent. They depict the meeting of two disciples with the resurrected Christ. Michael Frost comments on these two paintings in his recent book Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture. I include an extended excerpt from

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-54693380254519130762006-11-20T12:45:00.000-05:002006-11-20T12:52:54.237-05:00

Along with the regular fare of theology, culture, missional church this blog makes room for the occasional forray into the world of sports. As a life-long Cowboys fan, I must take a moment to celebrate the win against the Colts yesterday. That is the previously unbeaten Colts. Finally, a big win. Two wins in a row. Can they make it three. Tony Romo, I'm a big fan. The stage is set for a run

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-11269046394554240042006-11-17T15:35:00.000-05:002006-11-17T16:43:20.033-05:00

We must be prepared to find that the last step of our relationship with God is an act of pure adoration, face to face with a mystery into which we cannot enter.We grow into the knowledge of God gradually from year to year until the end of our life and we will continue to do so through all eternity, without coming to a point when we shall be able to say that now we know all that is knowable of God

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-80496421229807549532006-11-13T20:11:00.000-05:002006-11-13T20:22:02.897-05:00

Haven't had much time to blog lately. Ira is on sabbatical so I'm picking up with a few more things at SMC. Extra time given to refugee support as well.Just haven't had any energy left for the blogging discipline. Blogging as a spiritual discipline for the Christian contemplative.I have been thinking for some time that my blog could use a makeover. So Blogger put out a new version with some new

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1162485969836216712006-11-02T10:41:00.000-05:002006-11-13T19:29:10.137-05:00

Went for a hike at Governor Dick the other Saturday. Heather is responsible for the amazing photography.I also got around to updating the SMC website. Some new pics and stuff. We had a great time at the 1st annual TATH talent shoe. Some good pics of that. Also cool shots of our friendship with and support of the Arabova family.It was good to have Timm, Krisi, Katia and Thaniel with us at SMC

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1161802844523946102006-10-25T14:54:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:10.051-05:00

To the degree that we accept that through Christ we ourselves have been reconciled with God we can be messengers of reconciliation for others. Essential to the work of reconciliation is a nonjudgmental presence. We are not sent to the world to judge, to condemn, to evaluate, to classify, or to label. When we walk around as if we have to make up our minds about people and tell them what is

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1161600510063179242006-10-23T06:29:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.955-05:00

John Danforth and Barack Obama are two political voices I highly respect. Two of my favorite leaders, in the political arena. They are men of integrity, character, and values. They are both bringing a message that is needed. If this country is not going to spin off its axis to the right or to the left (or implode in a toxic, uncivil partisan political quagmire)...I believe we need centrist

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1161204969591518642006-10-18T16:41:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.860-05:00

At the seminar hosted by SMC last week, Ken Mueller showed this very funny video clip from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. In this piece, Dimitri Martin highlights the phenomenon that is social networking and online journaling (weblogging).Enjoy!I have been thinking of doing a post on the sociology of blogging. Cultural analysis. Sociology of blogging. Communication. I believe their are

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1161029357078053272006-10-16T15:55:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.748-05:00

“Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: ‘I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you…every living creature on earth.’”Genesis 9:8-10“For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God’s curse. All

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1160767919052458082006-10-13T15:30:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.592-05:00

Will Sampson has some interesting insights from a lecture by Chuck Gutenson on Pacifism.1. No matter how much we spend on American national defense, the best we can hope for is “illusion of security.”2. We cannot kill enough of “them” to ever reasonably defend “us”, and it is antithetical to the gospel to even think in such (i.e. us vs. them) categories.3. The Iraq War was a bad investment and

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1160766642865190512006-10-13T14:34:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.505-05:00

For the beauty of the earth,For the beauty of the skies,For the love which from our birthOver and around us lies:Lord of all, to Thee we raiseThis our hymn of grateful praise.AMEN.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1160683080802403132006-10-12T15:50:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.411-05:00

First a disclaimer. I have never been an apologist for The Simpsons. In fact, I have never even watched one episode. If anything, my view would be that The Simpsons have had a negative impact on our culture. Nevertheless they represent an influential media phenomenon.I found this bit of pop-culture theologizing to be interesting. For what it is worth (probably not much)--here is The Simpsons

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1160593499210178442006-10-11T14:57:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.326-05:00

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:21But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.Matthew 5:39Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? Even

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1160359483015417552006-10-08T21:56:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.240-05:00

Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the earth. ---- In the same way, let your light shine before men,that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. --- Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;Where there is hatred let me sow love;Where there is injury, pardon;Where there is despair, hope;Where there is darkness,

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1160165526410585622006-10-06T16:07:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.151-05:00

This is not GOOD. When we use tactics that are not good, we are losing the battle. What moral basis do we have to name particular countries as the axis of evil? What moral basis do we have to conduct a war on terror whem we employ terrorist tactics. Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1158080013180138422006-09-12T12:15:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:09.071-05:00

I have been taking a bit of a break from blogging. Sensed a need for some space. Pruning away the urge to create something people will find interesting. Trying to write from a place of authenticity--true self. I sense that I need to do this regularly...take a break from the blog...fasting.I recently read an article by Dennis Martin (now a Roman Catholic) published in the April 2003 Mennonite

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1157625073366870152006-09-07T06:20:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:08.976-05:00

Paracletei need fire,to be inspiredi am overwhelmed,yes and I am tiredto do the tasks of day to dayi've exhausted all the platitudesthe ones you gave to mei need firei need truth,for i am a liareasily convince myselfto obfuscate desiresthat come from God,i do not trusti will get just what i wantinstead of what i musti need truthi need firei need breathto fill my lungsi'm winded from the

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1157538185969112182006-09-06T06:20:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:08.891-05:00

As I stir the embers of my daily fire, I ask you, living God, to stir the embers of my heart into a flame of love for you, for my family, for my neighbor...for my enemy.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1157451819156524722006-09-05T06:09:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:05.288-05:00

Why do the nations so furiously rage together?Why do the nations imagine a vane thing?When the Son of Man returns...will he find faith on the earth?What if all the Christians of the world would agree to follow the teachings of Jesus? What would happen if we would love our enemies? Some will say that is just too radical a reading of Scriptures. We have baptized Christianity in the waters of

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1157371871418530832006-09-04T08:07:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:05.198-05:00

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. What can you point to that is new? How do you know it didn't already exist long ago? We don't remember what happened in those former times. And in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.Ecclesiastes 1:9-11Again I observed all the oppression that takes place in our world. I saw

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1156966396018749612006-08-30T15:14:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:05.108-05:00

Jansen started kindergarten yesterday. Hard to believe. He was ready. Mackenzie in 3rd grade. Hollyn not wanting to be left behind.I went back on Monday. I picked up the vaguely familiar teaching role and quickly eased back into its comfortable fit. It is great to be back in the classroom, to look out at the anxious faces awaiting their cue, ready to play their part (some more ready than others).

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1156273752287510982006-08-22T14:44:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:05.024-05:00

Scot McKnight has recently written a number of excellent posts in which he looks at the primary impulses within the emerging church movement and its understanding of and relationship with orthodoxy.Emerging and orthodoxy 1Emerging and orthodoxy 2Emerging and orthodoxy 3Emerging and orthodoxy 4I identify with many aspects of the emergent church movement. I think the missional impulse that seeks

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1156258329672002572006-08-22T10:41:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:04.938-05:00

So Dave...when are you going to teach me how to drive tractor...And so my farmer friend gave me the privilege of riding along during corn harvest yesterday. Drove a little tractor...put a little feed into the silo...drank a little ice cold mint tea from a jar (why does it taste so good from a mason jar)...Brought back memories of rice harvest in Louisiana...riding along in the combine or cart...

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1156073033350505322006-08-20T07:11:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:04.863-05:00

At Black Rock yesterday and today. Here are some of the photos from our time down there yesterday. Richard and Jewel Showalter are with us also giving input. I hope I am able to bat and run the bases when I'm almost 80 years old like Mr. Frey. What a gift...for him to be with us yesterday. You can see more photos from yesterday at the SMC website.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1155845939708759442006-08-17T16:06:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:04.771-05:00

I came across this paper relating the issue of women in ministry to trinitarian theology. I find this review of Grenz's work quite helpful. I appreciate the starting point of theo-ontology as opposed to contemporary socio-cultural currents and constructs for framing a theology of gender as it relates to church ministry. (i.e. political correctness...is that a theological source?) Stanley Grenz,

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1155731552735095822006-08-16T08:03:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:04.568-05:00

People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.Luke 13:29So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, broke them into pieces, and gave them to his disciples, who distributed the bread to the crowd.Mark 8:6They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1155669019319262562006-08-15T15:01:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:04.472-05:00

One of the ways that liturgical prayer has impacted my life (at least in my conscious awareness) is that it has brought me into a deeper appreciation for the catholicity (the whole...the fullness...the oneness) of the Church. Alan Creech offers the following observations on how entering the flow of liturgical prayer is formative for our Christian life.God pays attention to my prayers because I'm

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1155563936867783412006-08-14T09:55:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:04.121-05:00

Exploring the pond habitat...frogging...fishing... Jansen the enthusiastic field biologist, revels in the muddy adventure of capturing bullfrogs.It brings to mind the writings of Annie Dillard.The pond is popping with life. Midges are swarming over the center, and the edges are clotted with the jellied egg masses of snails. One spring I saw a snapping turtle lumber from the pond to lay her eggs.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1155130141939374992006-08-09T09:06:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:04.025-05:00

I pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ,And to God’s kingdom for which he died—One Spirit-led people the world over, indivisible,With love and justice for all.By June Alliman Yoder and J. Nelson KraybillI am thinking about what it means that certain Christians display the Christian flag...or say the pledge of allegiance to the American flag in the context of worship or Church activities. Fred Bahnson

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1155041186277768992006-08-08T08:42:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.933-05:00

All, he had allmore than anyone elsebeforesincenot claimednot insistedperfect in possessionnativereleasedexchanged for nothingnothing buta bendinga bowingthe wiping of feethe himselfhad formed. --Dave Nixon

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1154893929772790132006-08-06T15:34:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.846-05:00

As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;As tumbled over rim in roundy wellsStone ring; like each tucked string tells,each hung bell'sBow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;Selves--goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,Crying What I do is me: for that I came.I say more: the just man

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1154699452255476162006-08-04T09:48:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.758-05:00

This is weird. Was last Friday the day for newspapers to run stories on blogging or something? Here is a piece that ran in the Tulsa World last Friday on church leaders who blog.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1154696798534965642006-08-04T08:48:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.463-05:00

When we think about the radical changes that are taking place in our time, it behooves us to think about how it impacts the church. I have done a lot of thinking about pastoral theology in the missional church. What does missional leadership look like? Both Missional Church (Guder) and A Peculiar People (Clapp) are very good resources as we think about how the changing cultural landscape impacts

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1154612866599391092006-08-03T09:46:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.365-05:00

“Postmodernity is the water we swim in. It is not a case of whether we like or not. Or agree with it or not. It is here. It exists. It just IS.” --Andrew JonesI came across an article by Andrew Jones (tallskinnykiwi) on the postmodern transition. I believe it ties into the conversation between dml and me on the sociology of protestantism post. The postmodern paradigm has been a part of my

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1154566503868789502006-08-02T20:49:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.285-05:00

The Road Not TakenTwo roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth;Then took the other, just as fair,And having perhaps the better claimBecause it was grassy and wanted wear,Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same,And both that morning

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1154463385352509522006-08-01T16:08:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.200-05:00

This is an awesome video that Kevin Rains put together on the Guiding Values of Vineyard Central. (Click on the hyperlink above, then click on the video screen to play the video).

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1154373152364393042006-07-31T15:06:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.117-05:00

I love hot, sunny summer days. I went for a run in the late morning today with the sun already casting its oppressive rays on the asphalt road. I “bonked” at mile 5. I “cracked”, fell apart, lost the will to keep running. I finished the same route (7 ½ miles) last week without a problem.Speaking of clergy who blog…Rick Warren now has a blog, although I understand you can’t post comments.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1153923826548656142006-07-26T10:13:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:03.037-05:00

Andrew Jones (a.k.a. Tall Skinny Kiwi) has an interesting post today on icons and the emerging church. For those of you outside the orbit of emergent church stuff, Andrew Jones is a protagonist in the movement. He is more involved on the other side of the big pond with Dawn Ministries in Europe. I actually don't know too much more than what I gather reading his blog occasionally.I was asked the

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1153858015570902402006-07-25T16:05:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:02.863-05:00

The other day I spoke with a reporter for Lancaster Newspapers who is working on a possible story on clergy who blog. She asked me what was behind the title of my blog—Just an Apprentice. I thought I would reflect on this question a bit with this post.Dallas Willard, in his book Divine Conspiracy, writes about the Christian life as a way of living in this world not just a set of doctrines, or a

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1153483378912164622006-07-21T07:55:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:02.627-05:00

A ride for the ages...Amazing! Epic! After having a bad day and cracking in stage 16, what a turnaround yesterday. To gain back that much time--7:38--in one stage is unthinkable.I remember watching Greg Lemond's incredible ride on the last day of the tour in 1989 (I think), when he made up over a minute to Laurent Fignot who was in good form. That gave me chills. But yesterday, as Bob Roll (OLN)

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1153398743474828042006-07-20T08:24:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:02.510-05:00

“Israel and the End Times” by David Ewert appeared in The CHRISTIAN LEADER, 25 October 1977, organ of the U.S. Mennonite Brethren Church. Ewert provides an excellent treatment of how a Christocentric reading of Scripture might challenge many widely held views regarding the present day nation-state of Israel. Below, without commentary, I submit some excerpts from this article. JBM _______________

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1153244588669732172006-07-18T13:38:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:02.418-05:00

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant that all of us be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1153234923997744672006-07-18T10:49:00.001-04:002006-11-13T19:29:02.329-05:00

We had a good weekend at Refreshing Mountain. I added some photos from this weekend to the SMC church website. It was really fun to watch the kids go for it on the high ropes course and zip line. On Sunday morning we talked about the parallels between these high elements and life/being Church/faith journey/trusting God. Saturday evening was a great time of enjoying a common meal together with

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1152723562275829412006-07-12T12:50:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:02.139-05:00

Farm life offers a wisdom worth contemplating.Here is the voice of another pilgrim on the journey.Peace

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1152566782316603402006-07-10T17:17:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:02.051-05:00

Home again, home again jiggity, jig. Good to be home again. No deep posts at this moment. Thought I would post some of my photos from Kansas.What was Zidane thinking?Is anybody else on the Floyd Landis bandwagon? Couldn't believe what I read in today's Intell about Landis needing a hip replacement after this year's Tour de France!!! As if riding up Alpe d' Huez isn't difficult enough without hip

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1151712417122360232006-06-30T20:04:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:01.970-05:00

More photos from the Spain trip are here.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1151701809266314032006-06-30T17:07:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:01.890-05:00

I saw a t-shirt in the Madrid airport yesterday that caught my attention. The shirt said, "Truth fears no questions."The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Truth as revealed in the Christian worldview should be open to engaging any questions. Christianity should also be open to accept (at least not kill--Crusader model; or ridicule) those who reject the way of Jesus. Or, as is more common in this day, those

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1150801361728822002006-06-20T06:54:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:01.725-05:00

Going to visit Spain. Strolling Las Ramblas. La Sagrada Familia. Buying water bottle at Corte Ingles. Overnight train from Barcelona to Malaga. Costa del Sol. Day 5 visit to La Alhambra Palace in Granada. Day 6 bullfight in Sevilla. Stopping at Cordoba and Toledo on the way to Madrid. Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia. Round of 16 Spain match in the hotel lobby.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1150597706939618502006-06-17T22:23:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:01.648-05:00

What incredible resiliency...a courageous effort...a result that allows us to hope. What jubilation when Beasley's shot found the back of the net... I could not believe it... A man down... 9 v. 10 and they pressed the attack relentlessly...The scoreline showed 2-1 U.S. But wait...it can't be...the goal is called back...O heartbreak.

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1150375538378863172006-06-15T08:21:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:01.562-05:00

4-0. The new Spain. No longer the perennial underachiever. Not allowing referee mistakes to determine their fate. A goalfest. 4 balls in the back of the onion bag. A fantastic result. Something to build upon. This team showed promise of making some noise beyond group play. I will wear the jersey with pride.It is almost comical to observe the tact of American sportscasters and T.V. anchors (ESPN,

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1150210927298664462006-06-13T10:56:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:01.476-05:00

I could go for a good crawfish boil right about now. It has been too long since I was in Louisiana.We are having a great time with the middlers in T'Padro this week.New pictures in the photo gallery on the SMC website thanks to Bev Beiler (VBS) and Starla's brother-in-law (baptism).

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1150142379968245092006-06-12T15:39:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:01.404-05:00

Awakened by Hollyn's crying at 4:30 this morning, I lay in bed unable to get back to sleep. World Cup is underway, and I am a fanatic. The global spectacle that brings together countries and the world around the bounce of a round ball. It truly is a beautiful game. National Geographic has some great essays in the latest issue on why the world loves soccer.So I couldn't go back to sleep as the

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9759410.post-1149852051674459052006-06-09T07:14:00.000-04:002006-11-13T19:29:01.331-05:00

Yesterday was the last day of school. I had an interesting conversation with a student that was even more intriguing in light of the Scripture reading from yesterday morning’s office.It was the last period of the year. Shortened periods…students signing yearbooks…a pervasive euphoria bubbling through the hallways and classrooms with summer freedom just minutes away. A dedicated remnant had made

Brian Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499619375897729458noreply@blogger.com3