Blogging has obviously fallen off the past couple of weeks. I have finished the first draft of my book that highlights the interviews with George Lindbeck, David Burrell, and Stanley Hauerwas at NTS several years ago. Church late-advent activities have picked up. Tuesday was very humbling. David Crazythunder, Cindy, Mark, and Rowena made a turkey dinner for Tuesday night at the Salvation Army - maybe the best meal we've ever served. Afterwards about 20 of us went to the streets to hand out or sandwiches and then caroling. We would sing two songs while passing out the drinks and sandwiches; then we read Luke 2:1-7, prayed, and then finished with a final song. I wish that I could describe what it how "for there was no room in the inn" works in such a context.

Two things struck me about the evening. First, we were welcomed by those whose homes we visited on the sidewalks with authenticity and acceptance. Our friends particularly embraced the Scriptures and the prayer. One man joined us and led us to a camp where four or so friends stayed with him under an overhang. Second, the only concern that I heard was by a woman who was afraid that a person who lived in an apartment above their site would call the police to move them out. She was afraid that she would interpret our presence as a "disruption." The contrast between the reception, between those with walls versus those without walls, is very interesting.
I with you and yours a joyous Christmas season - all twelve days full. For a little "present," I'm attaching a link to an editorial that I had published in the San Diego Union-Tribune today. I'm very thankful that they agreed to publish it. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/25/without-shelter-not-homeless/