Sivin Kit's Garden

O God, Our Words Cannot Express

From textweek

O God, Our Words Cannot Express
(Tune: ST. ANNE CM "O God, Our Help in Ages Past")

O God, our words cannot express
The pain we feel this day.
Enraged, uncertain, we confess
Our need to bow and pray.

We grieve for all who lost their lives...
And for each injured one.
We pray for children, husbands, wives
Whose grief has just begun.

O Lord, we're called to offer prayer
For all our leaders, too.
May they, amid such great despair,
Be wise in all they do.

We trust your mercy and your grace;
In you we will not fear!
May peace and justice now embrace!
Be with your people here!

Tune: Attr. William Croft, 1708. Tune is in public domain.
Text: Copyright © 2001 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.

Random Thoughts before Seremban Trip

In the past, I might just be praying for what's happening right now after the earthquake and tsunami in this region. But, besides genuine heartfelt intercession there's also an authentic desire for action. Thanks Bob Jots for constant updates and providing the Tsunami Relief Links I hope to call up some one in World Vision Malaysia to get more info later.

I was reading Emergent as Society? with great interest. Then going to the original link my vision to get the background to the discussion and liked what I read. And now reading Brian McLaren on Emergent as a Movement provides some useful grids and lens to deepen the dialogue and some directions we could take. Ahh ... the speed of information and interactions thanks to blogging :-) More thoughts on this later.

Jonny Baker pointed me to SmartCommons for a look. And it does look interesting especially when they say its supposed to "enables local communities to self-organize and share in a world that seems more prefabricated and single-serving everyday. SmartCommons is the spiritual bazaar of the social software services."

Chris Erdman has been constantly writing quality stuff with Alan Roxburgh here at Odyssey . I need to slow down my pace and engage with Coming to Eucharist, Feeling an Outsider and On Suffering Worship, Self-Pastoring, and Christmas. These guys create space for me to grow. I need to stop and let that happen.

After reading my "blog friend" Paul Oyler's post Deep calls to Deep - Tsunami - How to help I'm once again appreciative of the best values that I've found in the blogging community - genuine concern, sharing, connecting, commitment, and care. I'm not deny the reality for abuses and weaknesses, but what I've experienced the last few days has been "healing".

Just before I leave (I'm later than I planned *grin*, that's a weakness with blogging), I'm drawn back to a incarnational "earthy" and "flesh and blood" post by Rudy on Church: Why Bother? and somehow this resonates with a lot of what I'm thinking after all these years of working in a local church setting from a youth/worship pastor to what I'm doing now as well as partnering frequently with para-church organisations or networks.

ok better go ... btw, I got some Gmail invites let me know if you want one.

My Faith So Far

The last time I finished reading a book in less than three days was by A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren (I think I took longer for the sequel The Story We Find Ourselves In), It's amazing how I related to much of the "fiction" in the books with my own faith journey.

I never heard of Patton Dodd before reaching for this book. He's even got a blog with title My Blog So Far.

Patton does a wonderful job taking me through his world of charismatic Christianity and I could relate to even the example of the songs he mentioned and more than one "eye brow raising" ministry times he describes (This Fresh! Joy! episode is really hit home for me.) Even though many of his experiences are more rooted in American soil and a kind of "charismatic/pentecostal" subculture which is not that institutional in Malaysia compared to the USA (but very much present in "mutated" forms" or "whole sale copy cat" forms). But, it was strange how so many flashbacks of my own story occured while reading his story. The beauty is how he crafts the inner thoughts he had during his estatic as well as confusing moments which were in different words what I was thinking in those days. I just found honesty so comforting and liberating. Thus, I absolutely agree with what is said here in the back cover:

"Honesty is a rare commodity. Sometimes it’s rarest in the world of religion. Like the blues in music, there’s something oddly uplifting about it. Patton Dodd offers an honest and engaging reflection of his experience in the world of charismatic Christianity – poignant, even painful, yet somehow uplifting. Whatever your religious background, you'll learn here, and perhaps be nudged toward greater honesty in your own spiritual search.” - – Brian McLaren, pastor, author ()

Special note for Malaysians: all the Jossey Bass published books are expensive from our point of view, i.e. everybook I bought was above RM70 :-(. so you've got to either be pretty desperate or a major risk taker. I got mine in MPH 1 Utama

Where is God?

During our prayer meeting last night, a lot of "Why?" questions came up (even during the prayer time), there was also "how could this have happened?" kind of feeling through out. Then there's a "What on earth can we do?" and of course "Where is God in all this?".

Thanks Jason for sharing with us in his post "Where is God?"
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"People then asked, God why? and came up with many answers, judgement being a favourite one.
And as I think over what I would have prayed if 50% of people I knew in a christian country with a christian king, died, and as I watched 20,000 people swept away do death on the news in Asia, my prayer was 'Why?'

Why can my faith be strong, as long as I am unaware of the death, suffering and pain of history and the now of this world as long as I am ok. But why does my faith rock when it get's closer to me? Why should there be any difference between me and a christian in Asia swept out to sea?"
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And together with him , I too pray this prayer in someway ..
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"God when I see this I see how I live my life with faith built upon making me safe and well, and forgetting that everyday I have is a gift, and evey day could be my last, and everyday is not a right but a gift from you. Jesus you pray on our behlalf interceding, please pray for us, bring our 'whys?' before our Father, so we might experience your resurrection life in the aftermath of these experiences."
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Tsunami Shock!

We felt nothing because we were deeper in the middle of Peninsula Malaysia. We had no TV. We were not internet accessible. It was supposed to be a post-Christmas break. Which we got our much needed rest.

The morning had SMSs coming in. A call for prayer initiated by one of our new BLC members.

We managed to get a copy of todays paper which was in Chinese at the nearby village town. The reports and photos were clear enough with what's going on. In Malaysiat the most we're troubled with are lanslides and floods, but this is much bigger than what we're used to.

We confirmed later that some BLC members would be going to for prayer and from my point of view also a time of "solidarity" with what's going on not just in Malaysia but more so in our neighboring countries.

More details here (which I got immediatelty once I could get online):
- Messy Christian gives us an update here 21,000 deaths ...
- DB shares how generally we are all okay and offers a prayer.
- Daniel also mentions about the Tsunami and dedicates a prayer to the victims.
- A new friend Bob gives useful information here in Tremors & Tsunamis and Continuing Reverbrations
- BBC News Asia battles earthquake aftermath has more details

About 10 of us sat at the Grace Wing of the Living Room in the Father's House. two toddlers and an older kid joined us in some way. It's hard to pray. Not too sure how we could even sing. But, The Spirit took over. There were times of silence. Praying the Psalms. Lamenting. Weeping. Mourning. Most of our own friends or family are safe. But then, we know many others have been affected. what can we say? nothing. We just humbled ourselves and prayed. How would it make a difference? We don't know exactly ... apart from we want to get in touch with God and what really matters. That somehow, Light can shine in this darkness. This guides our hope and feeble human language as we pray.

Christmas Blog ~ From the Kits

May Chin, Gareth, Baby No.2 on the way and I wish all a merry and blessed Christmas to all our local and global friends and family.

We give because God has first given himself to us ... for that we are so grateful - for so much, to so many, especially to the ONE.

Emmanuel - God with us - Jesus Christ - no words can fully grasp how He has made such a difference. We sing, We pray. We laugh. We cry. We shout. We're silent. We rest. We move .... all are second movements after God's 1st move. Grace!

Indeed, light of the world you stepped down into darkness.
And now, that light reaches out never ending.

May we be a shining light to the nations!

Random Thoughts on Christmas Eve Morning 2004

I was surprised and delighted when I got my copy of Newsweek(special double edition - The Who's Next Issue) today. I just posted something related to our Malaysian Prime Minister yesterday. Obviously from the website I could see the front cover is more for "marketing" purposes or connecting with the targetted readers. Hmmm...

Why? Because I expected a more extended piece on our Primie Minister but was disappointed when it was a merely a little more than one page of write up :-( Malaysia has got some attention in the International scene but not that much huh?

Nevertheless, as usual I love these in Newsweek. The cartoons plus the quotes can serve as conversation starters or at least spark some thoughtful reflection.

Oh yes ... Journey Women has been "resurrected" after the whole mblog tragedy with the help of blogger .... Welcome come back Journey Women. Let's just cross our computer cables that they wont do a "mblog" (you know what I mean .. kaput!)

Thanks to wonderful brother .. I got some Christmas goodies (read books) for a good discount at MPH 1 Utama yesterday. Two for others, and two for me!!! :-) Oppss is my wife reading this?

I began to discover a couple of days ago more people who have read or are reading A New Kind of Christian. I find it interesting how people react to the style as well as the substance of (whome I find as always a welcome ally and conversation partner)

Yes Prime Minister .. Thanks

I remember getting a Christmas card from the new Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi back in 2003. so I was wondering whether he'll do it again. Well, yes he did. It's a nice gesture. I wonder how other pastors and church leaders feel when they get this card.

Emergent - Malaysian Style Xmas I

I like what Tony Joneswrote for the Worship Leader Sidebar about what is Emergent?, I think we can be seen as part of "the friendships with church leaders around the world, all of whom are on a similar quest of rediscovering the gospel in their contexts."
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Emergent is a fairly loose gathering of pastors, artists, missionaries, church planters, songwriters, bloggers and others who are engaged in a quiet revolution within the church. Disaffected with the reified structures and theologies of both the Protestant "Left" and "Right," a dozen of us began meeting together in the late 1990's, and as our work has become more public, many more have joined in. Currently, we are forging friendships with church leaders around the world, all of whom are on a similar quest of rediscovering the gospel in their contexts.

About 18 of us met at my place on December 18th Saturday. Quite a number of new faces this round. Sadly, the pastors all couldn't make it except me (due to a variety of understandable reasons). And Alwyn missed it the last minute. Joel and Elise Vestal were special surprise guests who gave us some input and personal sharing on their journey and ministry which was good to avoid this turning out to be just about us Malaysians!

Of course, we started late ... but with food. There was quite a variety from chicken to duck, Pringles to fruits, curry to pasta, etc. Nice that everyone (most at least *smile*) brought food "offerings".

We did have a simple ice breaker just to introduce ourselves and sang a couple of Christmas carols. It's Christmas season! Why not? We mustn't take ourselves too seriously until we can no longer sing, right?

The flow from the start was good .. people laughing, and saying "I've been reading your blog" can be disarming. :-P

Then we got into something more serious and yet broad enough to get the brain juices flowing and some "conversation" going ... a simple question: "What do you think is important for Malaysian Christianity to wrestle with?" (something like that) and then we tried some more personal questions like "what are you passionate about (possibly hoping you can contribute to Malaysian Christianity)"? The questions were general enough to start the ball rolling. I'm sure we are not the only ones asking them or have asked them but the dynamics and the flavour of the discussions had some "Emergent" flavour I suppose (i.e. more systemic, cautious of a quick fix, very conversational, etc).

We had three groups ... a decent mix of men and women. Our youngest was 17 years old (he just finished his high school exams!) our oldest was eh-hem people in their early thirties! It was interesting to take note our many of us got introduced to what is now called the "emerging church" or "emergent" conversation through different concerns from the need for more holistic experimental woship to more conversational evangelism, from reading Brian Mclaren's books to reading one anothers blogs.

After individual groups shared with one another, we had brief reports with others chipping in. Everyone had a chance to listen what others had to say and ask questions.

I have the Mah-jong paper with me and took some digital photos of the input from these guys and gals. All the answers were in very lay-human and grassroot lingo. Nothing ivory tower here. I joked that some of those present can complicate the language a bit and send it to our Asian theologians for comment.

After the "official meeting", many still stayed back for more "conversations" which usually unearthes other goodies.

so it was not just about food and fun ... all came bringing their contributions. The contributions in the "conversations" were most precious of course, then new connections in relationships as well as insights. More in another post ... time to pick up son and wife!

Random Thoughts before Tonight's Christmas Party

“I believe with all of my heart that God’s people possess God’s provision to accomplish and fulfill God’s purposes in the world.” (from genereous giving quotations)— Joel Vestal, founder of ServLife International

I was just thinking "Not bad, he has a quote next to David Livingstone, cool!)... And, hey! I hung out with this guy during the weekend!!! :-) There's so much I need to learn from him when it comes to trusting God, taking risks, missions and global concerns - taking steps out of our "comfort zones". Here's an article/Interview What Does 'Love Your Neighbor' Mean in a Refugee Camp?

The so called "Emergent Malaysia" Christmas party last Saturday was really fun and though some couldn't make it the last moment, we still had new friends join us. I've got loads of pictures which will look very different from the Central Jersey Emergent Cohort | #2. We've just warmed up with Mah-Jong paper and our different colour markers. It's a good start. I'll organize my thoughts a bit before I post more details.

Oh yes! what a delight yesterday to get the official letter informing me I've passed all my papers for the Master's entrance exam ... so January 2005 will mark my return to "student-hood" again ... at least part-time.

In march, we're expecting baby two to arrive ... so that's another "parenthood" upgrading ... "phew! wow! ai...sei! wahlau! ..." (a mixture of expressions there).

The process of "re-whatever" (i.e. review, reflect, relign, repent, relook, resume, ... etc) has begun for me starting from today ... it's more like closing the chapters. I've missed posting quite a number of eventful youth camp experiences, and personal thoughts, besides some key "lessons" for this year.

Just today itself was full of apologies for some slip ups here and there. I really need to have some ginseng maybe ... I started this morning with Isaiah 52:7 ... Peace on earth that's what we need ...

"How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, {And} says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Zayd's Dad

I remember meeting another blogger face to face for the first time after merely emailing each other. It was quite a strange experience. I didn't know what to expect. I knew I was a little afraid.

But, this time I found it pretty easy actually ... especially after doing this for (I think) the fifth time (or maybe sixth time! *smile*). Joel and I have emailed each other and read each others blogs. His site Zayd's Dad captures his adventures very well. I was further impressed and encouraged by what he's doing in and through ServLife International

It was indeed a delight to spend some time with Joel, Elise and Zayd. And he shares here in his post kuala lumpur glimpse of their visit with us.

Both Joel and I were born in the same year, both of us have two year old sons ... we have some common passions and concerns and yet we were also born miles apart, in different cultures and have our own unique stories. But as the photo above implies with the cross behind us, Christ is the one who unites us. And I think that's what's really precious about all of us who identify ourselves as Christ-followers :-)

Christus Victor

Thanks Jason Clark for the link to Vicarious Atonement vs. Christus Victor: Understanding the Cross from the perspective of grace rather than legalism. I think it might be a good idea to get that copy of Gustav Aulen's book Christus Victor and finish my final chapters of 2004 with it. Ah .. so many books I started and haven't finished! I shall overcome :-)

For now, I just want to enjoy new and old relationships tonight and tomorrow. These are pure moments of grace. Off I go ... cya. I may be able to report on the Emergent Malaysia Christmas Party tomorrow with some pictures thrown in. Let's see what happens.

Random Thought after Midnight

Nice to have access tonight ... it was a delightful surprise.

The final session at the camp went pretty well considering the constraints before us. There was a bunch of parents waiting to see their kids perform their dances after my message.

Someone collapsed during the refreshment time and I'm praying that this particular parent would be alright. It's really tough for the kids as it's already wonderful that this hardworking dad came to see them tonight. I'm hoping to hear tomorrow that he's doing better.

I'm looking forward to the "emergent malaysia" party ... on Saturday, and the chance to pop in one of the LiFe Group parties after that. Then next week there's one party which I'm also excited to visit. Then I also hope to transform another little gathering to a simple party. It's the party season.

I'm also glad that as the year closes its chapter I'll have a chance to know a new friend - Zayd's Dad. This mini twist for the year end will start tomorrow.

My last Christmas Lunch

This is a precious picture of the two most senior pastors in the Lutheran Church in Malaysia. Rev. Muthiah (who's retired and more than 80 and in fantastic health especially after a recent operation). And of course, Bishop Gideon Chang (who's finishing his term next year and is above 65)

Maybe many didn't really hear it, I guess they did. But as Bishop's Translator on Tuesday this week for our last Lutheran pastors prayer gathering for the year, I caught it loud and clear and translated it from Mandarin to English accordingly. He said, "This should be my last Christmas prayer meeting and lunch celebration as the Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia..." Indeed we will be in for a significant transition in the year 2005 as far as leadership is concerned.

We spent some time praying together more for the future actually ... there are many challenges ahead not only for each of us personally as pastors but also as "catalysts" for the churches God has entrusted us to lead. Many pastors I know in the church as a whole are facing changes more than we can catch up with,

A group family picture ... is appropriate. I look pretty puffed up in the picture if you can find me :-)

And of course, the last Christmas lunch with Bishop in his third term. Interesting to have Pastor Linda (on the left) who's doing a fabulous job leading a young church in Rawang. And next to her, Judy (on the right) an office staff in the headquarters who represents those working behind the scenes in support of the work of the church. We had loads of fun just goofing around .... as the good food was served to us.

World on Fire

Thanks to Doug Pagitt for highlighting this video by Sarah McLachlan. I find it interesting how the video attempts to use contrast to bring out it's message.

Our church supports 6 kids through World Vision Malaysia. For me personally, that's just a starting point ... deep down I know there's more that we can do.

Emergent Criticism

For those who have been following the conversation, I think you'd appreciate the following two pieces:
1. Emergent Criticism No.1: 7 Years of Spanking by Andrew Jones
2. The Emerging Storm by Stephen Shields

For those who haven't been following the conversation, I suppose you're always invited to join if you like. For some of us, we're meeting this Saturday 3pm at my place, we'll leave the criticisms aside for now (we haven't even started to talk and listen more yet), and get on with some fun and food.

Random Thoughts after Disappearing for a while

Being away for the camp was harder than I thought. And speaking back to back for two camps is even harder. I recall doing it before. Maybe I'm getting older ... of course, Grace is always sufficient ...

Took me quite some time just to clear the comment spam I've got .... I joked with some people I "confess" my sins as I delete the spam and blacklist them. It's a tedious exercise (I mean the deleting spam bit!)

Nowadays the pull when Gareth calls out "Papa!" is very strong ... I not only missed him three days. Even when I'm here, I'm already out three nights. However, Gareth and I had a nice Monday morning together which I really treasured.

I'm really looking forward for a "family solitude" after Christmas. May Chin would probably have a bigger smile after reading this.

It was a strange feeling to see my blog totally black before I posted this post to get jump started again. I think it's the longest time I've been absent from blogging.

So much has happened and is happening.

I feel I need to make some "firm" decisions soon. Many events and reflections have purged my naivety and opened up some "window" to access God in a different way.

2005 has already come knocking on my door ... in fact lots of "knocks" are coming in ...

New kind of Christian: Brian McLaren's Emergent voice

Here's a quick link before I head off to Port Dickson ... It seems Brian McLaren and "Emergent" is getting more publicity these days. Hmm.... here you go ... New kind of Christian: Brian McLaren's Emergent voice

The Emergent matrix: A new kind of church?

So finally the article we've been waiting for ... The Emergent matrix: A new kind of church? with favorable comments from Maggi Dawn (From UK) and Tony Jones (From USA)

This will be my bed time reading tonight .... (in Malaysia.)

Random Thoughts while finishing my coffee

I'll be missing Gareth, May Chin and baby-on-the-way starting from tomorrow. It's going to be three days and three nights with more than 100 Methodist youth in their youth leadership development programme camp.

Glad to have the mockstar James Tan post-mblog blues overcome back posting with fresh vigor!!

Had some fun last saturday fellowshipping with cranium. I was quite impressed with May Chin humming U2's "With or without you"!

It was nice to be a speaker at another church yesterday and a listener back at BLC at the same time. Quite an experience since most of the time I'm speaking at BLC on sundays.

Need to update my blog rolls after the camp ... and I decided to delete the forum since nothing is happening right now. I think I'll start deleting other stuff in my life :-)

The coffee is finished.

A Generous Orthodoxy ~ Revisited

I enjoyed this review on Brian McLaren's DJ Chuang for the link). I love the opening below.
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Not since the last Harry Potter novel have friends I respect so differed on their assessments of a book that I was interested in reading. But whereas everyone could summarize the plot of Harry's adventures, while differing on the value and effect of the novel overall, here I could hardly believe my friends were even reading the same book. "Whereas McLaren just pushed the envelope a little in A New Kind of Christian, here he abandons almost all the fundamental doctrines of the faith," warned one. "There is no unbiblical doctrine anywhere in the book; in fact, here lies one of the keys to restoring the unity of the church Jesus prayed for in John 17," intoned another. "Wow," I thought, "I'll be really curious to see what the book actually includes. I'll probably wind up concluding that the real truth lies about half way in between these extremes." I was surprised that this was not the case.

I agree with Rogier Bos's comment in his review under the title A generous spirituality does bring the practical perspective in focus. he says ...
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"The challenge of McLaren’s proposal is putting it into practice. Spirituality is, to a large degree, learned behavior. Changing external behaviors (introducing candles and substituting synthesizers for guitars) will be hard enough. But the real challenge in our communities is to change the heart behind it. McLaren will no doubt reap much criticism with his proposal – and chances are those who try to introduce his thinking will as well."

The Inclusive Church

The Inclusive Church Conference 2004 is on the move. It's a A three-day conversation with Brian McClaren, Steve Chalke & Jason Clark exploring theology and action in emerging culture.

I wonder whether our friend Jo is the only Malaysian there ... and then She's also Chinese as well as a woman! Three cheers for Jo. I'm anxious to hear what's going on there.

Thanks to Doug Pagitt for a glimpse of Johny Baker has posts on the event too ... check out gospel and justice and inclusive church

How to say "no!" from my 21 year old sage

When asked how does he" tell" the girl interested in him to get the message he's not. Here's his advice ...

Well, I'm not only abrasive and cold to her. Flat out ignoring people won't
tell the whole story. I encourage any healthy interaction, whereas there
can't be much until she gets of over the crush. Teaching birds to fly
involves a carefully timed process of dropping and catching."

basically...
1. be friendly, but hint to the effect of "back off"
2. if hints are not apparently heeded as desired, drop the bomb: lay down that the bottom line is "go away"
3. After step 2. takes effect... send reminder that bottom line is just a general rule. the policy which is being advised is not "go away, period." rather, it is "treat me like a normal person"
If she's too optimistic... i might have to call the cops or delete her from my IM list.

U2 & Taize

Apart from Theology and the rest of what comes with Seminary education, I was introduced to by what appears on the surface contrasting music. At my orientation retreat, I heard Taize music for the first time. Later, a senior cum fantastic guitarist told me about Bono and U2.

I like what Chris Erdman, concludes here linking them to this excellent "joy" reminder - There’ll Be No Emergence Without Joy
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U2 and Taize. Both singing their songs. Both rooted in the tradition and seeking new ways to sing in the world. Both marked by the mirth that gives them durability even as they seek to sing toward God’s future in a world so often marked by despair. And for both, their song was learned more by accident than by any grim determination or studied critique.

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

Thanks to the Malaysian Bono(you know who you are, I'm so blessed!) for the album. It's just great to get two U2 goodies (a DVD and then the latest album!) in 2 days!

Thanks to faithasawayoflife for a review by Jeffrey Overstreet

I loved the song "Yahweh" which kind of became the "opening" prayer before plunged into Matthew 3 this morning!

YAHWEH

Take this city
A city should be shining on the hill
Take this city if it be your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart
Take this heart
Take this heart
And make it break..

U2, "How to Dismantle an Atom Bomb" 2004

Tone of Voice

Thanks to Willzhead the link to the NY times article Who Is John Stott? (The whole article is worth reading just to have a fresh take on the word "evangelical" again. Anyway, I was drawn to this because I just quoted Stott in last weeks sunday message *smile* and listened to a recent sermon downloaded from All Souls)

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When you read Stott, you encounter first a tone of voice. Tom Wolfe once noticed that at a certain moment all airline pilots came to speak like Chuck Yeager. The parallel is inexact, but over the years I've heard hundreds of evangelicals who sound like Stott.

It is a voice that is friendly, courteous and natural. It is humble and self-critical, but also confident, joyful and optimistic. Stott's mission is to pierce through all the encrustations and share direct contact with Jesus. Stott says that the central message of the gospel is not the teachings of Jesus, but Jesus himself, the human/divine figure. He is always bringing people back to the concrete reality of Jesus' life and sacrifice.

Fresh Expressions

Thanks to Maggi Dawn for the following from the Fresh Expressions post...
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I always encourage people to buy in thoroughly to whatever they are in to. It shows a serious lack of character, I think, to hover on the edge of something being cool and cynical and never getting your hands dirty - kind of belonging, but without ever getting committed. I'd much rather get involved in whatever I do, despite the risk of getting egg on my face. You can always change your mind later. The trouble with getting committed to your own project, though, is that it can be quite hard to reconcile your own commitment with an attitude of acceptance and encouragement of a project whose values or raison d'etre seems to oppose your own.

The Lost Pomo debate

Thanks to Andrew Zirschky for making The Lost Pomo Debate: Jones, Kimball, McLaren, Duffy & Chap duke it out at YS 2003 available.