I am dealing with all of those right now. I am dealing with a large group of people, from many religious backgrounds, and trying to find common ground. The Bible is full of ambiguity, mystery, complexity, paradox, and nuance.
At this moment my choice of words would be precision, simplicity, and straight-forwardness.
Of course then we would all be living in the same box and what fun would that be? Just hit me at the wrong moment I guess.
The pig can really be a metaphor for a simple, yet complex paradox on the nuanced and mysterious unity in diversity realized (though ambiguous) in the body of Christ.
But don’t use this metaphor with your Jewish friends.
—————–
Listen, quiet, hope, wait, do.
I had fun looking the words up just to make sure I really knew what they meant. An interesting combination, Mike, but I don’t think they point to you being “goofed up” in any way. Lots of awesome choices in the comments here.
Like Paul W I’ve also got teenagers in progress (three of them right now). If I’m thinking about parenting teens, I suppose my five words would be:
The English language is such a wondrous medium which, when utilized by skilled artists, can become masterpieces. A writer or speaker can say exactly what he means or whatever he wants the reader or hearer to think is meant. The use of some of the words enumerated in today’s blog and its comments bring to mind vivid pictures and evoke varied emotions. I have found, however, when I am at a loss for words, yet a response is expected, I can always utilize one very quiet yet profound phrase which seems to say it all…”doo dah.” If more is needed, however, I can expand the phrase to “O doo dah day.”
Notice how everyone seems to just tip toe around the issue… It is the elephant in the room that no one wants to notice or talk about. It is time for someone to step up to the plate and just let go….
The painfully obvious answer is… “Yes, Mike…you are totally goofed up.”
However, that fact does not negate the whole “words that speak to your soul” thread that you started today. It’s really a great idea for a goofed up guy.
Just because I am working on my annual review…Performance, Accomplishments, Compliance, Expectations and Credibility are speaking to me today.
I love words–to look up their meaning, to spell them(frontwards & especially backwards after playing “Cranium”). I think that makes me goofier than anybody! Here are some I’ve been thinking about lately: obtuse,arbitrarily,Joaquin,& elongated. I SO wish we could’ve kept the British accent–ANY word they pronounce is so lovely,even if it’s definition is not! Am praying for next year’s Zoe worship conference & I’m already looking forward to it!
I read this post way early this morning and the only thing I thought of was that your mind sure works good early in the morning. It’s now lunch and I’ve thought of one big word that hasn’t already been used (i don’t think - I don’t have the patience to read all this stuff)
I have always liked words and wish I had been more disciplined in learning words that are especially rich in meaning. Today, some of the words whose meanings I particularly like thinking about are: harmony, mystery, gathering, integrity, wonder, authenticity, anticipate, and paradox.
I also really like evanescent mostly because it has such a beautiful sound.
Yours goofily, Kathy
Words I feel God whispering to me lately…well, sometimes he has to shout them for me to hear…but I do feel this has been message for me lately…
silence, quiet, presence, patience, and prayer
I am dealing with all of those right now. I am dealing with a large group of people, from many religious backgrounds, and trying to find common ground. The Bible is full of ambiguity, mystery, complexity, paradox, and nuance.
At this moment my choice of words would be precision, simplicity, and straight-forwardness.
Of course then we would all be living in the same box and what fun would that be? Just hit me at the wrong moment I guess.
Angel - Here are some other ones I like:
unity, authenticity, diversity, perseverence, and simplicity.
(Now I’ve listed both “complexity” and “simplicity.” But I also listed “paradox”!)
Sausage, bacon, ham, pork chops, bratwurst -
The pig can really be a metaphor for a simple, yet complex paradox on the nuanced and mysterious unity in diversity realized (though ambiguous) in the body of Christ.
But don’t use this metaphor with your Jewish friends.
—————–
Listen, quiet, hope, wait, do.
wonder, word, voice, majesty, ascribe
Authenticity, Humility, Unity, Love and Grace.
Mike,
Last week, when I tried to pull up your blogspot at work, the words that spoke to me were, “This site is blocked. Reason: General Pornography.”
My first thought was, “Okay, what is Mike talking about today?”
Apparently, our filters at work are going crazy, but I just had to share that with you. : )
Simplicity, joyfulness, responsibility, and contentment.
All things I’m working hard toward.
providence
Redemptive, Authentic, Cognitive, Soulful, and Organic
Conundrum, paradigm, harmony, venerate, and significance…oh yeah, and foreshadow.
Mike, will, preach, on, Sunday
Community, authenticity, love, family, together
Love, friendship, honesty, laughter, and genius.
Integrity, warm, simple, graceful, triumphant.
Chad, Julia, Jenna, Krispy, Kreme.
Go, ahead, buy, it, honey.
Shantico, Latte, Mocha, Macchiato,Frappucino….
Intentional, transformational, experiential, reconciliation and “simply fabulous dahling.”
incarnational, overwhelming gratitude (I know, two words. But how do you say it the way you want to without including “overwhelming?”), optimistic
Chocolate, cheesecake, obstreporous
renewal, faithfulness, mercy, love, passion, hope, unity, and of course Cardinal-Baseball (if you say it right its only one word)
unity, missional, incarnational, family,friends.
Beautiful, hope, faith, joy, peace
Coffee, sleep, sunshine, lip gloss
Discipline, Choices, Shame, Forgiveness, Courage
Anyone else out there trying to raise teenagers……
I take my cues from the Preacher in Ecclesiastes chapter 3, so paradox–the “both/and” rather than the “either/or” is where I’m at these days.
Twenty years ago I saw everything in black and white. These days the view is technicolor, with shades of gray intermingled to make things interesting.
nurture, diversity, reconciliation, pugnatious, hot sauce, and option football
Try and use all of those words in one sentence.
I had fun looking the words up just to make sure I really knew what they meant. An interesting combination, Mike, but I don’t think they point to you being “goofed up” in any way.
Lots of awesome choices in the comments here.
Like Paul W I’ve also got teenagers in progress (three of them right now). If I’m thinking about parenting teens, I suppose my five words would be:
vacillation, delight, panic, entreaty, awe
compassion and floccinaucinihilipiliphication.
Sitting here in a circle in Nashville planning next fall’s Zoe conference. Would appreciate prayers.
Now . . . let the GOOD WORDS continue.
1. useful (because I want to be more in the kingdom)
2. faithful (because I want to be … to my husband, my children, my friends, my ministries and my God)
3. consistent (because I want to honest in all do and all I try to be)
4. tired (because I am most of the time)
5. Momma (because it is the title I am most proud of and the most exhausted by)
broken, strong, tears, laughter. Am I totally goofed up?
love, waiting, patience, sacrifice, hope, trust, longing
Prayers for ZOE conference are being lifted up. May the Spirit guide the planning.
Oh, and I just love the word eclectic. I love eclectic decor and eclectic friends.
The English language is such a wondrous medium which, when utilized by skilled artists, can become masterpieces. A writer or speaker can say exactly what he means or whatever he wants the reader or hearer to think is meant. The use of some of the words enumerated in today’s blog and its comments bring to mind vivid pictures and evoke varied emotions. I have found, however, when I am at a loss for words, yet a response is expected, I can always utilize one very quiet yet profound phrase which seems to say it all…”doo dah.” If more is needed, however, I can expand the phrase to “O doo dah day.”
Well done my faithful son.
chips, gaucamole, lazy-boy (one word!)and World Series.
humility, compassion, conquer, trust, follow.
I want to follow Jesus.
I love how British people say the word “photograph.”
Notice how everyone seems to just tip toe around the issue… It is the elephant in the room that no one wants to notice or talk about. It is time for someone to step up to the plate and just let go….
The painfully obvious answer is… “Yes, Mike…you are totally goofed up.”
However, that fact does not negate the whole “words that speak to your soul” thread that you started today. It’s really a great idea for a goofed up guy.
Just because I am working on my annual review…Performance, Accomplishments, Compliance, Expectations and Credibility are speaking to me today.
Peace. Hope. Anticipation. Rest. Newness.
But…in the meantime: chips and salsa. Lots of it.
I love words–to look up their meaning, to spell them(frontwards & especially backwards after playing “Cranium”). I think that makes me goofier than anybody! Here are some I’ve been thinking about lately: obtuse,arbitrarily,Joaquin,& elongated. I SO wish we could’ve kept the British accent–ANY word they pronounce is so lovely,even if it’s definition is not! Am praying for next year’s Zoe worship conference & I’m already looking forward to it!
I read this post way early this morning and the only thing I thought of was that your mind sure works good early in the morning. It’s now lunch and I’ve thought of one big word that hasn’t already been used (i don’t think - I don’t have the patience to read all this stuff)
Melodious
Grandmother, mother, daughter, aunt, wife.
Intimacy,Grace,Shekinah glory….
these words bring me closer to heaven. But then there is Chocolate…..which brings me right back down to earth.
Holiness, Love, Grace, Mercie, Forgiveness, Sacrifice, Patience, Peace, Unity….my mantra while running
Tradition, History, Knowledge, Perspective, Conversation
procrustean
synergy, serendipity, reconciliation, relationship, grace
Mirth.
I have always liked words and wish I had been more disciplined in learning words that are especially rich in meaning. Today, some of the words whose meanings I particularly like thinking about are: harmony, mystery, gathering, integrity, wonder, authenticity, anticipate, and paradox.
I also really like evanescent mostly because it has such a beautiful sound.
Yours goofily, Kathy
Words I feel God whispering to me lately…well, sometimes he has to shout them for me to hear…but I do feel this has been message for me lately…
silence, quiet, presence, patience, and prayer
family, belonging, serenity, peace, tranquility
Of course this is Monday and for a stay home Mom of two soon to be three I also like these words
takeout, frappicino, bubble bath, self-cleaning, and fully assembled.
not to mention SPELL-CHECK! Why don’t they have that for comments!
grace, blessed, mountain, river, daughter.
Oh, and…
Denver, Broncos, Avalanche, Clapton, Lovett…
Beauty, Create, passion, hope, and Godiva
One more word: lavish (thinking of 1 John 3)
Kathy
Exoneration. That’s gotta be one of my very favorite words.
Tracy,
I can relate to your word.
oxymoron, antimacassar, aluminium (the British way) conundrum, sesquicentenial
Just because they sound neat and I hardly ever get to use them.
unity, diversity, faith, peace, and love
Many good posts here. Most of you have already used my choice words.
So I think I’ll just quote Jackie Chiles, “Shallow. Unattractve. Disgusting.”