Paul, when trying to explain to the Corinthians why he does all that he does, says, "Christ's love compels us." In other words, he led his crazy life full of beatings and chasings and threats and insults and imprisonments and shipwrecks, simply because of Christ's love.
His words in the first half of 2 Corinthians seem to strongly imply that when an understanding of God's love takes hold of you, you are compelled to live a drastically different life. You are controlled, taken over, pushed forward, urged on, thrust outward, hemmed in, with no other choice.
These words are scary, because when we survey the pews, or better yet, when we survey our very own lives, we notice that doesn't seem to be happening.
Rules of logic seem to imply that if we aren't compelled, the problem is that we aren't understanding Christ's love.
Have you ever noticed yourself getting bored when singing Amazing Grace? Sure, it's not my favorite song musically, especially when white people butcher it so badly, but I have to think that a big part of the problem is that we aren't seeing God's grace as really all that amazing.
What have we done? I tend to think we're watering some things down and thinking of ourselves a bit more highly than we ought. And if things with us weren't so bad to start with, than God's solution was really no big deal either.
Example? Acts 9 tells the story of Saul's conversion. The man who made a living off of murdering Christians all of a sudden miraculously becomes a leader of the church. It's a stunning and unbelievable story. What's the lesson in it?
Well-intentioned Sunday school teachers across the country will tell the story and say, "So, you see? No one is beyond God's grace. Think of someone that in your mind is the absolute most least likely person to follow God. Someone like Osama Bin Laden. Even he could come to Christ! It's possible! Isn't that great? Let's pray."
Now, of course no one is beyond God's grace. But when we frame the conclusion that way, what are saying about our own conversions? We weren't like Osama Bin Laden, so our salvation was likely. We were mostly good people beforehand, and we started coming to church because it seemed like another good ting to do, and it was just a natural progression from there. Or we grew up in the church, our parents trained us well, we always believed in God. No big deal.
Sure, this is how things appear on the surface, in the earthly, physical sense. But what's happening underneath it all in a spiritual sense? Is this what scripture teaches? Are there likely, natural converts? Is the gap that Christ must bridge really that small? No big deal?
No wonder these are the people that, when asked to share the work of God in their lives, respond by saying, "Well, I don't really have much of a testimony."
Do we believe that all of us were alienated enemies of God? That we were dead in our transgressions and sins? That before our reconciliation we didn't understand God, we didn't seek God, we were worthless? We were senseless, faithless, heartless ruthless? Harassed and helpless?
On the surface, our lives before Christ looked a lot different from Saul's. But in our hearts, we too were breathing murderous threats against God.
That is who we were. That is what we were saved from. And that is what makes God's love so unbelievably astounding and glorious. A love like that is what inspires tireless worship. It drives us in our relationship, continually wanting to learn more and plumb the depths of who exactly this God is. This is the love that compels us to live life differently.
This is a love that is wide and high and long and deep, a love that surpasses knowledge.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Latest on Mr. Stevens
Yes, I do feel it my duty to keep my corner of the world informed on all things Sufjan Stevens.
And so, when Sufjan announced his short and intimate tour a few months back, I decided to shrug it off, assuming he'd be playing some classics all by himself in these whole-in-the-wall joints. No big deal, I saw that back in 2003 before all the other hipsters got on board. (Yes, I typed that with my chest puffed out and nose turned up.) I assumed he was stalling, offering something to hold us over, and paying a few bills in the progress.
But I had no idea he'd be playing new stuff with a full band. And I had no idea that new stuff would be mindblowingly different and more epic than ever. So, just like every other Pitchfork-follower is blogging today, I watched this video and was instantly filled with regret.
I'm a bit surprised by this curve ball. The announcement of Illinois came out of nowhere and took the world by storm, and I was expecting something similar for whatever new album might be in the works containing these jams. To "leak" this material already is a bit surprising...but it seems like there are always plenty more surprises in store from the man. Who knows.
The big question is this: if these songs will indeed be on an album soon to be released, can I still have a listening party even though I've listened to all of these songs (several times) already? Because, you see, pre-listening breaks the first and more important rule.
Check out this YouTuber for more excellent-quality new material.
And so, when Sufjan announced his short and intimate tour a few months back, I decided to shrug it off, assuming he'd be playing some classics all by himself in these whole-in-the-wall joints. No big deal, I saw that back in 2003 before all the other hipsters got on board. (Yes, I typed that with my chest puffed out and nose turned up.) I assumed he was stalling, offering something to hold us over, and paying a few bills in the progress.
But I had no idea he'd be playing new stuff with a full band. And I had no idea that new stuff would be mindblowingly different and more epic than ever. So, just like every other Pitchfork-follower is blogging today, I watched this video and was instantly filled with regret.
I'm a bit surprised by this curve ball. The announcement of Illinois came out of nowhere and took the world by storm, and I was expecting something similar for whatever new album might be in the works containing these jams. To "leak" this material already is a bit surprising...but it seems like there are always plenty more surprises in store from the man. Who knows.
The big question is this: if these songs will indeed be on an album soon to be released, can I still have a listening party even though I've listened to all of these songs (several times) already? Because, you see, pre-listening breaks the first and more important rule.
Check out this YouTuber for more excellent-quality new material.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
wednesday, 7:53PM
lost myself in the neighborhood.
walked streets i'm not sure i've found before.
found quiet secret houses tucked away off busy roads.
looked through an open door.
saw a wall full of framed family photographs.
spied the bottom half of a man through the window and pretended he just hung up the phone after talking with his grown son and now was dancing with his wife in the living room, celebrating life and marriage for no good reason other than it should be.
heard the crickets creating an ambient symphony through my earbuds.
reminded me of Chatham's 400 guitars.
started to realize there is not much room for trust in stress.
asphalt began to smell like rain.
drizzled just enough to bring a sense of calm.
hands swelled from swinging back and forth.
I've an idea, placed in your mind, to be a better man.
I've made a crown for you, and when the bridegroom comes, there will be noise, there will be glad.
I've called you son, I've made amends.
Rest in my arms, there's a design to what I did and said.
walked streets i'm not sure i've found before.
found quiet secret houses tucked away off busy roads.
looked through an open door.
saw a wall full of framed family photographs.
spied the bottom half of a man through the window and pretended he just hung up the phone after talking with his grown son and now was dancing with his wife in the living room, celebrating life and marriage for no good reason other than it should be.
heard the crickets creating an ambient symphony through my earbuds.
reminded me of Chatham's 400 guitars.
started to realize there is not much room for trust in stress.
asphalt began to smell like rain.
drizzled just enough to bring a sense of calm.
hands swelled from swinging back and forth.
I've an idea, placed in your mind, to be a better man.
I've made a crown for you, and when the bridegroom comes, there will be noise, there will be glad.
I've called you son, I've made amends.
Rest in my arms, there's a design to what I did and said.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The First Clue Telling Me My Students are More Motivated Than Most
We traveled to Philadelphia today to visit the Franklin Institute and Independence Hall. A man in charge of cleaning the bathrooms in Independence Park me that I looked like Brad Pitt in front of several kids and the moms that were chaperoning. I was tempted to be flattered until I quickly realized he uses that line on any male school chaperone he comes across.
The most educating part of the day was getting a far-too-clear view of a carriage horse urinating in the shoulder of the street, producing an unfathomable amount of urine that would have quickly and easily filled a five gallon bucket. I'll leave the rest of the details up to you, but the timing of our passing by on the sidewalk was priceless in that moment.
On the ride home I decided to keep a few students busy AND get some work done. I pulled out the book I've been assigned for my new masters class that is filled with articles on issues in education. I assigned several students different articles and told them they would need to summarize them for me. They giggled along as I read the long titles of each one and excitedly agreed.
It was all a joke until the first student struggled all the way through his assigned article, one that was obviously far above his current vocabulary level. I was completely impressed with his persistence. He did his best to summarize whatever bits and pieces he retained, concluding that, mostly, "It said the word 'curriculum' a lot."
He apparently enjoyed the assignment so much that he went on to the next and summarized that one also, needing to check what NCLB stood for.
Then he passed it to the kid across the aisle of the bus so that he could complete the article about the gap between research and performance. At one point he had to ask what the word "tenure" meant (pronouncing it tenYOUR), but from that point on, he was fairly confident.
At several points, I forgot this was happening, until I checked on them and found them still intently reading. Then, I just couldn't believe it was happening. I'm not exactly sure I'll be able to trust their summaries, but at least I didn't have to listen to them singing the "The Wheels on the Bus" or "The Song that Never Ends."
The most educating part of the day was getting a far-too-clear view of a carriage horse urinating in the shoulder of the street, producing an unfathomable amount of urine that would have quickly and easily filled a five gallon bucket. I'll leave the rest of the details up to you, but the timing of our passing by on the sidewalk was priceless in that moment.
On the ride home I decided to keep a few students busy AND get some work done. I pulled out the book I've been assigned for my new masters class that is filled with articles on issues in education. I assigned several students different articles and told them they would need to summarize them for me. They giggled along as I read the long titles of each one and excitedly agreed.
It was all a joke until the first student struggled all the way through his assigned article, one that was obviously far above his current vocabulary level. I was completely impressed with his persistence. He did his best to summarize whatever bits and pieces he retained, concluding that, mostly, "It said the word 'curriculum' a lot."
He apparently enjoyed the assignment so much that he went on to the next and summarized that one also, needing to check what NCLB stood for.
Then he passed it to the kid across the aisle of the bus so that he could complete the article about the gap between research and performance. At one point he had to ask what the word "tenure" meant (pronouncing it tenYOUR), but from that point on, he was fairly confident.
At several points, I forgot this was happening, until I checked on them and found them still intently reading. Then, I just couldn't believe it was happening. I'm not exactly sure I'll be able to trust their summaries, but at least I didn't have to listen to them singing the "The Wheels on the Bus" or "The Song that Never Ends."
Friday, September 18, 2009
The List
Here's the list I alluded to a bit earlier, releases I'm looking forward to getting my hands on:
Shannon Stephens - The Breadwinner - Already out. What sets one guitar-playing-singer-songwriter apart from another? I've often tried to figure out the answer, especially because they're a dime a dozen and all things told it's tough to describe what makes them different let alone better. An association with Sufjan Stevens never hurts in my book, but the clips I've heard of this album sound like sweet, lush folk that's perfect for autumn.
WHY? - Eskimo Snow - Out September 22nd. From what I've heard, my favorite quirk-hop band has mellowed out a bit, also just in time for autumn. They've taken most of the hop out of these jams, and time will tell if that's a good thing or bad.
Mum - Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know - Out September 22nd. These Icelandic favorites tend to be getting more weird than beautiful, so we'll see. An example? The song title, "The Smell of Today is Sweet Like Breast Milk in the Wind." Let's just assume something got lost in translation.
LAKE - Let's Build a Roof - Out October 6th. Fun and beautiful and innocent and smart and catchy pop tunes. I just emailed them in hopes that they'll play at this year's annual Halloween party. What are the chances they'll agree? Mark your calendars just in case: October 31st.
Sufjan Stevens - The BQE - Out October 20th. His orchestral work that was performed a few years back. This might prompt a long-awaited listening party, perhaps complete with visual component on DVD.
Do Make Say Think - Other Truths - Out October 21st. Most
"post-rock" bands have faded with the trend, but this band has always been making original music without resorting to gimmicks, allowing them to outlast. I'm anxious to hear what this album brings, and really hoping I can get to Philadelphia to see them live in November.
Shannon Stephens - The Breadwinner - Already out. What sets one guitar-playing-singer-songwriter apart from another? I've often tried to figure out the answer, especially because they're a dime a dozen and all things told it's tough to describe what makes them different let alone better. An association with Sufjan Stevens never hurts in my book, but the clips I've heard of this album sound like sweet, lush folk that's perfect for autumn.
WHY? - Eskimo Snow - Out September 22nd. From what I've heard, my favorite quirk-hop band has mellowed out a bit, also just in time for autumn. They've taken most of the hop out of these jams, and time will tell if that's a good thing or bad.
Mum - Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know - Out September 22nd. These Icelandic favorites tend to be getting more weird than beautiful, so we'll see. An example? The song title, "The Smell of Today is Sweet Like Breast Milk in the Wind." Let's just assume something got lost in translation.
LAKE - Let's Build a Roof - Out October 6th. Fun and beautiful and innocent and smart and catchy pop tunes. I just emailed them in hopes that they'll play at this year's annual Halloween party. What are the chances they'll agree? Mark your calendars just in case: October 31st.
Sufjan Stevens - The BQE - Out October 20th. His orchestral work that was performed a few years back. This might prompt a long-awaited listening party, perhaps complete with visual component on DVD.Do Make Say Think - Other Truths - Out October 21st. Most
"post-rock" bands have faded with the trend, but this band has always been making original music without resorting to gimmicks, allowing them to outlast. I'm anxious to hear what this album brings, and really hoping I can get to Philadelphia to see them live in November.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Flu(ke)
I'm trying to figure out why I haven't had one day since the start of school where I haven't felt some sort of bug coming on. Nothing has ever come of it, just the verge of sickness every day, the tingle in the back of the throat.
Is it actual germs?
Or is it just hypochondria in light of all the H1N1 hysteria?
Am I successfully fighting it off with my steady use of hand sanitizer and Wal-Mart's version of Airborne?
Or am I actually just weakening my immune system with those precautions?
Or is it just seasonal allergies that I still haven't realized I have?
Is it actual germs?
Or is it just hypochondria in light of all the H1N1 hysteria?
Am I successfully fighting it off with my steady use of hand sanitizer and Wal-Mart's version of Airborne?
Or am I actually just weakening my immune system with those precautions?
Or is it just seasonal allergies that I still haven't realized I have?
Ska'd for Life, etc.
104.5 is a great radio station that popped up in Philadelphia a little bit ago, and it's great because it's playing the "alternative rock" from my high school years. I guess I'm understanding why old people listen to "oldies radio." It just feels right.
So this morning on my quick commute to work, I got super excited when The Mighty Mighty Bosstones started playing "Impression that I Get," and I was instantly and vividly teleported to Dale's basement circa 1998 when our band was diligently working on the cover, making sure the horns nailed those opening triplets, trying to hit the right pitch when screaming "I'VE!", wishing our bass player could get anywhere close to touching that bass riff, and doing my best to memorize the tricky parts (lookatthetestedandthinktherebutforthegracegoi...). And with that, for the first time in a long while, I kinda missed high school.
Elsewhere today, when I compared the nerve impulses on the spinal cord to 'the highway,' I completely-off-the-cuff started singing, "The Spinal Cord is a highway! I wanna ride it all night long!" in my best Rascal Flatts rock-and-roll falsetto. The only boy who joined me was the one I had pegged as a jock, but he jumped right on it like he had the same exact idea at the same exact time and it was his favorite song ever. And in tune! He and I grinned at each other for the rest of class while everyone else tried to figure out what had just happened.
And finally, how would you feel about yourself if you were the guy the president of the United States of America called a jackass? Ouch. It doesn't get much more humiliating than that, whether it was off the record or on. And now that I've given my two cents, let's give the guy a little space to breathe and recuperate, shall we?
So this morning on my quick commute to work, I got super excited when The Mighty Mighty Bosstones started playing "Impression that I Get," and I was instantly and vividly teleported to Dale's basement circa 1998 when our band was diligently working on the cover, making sure the horns nailed those opening triplets, trying to hit the right pitch when screaming "I'VE!", wishing our bass player could get anywhere close to touching that bass riff, and doing my best to memorize the tricky parts (lookatthetestedandthinktherebutforthegracegoi...). And with that, for the first time in a long while, I kinda missed high school.Elsewhere today, when I compared the nerve impulses on the spinal cord to 'the highway,' I completely-off-the-cuff started singing, "The Spinal Cord is a highway! I wanna ride it all night long!" in my best Rascal Flatts rock-and-roll falsetto. The only boy who joined me was the one I had pegged as a jock, but he jumped right on it like he had the same exact idea at the same exact time and it was his favorite song ever. And in tune! He and I grinned at each other for the rest of class while everyone else tried to figure out what had just happened.
And finally, how would you feel about yourself if you were the guy the president of the United States of America called a jackass? Ouch. It doesn't get much more humiliating than that, whether it was off the record or on. And now that I've given my two cents, let's give the guy a little space to breathe and recuperate, shall we?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Preview
There are quite a few fall releases I'm excited about, a list I've been meaning to post for a while now, but HERE is a wonderful wonderful preview of one I mentioned before. It's LAKE's 'Don't Give Up,' and it's really really great.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Younghearted, Warmhearted
I'm not sure what took me so long to watch Young@Heart, but I'm so glad I finally did. Can I used the adjective heartwarming and get away with it?
I'm not sure how to express what it was exactly, except that every personality seemed so absolutely whimsical and vibrant, and it is no doubt in large part because of the role of music in each of their lives. As the most winsome of all of them said in one way or another, music does all sorts of things to help your body. Sure, probably just the practice of thinking and concentrating and rhythm matching and beat keeping helps to keep things relatively fresh and functional, but can one really deny the transcendence of it all? Because sure, the technical side keeps the mind working, but what keeps the heart so joyful?
This one's a documentary for everyone, so take advantage of it.
I'm not sure how to express what it was exactly, except that every personality seemed so absolutely whimsical and vibrant, and it is no doubt in large part because of the role of music in each of their lives. As the most winsome of all of them said in one way or another, music does all sorts of things to help your body. Sure, probably just the practice of thinking and concentrating and rhythm matching and beat keeping helps to keep things relatively fresh and functional, but can one really deny the transcendence of it all? Because sure, the technical side keeps the mind working, but what keeps the heart so joyful?This one's a documentary for everyone, so take advantage of it.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Super Saver
Am I the only person who, when shopping at Amazon, tries scouring the online store for the most desirable item closest to, oh let's say, $1.04 in order to receive Super Saver Shipping? I feel like I'm playing the Price is Right, trying desperately not to go over. But of course, nothing is that cheap on Amazon, so then I'm forced to weigh the options: is this item really worth the free shipping? Is the amount I'm saving worth the amount I'm spending? Or should I just cough up the couple extra dollars instead?
No? I'm the only one? Afraid of that.
No? I'm the only one? Afraid of that.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Still Baffled
Wait. Why was everyone protesting that speech? What exactly was the controversy about?
Was it the importance of education they disagreed with? The responsibility? The hard work? The goal setting? The learning from failures? The pursuit of dreams? Was that really the work of socialist indoctrination?
No, seriously, I am still completed baffled as to what the controversy surrounding Obama's speech was about. Is it just me, or was it just a bunch of people making guesses and complaining for no good reason, creating useless division?
Whatever the heck it was, it was completely ludicrous and a complete shame, because I would have loved for my students--past and present--to have heard their president speaking directly to them today. The speech was full of messages we teachers try to communicate each day, often left to wonder if they're really sinking in.
(I was also glad to finally hear a politician put the responsibility on the shoulders of students themselves. With No Child Left Behind, everyone is getting blamed except the student, because someone on capitol hill decided that 100% of students can pass a certain test and if they don't, it's not their fault. In my first two depressing years as a teacher, my wife heard me say plenty of times that I can do all I possibly can, but if a kid refuses to learn and work, he's not going to learn or work or pass a stupid state test.)
But really, why would we not want our president speaking to our children?! Do we really believe he's gonna turn our kids into communists with one speech? Are we really that afraid? Do we really want to take that easy road of censorship, rather than letting them listen and discussing with them afterward?
And must we really get this upset before the fact, insisting we know what the president is going to say before he actually says it? Must we really take Bill O'Reilly's word for it?
I taught some kids who were in desperate need of a role model my first two years, and I wish we had a president who was able to inspire them then. I've heard people saying the president has no business talking to children. Really? Why not?! I would have loved for this speech to happen two years ago. Party affiliation aside, the man is our president and leader, and in my mind he has every right to challenge students of our country. They need more of it from wherever it comes.
Who cares if he's a democrat? Who cares what he's trying to do with health care? This was a different conversation altogether where none of that should have mattered!
I hope Conservatives are happy with themselves, because their kids missed an important speech today. I just hope they're getting the same message somewhere, whether it's from their parents or the indoctrination of Rush Limbaugh. As a teacher, I can't emphasize just how absolutely vital and pertinent the ideas in this speech were. Sooner or later, we've gotta stop letting the media do our thinking for us.
One thing's for sure, I'm sorry my students missed it.
Was it the importance of education they disagreed with? The responsibility? The hard work? The goal setting? The learning from failures? The pursuit of dreams? Was that really the work of socialist indoctrination?
No, seriously, I am still completed baffled as to what the controversy surrounding Obama's speech was about. Is it just me, or was it just a bunch of people making guesses and complaining for no good reason, creating useless division?
Whatever the heck it was, it was completely ludicrous and a complete shame, because I would have loved for my students--past and present--to have heard their president speaking directly to them today. The speech was full of messages we teachers try to communicate each day, often left to wonder if they're really sinking in.
(I was also glad to finally hear a politician put the responsibility on the shoulders of students themselves. With No Child Left Behind, everyone is getting blamed except the student, because someone on capitol hill decided that 100% of students can pass a certain test and if they don't, it's not their fault. In my first two depressing years as a teacher, my wife heard me say plenty of times that I can do all I possibly can, but if a kid refuses to learn and work, he's not going to learn or work or pass a stupid state test.)
But really, why would we not want our president speaking to our children?! Do we really believe he's gonna turn our kids into communists with one speech? Are we really that afraid? Do we really want to take that easy road of censorship, rather than letting them listen and discussing with them afterward?
And must we really get this upset before the fact, insisting we know what the president is going to say before he actually says it? Must we really take Bill O'Reilly's word for it?
I taught some kids who were in desperate need of a role model my first two years, and I wish we had a president who was able to inspire them then. I've heard people saying the president has no business talking to children. Really? Why not?! I would have loved for this speech to happen two years ago. Party affiliation aside, the man is our president and leader, and in my mind he has every right to challenge students of our country. They need more of it from wherever it comes.
Who cares if he's a democrat? Who cares what he's trying to do with health care? This was a different conversation altogether where none of that should have mattered!
I hope Conservatives are happy with themselves, because their kids missed an important speech today. I just hope they're getting the same message somewhere, whether it's from their parents or the indoctrination of Rush Limbaugh. As a teacher, I can't emphasize just how absolutely vital and pertinent the ideas in this speech were. Sooner or later, we've gotta stop letting the media do our thinking for us.
One thing's for sure, I'm sorry my students missed it.
Monday, September 07, 2009
I get it now
Travis visited Bethlehem yesterday, and it's an absolutely lovely thing that we can see one another so easily now, and something tells me it's going to be exactly what I need in my last year living in the USA.
I might have been most surprised when he seemed pleased to hear that I'm pretty sold on the idea of working in a church (which essentially means being a pastor, although I'm still getting used to saying that word), kind of almost like he had been waiting for it to happen and thinking it was my life calling for a while now. This reaction seems a little common with friends, and I'm wondering why I'm the last one to realize what God has intended for my life. If it was so obvious to everyone else, why hasn't anyone spoken up? I expect people to be surprised when they hear the idea, but they all sort of react with a big "duh," as if to say, "Uh, yeah. We know. What took you so long?"
Maybe they have spoken up and I wasn't quite ready to listen yet.
But I just started attending seminary on iTunesU, where Tim Keller and Ed Clowney get to coteach a class of one student sitting on a couch in his boxer shorts who didn't have to pay a dime for their efforts on the importance of Christocentric preaching, and I guess if just an intro to such a lecture series gets me this excited, then yeah, I probably am supposed to be a paaaaasss.....someone who works in a church.
As much as I absolutely love figuring out life and what to do with it, after discussing issues with Travis all afternoon and deliberating about things with Erica last night, I decided I'm more than ready for the return of Christ. Life is wonderful and beautiful, yes. But it's full of a lot of difficult crap, too, the very least of which is having fifth graders vie for attention by shopping at Abercrombie, and so I say along with a certain favorite songwriter in a tone of weary exasperation, "Oh, Christ, when you're ready to come back, I think I'm ready for you to come back." When that happens, we won't have to resort to having guys like me work in churches anymore anyway, and we'll probably all be much better for it.
In other news, it's Labor Day, and the big picnic we had planned is going to be a little less fun with the sun hiding and the temperature in the mid chillies. But if you're not busy laboring, come on over to the new house in Hellertown and party with a sweatshirt on.
And finally, what's with me and run-on sentences lately?
I might have been most surprised when he seemed pleased to hear that I'm pretty sold on the idea of working in a church (which essentially means being a pastor, although I'm still getting used to saying that word), kind of almost like he had been waiting for it to happen and thinking it was my life calling for a while now. This reaction seems a little common with friends, and I'm wondering why I'm the last one to realize what God has intended for my life. If it was so obvious to everyone else, why hasn't anyone spoken up? I expect people to be surprised when they hear the idea, but they all sort of react with a big "duh," as if to say, "Uh, yeah. We know. What took you so long?"
Maybe they have spoken up and I wasn't quite ready to listen yet.
But I just started attending seminary on iTunesU, where Tim Keller and Ed Clowney get to coteach a class of one student sitting on a couch in his boxer shorts who didn't have to pay a dime for their efforts on the importance of Christocentric preaching, and I guess if just an intro to such a lecture series gets me this excited, then yeah, I probably am supposed to be a paaaaasss.....someone who works in a church.
As much as I absolutely love figuring out life and what to do with it, after discussing issues with Travis all afternoon and deliberating about things with Erica last night, I decided I'm more than ready for the return of Christ. Life is wonderful and beautiful, yes. But it's full of a lot of difficult crap, too, the very least of which is having fifth graders vie for attention by shopping at Abercrombie, and so I say along with a certain favorite songwriter in a tone of weary exasperation, "Oh, Christ, when you're ready to come back, I think I'm ready for you to come back." When that happens, we won't have to resort to having guys like me work in churches anymore anyway, and we'll probably all be much better for it.
In other news, it's Labor Day, and the big picnic we had planned is going to be a little less fun with the sun hiding and the temperature in the mid chillies. But if you're not busy laboring, come on over to the new house in Hellertown and party with a sweatshirt on.
And finally, what's with me and run-on sentences lately?
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Help
Overheard at the end of the day:
"I just started shopping at Abercrombie, too. It totally rocks."
"I just started shopping at Abercrombie, too. It totally rocks."
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Weiss Family
Lord, I could never show you anything as beautiful as you.
Went to see the Weiss Family Tour on Saturday night just like I was hoping to for months now. It was the last show of the tour, so spirits were mostly high. The sound was awful and the lighting was poor and Damien Jurado seemed a little cranky or at least a lot punk rock and played only songs that none of us knew. Those things made it not exactly rise to the high expectations I had, but the instrumentation and arrangements of the Weiss Family were excellent. I loved it. So while they're not exactly still playing the music that made me absolutely love them several years back, I'm definitely not ready to leave them behind any time soon. One thing's for sure, Aaron's lyrics are still enducing chills and a heart on the verge of bursting.
We have every intention to be failures in this world.
Come now, empty handed, you don't need anything.
Went to see the Weiss Family Tour on Saturday night just like I was hoping to for months now. It was the last show of the tour, so spirits were mostly high. The sound was awful and the lighting was poor and Damien Jurado seemed a little cranky or at least a lot punk rock and played only songs that none of us knew. Those things made it not exactly rise to the high expectations I had, but the instrumentation and arrangements of the Weiss Family were excellent. I loved it. So while they're not exactly still playing the music that made me absolutely love them several years back, I'm definitely not ready to leave them behind any time soon. One thing's for sure, Aaron's lyrics are still enducing chills and a heart on the verge of bursting.
We have every intention to be failures in this world.
Come now, empty handed, you don't need anything.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)