tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49245269776249752442024-03-13T01:38:27.908-05:00To Love So Well The Worldhomo sum humani nihil a me alienum puto ~ i am human i consider nothing human alien unto meBrian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-65570052911349093812023-12-26T14:09:00.002-06:002023-12-26T14:19:24.209-06:00Generation X: Trapped in the Rust of Reality's Broken Dream<div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></b></div><b>Generation X: Trapped in the Rust of Reality's Broken Dream</b><div><i>+Brian Ernest Brown</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>We were the latchkey kids, the MTV generation, the ones who watched the Berlin Wall crumble and the internet rise, all while their parents waxed nostalgic about picket fences and bootstraps.</div><div> </div><div>Now, Generation X, sandwiched between the Boomer optimism and Millennial hustle, finds itself in a curious purgatory – disillusioned, restless, and clinging to a faded American dream that seems perpetually out of reach.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike their forebears, Gen X didn't inherit prosperity. They entered a workforce already tilted towards the top, wages stagnant, and benefits shrinking. The promise of homeownership evaporated in the housing crisis, replaced by a crushing burden of student debt. The once-assured path of work-hard-get-ahead now feels like a treadmill to nowhere, the finish line perpetually obscured by a mirage of unattainable comfort.</div><div><br /></div><div>This disillusionment breeds a gnawing restlessness. Gen Xers are the masters of the side hustle, the perpetual moonlighters, always chasing a financial horizon that seems to recede with every step. They're the parents juggling childcare and aging parents, the ones putting off passions in pursuit of stability that feels ever more elusive. They're the cynical realists, the ones who scoff at motivational quotes and see right through the cracks in the gleaming facade of the American Dream.</div><div><br /></div><div>But is there a solution to this disillusionment? Is there a way to mend the broken dream for a generation left holding the empty promises? Perhaps. Here are a few possibilities:</div><div><br /></div><div>Shifting the narrative: The American Dream needs a reboot. It can't be just about material possessions and endless growth. We need to redefine success to encompass well-being, community, and a sustainable future. Gen X, with its pragmatism and adaptability, can be at the forefront of this reframing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Prioritizing well-being: Mental health, long neglected, needs to be central to the conversation. Affordable healthcare, accessible therapy, and policies that support work-life balance are crucial for a generation burned out from juggling precarity and responsibility.</div><div><br /></div><div>Empowering the squeezed middle: Policies that address income inequality and wealth disparity are essential. A living wage, affordable housing, and accessible education can chip away at the feeling of being stuck in a rigged system.</div><div><br /></div><div>Embracing the collective: Gen X's cynicism can be channeled into collective action. Supporting unions, advocating for worker rights, and pushing for social safety nets can create a sense of agency and build a more equitable future for all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultimately, the solution to Gen X's disillusionment lies not in individual heroics, but in systemic change. It requires a collective reimagining of the American Dream, one that prioritizes well-being, fairness, and a sustainable future for all. Gen X, with its resilience and resourcefulness, has the potential to be the generation that not only mends the broken dream, but builds a better one from its ashes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, even the rustiest gears can be oiled and set in motion again. Perhaps it's time for Gen X to dust off its collective cynicism, roll up its sleeves, and start building a future where the dream, once again, feels attainable, not like a cruel mirage shimmering in the distance.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BHnJp0oyOxs?si=49kWpZj8vO83ULal" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-36624268613215814332023-12-12T19:24:00.002-06:002023-12-12T19:25:23.731-06:00The Looming Shadow of Christian Nationalism: Dangers and a Path Forward<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><b>The Looming Shadow of Christian Nationalism: Dangers and a Path Forward</b><br></div><div><i>+Brian Ernest Brown</i></div><div><br></div><div>The rise of Christian nationalism in the United States presents a significant threat to both the religious and political fabric of our nation. This ideology, which seeks to merge American and Christian identities, promotes a dangerous blurring of the lines between church and state. This article will explore the dangers of such a merger, highlight its contradiction with true Christian teachings, and offer potential solutions for the Christian Church to return to its core values.</div><div><br></div><div>Dangers of Christian Nationalism:<br></div><div><br></div><div>Erosion of Religious Freedom: When a single religion is elevated above others, it can lead to the suppression of minority faiths and the marginalization of non-believers. This directly contradicts the fundamental American principle of religious freedom enshrined in the First Amendment.</div><div><br></div><div>Undermining Democracy: Christian nationalism often promotes a single, "true American" identity, excluding diverse voices and perspectives. This can lead to political polarization, social unrest, and ultimately, the erosion of democratic values.</div><div><br></div><div>Misinterpretation of Christianity: Christian nationalism often cherry-picks scriptures to justify its agenda, overlooking key teachings of Jesus Christ, such as love, compassion, and forgiveness for all. This can lead to the weaponization of religion for political gain and contribute to social divisions.</div><div><br></div><div>Christianity and Separation of Church and State: The separation of church and state is not merely a legal principle, but also a core Christian value. Jesus himself instructed his followers to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). This clear distinction between earthly and divine authority is essential for ensuring religious freedom, preventing the abuse of power, and maintaining a just society.</div><div><br></div><div>Solutions for the Christian Church:</div><div><br></div><div>Returning to the Gospel: Christian churches need to refocus on the core teachings of Jesus, which emphasize love, inclusivity, and service to others. This requires a critical reevaluation of theologies that promote exclusion and discrimination.</div><div><br></div><div>Promoting Interfaith Dialogue: Fostering dialogue and understanding between different religious communities is crucial to combating religious intolerance and promoting a more inclusive society. This includes partnering with other faith groups on social justice initiatives and promoting interfaith prayer gatherings.</div><div><br></div><div>Engaging in Politics with Integrity: Christians can participate in the political process while upholding their core values. This means avoiding aligning themselves with political parties or agendas that contradict their faith, and instead advocating for policies that promote justice, compassion, and the common good.</div><div><br></div><div>Examples of Hope:</div><div><br></div><div>There are many examples of Christian communities actively working to counter the harmful influence of Christian nationalism and return to the heart of their faith. Here are just a few:</div><div><br></div><div>The Sanctuary Movement: This interfaith movement provides sanctuary to immigrants and refugees facing deportation, upholding the biblical command to care for the stranger and the vulnerable.</div><div><br></div><div>The Poor People's Campaign: This movement, led by faith leaders across denominations, advocates for policies addressing poverty, racism, and environmental destruction, demonstrating how faith can inspire action for social justice.</div><div><br></div><div>Interfaith Communities United for Justice: This national organization brings together people of diverse faiths to work on issues such as immigration reform and voting rights, demonstrating the power of interfaith collaboration in shaping a more just society.</div><div><br></div><div>These examples offer a glimpse of hope for a future where the Christian Church lives out its true calling, not as a tool for political gain, but as a force for love, justice, and peace in the world. By reclaiming its core values and fostering interfaith collaboration, the Christian Church can play a vital role in healing the divisions within our society and building a more just and equitable future for all.</div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-6786298144000905502023-12-11T17:50:00.003-06:002023-12-12T19:25:00.795-06:00A Nation Divided: The Lingering Anger and Anxiety After Trump's Election<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><i>"Mulberry Fourth"<br></i></div><div><i>Acrylic on Canvas</i></div><div><i>By Brian Ernest Brown</i></div><div><br></div><div><b>A Nation Divided: The Lingering Anger and Anxiety After Trump's Election</b></div><div><i>+Brian Ernest Brown</i> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The shockwaves of the 2016 election continue to reverberate through American society, leaving a trail of anger, anxiety, and division that threatens the very fabric of our nation. Donald Trump's unexpected victory ripped open the long-simmering wounds of inequality, injustice, and cultural clashes, leaving many feeling disillusioned and dispossessed.</div><div><br></div><div>This anger manifests itself in various ways. For some, it's a simmering resentment towards the political establishment, fueled by the feeling that their voices have been ignored and their concerns dismissed. Others express their anger through protests and activism, demanding change and challenging the status quo. Still others, disillusioned by the political process, turn inward, withdrawing from civic engagement and feeling increasingly isolated and unheard.</div><div><br></div><div>Anxiety, in turn, permeates the social fabric. Many Americans, particularly those from marginalized communities, fear for the future of their rights and freedoms. The rhetoric of hate and division, coupled with policies that target specific groups, creates a climate of uncertainty and vulnerability. This anxiety manifests itself in increased stress, depression, and even physical health problems.</div><div><br></div><div>The consequences of this anger and anxiety are far-reaching. It erodes trust in institutions, weakens social cohesion, and fuels further polarization. It creates a society where empathy and understanding are replaced by suspicion and fear. It makes it difficult to address critical issues facing the nation, as entrenched positions and ideological divides impede any meaningful progress.</div><div><br></div><div>While it's tempting to view this anger and anxiety as simply a response to Trump's presidency, the roots run deeper. They are the culmination of decades of economic inequality, social injustice, and political gridlock. They are the result of a system that has failed to address the needs of its citizens and left many feeling unheard and marginalized.</div><div><br></div><div>Healing these divisions and finding a path towards a more united future requires a multi-pronged approach. First, we must address the underlying causes of anger and anxiety. This involves tackling economic inequality, investing in education and healthcare, and promoting policies that ensure equal opportunity and access to justice for all.</div><div><br></div><div>Second, we must foster a sense of shared purpose and belonging. This requires leaders who are willing to engage in honest conversations about our differences, bridge divides, and build common ground. It requires citizens who are willing to listen to and understand those with different perspectives, even if they disagree.</div><div><br></div><div>Finally, we must rebuild trust in our institutions and in each other. This requires holding our leaders accountable, promoting transparency and accountability, and engaging in civil discourse. It requires a renewed commitment to the principles of democracy, equality, and justice for all.</div><div><br></div><div>The road to healing will be long and arduous. But if we are to emerge from this period of division and anger, we must be willing to confront the challenges we face head-on. We must engage in honest conversations, listen to one another, and find common ground. We must rebuild trust and work together to create a nation where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered. Only then can we hope to create a future for all Americans, one filled with hope, opportunity, and belonging.</div><div><br></div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-88135409606041266492023-11-20T10:45:00.001-06:002023-11-20T10:45:10.895-06:00Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Introduction Given at the Transgender Day of Remembrance 2014<br></div><div>St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Fayetteville Arkansas</div><div>By Bishop Brian Ernest Brown</div><div><br></div><div>I Wonder Did You Know You Were Making History</div><div>By Stephanie Mott</div><div><br></div><div>In honor of those who have walked openly in the light and in memory of those who have suffered the violence of ignorance and oppression 2011 Transgender Day of Remembrance.</div><div><br></div><div>I wonder did you know, you were making history,</div><div>you were setting people free, when you died.</div><div>I wonder did you know, we would ever know your name,</div><div>our lives would never be the same, because you tried</div><div>I wonder did you know, we would come to love you so,</div><div>and I wonder did you know, you were making history.</div><div>I wonder did you know, we would stand up to insane,</div><div>we would reach beyond the pain, because you cried</div><div>I wonder did you know, we would learn to stand up tall,</div><div>tell the truth to one and all, for those denied.</div><div>I wonder did you know, we would come to love you so,</div><div>and I wonder did you know, you were making history.</div><div>The lives we live we owe to you, and I wonder did you know,</div><div>you were making history.</div><div>I wonder did you know, we would finally learn to fly,</div><div>we would fly beyond the sky, because you tried</div><div>I wonder did you know, we would finally say no more,</div><div>we would open up the door, please come inside</div><div>I wonder did you know, we would come to love you so,</div><div>and I wonder did you know, you were making history.</div><div>I wonder did you know, you were making history,</div><div>you were setting people free, when you died.</div><div><br></div><div>For Rita Hester</div><div><br></div><div>Let us pray.</div><div><br></div><div>Giver of Breath and Lover of our Soul, we thank you for the great witness of Rita Hester and all those who have gone before us who have suffered bigotry, hatred, persecution, and sometimes death.</div><div><br></div><div>In particular, on this Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us remember those who have identified as transgender or gender non-conforming, who have blazed a path for each of us to follow in our own unique and diverse way, with their very lives. We thank you for those lives, the courage of those who lived them, and the light they shone on the path for the rest of us to follow.</div><div><br></div><div>Help us to be ever mindful of the pain, injustices, and discrimination perpetrated against so many who are simply trying to live out their lives to be who they were created to be.</div><div><br></div><div>Give us the grace and strength to live our lives so courageously, authentically, and fearlessly that we too offer others, who follow after us, permission to be themselves so that they may join us on the path toward acceptance, inclusion, compassion, and love.</div><div><br></div><div>Amen.</div><div><br></div><div>Marianne Williamson from her book A Return to Love offers: “As we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”</div><div><br></div><div>I want to speak just briefly about how far we’ve come, specifically how far we’ve come since the Stonewall Riots of 1969. I was only ten days old. Now just briefly, for those who may not know what I’m referencing, The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the ] gay community against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. They are widely considered to constitute the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States.</div><div><br></div><div>My how far we’ve come since those days! In large part thanks to those who have gone before us, some of whom are still with us, and many of whom have passed away, and still others who laid down their lives for the cause whom we remember today.</div><div><br></div><div>For those of us who were born around that time or afterwards, it’s hard to see the progress we’ve made because we sometimes lack perspective and often take so much for granted getting caught in our own struggle towards equal rights. But here we are openly holding a Transgender Day of Remembrance and no one is breaking down the door and carting us away to jail or worse. Thank goodness. Thank justice. Thank courage. Thank those whom we remember today.</div><div><br></div><div>We live in a day and age where, with some exceptions, albeit too many exceptions because one exception is too many, transgender folk can legally be married. A big difference from 45 years ago. However, there’s still so much more work yet to be done.</div><div><br></div><div>We live in a day and age where, with some exceptions, albeit too many exceptions because one exception is too many, transgender folk are able to more easily and freely transition into who they were created to be, than they were 45 years ago. However, there’s still so much more work yet to be done.</div><div><br></div><div>We live in a day and age where, with some exceptions, albeit too many exceptions because one exception is too many, transgender folk are gaining equal rights within community after community. Look at our struggle in our own dear Fayetteville and the struggle of Springfield, MO, our neighbor to the north, which have both passed sweeping Civil Rights Ordinances for LGBT folk. That was just a dream 45 years ago. However, as we all well know, there’s still so much more work yet to be done. Vote against the repeal!</div><div><br></div><div>Even so with all this progress, the papers, or probably more accurately in this day and age, Facebook, too often, because once is too often, tells us stories of bigotry, discrimination, abuse, and sometimes murder of transgender or gender non-conforming folk.</div><div><br></div><div>So the struggle is far from over and a struggle it is. However, please remember as we struggle for equal rights let us not so much seek to do battle with one another, for in battles there is a winner and a loser, but rather let us seek to become reconcilers, for in reconciliation, one to another, our human family can finally begin to grow together in acceptance, peace, respect, and ultimately love and that’s what we’re really struggling for.</div><div><br></div><div>So even though there’s more work to be done, have hope, we’re on the winning side of history and we shall overcome!</div><div><br></div><div>Pax Christi,</div><div>+Brian Ernest Brown</div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-18022654690977367502023-10-07T11:35:00.004-05:002023-10-07T11:35:59.131-05:00Unboxing St. Augustine's Prayer Book 2014Unboxing St. Augustine's Prayer Book 2014
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Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-20888350542161730282023-10-01T14:42:00.002-05:002023-10-01T14:42:27.764-05:00#ChurchLife: Portable Pottery Communion Set<blockquote>#ChurchLife: Portable Pottery Communion Set</blockquote>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/83P8QBHrk2E?si=faxyC0xZRlirmNzr" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-61262767531216238272023-10-01T14:39:00.006-05:002023-10-01T14:39:40.149-05:00RayBan Stories Smart Glasses Unboxing<blockquote>RayBan Stories Smart Glasses Unboxing</blockquote>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eujgVkHGrT0?si=lj4a1ffWEzKaSnIh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-19234593250229939312023-10-01T14:37:00.000-05:002023-10-01T14:37:05.079-05:00SmallRig All-In-One Video Kit Unboxing<h1 class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" style="-webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 2; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #0f0f0f; display: -webkit-box; font-family: "YouTube Sans", Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 2rem; line-height: 2.8rem; margin: 0px; max-height: 5.6rem; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; word-break: break-word;"><yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" force-default-style="">SmallRig All-In-One Video Kit Unboxing</yt-formatted-string></h1><div><yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" force-default-style=""><br /></yt-formatted-string></div><div><yt-formatted-string class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata" force-default-style=""><br /></yt-formatted-string></div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SJ6BptfuGn4?si=jc0F5Wke94Q5NxkT" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-82595531486927547142023-10-01T14:34:00.001-05:002023-10-01T14:34:18.982-05:00Anker 625 Portable Solar Panels<p><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #131313; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Unboxing: Anker 625 Portable Solar Panels</span></p><p><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #131313; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #131313; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7L4uc_DtJzk?si=0XmFBXN3b4yQvMHV" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-17478776924574345432023-01-04T15:04:00.003-06:002023-01-04T15:04:46.835-06:00 Anker 757 Portable Powerhouse Box Opening<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Anker 757 Portable Powerhouse Box Opening</span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xhRjHnGPvJU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Box opening of the Anker 757 Portable Powerhouse. IT'S A BEAST!!! I'm hoping this will aid me in my glassblowing endeavors on the road away from the studio. Take a look and please hit that thumbs up and subscribe. I'm trying to grow my channel. Stay tuned for a follow-up video after I get a chance to use it.</div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-81675492234384287322023-01-02T14:54:00.004-06:002023-01-02T14:55:20.463-06:00#VanLife No Build Van Build<p> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;">#VanLife No Build Van Build</h2><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nyru3j2hcZs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></h2>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-64462876753773050542021-07-06T19:36:00.002-05:002021-07-06T19:36:46.271-05:00Perfect Sincerity<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-QyQ1Fb6Lxqd2ZmfAZINDak4D7hn4ODMZakg95u1lANGA22klaA1WEV-eF_hNpzSEtT0gHw0vsJc6COKxCW1CzXPuZhA8FHRl2m4cGmAF9ivli7dw8zFhkDLUR5kuDAdo_W6caD34IV8/s640/johnwoolman.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="551" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-QyQ1Fb6Lxqd2ZmfAZINDak4D7hn4ODMZakg95u1lANGA22klaA1WEV-eF_hNpzSEtT0gHw0vsJc6COKxCW1CzXPuZhA8FHRl2m4cGmAF9ivli7dw8zFhkDLUR5kuDAdo_W6caD34IV8/w552-h640/johnwoolman.jpg" width="552" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>“There is a principle which is pure, placed in the human mind, which in different places and ages hath had different names. It is, however, pure and proceeds from God. It is deep and inward, confined to no forms of religion nor excluded from any, where the heart stands in perfect sincerity. In whomsoever this takes root and grows, of what nation soever, they become brethren in the best sense of the expression.” -John WoolmanBrian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-5299756838354986282021-04-01T06:58:00.001-05:002021-04-01T06:58:27.696-05:00Humility<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQakQTqvNYe9RVVayym_83TZvDCvG_7I75ZApOnBfwQ7NErsCaZvmxlmnHjb-Vbb-tlcDtOLYibzSyHkR84eedwSYTgjTpmR9yyc5nGcz0jF8HYJ4bBe9Xdkwgc0E2uPJSzOxucUuo-M3l/s1600/1617278304286540-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQakQTqvNYe9RVVayym_83TZvDCvG_7I75ZApOnBfwQ7NErsCaZvmxlmnHjb-Vbb-tlcDtOLYibzSyHkR84eedwSYTgjTpmR9yyc5nGcz0jF8HYJ4bBe9Xdkwgc0E2uPJSzOxucUuo-M3l/s1600/1617278304286540-0.png" width="400">
</a>
</div><br></div>“Humility, therefore, is absolutely necessary if man is to avoid acting like a baby all his life. To grow up means, in fact, to become humble, to throw away the illusion that I am at the center of everything and that other people only exist to provide me with comfort and pleasure…” -Thomas Merton, "The New ManBrian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-53910650393172163522020-12-21T09:48:00.004-06:002020-12-21T09:49:21.726-06:00Christ in Darkness ~ Christ in Light<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfBpuC1twyMU4XVI06YEc2zhtG8yDxAWMnjXkBAeG6q1QpBnK3VvSKS0tNrPGWefov6JufgdFAgACp3HZWaoaM6OElX2h49-2ianImVnOG9grWnZynTSPb7ICDAtY6dnpP7yyfzLH5SvA/s2048/bluesoltice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfBpuC1twyMU4XVI06YEc2zhtG8yDxAWMnjXkBAeG6q1QpBnK3VvSKS0tNrPGWefov6JufgdFAgACp3HZWaoaM6OElX2h49-2ianImVnOG9grWnZynTSPb7ICDAtY6dnpP7yyfzLH5SvA/w549-h413/bluesoltice.jpg" width="549" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">"Christ, come to me; Christ be with me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ, go before me; Christ behind me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ above me; Christ beneath me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ in darkness; Christ in light.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ this day within and about me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ with your light enlighten and guide me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ in your saving power redeem me."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Affirming His Presence, by Rev David Adam</div></blockquote>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-35445685717945221222020-11-28T17:50:00.002-06:002020-11-28T17:50:13.883-06:00The Beginning of Love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1Bq4-Ib6FjV91YxTi1zABuqbO88KOvnNymOIPKGarPf4Y1GdI7E6k7wbRXHst-Fp2WHeKt06BurzUVHQqmL-D_remKtEI9Y9IWWIFse3ha1wV7b-mYT9UzvoX5NQJDzq4IjFfhB7MA9q/s960/beginning+of+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="953" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1Bq4-Ib6FjV91YxTi1zABuqbO88KOvnNymOIPKGarPf4Y1GdI7E6k7wbRXHst-Fp2WHeKt06BurzUVHQqmL-D_remKtEI9Y9IWWIFse3ha1wV7b-mYT9UzvoX5NQJDzq4IjFfhB7MA9q/w519-h522/beginning+of+love.jpg" width="519" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">"The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them." - Thomas Merton</span></div><p></p>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-49801678238426745322020-11-28T12:15:00.003-06:002020-11-28T12:15:56.890-06:00Here's to the Crazy Ones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28yOI_UCwZZ9oPr87l3BmwVm6ThydzUcglMn4xifm3IR0_Ao_-tw5l_YSYsosDQWOR05Ot8FkxWmNgaHIVHz08dCY3ZSgK-bcmmOiWTV_4oqiV4gsnTrD5Z5p5N-P9umfjzNblFWH1OJG/s4656/20190912_164757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3492" data-original-width="4656" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28yOI_UCwZZ9oPr87l3BmwVm6ThydzUcglMn4xifm3IR0_Ao_-tw5l_YSYsosDQWOR05Ot8FkxWmNgaHIVHz08dCY3ZSgK-bcmmOiWTV_4oqiV4gsnTrD5Z5p5N-P9umfjzNblFWH1OJG/w509-h382/20190912_164757.jpg" width="509" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." -Walter IsaacsonBrian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-75364271971491193092020-11-23T09:32:00.002-06:002020-11-23T17:41:24.150-06:00A Broken Winged Dancingbird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXUJsNuORpFSlsLKQoQWtNS299yqerNcaGDfbGj3l2HLizAM_ygODAkQTe9WiH4vqDqdA2DOUb9Z36B4XiZrENadvxyKqfJxZhpc-CWwFv49kTquCYaLg3QsqMbgm5ChzduDEktEg1IvF/s2048/DancingBird12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXUJsNuORpFSlsLKQoQWtNS299yqerNcaGDfbGj3l2HLizAM_ygODAkQTe9WiH4vqDqdA2DOUb9Z36B4XiZrENadvxyKqfJxZhpc-CWwFv49kTquCYaLg3QsqMbgm5ChzduDEktEg1IvF/w488-h327/DancingBird12.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I've put off mentioning this in public much but I felt I needed to explain my Christmas absence to my faithful patrons and why, I'm sorry to say, but I won't be doing a Christmas show this year in my beloved Manhattan Kansas.<div><br /></div><div>Due to COVID19 my glass business slowed to a crawl and I took a job to make ends meet, it was my first one in many, many years. I went to work in the garden center of a local big box home improvement store. </div><div><br /></div><div>I schlepped somewhere between 6-12 tons of mulch, dirt, manure, concrete, sand, rocks, bricks, lumber, et cetera daily, while walking an average of 16 miles at work to do it. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a result I suffered a pretty severe spinal injury this last summer. I have been under the care of a neurosurgeon, physical therapist, and pain specialist since the end of July. </div><div><br /></div><div>My prognosis isn't good.
I may or may not be able to return to my passionate career of glassblowing. Only time will tell that particular story.</div><div><br /></div><div>I simply can't do production work any more. No matter what I've tried in terms of setup and how I've tried to accommodate my new physical condition, the reality is, much to my despair, that I simply can't do what I once did.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what the distant future holds for me or my passion but I am finally coming to the realization that in the near future, the Dancingbird's wings have been broken and he can no longer fly.</div><div><br /></div><div>When it's too tough for everyone else, it's just right for me. I know I'll find a way to get through this and ultimately thrive in one way or another. My faith is strong and with God, all things are possible and all things work for the ultimate good.</div><div><br /></div><div>So folks, be safe out there this holiday season. Life can change in a flash and when you least expect it. Wear a mask! It's such an easy thing to do and it'll keep your nose warm this winter! </div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-80004710521247573732020-11-11T10:30:00.000-06:002020-11-11T10:30:10.412-06:00St. Martin's Lent: Litany For Peace<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B7jzT-XO65heVZQ5sSVVCpqv_5LoWJL54umLUYfdTrT_mwTvdyPNmnNYt5lgSIGcZ59PenEbgXwuokzawkpOUGPN30HUT54Wu8yPeBoUpeNv_g1w-CzhFKX8o8vBn9uJYkctMG-MjEg0/s1440/FB_IMG_1605108622956.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B7jzT-XO65heVZQ5sSVVCpqv_5LoWJL54umLUYfdTrT_mwTvdyPNmnNYt5lgSIGcZ59PenEbgXwuokzawkpOUGPN30HUT54Wu8yPeBoUpeNv_g1w-CzhFKX8o8vBn9uJYkctMG-MjEg0/w541-h360/FB_IMG_1605108622956.jpg" width="541" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Poppies For Peace</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span></div>
We would like to invite all of our friends and associates, who feel called, to join us in prayer on November the 11th, the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, praying for the peace of ourselves, our communities, and the world. As is our tradition, we will be offering the Litany For Peace every hour on the hour. Won’t you please join your prayer with ours? <div><br />
<pr><b><i><u>
Litany For Peace
By Archbishop Karl Prüter </u></i></b></pr></div><div><pr><br /></pr></div><div><pr><br />
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Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father help us to become peacemakers, that we may be called, "The Children of God." </b></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. </i></pr></pr></div><div><br /></div><div><pr><pr><b>
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Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father, help us purge ourselves of those attributes which make not for peace but which set the stage for war. </pr></b></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. </i></pr></pr></pr></div><div><br /></div><div><pr><pr><pr><b>
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Leader: Lord, open our minds to see ourselves as Thou seest us, or even, as others see us, and save us from all unwillingness to know our infirmities. </pr></b></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. </i></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><br /></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><b>
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Leader: From all hasty utterances of impatience; from the retort of irritation and the taunt of sarcasm; from all infirmity of temper in provoking or being provoked; from love of unkind gossip, and from all idle words that may do hurt, save us, O Lord. </pr></b></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. </i></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><br /></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><b>
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Leader: Grant us, O Lord, the strength to obey Thy commandments, that we defraud our brother in nothing. May we never commit adultery or do anything to disturb our neighbor's home or family. </pr></b></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. </i></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br />
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Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father, grant that we covet nothing that is our neighbors, neither his house, nor his auto, his bank account, his job, nor anything that is our neighbors. </b></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. </i></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><br /></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><b>
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Leader: Heavenly Father, help us to maintain peace within our own households, with our neighbors in our communities, within our own nations, and in the world. </pr></b></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. </i></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><br /></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr>
<pr><b>
Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father we pray not only for the absence of war, but more especially for Thy peace, which passeth all understanding. </b></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. </i></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><br /></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr>
<pr><b>
Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father, grant us Christ's wish that we may become One with Him, and with Thee; that in union with Thee, we may desire only what Thou dost desire, and thus come to know Thy perfect peace. </b></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /><i>
All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace, this day and for evermore. Amen.</i></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div><div><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><pr><br /></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></pr></div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-39776430954714262502020-11-11T09:49:00.003-06:002020-11-11T10:04:58.107-06:00St. Martin's Lent<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wXp7e1RtapY9VaUggwkJVMb6mFeWM2nPJ3IaDdd3Zuif9rI3_rUsjjUXxNjk1LPN0CwHRFiMVA4_0-GfZqAalL2HsOdop9PCzpn_9HW2oMzuSCqVDIRCdVea0RKgVumZAsQSg5MIw0F0/s1600/1605109769572300-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">St. Martin and the Beggar<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">By Alfred Tethrl 1836<br /></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br />As we begin St. Martin's Lent I just wanted to wish every a happy St. Martin's Day! May the peace of Christ be always with you and may you always choose to follow the Prince of Peace!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-39883627263866984712020-10-30T20:27:00.000-05:002020-10-30T20:27:19.152-05:00Ozark Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoyBm4lzq5OQZ_yeHAR5pxiKj973pWmJ8LsVvsQ-4Jsv9fSdF1-xpK8hbFSRVUJfX9MLiWTnvHbLKQVPek3CzJP_76Vka9p037vCOTIEtgaO9HTA-TnLsQYIUjgjyn9j3_G-CjR-F4V1g/s4656/20190908_082401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3492" data-original-width="4656" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoyBm4lzq5OQZ_yeHAR5pxiKj973pWmJ8LsVvsQ-4Jsv9fSdF1-xpK8hbFSRVUJfX9MLiWTnvHbLKQVPek3CzJP_76Vka9p037vCOTIEtgaO9HTA-TnLsQYIUjgjyn9j3_G-CjR-F4V1g/w508-h381/20190908_082401.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Ain't nothin' to a flat country nohow. A man jes naturally wear hisself plumb out a walkin' on a level 'thout ary downhill t' spell him. An' then look how much more there is of hit! Take forty acres o' flat now an' hit's jest a forty, but you take forty acres o' this here Ozark country an' God 'lmighty only knows how much 'twould be if hit war rolled out flat. 'Taint no wonder 't all, God rested when he made these here hills; he jes naturally had t' quit, fer he done his beatenest an' war plumb gin out.” ― Harold Bell Wright, The Shepherd of the Hills</div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4924526977624975244.post-84253295662881462082020-10-29T08:51:00.001-05:002020-10-29T08:51:54.849-05:00Stand Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNPIN7XjyfTeMh_Vp3kvvmaufvDfBDfFslZ3MdJaWa0N1wuuF8hBPSdILzchc2M5PGDVp7YTdDwSBRUYvsaJlQ5CWPq23ZYy6HO3jOypxERt9VLMZVeLHyBU75W32lGfgdpa2cedidU0_/s5472/SAM_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNPIN7XjyfTeMh_Vp3kvvmaufvDfBDfFslZ3MdJaWa0N1wuuF8hBPSdILzchc2M5PGDVp7YTdDwSBRUYvsaJlQ5CWPq23ZYy6HO3jOypxERt9VLMZVeLHyBU75W32lGfgdpa2cedidU0_/w565-h376/SAM_1432.JPG" width="565" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope and, crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." -Robert Kennedy</div>Brian Ernest Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606167170572482902noreply@blogger.com0