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
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Learning Experiences
Thanks for the encouragement! The presentation went pretty well. It was a bit smaller than I had anticipated--at least the presentation itself was.
The MPSA conference was set up over four days at the Palmer House Hilton about a block west of Millenium Park in downtown Chicago. The hotel was amazing, quite ornate, and buzzing with political scientists and professorial types wearing name tags that list their associated university in font too small to see without intrusively squinting--but everybody does, haha. I found the hotel, received my registration materials, and found my professor (Professor Kohen) without much trouble. We met for lunch at a nearby Deli to discuss the presentation before I decided to attend another panel to see how it was all done. Each session was about one hour and forty-five minutes and I believe they run 4-5 sessions per day. Within each session there were hundreds of panels each comprised of about three-to-five paper presentations grouped by topic. For example, ours was "Rebuilding Societies and Institutions after War."
So our paper was presented with a mix of other papers, each given about 10-15 minutes to inform whoever wanted to attend about the premise of their work. I discovered that this means for a panel to hold an audience of 10-12 people was pretty good. Including our chair/discussant and the other panelists presenting with us, we probably had about 10 or so people to which we presented, which made it a bit easier I must say. The chair/discussant was the person who directed the panel and had prepared comments in advance for each of the panelists. It's amazing the mix of people and papers you get even when it's all organized in this way. Even when people who attend or chair a panel have no real experience with the type of paper a presenter is doing or the region being covered, many still seem to think they can provide solid critiques and sometimes without having read the paper. It's a bit frustrating at times but Dr. Kohen had become accustomed to this and knew to take it all with a grain of salt. So when one particular audience member more or less accused us of cultural imperialism without having read the paper, (though I desperately wanted to defend ourselves) Dr. Kohen less directly responded to this critique. We did, however, gain some helpful feedback to further prepare the paper for publication.
Anyway, this has ended up longer and full of more detail than I intended. Shortly after finishing the presentation, I took the "L" back to Midway airport and headed back home. It was a ridiculously quick trip that left me missing Chicago a lot and wishing I had more time to spend there. But, as always, it is good to come home to the wife. The experience was a very good one, very educational... I would do it again.
The MPSA conference was set up over four days at the Palmer House Hilton about a block west of Millenium Park in downtown Chicago. The hotel was amazing, quite ornate, and buzzing with political scientists and professorial types wearing name tags that list their associated university in font too small to see without intrusively squinting--but everybody does, haha. I found the hotel, received my registration materials, and found my professor (Professor Kohen) without much trouble. We met for lunch at a nearby Deli to discuss the presentation before I decided to attend another panel to see how it was all done. Each session was about one hour and forty-five minutes and I believe they run 4-5 sessions per day. Within each session there were hundreds of panels each comprised of about three-to-five paper presentations grouped by topic. For example, ours was "Rebuilding Societies and Institutions after War."
So our paper was presented with a mix of other papers, each given about 10-15 minutes to inform whoever wanted to attend about the premise of their work. I discovered that this means for a panel to hold an audience of 10-12 people was pretty good. Including our chair/discussant and the other panelists presenting with us, we probably had about 10 or so people to which we presented, which made it a bit easier I must say. The chair/discussant was the person who directed the panel and had prepared comments in advance for each of the panelists. It's amazing the mix of people and papers you get even when it's all organized in this way. Even when people who attend or chair a panel have no real experience with the type of paper a presenter is doing or the region being covered, many still seem to think they can provide solid critiques and sometimes without having read the paper. It's a bit frustrating at times but Dr. Kohen had become accustomed to this and knew to take it all with a grain of salt. So when one particular audience member more or less accused us of cultural imperialism without having read the paper, (though I desperately wanted to defend ourselves) Dr. Kohen less directly responded to this critique. We did, however, gain some helpful feedback to further prepare the paper for publication.
Anyway, this has ended up longer and full of more detail than I intended. Shortly after finishing the presentation, I took the "L" back to Midway airport and headed back home. It was a ridiculously quick trip that left me missing Chicago a lot and wishing I had more time to spend there. But, as always, it is good to come home to the wife. The experience was a very good one, very educational... I would do it again.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Old Stompin' Grounds
Tonight I head back to Chicago for the Midwest Political Science Association Conference at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel near Millennium Park. It will be a brief trip as I plan on returning tomorrow evening. However, this trip will mark a first in my political science career as I will be presenting a portion of a paper I have been working on with a UNL professor and one of his former students in Virginia for the past several months. It's exciting and a bit unnerving to think I will be presenting a political science paper to professors and grad students from all over the country who will probably know much more about anything I have to say than I do. Not to mention my general fear about public speaking. Still it will be a good and growing experience I have no doubt. For those of you not dozing off already... the paper is about developing reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda. Fascinating stuff if you ask me--the kind of thing I hope to develop into a career at some point. Here goes nothin!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Banker's Hours
Today I am grateful to be a banker. For today, President's Day, is a holiday that has escaped the recognition of the public school system and yet remains a day of respite from the hazards and exhaustion of occupation (of the working kind) for me. Though I wish I could say I took advantage of this free Monday to soak in every ounce of justified laziness and lethargy, I cannot. However, I have managed to knock off a few items from my running and seemingly endless to-do list as well as a few more pages of "Moby Dick" which has been the bane of my existence for too many months to count--all of which are perhaps a bit more gratifying.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Part II
In a recent sermon, I heard the early church described as liberal with their money but conservative with their bodies--Pastor Tim Keller was cited in this description I think. I was discussing this with a friend who responded with the query, “Is the early church something we necessarily want to imitate.” My response is a profound yes. Though certain cultural differences leave irreconcilable distinctions between the first days of the church and the church today, the calling and goals of the church have not changed. The early church understood something about that calling often missed in the western church culture--the call to serve the oppressed (among many other things unfortunately. Perhaps more on community later).
As a continuation of what was started in my last posting, let me relate this understanding of the early church to the present discussion. I was reading the forward of Tim Keller's "A Reason for God" yesterday, and I was again struck by his self-described, early struggle with the religio-political backwardness of our country. On the one hand, the liberal left who remains predominately morally relativistic yet concerned with social justice. On the other hand, a ‘morally conscious’ right who has all but forgotten the social injustices of this country and world. There's a pressure on moral grounds to assume sides. What could be more immoral than the oppressed? Don't misunderstand me, I maintain my position on the immorality of abortion and gay marriage. I merely think we, conservative believers--the western church, have been too conservative with our money and have forgotten our call to the social injustices of this world. Where 'the liberals,' the moral-relativist left who should have much less cause to pursue social justice have succeeded, the church-going conservatives have failed.
Matthew 25: 41-43
“’ I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’”
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are so that no one may boast before him."
Malachi 3:5
“So I will come near to you for judgment, I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty.
Psalm 146:9
The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
Isaiah 1:17
learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:23
Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.
It’s not about a political affiliation… it’s about what we should or should not be doing as the body of Christ. Conservativism, the political right, is too often equated with Christianity and the stances we are called to take as Christians in our society. Our calling as believers and as a church stretch beyond the the Conservative and/or Liberal platform.
Last week I heard the sermon by pastor Mike Hsu that seemed to put the final, missing piece into this posting: God’s desire is to redeem ALL of creation, not just souls. The gospel is more than the reconciling of souls to God, it’s about reconciling EVERYTHING to God.
Colossions 1:19-20
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Romans 8:20-21
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
Through the cross, this then would mean the reconciliation of relationships between conflicting ethnic groups and of souls to God. The redemption of the status of an outcast people restored to a society and an individual’s awareness of their need for the redemptive power of the cross.
Our calling is then not only for souls, but to pursue, through Christ, the redemption of creation—of all situations, circumstances, mishaps, misunderstandings, offenses, injustices, etc. … ALL things!
As a continuation of what was started in my last posting, let me relate this understanding of the early church to the present discussion. I was reading the forward of Tim Keller's "A Reason for God" yesterday, and I was again struck by his self-described, early struggle with the religio-political backwardness of our country. On the one hand, the liberal left who remains predominately morally relativistic yet concerned with social justice. On the other hand, a ‘morally conscious’ right who has all but forgotten the social injustices of this country and world. There's a pressure on moral grounds to assume sides. What could be more immoral than the oppressed? Don't misunderstand me, I maintain my position on the immorality of abortion and gay marriage. I merely think we, conservative believers--the western church, have been too conservative with our money and have forgotten our call to the social injustices of this world. Where 'the liberals,' the moral-relativist left who should have much less cause to pursue social justice have succeeded, the church-going conservatives have failed.
Matthew 25: 41-43
“’ I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’”
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are so that no one may boast before him."
Malachi 3:5
“So I will come near to you for judgment, I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty.
Psalm 146:9
The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
Isaiah 1:17
learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:23
Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.
It’s not about a political affiliation… it’s about what we should or should not be doing as the body of Christ. Conservativism, the political right, is too often equated with Christianity and the stances we are called to take as Christians in our society. Our calling as believers and as a church stretch beyond the the Conservative and/or Liberal platform.
Last week I heard the sermon by pastor Mike Hsu that seemed to put the final, missing piece into this posting: God’s desire is to redeem ALL of creation, not just souls. The gospel is more than the reconciling of souls to God, it’s about reconciling EVERYTHING to God.
Colossions 1:19-20
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Romans 8:20-21
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
Through the cross, this then would mean the reconciliation of relationships between conflicting ethnic groups and of souls to God. The redemption of the status of an outcast people restored to a society and an individual’s awareness of their need for the redemptive power of the cross.
Our calling is then not only for souls, but to pursue, through Christ, the redemption of creation—of all situations, circumstances, mishaps, misunderstandings, offenses, injustices, etc. … ALL things!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Getting Political... Hesitantly
It's time. I've avoided it for long enough. I'm ready.
Let me begin by saying that this is not an effort to convince anyone to join a side. Political affiliation is not the issue, per se. Rather it is the desire to consider Biblical truths as a pretext to taking stances on issues deemed political--knowing where I stand and how I should behave in a culture that is inherently political. The issues considered in the political arena are, more often then not, real and important issues before they are political ones adopted by one or more sides of a contest. Deciding what we believe and how we will respond to that belief are more important than determining which team is right or better.
For nearly a year in Chicago, I was confronted with a decidedly liberal, academic-political culture, the substance of which (you may be surprised to hear) was not all bad. (This is where Johnny feels vindicated in considering me a 'closet liberal.' Which I do not believe I am.) However, I feel particularly justified in deciding for myself where I will stand in the matters of politics--particularly as I pursue a field of political science. I have grown up especially conservative in a remarkably conservative state and culture. The opportunity to encounter something different was and is (I believe) a healthy thing. Now that I have returned to Nebraska, I realize that I am now changed for it.
The liberal left, often cited with disdain in these parts as though it were the embodiment of evil, has a lot to offer Christians and the morally conscious among us. No, all of the things considered among the list of the 'liberal platform' are not in agreement with what I believe to be Biblical and of sound moral repute. Consequently, I am still quite certain that conservatives have generally done well in their stances against issues like abortion and homosexuality--though how they have frequently handled and promoted such positions are questionable indeed. But I digress. Where they have missed the mark and where many Midwestern Christians have also fallen short (in my opinion) is their (and by 'their' I also mean 'my') Biblical consideration for where we should stand on many economic, social and international issues. In consideration of these issues I am motivated particularly by a repeated, New Testament exhortation to the Church, to assist those less fortunate than ourselves...
(In an effort to do justice to what I am about to address, I'm afraid I must go for now. I want the time to think and word this well. Where might I be going with this? I appreciate any thoughts so far.)
Let me begin by saying that this is not an effort to convince anyone to join a side. Political affiliation is not the issue, per se. Rather it is the desire to consider Biblical truths as a pretext to taking stances on issues deemed political--knowing where I stand and how I should behave in a culture that is inherently political. The issues considered in the political arena are, more often then not, real and important issues before they are political ones adopted by one or more sides of a contest. Deciding what we believe and how we will respond to that belief are more important than determining which team is right or better.
For nearly a year in Chicago, I was confronted with a decidedly liberal, academic-political culture, the substance of which (you may be surprised to hear) was not all bad. (This is where Johnny feels vindicated in considering me a 'closet liberal.' Which I do not believe I am.) However, I feel particularly justified in deciding for myself where I will stand in the matters of politics--particularly as I pursue a field of political science. I have grown up especially conservative in a remarkably conservative state and culture. The opportunity to encounter something different was and is (I believe) a healthy thing. Now that I have returned to Nebraska, I realize that I am now changed for it.
The liberal left, often cited with disdain in these parts as though it were the embodiment of evil, has a lot to offer Christians and the morally conscious among us. No, all of the things considered among the list of the 'liberal platform' are not in agreement with what I believe to be Biblical and of sound moral repute. Consequently, I am still quite certain that conservatives have generally done well in their stances against issues like abortion and homosexuality--though how they have frequently handled and promoted such positions are questionable indeed. But I digress. Where they have missed the mark and where many Midwestern Christians have also fallen short (in my opinion) is their (and by 'their' I also mean 'my') Biblical consideration for where we should stand on many economic, social and international issues. In consideration of these issues I am motivated particularly by a repeated, New Testament exhortation to the Church, to assist those less fortunate than ourselves...
(In an effort to do justice to what I am about to address, I'm afraid I must go for now. I want the time to think and word this well. Where might I be going with this? I appreciate any thoughts so far.)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sociably Married
Last night we had friends over, many of whom were married, and I was struck by how much this felt like a new phase in my life. Nevermind that in the last month I have been sharing a bed with someone else, constantly consulting that person to make decisions, and repeatedly encountering situations where I have to say no to someone because my time is better served elsewhere and for said other person. But hanging out with other married couples in our home, discussing things that married couples do--weddings, relating to each other, dealing with marriage difficulties, etc.--that was the impetus for my epiphone.
In my mind my life is fairly easily categorized into the social groups I have been surrounded by: Norfolk and its various subdivisions through gradeschool, junior high, and high school; Lincoln and the groups that seemed to subtly change each year as new people were introduced and old ones moved on; Chicago; and now Lincoln again... Lincoln, married. Now I'm starting to relate to people not as just myself, but myself as half of part of a greater whole... and I LOVE that!
I feel it necessary to mention that there are those people in my social circle have spanned many if not all of these social periods in my life, and for them things have not changed too much yet. The history understood between us is not quickly altered.
Overall, I am struck with the sense that this is good. I am where I am supposed to be. God is good. And, in that space of my mind, I am content.
In my mind my life is fairly easily categorized into the social groups I have been surrounded by: Norfolk and its various subdivisions through gradeschool, junior high, and high school; Lincoln and the groups that seemed to subtly change each year as new people were introduced and old ones moved on; Chicago; and now Lincoln again... Lincoln, married. Now I'm starting to relate to people not as just myself, but myself as half of part of a greater whole... and I LOVE that!
I feel it necessary to mention that there are those people in my social circle have spanned many if not all of these social periods in my life, and for them things have not changed too much yet. The history understood between us is not quickly altered.
Overall, I am struck with the sense that this is good. I am where I am supposed to be. God is good. And, in that space of my mind, I am content.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The "Ol' Ball n Chain"
Well, I'm married now. I have three weeks under my belt and so far, so good. The quiet, slow-paced honeymoon in Colorado was just what we needed after a hectic, wedding weekend. And now I enjoy having a wife to come home to... or rather, with whom to come home. Since I totaled my car more than a month ago, Court and I have been driving to work and home together each day. It's actually a great arrangement and really nice to have the same schedule. Doing day-to-day things together is a joy in marriage I've learned to appreciate so far.
However, this is about to change. I am excited to inform you all that I have recently received a promotion. As of November 24th, i will begin as the Full Time, Assistant Supervisor for the branch i used to work for before leaving for Chicago, N. 27th. With this change so will my schedule, leaving me all of two weeks to find another car. But, the raise will be nice and the opportunity to have a supervisory position will help the resume a bit. This position will require a lot more training and work, but it will be good for me.
That said, this does not mean I've abandoned aspirations of research and a future in political science. I'm still doing research for a political science professor, Dr. Ari Kohen at UNL. We're planning to present our publication at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference in Chicago, April 2nd-5th. The opportunity to do research and potentially contribute to a publication is huge for me. We're working on post-genocide Rwanda. I'm currently developing a theoretical distinction between political and personal reconciliation... and the greater necessity of the former for rebuilding Rwanda. There's a lot to do, but I'm enjoying the process.
Well, that should catch us up a bit. Hopefully the next post will come again soon. I'm also hoping for this to be less of a "this is what's going on in my life" type of blog but there usually seems to be so much to catch you all up on that I can't help it. Here's to more thoughtful, clever and eloquent future entries. Cheers.
However, this is about to change. I am excited to inform you all that I have recently received a promotion. As of November 24th, i will begin as the Full Time, Assistant Supervisor for the branch i used to work for before leaving for Chicago, N. 27th. With this change so will my schedule, leaving me all of two weeks to find another car. But, the raise will be nice and the opportunity to have a supervisory position will help the resume a bit. This position will require a lot more training and work, but it will be good for me.
That said, this does not mean I've abandoned aspirations of research and a future in political science. I'm still doing research for a political science professor, Dr. Ari Kohen at UNL. We're planning to present our publication at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference in Chicago, April 2nd-5th. The opportunity to do research and potentially contribute to a publication is huge for me. We're working on post-genocide Rwanda. I'm currently developing a theoretical distinction between political and personal reconciliation... and the greater necessity of the former for rebuilding Rwanda. There's a lot to do, but I'm enjoying the process.
Well, that should catch us up a bit. Hopefully the next post will come again soon. I'm also hoping for this to be less of a "this is what's going on in my life" type of blog but there usually seems to be so much to catch you all up on that I can't help it. Here's to more thoughtful, clever and eloquent future entries. Cheers.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Pre-marital thoughts
So we're nearly there... less than 1 week till the big day. It's crazy when you get a moment to think about where you are now and how much that will permanently change after a single event. I believe I'm ready... as ready as one can be... but I also know there's no way one can be "prepared" for something like marriage--in the sense that I know I can't know exactly what to expect and how to respond to every event and situation that will come, etc. But I know God has been preparing me and supporting me through everyone around me in my life and particularly these last few months and years. I've already been challenged to the core a few dozen times in the last few weeks as Courtney and I have dealt with the stress of wedding planning and being in such close proximity to each so constantly even though we're not yet married or living together. Still, I'm excited to see how God changes me and her as we begin this new phase of our lives and see the things that God has already accomplished in us come to the fore in our life together.
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