Hit the Back Button to Move Fwd by Gavin Richardson

lets all talk to the prez : over running obama

i don't know about you. i've been getting a slew of emails asking me to email president elect obama about some of the things he has promised in his campaign or things to consider. i suppose after the campaign he ran, an open source campaign, he is more accessible than any candidate before. or at least it seems that way. so it is no surprise that our methodist bishops council has sent president elect obama an official letter.

"The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is pleased to join with the chorus of United States citizens and international partners in congratulating you on your election as the 44th President of the United States of America," the letter opened.

"We applaud your willingness to articulate a vision of change for the United States that is based on hope for all the people, especially those who are disinherited and disenfranchised. We are also encouraged by your desire to construct a landscape for the United States that is inclusive of all people. We affirm your desire for a more peaceful and just world."

i hope this letter fares better than the last bishop's letter to the president.

tip blake huggins

family reunion : photography of

i've posted a number of my photos from this weekends richardson family reunion. i also gave my d70 to my 10 yr old and 6 yr old nephews to take photos. can you tell which photos are taken by them over me?

election prayer : prayer for the week

i am praying this prayer, with some inspired improvisations that might come my way, up to tuesday. if you wish, join us. ken carter, who wrote this prayer is asking to spread it around.

Creator of us all:
you are the source of every blessing,
the judge of every nation
and the hope of earth and heaven.

We pray to you on the eve of this important and historic election.

We call to mind the best that is within us:

That we live under God,
that we are indivisible,
that liberty and justice extend to all.
We acknowledge the sin that runs through our history as a nation:

The displacement of native peoples, racial injustice,
desecration of your creation, economic inequity, regional separation.

And yet we profess a deep and abiding gratitude
for the goodness of ordinary people who have made sacrifices,
who have sought opportunities,
who have passionately loved and cared for the earth and its fruits,
who have journeyed to this land as immigrants
strengthening its promise in successive generations,
who have found freedom on these shores,
and defended this freedom at tremendous cost.

Be with us in the days that are near.
Remind us that your ways are not our ways,
that your power and might transcend the plans of every nation,
that you are not mocked.

Let those who follow your Son Jesus Christ
be a peaceable people in the midst of division.

Send your Spirit of peace, justice and freedom upon us,
break down the walls of political partisanship,
and make us one.

Give us wisdom to walk in your ways,
courage to speak in your name,
and humility to trust in your providence.

Amen.