tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980983344016199542024-03-12T18:42:10.603-07:00Lingering ProvidenceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-21402937410217436192011-06-02T20:55:00.000-07:002011-06-02T20:57:32.489-07:00Moving On. . .<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">There’s a book on my self titled <i>Journaling as a Spiritual Practice. </i>I’ve never read this book. And since Carol and I merged our collections, I’m not even sure where the book came from. Despite having never read this book, the title alone speaks to me greatly about the important connection between journaling and the spiritual life. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Journaling has never come easily to me. However, having a blog during my two-year stint living in New Hampshire (and to ap less extent, here in Chicago) proved to be an avenue of journaling that seemed to work with some regularity. This blog has also been helpful in processing significant milestones, including the events of my wedding day. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">I’ve recently started reading over some of my old blog posts and have been stirred by these recorded memories. Some of these posts are funny, others are attempts at reflecting deeply. Regardless, these posts represent bits and pieces of my life, and I feel they are in some way worth preserving. So, I’m going to start blogging again. No promises on how often or how good the posts will be. I’ve encountered a lot of spam using Blogger, so I’m going to make the transition to WordPress, and hope for better results. To read future posts, please head on over to <a href="http://ricwild.wordpress.com"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3">http://ricwild.wordpress.com</span></a>/</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-17713995781935049512010-08-30T12:58:00.000-07:002010-08-30T13:20:08.255-07:00Scary Words<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq_byHpyKhxXX1tbScyWMPh7TQJzOC5HATpTd79fCZxJUFa3p7PhxJj1llVikGLV6aP620tusYfEVFOd9IQSRcPvb5tll7Heh_fQ2hrMCo2c3y2cLLRmalbV-vUlXlkYOOutH5tdwaMk/s1600/5DII-039026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq_byHpyKhxXX1tbScyWMPh7TQJzOC5HATpTd79fCZxJUFa3p7PhxJj1llVikGLV6aP620tusYfEVFOd9IQSRcPvb5tll7Heh_fQ2hrMCo2c3y2cLLRmalbV-vUlXlkYOOutH5tdwaMk/s400/5DII-039026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511299521269184082" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Until death do you part." </span><br /><br />I have to admit, those are kind of scary words. It's kind of like when someone looks you in the eye and says:<span style="font-style:italic;"> </span><span>Do you really</span><span style="font-style:italic;">, really </span><span>mean it</span><span style="font-style:italic;">.</span> "Until death" is, of course, the signature ending of a traditional wedding vow. But have you ever stopped and wondered why <span style="font-style:italic;">until death</span>? Why<span style="font-style:italic;"> forever</span>?<br /><br />I want to suggest that Christian Marriage is a life-long covenant because it is intended to reflect the enduring love that God has for God's children. God will not grow tired of us. God will not give up on trying to love us. God's love is always enduring. And so it is that Christian marriage serves as a mirror image of this always loving God. Through vows of covenant and commitment, the Christian marriage witnesses to to the One who will not leave us nor forsake us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-7455023806152995172010-08-19T13:54:00.000-07:002010-08-20T10:22:45.879-07:00Marriage and the Importance of Ritual and Symbol<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cROSh3_dukQKwp9eDpVbcD9fgtyuhMqjXZcw14loXR8Yb0NmPqm2_3KfAn8eTsrmuHj2GNqfIbiB5LfHa5goXt3PuAIc8ESfVKF3cCV8fBTlRuj2K67mwsFOmNb1X9uPu95uKY5mzPw/s1600/5DII-039042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cROSh3_dukQKwp9eDpVbcD9fgtyuhMqjXZcw14loXR8Yb0NmPqm2_3KfAn8eTsrmuHj2GNqfIbiB5LfHa5goXt3PuAIc8ESfVKF3cCV8fBTlRuj2K67mwsFOmNb1X9uPu95uKY5mzPw/s400/5DII-039042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507543248961181954" /></a><br />In 1967 the Beatles first proclaimed <span style="font-style:italic;">all you need is love</span>. These words have since then been sung probably a hundred-thousand times over. In their simplicity, these five words capture deep truth. Much wrong and evil in the world could be alleviated if only we could muster a little more love for one another. Although there is truth behind <span style="font-style:italic;">all you need is love</span>, I want to suggest that it's inevitably not enough - that we need more than just love. Love doesn't always stand on its own two feet. Human love is fragile and is too often overcome by things like pride, lack of empathy, and hatred. <br /><br />The human determination to love needs help along the way. This, I believe, is where ritual and symbol become invaluable. Ritual gives rhythm to our lives that are sometimes overly directed by feeling and emotion. Ritual helps us to love when we don't feel like loving the other. Ritual is that thing you do when you don't feel like doing it. Likewise, symbols help us to remember our commitments of love despite how little we feel. For example, a wedding band serves as a physical reminder that one is bound to a life-long covenant of love to his or her spouse. The ring is an outward confession of what is sometimes difficult to uphold internally. Ritual and symbol stand out-side one's self, reminding us and holding us accountable to the faithful commitments that partners have made with one another.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-61624669495846979812010-08-17T08:49:00.000-07:002010-08-17T09:08:44.749-07:00Affirmation of Community<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD0LORY7rsRTWdxJhoIvQ0Cn7IkqpM3XG6BpZErAUZbwiyBLvr_z_NjOhLuGRSz0OnddlSNK94iRe-QCa-N9ebGXonlF8LWUf9UVf1Zo5LHFnHig_2S0JE74PBkyDzKgMjb6Y3HL91hs/s1600/5DII-039017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD0LORY7rsRTWdxJhoIvQ0Cn7IkqpM3XG6BpZErAUZbwiyBLvr_z_NjOhLuGRSz0OnddlSNK94iRe-QCa-N9ebGXonlF8LWUf9UVf1Zo5LHFnHig_2S0JE74PBkyDzKgMjb6Y3HL91hs/s400/5DII-039017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506406815691735906" /></a><br /><br />One of the defining characteristics that makes a Christian Marriage unique from all other relationships is the prominent role of the community. There is no getting around this. A Christian Marriage involves much more than the declaration of love between two people. Those family and friends that gather to witness the exchanging of vows are not mere passive bystanders; rather, they are active participants in the covenant being created. <br /><br />In the picture above Carol and I are sort of awkwardly looking in the direction of our friends and family. The picture was taken during the Affirmation of Community (otherwise known as Congregational Blessing). Here, the congregation has an opportunity to make a communal covenant with the couple. It's essentially a vow that the community makes with the soon to be husband and wife. Here are the words addressed to the congregation: <br /><br />"The new relationship between Ric and Carol has created many changes as each of them takes on the concerns, involvements, and family of the other. They are both excited in the broadening of their lives, and at the same time, they have realized it requires adjustments and accommodations in their other relationship and interests. Will you as their families and friends now support them in their new commitment and relationship? Will you give help, guidance, and encouragement as you are able? Will you respect their independence, honor their decisions, forgive their failures, and rejoice in their successes? Will you love them as your son and daughter, as your brother and sister, and as your friends? If so, respond together: 'We Will.'"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-44706304327727920672010-08-14T13:16:00.000-07:002010-08-14T13:37:33.749-07:00The Big DayMuch has happened since I last posted. For starters, the lovely miss Bommhardt and I were wedded on July 18th. The weather was perfect, the venue breathtaking, and Carol was even more breathtakingly beautiful. To top it all off, many of my closest friends and family were there to witness and celebrate along with us. Basically, it was the best day of my life! <br /><br />This post begins the first of several reflections having to do with my wedding day and marriage in general. I need space to unpack some important things that I have experienced, or thought more deeply about in the last month. I'll also be posting some more pictures which may or may not have already been seen on Facebook. In the mean time, enjoy just a few of my favorite pictures taken from the big day. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqx6rSYztTQSKtbtcJvg0WQlTTIy8AebQPl0yOR7b_04e1c3hCvioqkhp_DYNij7ghuwExKXhvqInfLWJKl2yrwNa9GaGFVd-w4lpqM7-uxY8CqF2YXBLKXVNL6h9hnCiQMF56aPOcfY/s1600/5DII-038893.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqx6rSYztTQSKtbtcJvg0WQlTTIy8AebQPl0yOR7b_04e1c3hCvioqkhp_DYNij7ghuwExKXhvqInfLWJKl2yrwNa9GaGFVd-w4lpqM7-uxY8CqF2YXBLKXVNL6h9hnCiQMF56aPOcfY/s400/5DII-038893.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505365430455734258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWBa-Ct5mmES_hzC3dvoKDv4P2ZuTTxbBAw7f_ourZLrBk_wAVxOQ_GmzO1meG02PnEbe2eMca8lLJ_W6gcpV1Hbe4s2ggLsInMvao-1fJ6KgBPxGMA4bsweJqaMYSBNayvZqHcC4W8M/s1600/5DII-039027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWBa-Ct5mmES_hzC3dvoKDv4P2ZuTTxbBAw7f_ourZLrBk_wAVxOQ_GmzO1meG02PnEbe2eMca8lLJ_W6gcpV1Hbe4s2ggLsInMvao-1fJ6KgBPxGMA4bsweJqaMYSBNayvZqHcC4W8M/s400/5DII-039027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505365945028735250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk-SJVwk-o6-7pzF0EJGHIGnLzksIVm9uSibf6fwigCilEFFzXWczVdK6rGSKruSDigHouc4QL0Uz0nh1iCx0r8BwJm_SZBkn0eQexGZ3gok0PkkrhB5wULOnc25zyvOLKRVydrp6A5U/s1600/5DII-038817.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk-SJVwk-o6-7pzF0EJGHIGnLzksIVm9uSibf6fwigCilEFFzXWczVdK6rGSKruSDigHouc4QL0Uz0nh1iCx0r8BwJm_SZBkn0eQexGZ3gok0PkkrhB5wULOnc25zyvOLKRVydrp6A5U/s400/5DII-038817.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505366917411300898" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-76275501488885286392010-07-10T08:20:00.000-07:002010-07-10T08:58:57.109-07:00That's It! This Blog is Now Private!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnzZ61lHN-p8NjQFURMZ_9SKlXUUAtqvPPIHYBaJXVbzaVxJXKvyZwGgCsNRq3a_zZSRlcT6SkWgWzbweSRBQH1ZR2ikQ1MerXhorgYlOYMasnnpm0dvZRLquJiZry_C2e8kuQYNT-H4/s1600/spam-collection-2007-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnzZ61lHN-p8NjQFURMZ_9SKlXUUAtqvPPIHYBaJXVbzaVxJXKvyZwGgCsNRq3a_zZSRlcT6SkWgWzbweSRBQH1ZR2ikQ1MerXhorgYlOYMasnnpm0dvZRLquJiZry_C2e8kuQYNT-H4/s320/spam-collection-2007-06.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492298825229644274" /></a><br /><br />Dear blogosphere,<br /><br />Lately I've been getting a lot of "spam" in my comments sections (either that or I have an incredible Japanese (Chinese?) readership). So, I've decided to take drastic measures and make this blog private. <br /><br /> If you're reading this, it's probably because I invited you. Don't feel like you have to be a faithful reader. I invited you because I was mostly sure you wouldn't clog up my comments section with Asian characters. <br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Ric WildUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-2986737626375327482010-06-08T08:23:00.000-07:002010-06-08T09:13:54.656-07:00Where is Your Mission Field?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgQUX-zDfJY4JRWO4G8ym7Y0BqyZyKb7TnZoweWeqjkdvQzW_haUpefvDXrBwV8Esirc8xPp6OUC6k29OlzFjMXJR6lQnpqEM57pxqEXz8kSsF-uf7wjWGY_XcxJnKubOpo8kx0wBI1o/s1600/mail-1.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgQUX-zDfJY4JRWO4G8ym7Y0BqyZyKb7TnZoweWeqjkdvQzW_haUpefvDXrBwV8Esirc8xPp6OUC6k29OlzFjMXJR6lQnpqEM57pxqEXz8kSsF-uf7wjWGY_XcxJnKubOpo8kx0wBI1o/s400/mail-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480436550253013698" /></a><br />One of my roommates got married last weekend. As we exited the church building, on our way to the reception site, Carol spotted this sign above the front doors. I just had to take a picture. <br /><br />It might become cliche if every church had this kind of charge for its dismissing congregants, but what a great reminder that the moment we step outside the church building, we are once again called to witness to Jesus in the world. <br /><br />I liken this to every time a University of Notre Dame football player leaves the locker room and runs out onto the field. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiJvD5hkEemreucbQYSEXN9T5m_ZDGqeIk6az1Dyb2YnTH5GAVICDpcrRhjcxjpQIn2Ig_jX95ZM2UV_th-Vwoo_lpApCOn1vl9dHPscmsoq2Ubv5ss-J1Zk-VkbyLa9JZvaYZ3DVP2k/s1600/victory.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiJvD5hkEemreucbQYSEXN9T5m_ZDGqeIk6az1Dyb2YnTH5GAVICDpcrRhjcxjpQIn2Ig_jX95ZM2UV_th-Vwoo_lpApCOn1vl9dHPscmsoq2Ubv5ss-J1Zk-VkbyLa9JZvaYZ3DVP2k/s320/victory.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480435182850180146" /></a><br /><br />Lastly, I leave you with a quote from a book called <span style="font-style:italic;">A Dresser of Sycamore Trees</span>: <br /><br />"Much of the true 'work of the church' takes place outside of the church building, at the job site, in the legislature, and not least of all in the household."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-84473298910902584872010-05-16T07:55:00.000-07:002010-05-16T08:00:11.067-07:00Riding In StyleI asked our friend Jim if he knew any one in New Hampshire's Monadnock region that owned an antique car that would be willing to dive us between the location of our wedding ceremony and the reception site. I received an email from Jim stating that he had found the car for us. Needless to say, I'm tickled about this 1950's era Mercedes-Benz. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu7eJ6-Cdo2HjaVyLc3xZW36QqWSGqJi7Hvz6Ug6lIDFfPfL2g_kM3u7kwIkkkgr2jsYK5umQboVdwwLAHP1pLWP2i-TmSrgLlu5TqZ24SM7-_di5xyw08-SrgBWPM13nuy5vo46Hycc/s1600/1185660472Merc300MaerKL_preview.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu7eJ6-Cdo2HjaVyLc3xZW36QqWSGqJi7Hvz6Ug6lIDFfPfL2g_kM3u7kwIkkkgr2jsYK5umQboVdwwLAHP1pLWP2i-TmSrgLlu5TqZ24SM7-_di5xyw08-SrgBWPM13nuy5vo46Hycc/s320/1185660472Merc300MaerKL_preview.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471882640981353698" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-92174347679591175022010-04-22T07:07:00.000-07:002010-04-22T07:16:12.657-07:00I Wish I Was This GoodOn May 4th, I have to deliver a second sermon for my Introduction to Preaching class. Because of this class, this semester has me thinking a lot about preaching and public speaking in general, listening to a lot of sermons and giving one of my own so far. I thought I was a pretty good public speaker until I watched this video of a "kid" lecturer. Take the time to watch her presentation, it's pretty insightful and her poise is pretty amazing. <br /><br /><object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/AdoraSvitak_2010-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/AdoraSvitak-2010.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=815&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=adora_svitak;year=2010;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=unconventional_explanations;theme=how_we_learn;theme=ted_under_30;theme=the_creative_spark;event=TED2010;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/AdoraSvitak_2010-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/AdoraSvitak-2010.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=815&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=adora_svitak;year=2010;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=unconventional_explanations;theme=how_we_learn;theme=ted_under_30;theme=the_creative_spark;event=TED2010;"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-46336919513803810392010-03-22T18:19:00.000-07:002010-03-22T18:42:41.474-07:0017,582 out of 25,561 Ain't Bad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoYuZTFUM4VvmuUibQ-U3CZItmtqnH82g1cxzzpGnwCqYCCnuXEQuklmcQriB3pMuzUxJvBoadUvAU13xEuntMmXOupIUuN2dp9Ic85UKmGxFzNBySkS9P14XDd6JFEeTDI-44cCuMPU/s1600-h/10Shamrock_02_start.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoYuZTFUM4VvmuUibQ-U3CZItmtqnH82g1cxzzpGnwCqYCCnuXEQuklmcQriB3pMuzUxJvBoadUvAU13xEuntMmXOupIUuN2dp9Ic85UKmGxFzNBySkS9P14XDd6JFEeTDI-44cCuMPU/s400/10Shamrock_02_start.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451633044124830450" /></a><br /><br />On Sunday I ran in my first road race, the Shamrock Shuffle. It's the world's largest 8k. I might have finished a half hour behind the race winner, but it was still a blast.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-79244159930237105092010-03-12T08:49:00.000-08:002010-03-12T21:36:48.638-08:00Doing Business LocallyMy mechanic waved to me. <br /><br />Yeah, that's right. While on my way to work yesterday, my mechanic recognized me/my car and gave me a friendly salute. And I was thrilled! Why? Because I see it as the fruit of shopping/doing business locally. In today's day and age, I know how old fashion this must seem. How 20th Century of me, right? In a globalized world where one can receive costumer service support from India, roses from Africa, and fresh peaches in the month of March from Puru, why insist on doing business around the corner and just down the street? Several reasons come to mind: <br /><br />1. When goods and services are consumed locally there is less environmental impact. Did you know that on average our food travels some 1,500 miles before it finally arrives on our dinner plate? That's a lot of gas being burned to transport our food. Apples from New Zealand? That's half way around the world! <br /><br />2. Shopping/doing business locally strengthens communities. There's a we're-in-this-together mentality that's created when you buy locally. The flower growers in Africa don't know me and I don't know them. I can't really take pride in the product that I'm buying and there's little appreciation for patronage when you know you'll never meet your customers. It's a anonymous exchange. <br /><br />3. Doing business locally creates the possibility for relationship. My auto insurance agent has an office across the street. I know her and she knows me because we sat down and discussed my policy together. Bam! Relationship. I even got a free coffee mug and road atlas out of it. And now that I've brought my car into the shop a couple times, now I have a relationship with my mechanic. Sure, I could get an oil change for less if I went to the Jiffy Lube in Lincolnwood or Evanston. But I don't live in either of those two communities, I live in Albany Park. <br /><br />The price of doing business locally might cost a little bit more and will definitely limit your selection of available goods and services, but I think it's a noble cause worth embracing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-48475456386037517102010-02-12T01:15:00.000-08:002010-02-12T01:38:57.845-08:00Can Your Shoes Do This?Well, it's a new semester and suddenly my schedule and priorities have shifted to accommodate the new classes. Of course, life feels busy, but I'm more committed than ever to take care of my body. It's not a new year resolution; just want to be more intentional about increasing my physical wellness. After reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303">Born to Run</a> (amazing book!) over the break, I am more inspired to run than ever before. I'm in the process of training for my first race ever: Chicago's <a href="http://www.shamrockshuffle.com/cms400min/">Shamrock Shuffle</a>. For the race, I've decided to get out of my bulky trail running shoes, and into something that will allow my feet to "feel" the road beneath me. That's why I decided to go with the ultra-lightweight, extremely flexible <a href="http://www.zappos.com/nike-free">Nike Free</a>. It's supposed to mimic running barefoot in grass. So far so good. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZqS-eLTpW50-Rx-C96SsJDVgoUT0giQ2dF09bj0ssP559owDjT-IsD4bHgJefGhPwcdd4NqAHmkGLR6katJT-nxtHRW6NT2wKsHW8eqMi9SnVIuBoElPBLBnlirnQN8Crn7K8T4kT3c/s1600-h/890alm071big5at.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZqS-eLTpW50-Rx-C96SsJDVgoUT0giQ2dF09bj0ssP559owDjT-IsD4bHgJefGhPwcdd4NqAHmkGLR6katJT-nxtHRW6NT2wKsHW8eqMi9SnVIuBoElPBLBnlirnQN8Crn7K8T4kT3c/s200/890alm071big5at.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437287608166715282" /></a><br />In addition to running, I'm playing lots more basketball and I've started doing pilates. For me, pilates is a hellish 40 minutes twice a week, but I feel so good afterwards that I can deal. I just have to remember to check my pride at the door. It should help a lot with flexibility and my core strength. I just thought of this, but the exercises I do in pilates class have me balled up like the picture of the shoes. Be well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-71338533877291965932010-01-23T00:53:00.000-08:002010-01-23T01:04:22.666-08:00Cracker Barrel Let-Down<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0XwD9tDGSwICUhSPfiqfR1Gc6OExU6xLGDVDMXGaULXFEssYTworyhyJ3dqsW4WR3RTgL3o-tiZBXDcejLQkN7RlWCBHJJwq4-HJS95EDBM3CpfvF5nMk-dPgYiXP15bEQOh_Q8aL5I/s1600-h/cracker_barrel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0XwD9tDGSwICUhSPfiqfR1Gc6OExU6xLGDVDMXGaULXFEssYTworyhyJ3dqsW4WR3RTgL3o-tiZBXDcejLQkN7RlWCBHJJwq4-HJS95EDBM3CpfvF5nMk-dPgYiXP15bEQOh_Q8aL5I/s320/cracker_barrel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429857755200512290" /></a><br />On our way back from Michigan (hanging out with Jake and Emilie for the New Year), Carol and me stopped at a Cracker Barrel. Having never eaten at a Cracker Barrel before, I was somewhat excited to see what all the fuss was about. Here are some observations from my one (and only?) visit to Cracker Barrel: <br /><br />1. It's a gift shop that happens to be a restaurant. <br />2. There's hardly anything on the menu that doesn't have meat. <br />3. All the food is roughly the same color: tan. <br />4. I didn't see any seating by fireside, as is advertised. <br /><br />Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with my Cracker Barrel experience. I'll be okay if I never return. Any Carcker Barrel fans out there that want to defend the establishment?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-69874182595338821222010-01-21T12:53:00.001-08:002010-01-26T21:36:46.176-08:00The Albany Park Neighborhood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxr0cM7sVWTbdV0nDBKXcT9FxCxd1arOji1RJ1gE6_C13euWtCHKK-aUIANoUMh2puxumId7IEAe6jW4gvcx0GralXZ1KZlobLjRX3hiiNPlxXj_MK-2T3P7Lu0pmIwPP7HZJHPh-X-8/s1600-h/p0019.600x600.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxr0cM7sVWTbdV0nDBKXcT9FxCxd1arOji1RJ1gE6_C13euWtCHKK-aUIANoUMh2puxumId7IEAe6jW4gvcx0GralXZ1KZlobLjRX3hiiNPlxXj_MK-2T3P7Lu0pmIwPP7HZJHPh-X-8/s320/p0019.600x600.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431289062901192274" /></a><br />North Park University and the Seminary that shares the same campus, is just north of the Albany Park boundary line. But my apartment is technically in Albany Park, which lands me in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the entire country. This morning I traveled south along Kedzie Avenue to run some errands. Every time I walk down this street I'm reminded how diverse the area is, and how much I am in the minority as a white person. I feel like I engage in a cross-cultural experience every time I walk to the bank, make a $2.95 falafel sandwich run, or get my hair cut by Shami, who immigrated to this country from Iran some 30 years ago (52.1% of Albany Park residents were born outside of the U.S. That's a lot!). And whites alone make up only about a quarter of the neighborhood's population. There are no trendy coffee shops, clothing boutiques, or hair salons in Albany Park (as far as I know!). But what you will find is just about every ethnicity represented and cruise to match. More than anything, what I've noticed is that Albany Park is a place where people actually live and raise families. It's not one of those trendy Chicago neighborhoods.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-85614983284373041212010-01-09T08:45:00.000-08:002010-01-10T13:18:03.486-08:00Just a Thought...In addition to working at Trader Joe's, I babysit for a family with two children. Johanna is 4 (we're also birthday twins!) and Louie is 8. I enjoy doing it and I love the relationship Carol and I have with the family. The family is Jewish, and Lauren the mother, seems always willing to talk about her family's faith tradition and its customs. She also asks me about things related to seminary and serving a church. The overlap between our two Abrahamic faiths has been amazing to explore. Recently, Carol and I served with Lauren and Louie at a soup kitchen sponsored by their synagogue. And it got me thinking... A work of service is an incredible way of bringing people together, especially if people are divided along religious lines. What a great way to foster friendship and charitable dialogue to further deeper understanding and empathy. What if this same tactic was used to unite people of differing political allegiances? What if the U.S. Senate built a house for Habitat for Humanity or something before trying to vote on an important piece of legislation? Would this help to make things less divisive? Just something I've been thinking about. Thanks for reading.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-89643001269800451752010-01-07T21:57:00.000-08:002010-01-07T22:23:07.355-08:00The Best Christmas Gift Ever!This Christmas I received many generous, thoughtful gifts. However, one gift in particular stands out among the rest...<br /><br />SMITTENS!!! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdKgQj86v806FQAVQauylQ97eprNTB9CuGOV7RYmWGEQNcg-WYGZGy6MZzR4N_3CsBr-_riBdPk0XqR2IOBEFSxyBf5y-8EW5tuIDo_xZhEZk0zWZue5N_zLkvF6PQMtkaTpoWbM0MdY/s1600-h/P1010134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdKgQj86v806FQAVQauylQ97eprNTB9CuGOV7RYmWGEQNcg-WYGZGy6MZzR4N_3CsBr-_riBdPk0XqR2IOBEFSxyBf5y-8EW5tuIDo_xZhEZk0zWZue5N_zLkvF6PQMtkaTpoWbM0MdY/s320/P1010134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424245277584718738" /></a><br /><br />If you're still wondering what on earth Smittens are click <a href="http://www.smittens.biz/Smittens/What_are_Smittens.html">HERE</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-7550370306252467422009-12-31T06:37:00.000-08:002009-12-31T06:50:44.450-08:00War Against the Roaches"Roaches check in... [cocks gun] <br />[cocks gun] ... But they don't check out."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MURQn8k8cRUy_fobaZKIGulVPEZavbzC01ycFVnjuaPOx8XyX5TsgFL_kqrPLuYVgw8sCUtvFKMo_FobQgCZcnTOAZs7dm1G91tBOCgSURBkrPrBkS0CLFt5qUmwY7Zp6z5kMSWqbt0/s1600-h/biggun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MURQn8k8cRUy_fobaZKIGulVPEZavbzC01ycFVnjuaPOx8XyX5TsgFL_kqrPLuYVgw8sCUtvFKMo_FobQgCZcnTOAZs7dm1G91tBOCgSURBkrPrBkS0CLFt5qUmwY7Zp6z5kMSWqbt0/s320/biggun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421412024610251154" /></a><br /><br />I was awoken this morning feeling like Will Smith's character from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119654/">Men in Black</a>. <br /><br />Two days ago I was startled to find a cockroach scurrying around inside my kitchen sink. This morning I woke up to something tickling my arm. IT WAS A COCKROACH!!! I lunged out of bed and quickly found a shoe lying on the ground and made direct contact with the roach... in the middle of my bed (I think I need to wash my sheets).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-80807784351980559562009-12-28T11:59:00.001-08:002009-12-28T11:59:18.104-08:00Lessons of Compassion from the 'Secular' WorldSince I started working at Trader Joe's a couple months ago, I've several times been astonished by the lessons of compassion that I've learned from my co-workers, as well as stories included in the company's weekly internal bulletin. Here are a few stories I'd like to share:<br /><br />The first lesson of compassion I learned was from my supervisor Amanda (the same supervisor that recently bailed me out when I accidentally made the incorrect change for my unemployed Psychic friend). She told me about how someone knocked off her car's side-view mirror. The person who hit her car was responsible enough to leave a note. When Amanda called, she told her that her gift for "doing the right thing" was not having to pay for for the damage. Amanda's only request was, "keep doing what's right." <br /><br />Another lesson I learned second hand was about a women who was shopping at a Trader Joe's store when she fainted. Turns out the women had suffered from fainting spells for much of her life. She had come to the store via bus, but a few of the employees called a cab and stuck twenty dollars in her pocket for the ride home. <br /><br />Another women at a different Trader Joe's store was caught in an embarrassing moment when her food stamps were not sufficient to pay for all her groceries. Flustered, but before she could finish telling her children that they needed to put some of the food back, the employee discreetly said that the remainder of her groceries were paid for and whisked out the door with all her groceries in hand.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-46563298780987909792009-12-26T17:35:00.001-08:002009-12-26T18:21:19.105-08:00The Most Ironic/Contradictory American Invention<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JNnyIZENlIwUf40PIeL30zwckvDvWqUUJhCe2FhUj5N9tkJJ2UhwZ44KqUdl-A3nnbMRrFGHtzZT6A1p14jyf0bCrRsuYQwODWejerj9aBCj21Rh9v9tdspcbLne0JhmhYN14GD5Oqo/s1600-h/pharmacy_tech.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JNnyIZENlIwUf40PIeL30zwckvDvWqUUJhCe2FhUj5N9tkJJ2UhwZ44KqUdl-A3nnbMRrFGHtzZT6A1p14jyf0bCrRsuYQwODWejerj9aBCj21Rh9v9tdspcbLne0JhmhYN14GD5Oqo/s400/pharmacy_tech.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419734979961355026" /></a><br />Having spent an extended amount of time in Walgreens today, I have decided that the modern pharmacy is the most ironic/contradictory invention that American capitalism has ever created (I'm not knocking capitalism, just saying...). A pharmacy, as I understand it, is a place where sick people go to get their prescriptions filled so they can take medicine that will make them better, or at least less sick. Unfortunately, very often it's the pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies themselves that stand to benefit the most, not sick people. Turns out, a balanced diet and regular exercise are prescriptions that don't earn pharmaceutical companies much money. The allure of a quick fix (a magic pill, so to speak), however, has the power to turn a generous profit. Furthermore, have you ever considered the "food" that is sold at pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS? The grocery aisle looks remarkably similar to the convenience food-mart found along side many gas stations. Junk food galore! But it's cheaply made food sold at a premium price. Again, profit seems to win over making people healthy. But as long as people continue to buy unhealthy food they are more likely to continue filling their medical prescriptions at the local pharmacy. It's a vicious cycle, but it's one that undoubtedly generates a lot of revenue for the modern American pharmacy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-9327906409091839942009-12-17T09:59:00.000-08:002009-12-17T11:49:40.302-08:002 weeks later...Well, now that my first semester of seminary is finally over, I feel 100% free to write a rambling post...<br /><br />In my last post, I shared about my laptop and TV getting stolen. In the immediate aftermath of discovering that my computer was gone (I didn't care so much about the TV), I was anxious, angry, and let loose a mouth full of obscenities. But to my surprise, my frustration quickly subsided and my concern became less about the loss of a material item, and more about the loss of important papers for school, pictures and other documents that I wouldn't be able to reproduce, and the safety of my identity (I do my bill-paying online). I think I'm finally learning to put less stock in material possessions. <br /><br />I've also gained new perspective in several other areas. For starters, I no longer check my email obsessively, allowing me to focus on more important matters. Secondly, I have had to rely on the generosity of others (professors to grant me extensions to rewrite my papers and Carol's willingness to let me take over her computer from time to time). Thirdly, the whole situation has reminded me how blessed I am to even own a computer in the first place. <br /><br />Additional thoughts: Some have asked me if I am angry at the person(s) who stole my computer. My answer is mixed. Yes! I am angry that someone would invade the privacy of my apartment and take my stuff. And also, no, because thievery is only a natural consequence of in living a world that is broken. More than likely, my stuff was stolen by someone out of desperation. The laptop and TV were probably sold for a few hundred dollars to put food on the table of a poor family, or to sustain a life-draining addition to drugs and alcohol. At the very least, this theft was the result of greed. In any event, the theft of my laptop is a direct result of human depravity. <span style="font-weight:bold;">So here's my concluding thought: To not be affected by the the broken condition of this world means not to be in a position to bring healing to this world. </span><br /><br />Eventually, I think I will need to purchase a new computer (If I wasn't in graduate school I'd consider going longer without one). But for the time being I'm almost enjoying the freedom of going without, trying to be more intentional about storing up treasures in heaven, as it were.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-26678437698219258472009-11-28T13:31:00.000-08:002009-11-28T13:42:05.886-08:00Ugh...I officially joined the <span style="font-style:italic;">Hey this sucks, my laptop just got stolen... and my TV, too </span>club this morning. It's my own fault, though... I was next door hanging out with Carol and didn't lock the door behind me. Anyway, I'm not nearly as upset as I figured I would be. I think it has to do with reading scripture and placing less stock in material possessions. <br /><br />"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). <br /><br />Now if only my research paper that I had just finished yesterday would rewrite itself...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-62774503922924856332009-11-27T00:29:00.000-08:002009-11-27T00:38:44.916-08:00Who Killed the Electric Car?I finally got around to watching a documentary that came out a few years back called <a href="http://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/">Who Killed the Electric Car?</a> I'm usually skeptical of conspiracy type films, but this one is really good. My response? Fascinated. Confused. Outraged. Angered. However, the movie also leaves me feeling inspired. After poking around on the internet looking for information about plug-in electric cars, I am now determined to own the soon-to-come-to-production Nissan Leaf. Check out the video below: <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f48x9baSuF0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f48x9baSuF0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-67005223463342519842009-11-23T01:23:00.000-08:002009-11-23T01:48:37.846-08:00A Lesson of Honesty From an Unemployed Psychic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AN6qjHTFhhlka6dR5Vxj0IvQxkZi_W_DIJKpCzNFSmvk-l8lVWrkrLPvwv3NU82YYjojPi3M2uqeNgDecJzuBaWHaC3eDbJE5DVxtE-IvUAn7V0_DPnlmm8kNX4fpSAAYoZdrfvNlL0/s1600/n134754582745_3306.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AN6qjHTFhhlka6dR5Vxj0IvQxkZi_W_DIJKpCzNFSmvk-l8lVWrkrLPvwv3NU82YYjojPi3M2uqeNgDecJzuBaWHaC3eDbJE5DVxtE-IvUAn7V0_DPnlmm8kNX4fpSAAYoZdrfvNlL0/s400/n134754582745_3306.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407233162637998194" /></a><br /><br />After some small talk and the mentioning of her struggles regarding unemployment, she handed me two twenty dollar bills (or so I thought!) to pay for her groceries. When I handed back her change she looked confused/concerned and said, "I only gave you a ten and a twenty." She was right, and I had given her too much change! After sorting out the mishap with my supervisor she said, "I never miss and opportunity to network," and handed me her card with the image above on one side, and on the other the word "Psychic." <br /><br />Thanks Aria, for your honesty.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-62842138563034332882009-11-17T14:15:00.000-08:002009-11-18T20:55:43.270-08:00Baptism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNrT22dPlCJPmU0uedGPS5c7u_X9GX3YqAzmuKzmyWWgrqOCYxQrw2dfKuHP3nE6Y8o4u1kmRIeIOdoTzuHL5g4anE-Q18QfFFCfdhgbYPJBBjHG2I0Waew1LbE299jgiawJe1l16XrU/s1600/big-wave_surfing_01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNrT22dPlCJPmU0uedGPS5c7u_X9GX3YqAzmuKzmyWWgrqOCYxQrw2dfKuHP3nE6Y8o4u1kmRIeIOdoTzuHL5g4anE-Q18QfFFCfdhgbYPJBBjHG2I0Waew1LbE299jgiawJe1l16XrU/s320/big-wave_surfing_01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405673800485210210" /></a><br />Surfing can be a frustrating sport. Never mind if you have Saturday afternoon free, if the necessary ground swell isn't there, you're out of luck. So what makes a wave suitable for surfing? Typically, it's a tropical storm or hurricane that has formed hundreds of miles off shore. It's the churning of the seas miles and miles away that eventually create the waves ideal for surfing. <br /><br />So what's this have to do with baptism? The waters of baptism are a physical sign of God's grace. Helpless and undeserving, we are cleansed and made righteous before God. <br />In the same way that surfers are dependent upon a great force outside of themselves, we who undergo the waters of baptism are dependent upon God to supply us with the grace that is unmerited and not of ourselves. <br /><br />Think of the wave in the picture above as God's grace. It's huge, powerful, and a little scary...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898098334401619954.post-1665165849207038632009-11-14T12:40:00.000-08:002009-11-14T12:49:41.627-08:00America: The 'Good' and 'Just' Society<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQY5W6DAazgMiJqJa05RfNsPdZxXhfz4uVTvwyCbb_ZT6LfoDCK1-4yGWnUY3bXMUXJ3PavGM2sxFkfHkTAfCtodnCrIpzjhvxmtLs849H4EPkC5l7sIP9NbjA-XnNt8NWIPnikwLB-Y/s1600-h/slavery_maryland_0327.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQY5W6DAazgMiJqJa05RfNsPdZxXhfz4uVTvwyCbb_ZT6LfoDCK1-4yGWnUY3bXMUXJ3PavGM2sxFkfHkTAfCtodnCrIpzjhvxmtLs849H4EPkC5l7sIP9NbjA-XnNt8NWIPnikwLB-Y/s400/slavery_maryland_0327.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404063782782463970" /></a><br />A couple of weeks ago I was summoned to meet with three representatives from a foundation that provides scholarships to Master of Divinity students committed to congregational ministry. The foundation’s president spoke about how the United States has historically been a “good” and “just” country, and that the enterprise of the foundation was about sustaining America’s standing as a good and just society. I would not have thought much about his comment a few months ago, but now with a greater sensitivity toward racial issues in America, I was quite disturbed by his statement. I thought to myself, <span style="font-style:italic;">Was is ‘good’ and ‘just’ when European immigrants stole land from the native Americans? Was the enslavement of Africans brought to America to work the cotton fields ‘good’ and ‘just’? Was it ‘good’ and ‘just’ for the African Americans who fought for this country to be refused equal housing opportunities? Was it ‘good’ and ‘just’ that women for so long were denied the right to vote?</span> In all fairness, the foundation’s president was partially right in saying that America is “good” and “just”--for him and people like him with white skin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2