Cursory readers of Basil & Butterflies may have some trouble categorizing its genre. Is this a writer’s blog? A religious blog? A “mommy blog”? A blog on natural living? Does it provide information or simply commentary? The seeming randomness here reflects my equally unexpected thought processes. But most regular readers may have put together the overarching theme of Ba&Bu: it’s all theology.
The core of my theology (thinking about God) is that it has to be lived or it is meaningless. I have an earthy concept of God, based on a Creator who became incarnate (took on flesh) in the form of a low-born baby. God’s good creation is full of unexpectedness like incarnation. Thus, we are called to engage this world for what it is: a sacred place where every being matters. We find God in relationships when we love, serve, welcome, offer hope, and are filled with joy and wonder. The ways we respond to one another and creation, the ways we affect one another, these are the opportunities to live a Spirit-filled life or not.
With this understanding, I try to live according to my calling, with the general belief that God’s creation is good and intentional, and that my imperfections, though many, are not roadblocks to God. This affects my parenting style (where I see aspects from breastfeeding to encouraging imagination as sacred acts), my health philosophy (good nutrition, time outdoors, and balance promote good health), and my creative impulses (humans are creative beings, made in the image of a creator God). My beliefs also lead me to seek opportunities to serve others. (This blog partly springs from that desire.)
So, yes, here you may find posts on centering prayer mixed in with recipes for delicious homemade food (good nutrition and hospitality). Or you may find posts on serving the hungry mixed with parenting lessons and poetry. All of these writings are about striving to live consciously, with wonder in a sacred world, where God’s presence is palpable and all our actions matter.
If you are enjoying this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
29/12/2009 at 8:13 pm Permalink
I found your blog randomly through NaBloPoMo. As a fellow clergyperson, I enjoyed reading your theology and your thoughts. I’ll come back soon.
I also LOVE your skin (blogskin, that is), but since you are wordpress and I’m blogspot, I can’t ask if you can direct me to the source.
Bravo on a great blog!
17/02/2010 at 4:44 pm Permalink
Rabbi Paul, thank you so much for your encouragement. I am enjoying your blog too. Also, in case you ever switch over to Wordpress, this is the “Scruffy” theme. I’m glad you like it.