Justin Vernon (Bon Iver)
Michael Lewis (Happy Apple, Andrew Bird)
Zak Coulter (Solid Gold)
Adam Hurlburt (Solid Gold)
Ivan Rosebud (The Rosebuds)
Mike Noyce (Bon Iver)
Brad Cook (Megafaun)
Joe Westerlund (Megafaun)
Jake Luck (Leisure Birds)
Ryan Olson
Gayngs
w/ Glasser
Here's the link.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
"Home" categorically
Do you think it strange to feel at home while traveling? I mean of course the third category of the sensation--the first being when you are physically home in the house or area in which you grew up, and the second being with the people that necessarily make home, home.
Today I was contemplating home, running amidst a moderate-to-heavy rain--and not an annoying, windy rain but the kind that falls satisfyingly strait down--along a trail in a forested area when I came to a clearing. I was surprised to find my trail sandwiched between a corn field and railroad tracks and the smell of the rain-soaked corn in the breeze reminded me of home-home--of the first category.
But I realized today that I feel a certain sense of home when I travel. I'm not sure what it is, exactly. Something about exploration, the challenge, new things, new understandings... i don't know. I think you're beginning to see the third category of the sensation of home is a bit more nebulous than the first two. I felt another sensation of the third category today as well while I was running--albeit a bit further than I probably should have in my jet-lagged state. I occasionally feel this third category when I run and today I felt it so that I ran nearly the entire 4.5-5 miles with a smile on my face, despite the fact that I haven't ran that far (a distance I once considered average) in several months.
I'm sure you've felt it or something similar. It maybe wasn't while you were traveling or running in the rain. But it was while you were doing something and you had this sudden sense of intention, of being where you are for a reason and that you were meant for it. I don't know, but my hunch is this "third category" is the sense of an entirely other home yet to be experienced. I think it's a small sense of Heaven. God only knows.
Today I was contemplating home, running amidst a moderate-to-heavy rain--and not an annoying, windy rain but the kind that falls satisfyingly strait down--along a trail in a forested area when I came to a clearing. I was surprised to find my trail sandwiched between a corn field and railroad tracks and the smell of the rain-soaked corn in the breeze reminded me of home-home--of the first category.
But I realized today that I feel a certain sense of home when I travel. I'm not sure what it is, exactly. Something about exploration, the challenge, new things, new understandings... i don't know. I think you're beginning to see the third category of the sensation of home is a bit more nebulous than the first two. I felt another sensation of the third category today as well while I was running--albeit a bit further than I probably should have in my jet-lagged state. I occasionally feel this third category when I run and today I felt it so that I ran nearly the entire 4.5-5 miles with a smile on my face, despite the fact that I haven't ran that far (a distance I once considered average) in several months.
I'm sure you've felt it or something similar. It maybe wasn't while you were traveling or running in the rain. But it was while you were doing something and you had this sudden sense of intention, of being where you are for a reason and that you were meant for it. I don't know, but my hunch is this "third category" is the sense of an entirely other home yet to be experienced. I think it's a small sense of Heaven. God only knows.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
"Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works for the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things."
Psalm 107:4-9
Psalm 107:4-9
Friday, May 14, 2010
"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."
1 Timothy 1:12-17
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Monday, April 12, 2010
Nailed 'em!
So yesterday our new pastor gave this great sermon on Colossians 3:1-10. He got to me on something I find myself doing all too often. As Colbert would say, "Nailed 'em!" I know as a Christian we hear phrases like "you are redeemed" or even "Christ has died for your sins," and terms like "sin management" that can eventually lose their clarity and definition as they're thrown around in "Christianese" conversations and sermons. But the reality hit me anew this time.
Pastor Eric commented on our tendency as believers to spend so much of our time trying to deal with sin by countless hours of self-reflection on motives. We think that if we can just peal back layer after layer of causal linkages (my term) in our hearts and minds like an onion we'll uncover the source of our mistakes and sins and we'll eventually have them conquered. The problem is, like an onion, there's always one more layer to uncover and evaluate. We spend so much time in introspective analysis that we fail to get anywhere else--we become stagnant. That is so me!
Eric's point is we really aren't that complicated. It shouldn't take you more than a minute to reveal the quality and source of your sin and from there we are called to put to death, that "old self" or that "old man" (Colossians 3:3, 5, 9). That really begins by recognizing that it's there and then focusing on "things that are above" (Col 3:2). That in itself can sound kind of nebulous and vague, but it really is pretty simple.
This doesn't mean that we don't struggle with the same things over and over. We do. But it may not always be necessary to dwell on those things. "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God... and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator" (Col 3:3, 10).
The battle is already won. Live like it!
- L
Pastor Eric commented on our tendency as believers to spend so much of our time trying to deal with sin by countless hours of self-reflection on motives. We think that if we can just peal back layer after layer of causal linkages (my term) in our hearts and minds like an onion we'll uncover the source of our mistakes and sins and we'll eventually have them conquered. The problem is, like an onion, there's always one more layer to uncover and evaluate. We spend so much time in introspective analysis that we fail to get anywhere else--we become stagnant. That is so me!
Eric's point is we really aren't that complicated. It shouldn't take you more than a minute to reveal the quality and source of your sin and from there we are called to put to death, that "old self" or that "old man" (Colossians 3:3, 5, 9). That really begins by recognizing that it's there and then focusing on "things that are above" (Col 3:2). That in itself can sound kind of nebulous and vague, but it really is pretty simple.
This doesn't mean that we don't struggle with the same things over and over. We do. But it may not always be necessary to dwell on those things. "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God... and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator" (Col 3:3, 10).
The battle is already won. Live like it!
- L
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April = Spring
So the benefits of living in a slightly-more-southern region begin with the weather. You may recall that we experienced "snowpocalypse" since our arrival--but that isolated incident pales in comparison to the relentless winds and sub-zero temperatures of the planes.
In the past few weeks we have been experiencing almost summer-like temps in the 80's and 90's, which was nearly too much too soon, but things have settled down a bit this week into the 60's and 70's. Additionally, we've discovered how beautiful our area really is... flowers are blooming everywhere, the trees are green and blooming, it's great!
Courtney and I have been busy. True, it seems we (people in general) are always busy. But we've been on a two-week cycle of visitors now for a couple of months. It's been great, but we enjoy our weekends off :). Court's mother and grandmother were here for Easter last weekend. It was so great to be with family on Easter! ... and to enjoy the culinary repercussions of the event :)! We're still trying to finish the ham. I love leftovers. Anyway, we expect to have new guests again in a couple weeks!
We're also becoming more steadily involved with our new church, Redeemer Church of Arlington. We have been so blessed to connect with the people there and to arrive there when we did--the church is a new plant in its infant stages of development (they officially open their doors to the general public tomorrow, I believe). We've begun a six-week, weekly evangelism group started by a young couple at church and have enjoyed the discussion, the new people and the effect it's had on our lives. Tomorrow I meet with the musicians of our local body for the first time. I'm so pumped to get back into music and worship. Personally, I've been really blessed to get connected with some really solid guys in our church as well.
The jobs are going well. Courtney has her first theatre internship interview on Friday this next week--we're hoping that goes well. Still, she's enjoying substituting and is becoming more familiar with the schools, students, and teachers in the area who are beginning to request her when they need her! Work is getting increasingly busy for me as I get the hang of things and gain responsibilities--which is encouraging for me.
On a side note, I experienced Chick-fil-A for the first time last night with my wife and the Moores. Though it was an struggle to break through my initial adversion to fast-food joints of that kind, the food ultimately met with my approval. Pressure-cooked chicken sandwiches, nice.
Well, that's everything in a nut shell. Happy Spring! Cheers!
In the past few weeks we have been experiencing almost summer-like temps in the 80's and 90's, which was nearly too much too soon, but things have settled down a bit this week into the 60's and 70's. Additionally, we've discovered how beautiful our area really is... flowers are blooming everywhere, the trees are green and blooming, it's great!
Courtney and I have been busy. True, it seems we (people in general) are always busy. But we've been on a two-week cycle of visitors now for a couple of months. It's been great, but we enjoy our weekends off :). Court's mother and grandmother were here for Easter last weekend. It was so great to be with family on Easter! ... and to enjoy the culinary repercussions of the event :)! We're still trying to finish the ham. I love leftovers. Anyway, we expect to have new guests again in a couple weeks!
We're also becoming more steadily involved with our new church, Redeemer Church of Arlington. We have been so blessed to connect with the people there and to arrive there when we did--the church is a new plant in its infant stages of development (they officially open their doors to the general public tomorrow, I believe). We've begun a six-week, weekly evangelism group started by a young couple at church and have enjoyed the discussion, the new people and the effect it's had on our lives. Tomorrow I meet with the musicians of our local body for the first time. I'm so pumped to get back into music and worship. Personally, I've been really blessed to get connected with some really solid guys in our church as well.
The jobs are going well. Courtney has her first theatre internship interview on Friday this next week--we're hoping that goes well. Still, she's enjoying substituting and is becoming more familiar with the schools, students, and teachers in the area who are beginning to request her when they need her! Work is getting increasingly busy for me as I get the hang of things and gain responsibilities--which is encouraging for me.
On a side note, I experienced Chick-fil-A for the first time last night with my wife and the Moores. Though it was an struggle to break through my initial adversion to fast-food joints of that kind, the food ultimately met with my approval. Pressure-cooked chicken sandwiches, nice.
Well, that's everything in a nut shell. Happy Spring! Cheers!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A Career?
So it's been a while since I've posted, sorry, I've been meaning to for some time now. The crux of the issue is, life is good!
Work is going well. I'm still going through a lot of training, but that will be the case for the better part of this year. I like the people I work with, though, and I'm genuinely interested in what I'm doing. That's an exciting thing to feel like you've found something you want to do... and actually getting to do it besides! The weird thing is--what I did not foresee--was the realization that this could be where I/we end up. So much of your life, particularly in academics, is the sense that you're working toward a goal, a career that you want to do. You work hard to complete a class, a semester, a year, a degree, to move on to the next step, one closer to your goal. The thought then occurred to me a few weeks ago, "What if this is it?"
Now I realize this is extremely premature and short sighted. I only just got here! Also, the truth is there are a lot of opportunities and directions I can go from here. More mini-goals exist within a varied number of career paths. Heck, I may only be here a few years and then discover something completely new, or something related but for a different organization and/or purpose. But I think what hit me was the slightest sensation of panic at being trapped, "What if I'm locked in?" I work with people who have been there 25-30 years. My reaction to these people is a subconscious mixture of respect AND horror--"you've been in the same place 30 years?" Admittedly, people do this all the time. Maybe it's a distinctly generational mindset. Perhaps the 30-year-commitment-to-one-employer thing is less likely to be the case for me and my millennial generation compadres. Who knows?
Wow, I hadn't planned on writing this when I sat down, haha. All this to say, in my typical abstract fashion, I'm extremely happy (and blessed) to be where I am; and, I'm excited to see where all of this goes. Maybe I'll be 'here' for 30 years, maybe 5. But it's not like I'm signing my life away. I don't think this is "it." There's much more to come, and probably in places and directions I could never anticipate. God only knows. Thank God for that.
- L
Work is going well. I'm still going through a lot of training, but that will be the case for the better part of this year. I like the people I work with, though, and I'm genuinely interested in what I'm doing. That's an exciting thing to feel like you've found something you want to do... and actually getting to do it besides! The weird thing is--what I did not foresee--was the realization that this could be where I/we end up. So much of your life, particularly in academics, is the sense that you're working toward a goal, a career that you want to do. You work hard to complete a class, a semester, a year, a degree, to move on to the next step, one closer to your goal. The thought then occurred to me a few weeks ago, "What if this is it?"
Now I realize this is extremely premature and short sighted. I only just got here! Also, the truth is there are a lot of opportunities and directions I can go from here. More mini-goals exist within a varied number of career paths. Heck, I may only be here a few years and then discover something completely new, or something related but for a different organization and/or purpose. But I think what hit me was the slightest sensation of panic at being trapped, "What if I'm locked in?" I work with people who have been there 25-30 years. My reaction to these people is a subconscious mixture of respect AND horror--"you've been in the same place 30 years?" Admittedly, people do this all the time. Maybe it's a distinctly generational mindset. Perhaps the 30-year-commitment-to-one-employer thing is less likely to be the case for me and my millennial generation compadres. Who knows?
Wow, I hadn't planned on writing this when I sat down, haha. All this to say, in my typical abstract fashion, I'm extremely happy (and blessed) to be where I am; and, I'm excited to see where all of this goes. Maybe I'll be 'here' for 30 years, maybe 5. But it's not like I'm signing my life away. I don't think this is "it." There's much more to come, and probably in places and directions I could never anticipate. God only knows. Thank God for that.
- L
Friday, February 5, 2010
Snowpocalypse 2010
So we're currently under siege by a record breaking, 18-24" snow storm. We were sent home early from work today and the public schools didn't even open. I'm looking out our two-story window and the trees are so laden they look like they might fall over. I'm already antsy and bored anticipating a weekend indoors. I haven't done much beyond work all week and I'm feeling eager to get out and explore a bit. But, alas, the VW Golf will not permit it.
Which reminds me... our good friend and natural-born salesman, Jay Taylor, sold our snow beast for us last week (the GMC Jimmy). It was a great winter car but I don't know that it would have made it out here. We're missing it at the moment though. There are some advantages to being reduced to one vehicle. Insurance you say? Not so. Our insurance will actually go up now that we are both considered primary operators for our one vehicle even though I take the bus to work most days. This, unfortunately, is due to my big city driving habits that have not mixed well with small town police forces. Hence my less-than-impeccable driving record. No, the advantages of being limited to one vehicle relate mostly to gas costs and repair costs (hopefully) and licensing, etc. And, I get reimbursed for using the bus, so patience has its perks. Or maybe that's just government employment.
Well, I feel that in my boredom I've resorted to rambling so I think this is a good place to stop. Until next time.
- L
Which reminds me... our good friend and natural-born salesman, Jay Taylor, sold our snow beast for us last week (the GMC Jimmy). It was a great winter car but I don't know that it would have made it out here. We're missing it at the moment though. There are some advantages to being reduced to one vehicle. Insurance you say? Not so. Our insurance will actually go up now that we are both considered primary operators for our one vehicle even though I take the bus to work most days. This, unfortunately, is due to my big city driving habits that have not mixed well with small town police forces. Hence my less-than-impeccable driving record. No, the advantages of being limited to one vehicle relate mostly to gas costs and repair costs (hopefully) and licensing, etc. And, I get reimbursed for using the bus, so patience has its perks. Or maybe that's just government employment.
Well, I feel that in my boredom I've resorted to rambling so I think this is a good place to stop. Until next time.
- L
Sunday, January 17, 2010
New Churches
Two words sum up the church we attended today: parking garage. McLean Bible Church is huge! We didn't know anybody in this enormous church. The worship was a little too showy for our tastes but the message was really good and it seemed theologically sound as far as we could tell. We will probably look elsewhere next week, but McLean Bible is conveniently close to our apartment so we haven't ruled it out completely.
Long story short... we miss Grace Chapel :(
Long story short... we miss Grace Chapel :(
Friday, January 15, 2010
We're Really Here!
So tomorrow will mark the end of our first week in Virginia. It's been an adventure to be sure. My father was here until Tuesday and my mother left today--they've been a huge help getting the apartment cleaned and organized, etc. It was hard to see them leave but I'm glad for their time here with us already. It's comforting to have your parents around--particularly in transitions. They helped us get so much done too. Of course there are a few minor things to do around the apartment yet. But these things inevitably take time.
The best thing by far about our location is our proximity to Trader Joe's (4.3 minutes). We are even closer to a public library (Court just got a library card) and about 5 minutes from one of the largest shopping centers I've seen... Tyson's Corner.
Today I tried out my bus route to work (I don't start till Tuesday)...start to finish, about 45 minutes. It involves a 9 minute walk up a large hill to the bus stop and then a ten minute wait between connecting lines to catch a different bus. It's really pretty simple and it drops me off about as close to the front door of work as possible. Today's virgin venture did involve some inquiries from those whose job it is to know the purposes of my business... note to self: always carry an ID.
So tonight, our first Friday night, we're laying low. We've been busy doing one thing or another all week but tonight is restful and I'm glad for it. We became netflix members today. I think that's a reasonable something to do when your social outlets have been diminished to about 1 or 2. I suppose we'll enjoy a movie tonight.
Right now I'm thinking about how I miss the closeness of so many friends. Not that I would even have to be with them right this minute--but I think to know that you can is a comforting thing. Still, the thought of friends makes me excited to have visitors, ahem, which then makes me excited to discover as much as I can so that I can introduce said friends to the new and exciting wonders of northern Virginia.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm glad to be here.
The best thing by far about our location is our proximity to Trader Joe's (4.3 minutes). We are even closer to a public library (Court just got a library card) and about 5 minutes from one of the largest shopping centers I've seen... Tyson's Corner.
Today I tried out my bus route to work (I don't start till Tuesday)...start to finish, about 45 minutes. It involves a 9 minute walk up a large hill to the bus stop and then a ten minute wait between connecting lines to catch a different bus. It's really pretty simple and it drops me off about as close to the front door of work as possible. Today's virgin venture did involve some inquiries from those whose job it is to know the purposes of my business... note to self: always carry an ID.
So tonight, our first Friday night, we're laying low. We've been busy doing one thing or another all week but tonight is restful and I'm glad for it. We became netflix members today. I think that's a reasonable something to do when your social outlets have been diminished to about 1 or 2. I suppose we'll enjoy a movie tonight.
Right now I'm thinking about how I miss the closeness of so many friends. Not that I would even have to be with them right this minute--but I think to know that you can is a comforting thing. Still, the thought of friends makes me excited to have visitors, ahem, which then makes me excited to discover as much as I can so that I can introduce said friends to the new and exciting wonders of northern Virginia.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm glad to be here.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Back to the Blogspot
Now that we're out of Nebraska, it's time to revive the digest!
We're workin' our way to the coast! After a long and only slightly treacherous day of driving, we finally arrived in Winfield to visit Dan, Sandy, and the boys (who I lived with in grad school). We had planned to hit the road again early today, but since we arrived later than planned and had no real need to be there today, we decided to spend the day with the Kruses and leave super early tomorrow instead. We hope to arrive in time to pick my parents from their flight in Baltimore provided it's not cancelled or delayed due to weather. It has been a nice day of rest, recovery, and puzzles--a great intermission to our road trip. Joseph, however, just got sick about 5 minutes ago. We hope not to take that with us!
- L
We're workin' our way to the coast! After a long and only slightly treacherous day of driving, we finally arrived in Winfield to visit Dan, Sandy, and the boys (who I lived with in grad school). We had planned to hit the road again early today, but since we arrived later than planned and had no real need to be there today, we decided to spend the day with the Kruses and leave super early tomorrow instead. We hope to arrive in time to pick my parents from their flight in Baltimore provided it's not cancelled or delayed due to weather. It has been a nice day of rest, recovery, and puzzles--a great intermission to our road trip. Joseph, however, just got sick about 5 minutes ago. We hope not to take that with us!
- L
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