Presence: Experiencing God Each And Every Day

Have you ever seen a molten blob of super heated sand ready to be blown and shaped into glass? I have and you can too at my blog - EdTechEmergent.com. In his his chapter on how we acheive greater fairness in our nation John Freeman uses the metaphor of sand turned by great heat into glass. Listen as I reflect on how the current protests and inter–related traumas - health, economic, and white supremacy on display in the murder of George Floyd - have brought us to a moment of rupture through which the melting of structures can lead to a more just reshaping of our nation. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

This Pandemic Period is showing us how the world looks with somewhat lower CO2 emissions. It is also shining a harsh light on meat packing and the risk of disease for workers in those factories. How should we think about the natural world as we eventually emerge from this crisis and seek to better care for creation? For resources supporting this episode visit www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

Its clear to see that over the past decade or so and especially since the 2016 election, there's been an erosion of what is considered "common decency" in our society. There's a shocking indecency specifically in words used to describe others and generally what is acceptable for elected leaders to say or Tweet. Listen as I reflect on how a presidential proclaimation made earlier today to 'open the churches' could be used by relgious leaders to indecently hurt The Common Good. I also share a decent way the Catholic diocese where I live is being kind in inviting people slowly and gently back to face to face worship. See my blog for more info related to this episode - www.edtechemergent.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

I live in Ohio where our governor talks daily to the "citizens" of our state. Not far away in Wisconsin voters a few weeks ago had a stark choice - stay at home in safety or risk infection and go out to vote. Identifying as a citizen today and demanding a safe and fair vote in November is critical now. See the articles referenced in this episode at www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

Why do good people suffer? This is a foundational question that humans have asked throughout the ages. It is being asked more and more urgently during this time of pandemic. About 2600 years ago, the Israelite author of the Old Testament Book of Job asked this same question in one of the most famous narratives in history. How does Job react when all is taken from him? How does God respond to Job? How does this story answer the perpetual question about the innocent one who suffers? The translation read here is The Message Bible by Eugene Peterson. This recording covers Chapters 1-3; 22-27; 38-42. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

This is a brief reading of the NRSV translation of The Song of Solomon. Includes 1.2-8. 1:8-17. 4:1-16. 5:2-16. 7.1-9. 7:10-13. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

Are you feeling hopeful now? Are you feeling fear, anger or despair? To build a better world we need hope more than almost all else. The west African nation of Ghana showa us hope in action. Learn more at www.edtechemergent.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

Its the second episode in which I am going letter by letter through John Freemans new "Dictionary For The Undoing" Here I reflect on the second chapter and how even though we cannot be physically together during this pandemic time, we can and still connect with each other. Learn more at my blog - www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

Which nation had a significant revolution just after the US had its? France! Home of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity (going with the English here and not the French versions of the words) this country shows that nearly always it is through acts of protest that necessary change comes. For more on this value see www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

I begin another subpodcast. This one uses the words put forth in John Freeman's new book "Dictionary of the Undoing." I will share a few quotes from freeman and then reflect on how this word is relevant now in the midst of crisis and also later when we are reconfiguring a new way of living together. For much more visit my blog www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

Did you know that Estonia has one of the world's widest use of digital technology to increase efficiency and ultimately happiness in many areas of daily life. As our lives are upended in this crisis moment how can we creating lasting uses of tech in the US to help build The Common Good after this moment passes? See www.edtechemergent.com for more info. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

Its the first sunny, warm Spring day where I live. I recorded this while walking in the sunshine by a lake near where I live. Although I am angry at the way some leaders and fellow citizens are not doing all they can to helphduring this crisis, I am deeply grateful as I know God is near. See the photos of where recorded this – www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

By many measures, Denmark has one of the most equal societies on Earth today. And it also ranks at the list with the expressed levels of happiness in its citizens. How will our nation, with high levels of economic inequality, do during this time of COVID-19? Can the social and political changes which will follow this crisis make us a more equal society? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

The nation of Cuba gives us an example of how to solve the massive set of problems that COVID 19 presents us. If we tap into the force of "resolver" or 'the Cuban art of problem solving' we can work toward building The Common Good. Learn more at www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

This episode focuses on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a nation which has many problems and also great natural and human resources. Much good can emerge there. In this COVID crisis the is hardship and uncertainty. Yet the potential for greater good is here as well. For education resources during this time visit my biog blog - www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

I begin a new sub-podcast in the time of COVID-19. I will be quoting from "The Values Compass" recently authored by Dr Mandeep Rai. The first 'change' value in the book is pragmatisim as it is utilized in China. To grow The Common Good we must make hard choices today based on valid information and a prudent process of decision making. Learn more about this episode and The Common Good at www.edtechemergent.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

The concern about this continually growing pandemic intensifies hourly. And it is unfolding during the Lenten season of praying, fasting and giving. How can we do these in this time of crisis? And how can doing this bring back a commitment to vision of The Common Good at the heart of the great faith traditions? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

I feel God's Presence last Friday as I led a meditation on a student retreat and later supported a student during a memorial service at a funeral home. At both places and times I saw balloons which represented God's Presence with us then and there. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

I attend my school's production of S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders" and then watch the stunning Best Picture film "Parasite" (no spoilers.) Both examine class and how families and groups survive in the midst of economic injustice. Jesus loves all and yet is firmly "on the side of the poor" This is the core of the gospel and vital being a follower of Christ. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support

When have you said "Yes" today? Have you said "Yes" to God in the last 24 hours? How valuable is your "Yes?" Do you ever feel that, like the element chromium, it is "too cheap to be taken seriously?" --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/presence/support