Web site of the month...
June'10
Seems like every country in the world now has an American Idol equivalent. Just what the world needs, more wanna-be pop singers! But sometimes a gem surfaces, and you can see an astounding one at kseniyasimonova.com
The video shows a performance by a young woman named Kseniya Simonova, who is a sand artist – she tells a whole story, more like a movie actually, of a couple, then a family, and their experiences in the German occupation of Ukraine during World War II. Set to haunting music and sound effects, the artistry is amazing and deeply affecting – the best 8:33 you’ll ever spend.
May '10
Admit it: Much of the time we’re on autopilot, gliding or slogging through our days without pausing to notice the small wonderful things that are all around us. When we stop to notice those things, we are provoked to gratitude, to thankfulness for the richness that God allows into our lives.
A blog called 1,000 Awesome Things joyously tries to pull off our blinders. Every day a new post celebrates an ordinary “awesome thing” worth celebrating. No. 524: “When your fries order has a few onion rings stashed in the mix.” No. 998: “Getting grass stains.” No. 991: “Really, really old Tupperware.” No. 937, “The smell of rain on a hot sidewalk.”
Check it out at www.1000
awesomethings.com, and on the site take two minutes to view the video posted there – a best-of compilation set to music by a singer-songwriter who used the Awesome Things as a theme for a love song to his girlfriend.
Also, if you’re online don’t forget to take a look at the new video to spread the word about the United Church of Christ, at www.ucc.org. We’re all encouraged to post the video on Facebook and other social networking sites, and to send it to everyone in your e-mail address book. It’s beautifully done and shares a message of joyous, inclusive welcome – well worth sharing.
Mar '10
As noted, during Lent our worship services have focused on growing the qualities of character that are consistent with being effective disciples of Jesus Christ. The non-profit Foundation for a Better Life has something of the same idea, and its Web site, at http://www.values.com, is chock-full of inspirational stories and quotes, articles, podcasts, blogs, e-cards, you name it. This is the same group that sponsors character-building billboards (“Inspiration: Pass It On”) and television ads. This is a site worth exploring!
Feb '10
People nationwide who are fed up with the behavior of the “too big to fail” financial institutions are choosing to transfer their checking and savings accounts into smaller, community-oriented banks and credit unions. These smaller institutions generally have avoided the reckless investments and predatory lending that precipitated the foreclosure crisis. The idea of the movement is that power follows money – that collectively a shift of assets to these smaller institutions will decrease the concentration of power on Wall Street and back into local communities.
A site called moveyour money.info explores this idea further and includes an introductory video (based on It’s a Wonderful Life) explaining the concept. It’s well worth a look.
Jan '10
What happens when a long-haired, bearded man walks down a city street carrying a sign that advertises “Free Hugs”? You might be surprised. See the 3-minute video at youtube.com; enter “Free Hugs Campaign Official Page” in the search box. And don’t be put off by the name of the soundtrack band, Sick Puppies. This is a beautiful video.
Dec '09
A writer named Gretchen Rubin has been blogging about happiness – what it is, how to get there, the science of happiness, tips from happy people. You think you know all about happiness, but you’re wrong! Her Web site, http://www.happiness-project.com, collects all this wisdom. You might also look for her book called The Happiness Project, which is to be published Dec. 29.