Archive for December, 2009

I took a picture of this large tree behind Rosslyn Castle, Scotland; nothing like it in the rest of the valley. An hour later, I didn’t take a picture of the depiction of the Tree of Life inside Rosslyn Chapel. I mention my brief time at Rosslyn in Clairvaux Manifesto.

I thought of this beautiful tree as I was watching the movie Avatar. There’s so much I could say, but I’ll let the opening lines of Fiat Lux in the free book preview of Clairvaux Manifesto speak for themselves,

This piece of art hangs in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. How many birds do you see? Earlier this evening, I chatted briefly with friends there regarding their good relationship with President-elect of the nation. I write about these friends in Clairvaux Manifesto.

Today started with a Nigerian in our home, speaking about his heart and skills in international affairs. A week ago, I was in conversation with a West-African diplomat regarding his roles in the UN and certain Presidential affairs. Two weeks ago, I was engaged in oil and gas investment relations, diplomatically speaking into the financing of local and global endeavors. Also, I’ve been in conversation with three global organizations regarding their strategic development and immediate leadership needs; seems diplomacy is the word these days.

Though you can’t tell from the ice flows in this picture, strong whirlpools form under this bridge. During the few hot days of summer, kids will climb atop the bridge and plunge into the deep flow. During the torrent flood of melting snow caps in spring, surfers in wetsuits will tie themselves to the bridge, fight their way onto surfboards, and challenge the relentless current (which means they perpetually end up drinking freshly melted glacier).

This old train bridge crossing the Bow River, is just a short walk down the trail from our home. Originally built by coal miners, the strong iron structure now hosts pedestrians; a quiet trail system where noisy infrastructure used to be.

Luke and Bree told me we’d see the ceiling of St. Peter’s Basilica better from the floor; they were right.

As a family, we visited Rome on our way home from three weeks on the island of Malta, the heart of the Mediterranean, the navel of the world. I share bits of these stories in Clairvaux Manifesto.

Just as my editor and I were preparing the manuscript for publishing, one early reader (and potential endorser) of my work said the book was condemning of present day Church culture, and my autobiographical portions lacked personal vulnerability.

Earlier today, I read Shane Claiborne saying and unsaying stuff in Esquire.

Afterward, I blogged a bit about a Maltese friend I miss. That got me thinking about a Vanity Fair magazine I once read on a flight to Malta, and specifically this curious article about DNA, Genographics, and Bono, which left me pondering Jesus’ words, “obedience is thicker than blood” (Matt. 12:48).

So this evening, I reread the online version of Vanity Fair July ‘07; Bono as guest editor. I purchased the Special Issue: Africa in late June ‘07, while walking through a London airport, catching a flight to Malta. I read the magazine on the plane and left it with friends in Malta. The next day, June 30th, I blogged a Maltese epiphany (here).

On a frigid morning, here’s my son Luke climbing toward a large waterfall above Lake Louise. In this picture, I appreciate the little tree growing to Luke’s right.

In Clairvaux Manifesto, the word “little” is a big deal.

I wrote about our kids as passionate little creators. I wrote about Dar praying on the little steps outside Mother Teresa’s bedroom in Calcutta.

Regarding Advent, I wrote, “From his first breath, Jesus of Bethlehem was a thirsty little refugee clinging to the edge of the human condition.”

I wrote about a young couple who met Jesus for the first time, “…they looked like little children, faces shining.”

I spoke this out in response to one word on a facebook profile; Copenhagen (podcast). The conference website is full of data, stories and blogs.

On such issues I read: Naomi Klein; Jeffrey Sachs; Al Gore; David Suzuki; Theodore Roszak; Carolyn Merchant; Morris Berman; Wendell Berry and Noam Chomsky.

In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith hoped for the best,

Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society, which he has in view. But the study of his own advantage naturally, or rather necessarily, leads him to prefer that employment which is most advantageous to society.

The pommel of this sword reads Sigillum Militum Χρisti which is Greek and Latin for “The Seal of the Soldiers of Christ”. Next to the pommel sits a studious monk; his twin nearby.

Around the sword and monks are a thousand books. My library is your library. Some say I read too much, it steals from my heart. Well, I’m not addicted to having to think I know. Maybe I live from my heart, and my mind is racing to catch up (I’m starting to read again). Tonight, I’ve pulled a few books from my shelves:

This is St. Giles and the hind at St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. On page 168 of Clairvaux Manifesto I share,

The next morning, I prayed my way to Edinburgh Castle at the head of the Royal Mile. I prayed through the castle. Something told me I’d find an arrow there; I found it and purchased it in the gift shop. The insignia of the Reconnaissance Corp is an arrow pointing upward with two lightning bolts coming down and out from its head.

Heavy snowfall came through the valley yesterday. Gorgeous out. Christmas music at the coffee shop. Putting up our tree today. Crisp mornings, roaring fireplaces.

Next week, as I begin podcasting, I will be studying Bernard of Clairvaux’s teachings on Advent and his dealings with false teachers. As I speak out, my focus will remain on unpacking the manifesto and proclaiming the Message of Jesus Christ.

Already mentioned I had an oil and gas investors meeting Thursday afternoon and evening with friends and skilled leaders around a common table.