tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243672512012-01-31T17:02:30.240-08:00bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.comBlogger1151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-73379361314744569722010-05-23T10:33:00.000-07:002010-05-23T10:35:39.276-07:00

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-65192214777743964862010-04-22T11:52:00.000-07:002010-04-22T12:00:53.371-07:00

Recently Christy and I had a brief conversation about how much money a year I spend on beer. After a quick calculation we found the money spent was considerable and I don't even drink as much as I used to.Because of this I have come to the conclusion that I will not buy beer anymore and this will hopefully be the catalyst I need to start crafting beer again.P.S. THIS LIMITATION DOES NOT EXTEND TO

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-84801821958283042742010-03-14T14:36:00.000-07:002010-03-15T15:05:26.592-07:00

We have started getting our garden ready again. Hopefully this year we will be able to actualize our expectations a little fuller. Last year we built more permanent beds and I ran water to each bed. We planted a bunch of trees and some grapes.My Cascade hops started coming up a couple of weeks ago. I still have to make a large, climbable structure for them, probably use wire. Christy has mad

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-82184587068169815052010-03-05T11:28:00.001-08:002010-03-05T11:30:51.673-08:00

Have fallen off the wagon right into a large, fragrant pile of Fair Trade Nicaraguan French Roast.Can't really remember why I stopped drinking coffee. Maybe I will remember when I come down.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-91310711497495860042010-03-02T13:29:00.000-08:002010-03-02T13:31:00.514-08:00

The easy way is almost always the wrong way. -My dualistic .02

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-4265336635474491532010-02-14T09:32:00.001-08:002010-02-14T09:44:33.452-08:00

You can look at a piece of art and it can evoke in you a feeling, or impression. But that is more about you than the art. Often those feelings hearken to a time or place in your life. Or, for whatever reason, attach to a particular emotion that belongs only to you, not the work of art. People can be like art. Some people on the surface evoke strong feelings, or impressions. In fact we all

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-21543703395053619522010-02-05T06:38:00.001-08:002010-02-05T06:51:56.008-08:00

I got a message from an old co-worker/friend yesterday that had as its subject line the name of an older man we used to work with. I knew this could only mean one thing.I spend a lot of time thinking about "high" things, I suppose. Stuff like god, ways of thinking and being, philosophy and religions. I haven't thought about Jim for a number of years. Jim did not dwell on those issues but his life

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-14847512250466681082010-01-30T21:39:00.000-08:002010-01-30T22:01:22.397-08:00

Tonight I was able to meet some wonderful new people in Chico at the Sierra Nevada Brewery.The segue into meeting these people was my connection to Emergent Village. I originally got involved with Emergent Village and the movement because of its peaceful pursuit of asking questions. Tonight was a reaffirmation of that along with a calm assurance amongst the tension of certainty and doubt. It is

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-74466647366992252342010-01-25T14:11:00.000-08:002010-01-25T14:25:18.538-08:00

be reading about comparative religion and philosophy.Instead this semester I will be reading about Special Education Law, Assessment & Evaluation, Technology in Specialized Environment, Teaching Reading/Language Arts.Ughhh...

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-76637802552075661202010-01-24T19:08:00.000-08:002010-01-24T19:13:22.115-08:00

I used to not get poison oak, bad, until my mid-twenties. Now I get it so bad, I get it somewhat systemically (read: my lymphatic system is kind enough to spread it for me to the "warmer" parts of my body)I currently have a student who has it pretty badly.My lips started itching a couple of days ago.I think I contracted it from grading his homework.moral: homework can be bad for you!

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-90936389720111563002010-01-24T10:19:00.001-08:002010-01-24T10:20:35.974-08:00

Anyone else use Twitterfeed?Happy with it?Use something else?Let me know, thanks.peace

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-78207653499310446092009-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-25T10:02:22.807-07:00

Go here, read this!HT: Tony Jones

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-36514622676480841412009-10-12T10:51:00.000-07:002009-10-12T11:07:43.520-07:00

“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.”Ralph Waldo Emerson

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-20679871943389952922009-07-01T06:36:00.000-07:002009-07-01T06:45:22.027-07:00

Ok so it's be a while, and I hold a loose definition of "a while"First and foremost we welcomed the newest addition to our clan on May 31He is a wonderful little guy. We have been graced with great kids and I love them dearly.Christy is radiant when she is a mom and I love to watch her love my kids.I added his name to the roster on my arm and got a little something else on my other arm. If you

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-29319674538965825932009-02-02T19:37:00.000-08:002009-02-02T19:52:03.279-08:00

Check this interview with Bill Mallonee over at Homebrewed Christianity.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-69216930148064262352008-10-25T19:27:00.000-07:002008-10-25T19:30:09.595-07:00

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-64450018221914409032008-09-25T13:43:00.000-07:002008-09-25T13:44:02.601-07:00

It's extraordinary to me that the United States can find $700 billion tosave Wall Street and the entire G8 can't find $25 billion dollars to saved25,000 children who die every day from preventable diseases. - Bono

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-32057311127095917342008-09-14T20:50:00.000-07:002008-09-14T20:51:56.380-07:00

I experienced pride and cowardice simultaneously. Maybe that is not so rare. Maybe cowardice is born from a sense of pride, a sense of protecting what is yours to the point of running away with it.I did not want to talk about it with her because she seems so smug and certain that I am not safe to say my thoughts without a feeling of condemnation. Why do we have to protect our ideas so vehemently,

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-86339216323890283382008-04-01T20:29:00.000-07:002008-04-01T20:37:01.876-07:00

My wife and I have worked with kids for years who are considered severely emotionally disturbed in the highest non-corrective, restrictive environments in the state of California.We have experienced a lot of violence.But NEVER on the scale and organization as thisdamn!

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-27482926148981202272008-02-24T11:15:00.001-08:002008-02-24T11:29:17.029-08:00

All I can definitively say is that it did not look like this before my daughter got a hold of it!This was a "rah-rah" for my nephew's Cub Scout and Weblos troops that she has made some sort of statement with

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-61175909973492881202008-02-09T06:34:00.000-08:002008-02-09T06:45:02.509-08:00

Yesterday when I redeived some frustrating news at the Mayo, I called Christy with the raged confusion clogging my throat and burning my eyes, she calmly and lovingly held me close to her on the phone and helped me to start over. Thank you my love.Since then I have been gaining perspective:the woman in the Mayo lobby with an inoperable tumor in her spine cheerfully encouraging me even when I had

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-67696737435289736772008-01-27T08:55:00.000-08:002008-01-27T10:00:47.621-08:00

Say goodbye to Cranky Frank!I found out this week that after over 6 months Work Comp has finally approved for me to go to the Mayo to consult with a doctor to have a joint in my thumb replaced. I am finally able to see some glint of light at the end of the tunnel since my accident two years ago.After 18 years of off-n-on school I finally finished, and it was only by the love and support of my

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-39031627209604755612008-01-21T20:03:00.000-08:002008-01-21T20:10:12.330-08:00

Martin Luther King, Jr.an excerpt from "Loving Your Enemies" given on November 17, 1957I’ve said to you on many occasions that each of us is something of a schizophrenic personality. We’re split up and divided against ourselves. And there is something of a civil war going on within all of our lives. There is a recalcitrant South of our soul

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-52933624488128449572008-01-03T07:12:00.000-08:002008-01-03T07:26:12.666-08:00

*WARNING* Vulgar Analogy AheadSitting on the toilet with naught but a fraction of the toilet paper left to use, about a third of what I would normally use. No other options, none reasonable anyways. I use what there is...let's just say quite cleanly, with no complications.Simplicity seems so difficult to master sometimes, and yet faced with the situation where your only choice is to use what you

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-44811976524596921762007-12-22T11:44:00.000-08:002007-12-22T11:52:00.554-08:00

Please see the 5th comment on the last postChristy is right I am wrongAmy is still wickedAnd Beth....being the good sister is a very ambiguous state

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-81573087708131671902007-12-13T10:18:00.000-08:002007-12-13T10:40:54.127-08:00

My sister, who happens to be a girl...a mean one, turned me on to this. Now since we don't have a TV we watch the DVDs supplied by the aforementioned wicked sibling.We are HOOKED...HARD AND FAST.So you're asking "why, if she supplies us with such wonderful addictions, is she so bad?"Let me tell you a little story...This weekend my wife, who is also a Sister in the "Nefarious Sorority," is going

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-90597059757522285052007-12-01T11:15:00.000-08:002007-12-01T11:28:08.311-08:00

so the deal is there is just a lot of stuff going on right now, a sort of circumstantial perfect storm.Christy's health and my handGrowing kids and a two year old who is causing us to evaluate disciplineHolidays and our search for simplicity, spirituality and realitySchool ending with major questions about what is nextAnimals who eat and shit...all the timeSo every morning after I feed the kids I

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-62039579568110723312007-10-13T08:25:00.000-07:002007-10-13T08:28:40.553-07:00

So I received an email from my doctor yesterday, following our Thursday visit with him to remind him I am still alive, stating that the doctor in MN will see me, IF insurance will cover it as well as travel expenses. So does this mean I am going to have surgery there? Soon?

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-83476916033021330932007-10-07T08:41:00.000-07:002007-10-07T08:46:57.319-07:00

The isolated individual is not a real person. A real person is one who lives in and for others. And the more personal relationships we form with others, the more we truly realize ourselves as persons. It has even been said that there can be no true person unless there are two, entering into communication with one another.This idea of openness to others could be summed up under the word love. By

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-42018171777666626092007-08-20T18:30:00.000-07:002007-08-20T18:33:42.769-07:00

My nephew's blog:J2 of 4Sounds Borg-ishGo visit him it's hilarious to have a grade-schoolers perspective on a day.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-31269453455868081042007-08-17T15:55:00.000-07:002007-08-17T16:06:52.302-07:00

Mendocino Brewing Co.'sRed Tail Ale Red Tail Lager Eye of the Hawk Ale White Hawk Select IPANewcastle Brown AleSierra Nevada'sSummerfest

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-23008874698144872672007-08-09T10:46:00.000-07:002007-08-09T10:47:55.316-07:00

The DidacheMy child, flee from all evil and from everything resembling it. Do not get angry, for anger leads to murder. My child, do not grumble, for this leads to blasphemy; be gentle-minded, for those of a gentle mind shall possess the earth. Be patient and have a loving heart.Do not be one who stretches out his hands to receive but closes them when it comes to giving. If you have earned

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-80654533865250508812007-08-06T09:01:00.000-07:002007-08-06T11:12:13.708-07:00

CRANKY FRANKSubmitted by Janelle and her kids!

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-25272304381781151492007-07-29T12:24:00.000-07:002007-07-29T12:27:13.504-07:00

Since the votes were more or less close, I decided to run one more poll with the names who got the most votes.You get one vote.Vote wisely.This name shall brand my hand forever...or at least a while

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-64517899591315463352007-07-24T15:35:00.000-07:002007-07-24T15:38:42.276-07:00

and one of my beautiful little lass who helped me change her poopy diaper today

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-7752221279887174892007-07-22T08:17:00.000-07:002007-07-22T08:20:04.303-07:00

On your right you will see an opportunity to brand my current fixation. Vote often...but vote fast the poll is only open for a week!

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-37016229485376310042007-07-17T16:21:00.001-07:002007-07-17T16:27:02.615-07:00

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-10048282323015728152007-07-13T14:32:00.000-07:002007-07-13T14:34:27.100-07:00

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-50295646357594001922007-07-10T21:26:00.001-07:002007-07-10T21:26:49.739-07:00

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-62980005825802247332007-07-09T09:42:00.000-07:002007-07-09T09:50:25.666-07:00

Romano GuardiniTruth is power, but only when one has patience and requires of it no immediate effect. And one must have no specific aims. Somehow, lack of an agenda is the greatest power. Sometimes it is better not to think in terms of plans; here months may mean nothing, and also years. Truth must be sought for its own sake, its holy, divine greatness.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-33485502211665484952007-07-03T14:47:00.000-07:002007-07-03T14:49:46.618-07:00

Dorothy DayOne thing children certainly accomplish, and that is that they love and wonder at the people and the universe around them. They live in the midst of squalor and confusion and see it now. They see people at the moment and love them and admire them. They forgive and they go on loving. They may look at the most vicious person, and if he is at that moment good and kind and doing something

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-3664533341957139872007-06-27T13:37:00.000-07:002007-06-27T13:38:39.472-07:00

Samuel Howard MillerIt is the rare person who, looking back over his life and seeing what he has done to it, hasn't sighed for a chance to redeem what he has cheaply used or carelessly ruined. If only somehow, somewhere, there was a way to live again the days we have darkened with our blind haste - the innumerable occasions when our indifference trod on all the pearls of God’s graciousness; the

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-36269265009088709692007-06-22T07:05:00.000-07:002007-06-22T07:06:37.167-07:00

Rachel Naomi RemenDisappointment and loss are a part of every life. Many times we can put them behind us and get on with the rest of our lives. But not everything is amenable to this approach. Some things are too big or too deep to do this, and we will have to leave important parts of ourselves behind if we treat them in this way. These are the places where wisdom begins to grow in us. It begins

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-67248063979499167172007-06-20T13:13:00.000-07:002007-06-29T18:35:50.746-07:00

OK pics of the fair will be up soon but here is how I spent part of my Father's Day...Co-experiencer's were my sis and bro-in-law, Beth and Kevin, plus kids, my sis-in-law, Misty, up to practice Phlebotomy on our sheep...yeah...and David our recently returned from China friend.Beth and I were shopping in town when I get a call from my neighbor that there was a fire near our homes, but the fire

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-27591982732406651892007-06-17T09:31:00.000-07:002007-06-17T09:33:58.779-07:00

My ultimate presents for Father's Day are my kids.They give me immense joy and sense of purpose, they are a present daily.The banner picture is of my Pop and my uncle...I think it is a great picture of a couple of cool guys.Happy Father's Day!

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-66071376365985280612007-06-15T06:08:00.000-07:002007-06-15T06:09:15.828-07:00

Henry David ThoreauStaying inside the house breeds a sort of insanity always. Every house is in this sense a hospital. A night and a forenoon is as much confinement to those wards as I can stand - and then I must go outdoors.Source: Journal, 1856

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-38058398212005468862007-06-14T06:10:00.000-07:002007-06-14T06:11:57.136-07:00

Alvin Alexsi CurrierJesus took the command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, and pushed the definition of who is our neighbor, out, out, and still further out, until it reached to the ends of the earth and included all of humanity—all of God’s children.Because Jesus' teachings are so challenging and radical, it is much more comfortable to focus on a quiet, private, personal relationship

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-19438319249192152242007-06-13T07:17:00.001-07:002007-06-13T07:17:42.343-07:00

Ivan TurgenevLove, I thought, is stronger than death or the fear of death.Only by it, by love, life holds together and advances.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-51034681683761309842007-06-12T06:21:00.000-07:002007-06-12T06:23:01.443-07:00

Eberhard ArnoldDifficulties should not depress or divert us. The Cause that has gripped us is so great that the small weaknesses of individuals cannot destroy it. Therefore I ask you only one thing: do not be so worried about yourself. Free yourself from all your plans and aims. They occupy you far too much. Surrender yourself to the sun, the rain, and the wind, as do the flowers and the birds.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-72265071292924439522007-06-11T07:28:00.000-07:002007-06-11T07:29:34.508-07:00

Meister EckhartPeople who seek peace in things, places, people, and activities - or in world-flight, poverty, and humiliation, whatever the avenue or degree - look in vain, for there is no peace this way. But once they deny themselves, then whatever they keep, be it wealth, honor, or anything else, they will still be free from it all.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-58522329503139191042007-06-08T08:15:00.000-07:002007-06-08T08:16:55.149-07:00

Dorothy DayTo attack poverty by preaching voluntary poverty seems like madness. But again, it is direct action....To be profligate in our love and generosity, spontaneous, to cut all the red tape of bureaucracy! The more you give away, the more the Lord will give you to give. It is a growth in faith. It is the attitude of the man whose life of common sense and faith is integrated. To live with

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-52270871072981063252007-06-07T07:30:00.000-07:002007-06-07T07:31:59.961-07:00

M. Scott PeckHow strange that we should ordinarily feel compelled to hide our wounds when we are all wounded! Community requires the ability to expose our wounds and weaknesses to our fellow creatures. It also requires the ability to be affected by the wounds of others...But even more important is the love that arises among us when we share, both ways, our woundedness.Source: M. Scott Peck, "A

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-29921442576621515312007-06-06T09:56:00.000-07:002007-06-06T10:02:55.208-07:00

Jigme LingpaAs the eagle soars in the endless blue,Its shadow races after it, far below.Yet space does not divide: bird and shadoware linked. So too each act—each choiceand consequence.Source: Tibet, 18th Century

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-78191671439564397972007-06-04T07:03:00.000-07:002007-06-04T07:13:07.287-07:00

Søren KierkegaardHere is proof that the clergy are cannibals. As in the farmhouses at the slaughtering season provision for the winter is salted away, so the "minister" keeps in brine tubs the martyrs who suffered for the truth. In vain the deceased witness cries out, "Follow me, follow me!" "That's a good joke," replies the preacher, "No, keep your mouth shut and stay where you are. What

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-78465693215919094852007-06-03T10:39:00.000-07:002007-06-03T10:41:10.886-07:00

Eberhard ArnoldGod does not work by only one method, paint in only one color, play in only one key, nor does He make only one star shine onto the earth. God's mystery is the rich spectrum of color that is gathered together in the purity of the sun's white light. The symphonic harmony of all the stars is built up on precisely their manifold variety. But all this is gathered together and will be

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-14099911748791329012007-06-02T06:47:00.001-07:002007-06-02T06:47:49.429-07:00

C. F. BlumhardtNothing is more dangerous to the advancement of God's kingdom than religion. But this is what Christianity has become. Do you not know that it is possible to kill Christ with such Christianity? After all, what is more important - Christianity or Christ? And I'll say even more: we can kill Christ with the Bible! Which is greater: the Bible or Christ? Yes, we can even kill Christ

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-12876779270714546952007-06-01T06:28:00.000-07:002007-06-01T06:29:45.059-07:00

Humble LoveJean VanierMy heart is transformed by the smile of trust given by some people who are terribly fragile and weak. They call forth new energies from me. They seem to break down barriers and bring me a new freedom.It is the same with the smile of a child: even the hardest heart can’t resist. Contact with people who are weak and who are crying out...is one of the most important

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-54850546796240133812007-05-31T08:24:00.000-07:002007-05-31T08:39:32.157-07:00

I used to receive daily posts from the Bruderhof communities called "Daily Dig"I really enjoyed these so I saved themThe Bruderhof are no longer online, so I am going to take it upon myself to repost some of these digsenjoyGrowthJane Tyson ClementAt what instant does the summer change?What subtle chemistry of airand sunlight on the clean and windsmooth sand? The small birds at the water's

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-83243005919228766092007-05-30T06:29:00.000-07:002007-05-30T06:33:07.825-07:00

my brother-in-law, Eric, who is Joshua's father commented on yesterday's post.It is still hard to believe that memories and photos are all that are left for now.I went to put fresh flowers on his grave today but found that someone had already done so. Blue,white and yellow pansies with a toy bear and frog. I called both grandmas but neither was responsible. So, I don't know who did it but it was

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-72688622592774559382007-05-29T15:25:00.000-07:002007-05-29T15:39:18.714-07:00

Today my nephew would have been five...There are two links on the sidebar to your rightone says "Journaling back to Joy"the other "Awakening"one is my sisterthe other is my friendthey have both lost boys they will never forgetpray for themdon't be afraid to talk to themthis is life and we must share iti heard this poem today and it seems to fit"Advice to Myself" by Louise ErdrichLeave the

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1163533346905225802007-05-24T07:38:00.000-07:002007-05-24T15:02:23.291-07:00

*hint - click title link*the ability to turn away from monetary wealth to recognize the inherent wealth of naturei am not advocating everyone do this, but the simplicity and calm, resolve of this man is very refreshingsome will say he is nuts, but i heard this guy interviewed on the BBC and he does not sound so

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-85858858650999845752007-05-20T08:05:00.000-07:002007-05-20T08:20:33.928-07:00

This is not a cry for help but to recognize and be grateful for where the help has come from.First off I want to thank my sister and my mother for supporting us with transport while our Volvo was testing the limitations of our sanity.Now I want to take the time to thank my friend, neighbor and oftentimes teacher Don for his help. Don has helped us numerous times at the last minute with anything

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-5685752229706365052007-05-18T11:28:00.001-07:002007-05-18T11:36:20.881-07:00

ok so last Sunday as we were driving home from Woodland our Volvo just died..."What the hell?!"tow truck, not covered on insurance, paid far more than desired, towed back to Woodland while my very gracious sister drove all of us back to Redding while the car was being fixed.Wednesday meet mom half way, she takes Christy back to Woodland to pick up car, repair cost astronomical, driving to Redding

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-40968334793006732162007-05-10T16:14:00.000-07:002007-05-10T16:37:07.516-07:00

you are the one that can affect your parentswith hopeful daydreams of fixed lovewhere you will never changeor growor learn of the things in life which make your heart so saturatedwith confusionthat you want to wring it out and never use it againbut pleasedare to growto learn to loveand wewill do our bestto make it less painfulmore meaningfulmore usefulyou are the oneand the only onewho will be

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-27496184309885760262007-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:002007-05-10T06:11:47.209-07:00

ok kids, friends, and well-wishers here what is going down in my life as of yesterday....i have changed my working schedule to accommodate for a new job which began yesterday. the job is an instructional aide position at a private special ed. school that a friend operates. ALL of the people that work there i have worked with before while at the previous school that shall go unnamed, but is in

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-20591629165025537012007-04-28T14:48:00.000-07:002007-04-28T15:01:07.491-07:00

ok so i am mowing our property and it pretty much takes me three days.first i hit it with our tractor and the brush mower, which was yesterday.then i hit it with the rider mower...today.finally i fine tune it with the weedeater...tomorrow.you may as why i bother mowing when we live 3 miles at the end of a dirt road, and have about 30 sheep who should do a pretty good job of eating it down? go

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-51489837149569532462007-04-23T16:46:00.000-07:002007-04-24T08:01:59.497-07:00

my pop and stepmom were just here visiting. it was the first time they got to see kieran other than the camera photo i shot off the day he was born.anyway, pop and i were doing computer stuff, when he went online and said (tongue firmly placed in cheek), "Yeah, I keep checkin' your page...but...nope!"ok, for pop and the POSSIBLY MORE THAN TWO OTHERS (WITH APOLOGIES TO STEVE AND MIKE, BTW STEVE

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-23342408619232462102007-02-17T14:42:00.000-08:002007-02-17T14:49:02.116-08:00

ok kids I know it has been extremely long since I have posted...so long that I may be the only one who reads this.anyway, we are dealing with having a baby boy in one month, the ever expanding curiosity and experimentation of our first born, who is growing up far too fast....and, starting last Wednesday, 16 brand new baby lambs.As well as Christy being busier than ever, along with being 8 months

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1167091618779914442006-12-25T16:03:00.000-08:002006-12-25T16:12:40.250-08:00

it is to this end that we remember a man who would be king...love.love the people...not the stuff

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1165247180585985422006-12-04T07:27:00.000-08:002006-12-04T07:48:45.343-08:00

this past thursday i was in san francisco for a doctors appointment that gave me what i was looking for...the date of my next surgery. on the 13th of december dr. brooks is going to reposition my thumb to a more usable position. needless to say I AM STOKED...sure i will be laid up for a bit and my right hand will be virtually useless for some weeks but this will allow me to have more dexterity

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1164822182470586542006-11-29T09:41:00.000-08:002006-12-02T16:55:02.323-08:00

The dog was a cross between a purebred border collie and a wonderful mutt that looked somewhat like a German Shepard. She had very noticeable herd instincts and a sweet disposition like her mother. Other than not being trained, her single flaw was she would run away and go God knows where. The couple could not leave the front gate open to their little ranch because of this flightiness.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1164724481581861402006-11-28T06:29:00.000-08:002006-11-28T06:36:04.483-08:00

sometimes i am a christiansometimes i am a diestsometimes i am an atheistsometimes i just know i am agnosticsometimes i am obnoxiously opinionatedsometimes i am just plain apatheticsometimes i am insanely optimisticsometimes i am darkly pessimisticsometimes i am all or some of these at the same timeand yet, sometimes i still don't know who i am

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1164640881209708952006-11-27T07:16:00.000-08:002006-11-27T07:21:21.236-08:00

confusion and frustration

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1164124223649774952006-11-21T07:50:00.000-08:002006-11-22T17:09:21.920-08:00

can you see the mercora music on the right?ok that one sucked...i'll keep searchin'

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1162267425653242752006-10-30T19:59:00.000-08:002006-10-30T20:03:45.656-08:00

Oftentimes we will have people comment on how cool it would be living on a farm….well not to piss on your parade but here is a glimpse of what is involved in the enchanted world of farm-life… Yesterday morning as we were feeding animals Christy noticed one of the ewes was laboring and actually had something distended from her hindquarters (best way to say it) she thought the ewe was aborting her

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1161960753256600842006-10-27T07:51:00.000-07:002006-10-27T07:52:33.270-07:00

An up and down week it's been. I'm writing this from Greg and Cindy's house in Tampa (Kara's brother and wife). As the week went on we started to believe more and more that this was not going to be an urgent condition. Let me just cut off my explanation and let you hear it directly from my mom's version:Well, welcome home! We have changed location of our waiting room and for that we praise Our

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1161708546656032112006-10-24T09:12:00.000-07:002006-10-24T09:49:06.683-07:00

O Lord, Holy Father, creator of the universe, author of its laws, you can bring the dead back to life, and heal those who are sick. We pray for our sick brother that he may feel your hand upon him, renewing his body and refreshing his soul. Show him the affection in which you hold all your creatures.Dimma, a 7th Century Irish monkChrist, give him the strength; your servant is not well.The tongue

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1161620054652332762006-10-23T09:12:00.000-07:002006-10-23T10:19:56.716-07:00

i haven't heard from my friend mitch since our camping trip....this was in my email this morning...please prayHey, everyone, I know I've missed someone on this email, so please don't take it personally if you're getting this forwarded from someone because I forgot someone. And feel free to pass it around to whomever you wish. Last weekend (13th-15th) Kara, the boys, and I went camping with my

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1161270713981858242006-10-19T07:27:00.000-07:002006-10-19T08:11:54.063-07:00

just exorcising some demons from my head:--the gathering was great not because of what it was but of those who made it so. there were great sessions on the good news of god and what it means today, communal living and why people do it, women in ministry and women in emergent as well as emerging, i heard the one by tony jones on theology was good something about theology is everywhere (if you went

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1161266078867713202006-10-19T06:54:00.000-07:002006-10-19T06:54:38.960-07:00

Sunday Heroes: Matthew

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1161121594752370682006-10-17T14:35:00.000-07:002006-10-17T14:46:34.766-07:00

we got back late last night from our trip to utah and my trip to the life-giving (i am diggin' that, ryan) emergent gathering in new mexico. if, by chance, i met you at the gathering and you are maybe expecting a hello from me please be patient, we are experiencing the worst diaper rash known to this household, weird muscle pains in chest as well as in side and butt (one for me two for christy)

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1160062355231447292006-10-05T08:29:00.000-07:002006-10-05T08:32:35.233-07:00

the fam and i are heading out today for utah to visit mitch and kara...and then on monday i am heading down to new mexico for the gathering. i'll check in when i can but probably no posting for a while. we will be back on monday the 16th. pray for traveling mercies for us.peace

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1160031570677716432006-10-04T23:59:00.000-07:002006-10-05T08:29:11.856-07:00

when i was recovering in the hospital, i overdosed on television (because we don't have one) and watched some south park....and laughed my ass off!this is an interesting interview with a couple of very honest guysMatt Stone & Trey Parker on Nightline Pt. 1

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1160030766502723752006-10-04T23:46:00.001-07:002006-10-05T08:25:23.806-07:00

my sister linked this on her site originally but i was so struck by the realities of it i had to share.Daddy Survival Guide - Part 1 (of 5 parts)

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1159591267604476132006-09-29T21:19:00.000-07:002006-09-30T16:16:24.223-07:00

there is no big secret that we don't always get along. but i am always reminded that you are the one i want. we sat on the floor in the kitchen last night and talked...and it was so good. i see within the face of our daughter the hope of our love for each other...not in the faces of the past that can't even look at each other.i was looking through some old journals today, and there is the truth

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1159502050179511652006-09-28T20:16:00.000-07:002006-09-28T21:42:22.586-07:00

so i drove down to san francisco today to check in with my doc about my hand....only to find out that they didn't have the mri results.so, i spent eight hours on the road...to hang out in the doctors office for twenty minutes...for him to flip through my chart and tell me the stupid news...all this after i called them on tuesday to make sure the results were there!damn itoh well...san francisco

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1159402573983639712006-09-27T16:59:00.000-07:002006-09-27T17:18:21.726-07:00

ok so i was listening to ray lamontagne today, and "trouble" was playing when my baby girl got up from a nap. as i was carrying her to go change a diaper the chorus bust in, "i've been saaaaaved by a woman" and it struck me how much my daughter has saved me. the pain and mindscrew that came along with this injury has been completely overshadowed by her and i only have to think of her and it makes

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1159202654894393572006-09-25T09:44:00.000-07:002006-09-25T09:58:49.786-07:00

what do you call it when you are reading blogs and you should be studying or doing the honey-do list?Mat Weddle of Obadiah Parker -ok...i know this song is quite pop-infectious....but i have loved it since day 1....it's on my mp3 player...no i didn't say ipod 'cause i don't have one and i don't wanna get sued.anyway enjoy these... 'cause i sure as hell do!

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1159202034291394992006-09-25T09:33:00.000-07:002006-09-25T09:33:54.376-07:00

Hey Ya! Charlie Brown Stylefun

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1159148671270142602006-09-24T18:39:00.000-07:002006-09-24T18:44:31.283-07:00

my friend's daughter becky is, for now, out of the hospital but is still dealing with the infection in her kidneys. she has diarrhea and is still vomiting. the doctors say if she gets dehydrated she will have to go back into the hospital. she is taking a load of anti-rejection medication still and all of her meds are taking a toll on her stomach, so she is bleeding into her stomach. every time i

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1158075933685888202006-09-12T08:44:00.000-07:002006-09-12T08:54:49.993-07:00

tell me what you thinkpsst...hit title link

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1157988232649292552006-09-11T08:22:00.000-07:002006-09-11T17:05:30.660-07:00

Our friend, Becky, is still in the hospital, although now off of respirator and oxygen. She is still feverish and vomiting but was able to get up and walk around yesterday. Her kidney is infected but still operational. Please continue to pray.As some of you are reflecting on the significance of the date please take a moment to reflect on a joy of our family and relish in the knowledge of hope in

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1157649362702516762006-09-07T10:15:00.000-07:002006-09-07T10:16:02.713-07:00

We have some friends whose twenty-something daughter is dying from her kidney shutting down. She has had a transplant, from her sister, years ago and now that kidney is failing rapidly. The treatment is so aggresive that it would probably kill her. No one has a lot, if any, hope right now. PLEASE pray and ask others to do so.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1155852555155413672006-08-17T15:01:00.000-07:002006-08-17T15:09:15.166-07:00

i have just completed an application for a degree completion program at the local christian college. here is a short autobiographical essay i had to write for it. it really made me reflect. plus there is a little surprise in it...I am a 35 year old husband and father of one with one on the way. I have, for various reasons, started and stopped my college education process far too many times.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1154201598456491532006-07-29T12:31:00.000-07:002006-07-29T21:23:13.250-07:00

the comments alone in this article are worth the read and thought provocation, in my estimation.

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1154137669912284462006-07-28T18:47:00.000-07:002006-07-29T21:26:54.043-07:00

You scored as Cultural Creative. Cultural Creatives are probably the newest group to enter this realm. You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational.Cultural Creative94%Existentialist56%Postmodernist50%

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1153421526288196272006-07-20T11:39:00.000-07:002006-07-21T09:11:47.686-07:00

i haven't hit this page for a while because we have been running all across the nation and doing a family wedding, more about that on the other blog. here is the deal. i'm not sure how many read this, but if you are in the redding, ca area or know someone who is and are interested in starting an emergent cohort with me, please contact me.for information about emergent, hit the link to the

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1151250231524105542006-06-25T08:25:00.000-07:002006-06-25T12:46:36.993-07:00

"When outsiders who have never heard of God's law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by obedience. They show that God's law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God's yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God's yes and no will become public knowledge on

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1150642816207631272006-06-18T07:56:00.000-07:002006-06-18T08:11:20.870-07:00

here is a podcast (first of four) from two of my favorite people. AMANDA thank you again for turning me on to anne!

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24367251.post-1150479542771309152006-06-16T10:34:00.000-07:002006-06-22T20:00:42.433-07:00

come see

bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902455889605979300noreply@blogger.com0