Potlucking People

What a way to celebrate. Food and fellowship as a means of renewing grace. 

Joining together. Shouting and singing the long awaited "alleluias" of God's reign.

Finally. We are resurrection people. 

Good news abounds,

BEAT

instead of studying...

The first big exam of the semester is on Thursday. No fun. I would like to return to Bath. Right now. Instead I have to wait until the end of May. That's right. I am taking another trip to England. This will include the real Wesleyan tour. Me and 26 other Methodists from VDS. Yes, that's what we consider fun. Loads of it. 

But it is not May. It is February. Darn cold. And I have an exam. Never an enjoyable experience. On to studying. All 25 pages that comprise the study guide. Bless me. Bless my colleagues. With wisdom and insight. And bless those who grade it. With mercy and kindness. 

Grace upon grace,

BEAT 

English what?

For all those not in Nashville, the shit has hit the fan here. On January 22 there will be a major vote concerning English Only Referendums. Words cannot describe how detrimental this addition to the City Charter will be. It will damage the economy. Nashville can no longer claim to be an international city because businesses and conventions where other languages are spoken will not be welcome. Contracts can be negotiated in English only. All governmental forms will be in English only. Translators will be cut. I mean unless it is an emergency and all?

On top of all these cons, this is a theological issue. As intern of hospitality I talk lots about welcoming the neighbor and stranger. The English Only Referendum means that Nashville cares about neither, neighbor or stranger. January 22 is coming soon. This issue is raising my blood pressure. But in a good way. This is an issue of hospitality. I hope you welcome your neighbor. And I hope you welcome them in English, Spanish, and any other language they speak. I hear a hello (wave) or handshake or hug works really, really well. That doesn't require words. It requires love. I hope you have open hearts, minds, and doors. Whether in Nashville, Georgia, or across the world, it just requires love.

For more info, please READ this article in the NY Times. 

Love upon love,

BEAT

quilting...

I made this for a class assignment. 

I had to pick an image that embodied my internship.

I am a quilter, putting pieces and people together. 

I would like life to be back to normal. 

That should be around 4 pm today.

Well, it will slow down.

2 classes down, 3 to go. 

(Yes, I said three and that makes five classes total.)

Study upon study,

BEAT

down to the river...

If my grades are bad this semester, 

I just remember I have been redeemed.

I love this song. I love Alison Krauss

Grace upon grace,

BEAT