Newsletter - March, 2003

The thief comes to mind. The one crucified next to Jesus who said, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom." It's an essentially selfish prayer; a prayer by someone still looking out for number one. Not exactly a great moment of faith. What other options did he have? End of the line. Throw your dice here. What have you got to lose?
So also I, in the midst of trials great and small, look to the Lord for the kingdom yet to come. "Remember me," I say, "when the tides turn."
I'm hoping to get the goods--despite the mess I find myself in. I'm hoping he'll eventually sort things out to my advantage. It is a small and selfish hope; a little door into paradise.

Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was in New York on Sept. 11, a few buildings down from the towers. WRITING IN THE DUST is a short book of his reflections; a good thing to read in these times. He talks about grieving without the consolation of drama, martyrdom, resentment and projection. "It's about trying to act so that something may possibly change, as opposed to acting so as to persuade ourselves that we're not powerless." $12.00 new.

PUBLISH OR PARISH I interviewed a Greek Orthodox priest, Fr. Meletios Webber for the Sentinel. His new book STEPS OF TRANSFORMATION, is an introduction to 12-step programs, with the bonus of an Orthodox slant. I especially appreciated his comments on anonymity, which I had always perceived as simple confidentiality. He likens it to 'kenosis,' the Greek word for emptying, as in Philippians 2: 5-8 when Jesus emptied himself of his glory and became man. Not only does the addict strip away power, prestige and position through anonymity, but God himself is willing to become anonymous in order to meet the addict where ever there is an opening.
This idea gave me great peace; I had always been 'jealous for the name of Jesus' in regard to AA and other 12-step groups. STEPS OF TRANSFORMATION is $14.95 and there are plans for an author signing on the afternoon of April 5 at the Greek Orthodox Church Bookstore across from the Public Library in Santa Cruz.

Dan Kimball, pastor of Graceland, a primarily young adult congregation blossoming out of SC Bible Church has also written a book, THE EMERGING CHURCH ($14.99). When a customer told me this, I remembered hearing that Daniel Brown, pastor of The Coastlands also had a new book out, ENJOYING YOUR JOURNEY WITH GOD ($16.99). I got them both in to add to our local authors' shelf. I haven't read them yet, but find it interesting that they're both in large format, with quotes down the side like THE ARTIST'S WAY. Aren't we cool?

Bob Fenster, who was the editor of my 'In the Spirit' column in the Sentinel, has left the paper and is working on a sequel to his book, DUH: THE STUPID HISTORY OF THE HUMAN RACE. He is looking for stories of wonderful stupidity from interesting people around the country. What's the dumbest thing you've ever done? Send your stories to him at abothwell@cruzio.com. I sent him a story of being the only driver in a 4 car accident. May not be the stupidest thing I've ever done, but it's the stupidest thing I felt like admitting to at the time.

An Audience of One: I got invited to lead a Journaling workshop at Siena House (for unwed mothers). Of course I couldn't resist ordering in journals with pretty covers, with scripture quotes, a LIFE STRATEGIES SELF DISCOVERY JOURNAL, Tommy Tenny's GOD'S FAVORITE HOUSE JOURNAL and MY DAYS, MY PICTURES a journal for 4-6 year olds. I put these in a box with LEAVING A TRACE by Alexandra Johnson, a book that talks about different ways to journal and also ways to turn your journal into other writing projects.
Then I got back HOW TO KEEP A SKETCHBOOK JOURNAL from Kathy and borrowed two of her wonderful watercolor travel diaries. Finally I added (to the now bulging box) a 1905 Journal from my great, great, grandmother's brother, May Sarton's JOURNAL OF A SOLITUDE, Natalie Goldberg's WRITING DOWN THE BONES, my first diary, and a couple of my current journals. Miraculously, I could still carry the box. I got to Siena house only to discover that most of the women were gone for the day. I had a great time reading the work of one woman and conversing with her baby. I never unpacked the box. Does anyone out there need a journaling workshop? I'm loaded to bear.

Bill's idea of giving bonus books with orders has been great fun. I probably should make a rule to only give away books that have been sitting in the store for five or more years, but I can't resist giving books someone might really like, or at least laugh at. As Maya Angelou says, "You shouldn't go through life with catchers mitts on both hands."

Glendawyn, the librarian at First Pres., ordered Richard Foster's SPIRITUAL CLASSICS. It looks great! We used his CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE for a summer study some years back, and it was one of the best studies we've ever done. SPIRITUAL CLASSICS takes the 12 disciplines and gives four readings from classic Christian authors for each one. Organized like DEVOTIONAL CLASSICS, there is a bio of the author for each reading, a Biblical reference, discussion questions, suggested exercises, Foster's reflections, and a descriptive list of other works by the author. One year a group of us gathered by Pat started a six week study using DEVOTIONAL CLASSICS. We ended up going for over a year. With 12 groupings of 4 readings SPIRITUAL CLASSICS is clearly designed for a year study. There's even four extra readings for those months with a fifth week. Looks hot to me. Is anybody else out there interested?

"Allways be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." Philo of Alexandria

Blessings,
Alliee +