Jesus and the Five Thousand

I’m [re]reading Peter Rollins’ The Orthodox Heretic: And other Impossible Tales, a collection of parables, for Lent. I’ve got 40 of them: one for each day. I read this one today. 

Read. Ponder. Reread…

Jesus and the Five Thousand (A First-World Translation)

 Jesus withdrew privately by boat to a solitary place, but the crowds continued to follow him. Evening was now approaching and the people, many of whom had traveled a great distance, were growing hungry.

Seeing this, Jesus sent his disciples out to gather food, but all they could find were five loaves of bread and two fishes. Then Jesus asked that they go out again and gather up the provisions that the crowds had brought to sustain them in their travels. Once this was accomplished, a vast mountain of fish and bread stood before Jesus. Upon seeing this, he directed the people to sit down on the grass.

Standing before the food and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks to God and broke the bread. Then he passed the food among his twelve disciples. Jesus and his friends ate like kings in full view of the starving people. But what was truly amazing, what was miraculous about his meal, was that when they had finished the massive banquet there were not even enough crumbs left to fill a starving person’s hand.

Friday Photo

Our new cathedrals? That is seriously how I felt in here – the aisle was empty and there were all these glowing lights with shelves and shelves of food. It seemed like it would be appropriate to remove my shoes, light a candle, and say prayers. There is a reason I don’t shop at large grocery stores and avoid the inner aisles when I do.

Seasons

What a beautiful, sunny afternoon I had today. I walked home through the winding roads of Fairfield, soaking in the sun, the sounds of birds chirping, and the new pink and green growth emerging from brown earth and branches.

I like the change in seasons; spring always prompts me to take stock of my life and direction. Right now, I have a fairly good idea of the next year-ish, though there are some details to still be worked out. Things will always surprise me: I did not expect to go to Kenya last year, but I did and am so thankful I had that opportunity. Still, that does not stop the “J” in me from wanting to have at least a rough idea of the next 1,2,5 years… The last three or four years, around this time, have been a time of real self-reflection and exploration for me. This year is no different, however unlike the last few, I have the “itch” back: the itch to get up and go off adventuring somewhere. A year and a half from now, I will be completed my degree and practicum and will be able to register with a governing body and practice. Then what?

To Go or Not To Go

I’m sitting at home, watching the Opening Ceremonies (reprised) on NBC – the CTV one is just re-starting and I don’t need to start at the very beginning and see all the athletes walk in again. (Amusing side note, on NBC, they show where each country is in relation to the USA… for the geographobes down there?)

Despite all of my reluctance to support the Olympics, I can’t help but feel that there is a party going on in Vancouver that I am missing – not that I (antisocial me) has ever had qualms about missing a party before. I’ve always liked to think that I take great opportunities when they present themselves. Will I regret not going to see some of the events if I hide on the Island for the next few weeks? Of course the opposite side of that is whether or not I will be so incredibly frustrated with the crowds that I don’t enjoy any time there. I don’t know. I guess I have a couple weeks to decide.

Saturday Night’s (Not) Alright

It is Saturday night. I am at home finishing writing a paper due tomorrow instead of going to either the Pacific Baroque Festival or the Harry Manx Concert. I briefly left the house this evening to visit my local grocery store for sustenance. On the way, I smelt the kids smoking pot in the bushes along the pathway and the sweet aroma of newly fertilized flower beds outside of the paint shop. Instead of getting the usual crap to munch on whilst writing, I managed to leave with tomato juice and carrot sticks. I’m not sure what is wrong with me.

60

I foolishly used the premium photo last year. In any case, today marks a milestone for my father: he is 60 years young! Happy Birthday Daddy!

Last year, I shared some stories; this year, I will share some pictures. I’ll also add that I am blessed to be the daughter of such a wonderful, loving father. Love you.

First time Dad…

Second time Dad…

Dad visiting me in Fiji

Dad really likes his CocaCola… he’ll even dress up like a bandit to get it.
There are no words to describe how much I love this photo. Its actually from Dad in Mali with CRWRC.

Dad in Kenya with CRWRC – hanging out with the men.

Dad and his girls in Kenya. 🙂