Today, my friend Leesa informed me of a fun summery activity.
Cabrewing.
"It's canoeing, but with a whole lot of beer."
Now, I'm not sure what the buoyancy of an unopened beer is, but I'm thinking that if someone is going to be intoxicated and manning a sea vessel, they'd better hope beer floats.
I know root beer floats.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Celebrating 50!
For post number 50, here's 50 things that make me smile! :)
1. Friends
2. Smiles
3. Ridiculous Kids
4. Chick-fil-A
5. Service (helping other people, cell phone reception, being served at a restaurant...)
6. Electricity
7. A/C and Heat
8. Katie Corolla
9. Ally, my Canadian girl
10. Megan Ziggins
11. Johnnie's Beef
12. Amazing books
13. Brian Andreas
14. The Weepies
15. Live Music
16. Puns
17. Fat penguins
18. Bananana
19. These Are Not My Pants rock opera
20. Chris Hall!
21. Soft, yet firm, pillows
22. Spider-Van
23. Ultimate... Frisbee!
24. Dad's cube steak
25. Latin Music
26. Mom's cooking!
27. Great tea
28. The peace God provides
29. Hymnals
30. A really good pen
31. Performing live music
32. Having friends meet other friends and having a great time
33. New strings
34. Playing a grand piano
35. The Wedding Singer
36. Dipped soft-serve cones
37. Local musicians
38. Answered prayers
39. Inside jokes
40. Funny laughs
41. Sharpies!
42. Great customer service
43. Really random emails/texts/phone calls of a nostalgic nature
44. Rice Krispie Treats
45. Birthdays
46. Finishing a quarter/semester/year of school!
47. Finally getting that thing done that's needed to be done forever
48. Realizing Jesus actually does change people's lives
49. Street Fighter II
50. Seeing Love prevail
1. Friends
2. Smiles
3. Ridiculous Kids
4. Chick-fil-A
5. Service (helping other people, cell phone reception, being served at a restaurant...)
6. Electricity
7. A/C and Heat
8. Katie Corolla
9. Ally, my Canadian girl
10. Megan Ziggins
11. Johnnie's Beef
12. Amazing books
13. Brian Andreas
14. The Weepies
15. Live Music
16. Puns
17. Fat penguins
18. Bananana
19. These Are Not My Pants rock opera
20. Chris Hall!
21. Soft, yet firm, pillows
22. Spider-Van
23. Ultimate... Frisbee!
24. Dad's cube steak
25. Latin Music
26. Mom's cooking!
27. Great tea
28. The peace God provides
29. Hymnals
30. A really good pen
31. Performing live music
32. Having friends meet other friends and having a great time
33. New strings
34. Playing a grand piano
35. The Wedding Singer
36. Dipped soft-serve cones
37. Local musicians
38. Answered prayers
39. Inside jokes
40. Funny laughs
41. Sharpies!
42. Great customer service
43. Really random emails/texts/phone calls of a nostalgic nature
44. Rice Krispie Treats
45. Birthdays
46. Finishing a quarter/semester/year of school!
47. Finally getting that thing done that's needed to be done forever
48. Realizing Jesus actually does change people's lives
49. Street Fighter II
50. Seeing Love prevail
Music - The only friend that doesn't change
I was musing over music and began to think of the old albums I haven't listened to in forever.
Justin McRoberts, "Father," Five Iron Frenzy, "All the Hype," Slick Shoes, Noggin Toboggan, Nichole Nordeman, Downhere...
There's billions.
Hundreds.
Maybe a hundred.
Normally I'd just pop them all in and have a mini-Cornerstone of my own (making a mud pit in the tub, though I'm suspecting Andy would be none-too-pleased over that one).
Each of those discs, in impeccable condition, is carefully stored away with its accompanying artwork and case. However, the big purple Rubbermaid container holding them isn't really nearby. It's in Florida.
Blast.
So, instead of listening to it, I just thought about it.
I think that music is the one friend that you can go back to and who is still the same. Sometimes I've gone back to friends who have changed more than I ever expected. But Music? She's the same. I'm certainly not, which often makes me see her differently. But, she's not changing. It's comforting.
Music is the chalk mark on the doorway of my kitchen. She's the standard I use year by year to see how much I've grown. Some years it doesn't seem so far, but then I look further and realize, "Wow, boy. You've come a long way."
These days I'm drawing new lines.
I'm much taller now.
Justin McRoberts, "Father," Five Iron Frenzy, "All the Hype," Slick Shoes, Noggin Toboggan, Nichole Nordeman, Downhere...
There's billions.
Hundreds.
Maybe a hundred.
Normally I'd just pop them all in and have a mini-Cornerstone of my own (making a mud pit in the tub, though I'm suspecting Andy would be none-too-pleased over that one).
Each of those discs, in impeccable condition, is carefully stored away with its accompanying artwork and case. However, the big purple Rubbermaid container holding them isn't really nearby. It's in Florida.
Blast.
So, instead of listening to it, I just thought about it.
I think that music is the one friend that you can go back to and who is still the same. Sometimes I've gone back to friends who have changed more than I ever expected. But Music? She's the same. I'm certainly not, which often makes me see her differently. But, she's not changing. It's comforting.
Music is the chalk mark on the doorway of my kitchen. She's the standard I use year by year to see how much I've grown. Some years it doesn't seem so far, but then I look further and realize, "Wow, boy. You've come a long way."
These days I'm drawing new lines.
I'm much taller now.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Promises, Schmomises
I don't think I'm going to do any more "To Be Continued..." posts. I seem to lose interest, but I can't post anything until that one's done. Now it's done, but I feel like you've all missed out on so much.
On top of everything, it's finals week, so posting will probably be just as scant. But then... Summer!!
I need a job.
On top of everything, it's finals week, so posting will probably be just as scant. But then... Summer!!
I need a job.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Anglican Contributions to Global Christianity
Here is an abbreviated response from my question to Anglican Archbishop Henry Orombi from Uganda, ""What would you say is the greatest strength that the Anglican Church can contribute to the world of Christianity?"
1. Hierarchy
The structure of the Anglican church is similar to the better-known Catholic system, with priests, bishops and archbishops, yet there is no one head, like the pope. Instead the Archbishop of Canterbury acts as a "first among equals." This system allows the church to keep itself in check within orthodox Christianity by keeping everyone accountable to someone else.
One could contrast this hierarchical system to a non-denominational church which "picks and chooses" its theological points while members could be completely unaware of a pastor's heretical views that are being passed onto the congregation.
On the other hand, it also has the potential to create problems. For instance, two churches in the Chicago area, both Anglican, are under two different bishops (Uganda and Rwanda). Because of this, they cannot combine to be one church. Silly? Yes. Against Christian beliefs? Probably.
So, while hierarchy and structure has its theological benefits, it has its practical downfalls.
2. Liturgy
The Anglican church is connected all over the world. Because they have their heirarchy, they are necessarily united with Anglicans across the world. What I really like about this is that the church, instead of going to a random place and doing a short-term mission, it can connect with another church in order to further a project that will be carried on. Sweet.
4. Openness
Finally, openness. The Archbishop commented on Anglicans not necessarily adhering to all the same specifics about the faith in minutia, but all adhere to the same broad guidelines of Christian orthodoxy. This makes it a much more inclusive denomination than others.
After the event, I had 11 people, including the Archbishop himself, ask if I was Anglican yet. I'm not, and I don't think I will be. But I think they have a lot to offer global Christianity.
1. Hierarchy
The structure of the Anglican church is similar to the better-known Catholic system, with priests, bishops and archbishops, yet there is no one head, like the pope. Instead the Archbishop of Canterbury acts as a "first among equals." This system allows the church to keep itself in check within orthodox Christianity by keeping everyone accountable to someone else.
One could contrast this hierarchical system to a non-denominational church which "picks and chooses" its theological points while members could be completely unaware of a pastor's heretical views that are being passed onto the congregation.
On the other hand, it also has the potential to create problems. For instance, two churches in the Chicago area, both Anglican, are under two different bishops (Uganda and Rwanda). Because of this, they cannot combine to be one church. Silly? Yes. Against Christian beliefs? Probably.
So, while hierarchy and structure has its theological benefits, it has its practical downfalls.
2. Liturgy
The liturgy of the church offers structure and a balance of the Word and Sacrament, of Proclamation and Feast. Within the form of the liturgy there is opportunity to hear a message of God, and to respond to that message. I'm a fan.
Another benefit of Anglican liturgy is that there is room for flexibility in worship. There is an outline for the service, but it can be performed in whatever way suits the personality of the congregation, be it charismatic, contemplative or anywhere in between.
I think the greatest strengths of liturgy are (1) anyone from any Anglican church can follow along because of the familiarity, and (2) participation is a necessity, and I'm a hands-down proponent of participation in church.
3. Global NatureThe Anglican church is connected all over the world. Because they have their heirarchy, they are necessarily united with Anglicans across the world. What I really like about this is that the church, instead of going to a random place and doing a short-term mission, it can connect with another church in order to further a project that will be carried on. Sweet.
4. Openness
Finally, openness. The Archbishop commented on Anglicans not necessarily adhering to all the same specifics about the faith in minutia, but all adhere to the same broad guidelines of Christian orthodoxy. This makes it a much more inclusive denomination than others.
After the event, I had 11 people, including the Archbishop himself, ask if I was Anglican yet. I'm not, and I don't think I will be. But I think they have a lot to offer global Christianity.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Shaking Hands With a Primate
Last night I had the opportunity to shake hands with a primate.
At least that's what he called himself.
Let me explain by way of an extremely condensed history lesson:
The Anglican Church is a world-wide Christian denomination that was birthed by the Church of England shortly after the Protestant reformation. It is now represented worldwide, with the Episcopal church as its current branch in America. Each country has its own Archbishop, so there are 38 archbishops (+ the Archbishop of Canterbury). The Archbishops are also known as "Primates." They're kind of a big deal.
Because the Episcopal church in America has been taking stances that many believe are unorthodox with Christian teaching, Anglican churches in other countries have began Anglican Missions in America (AMIA).
One of the AMIA countries is Uganda. The Church of the Resurrection in West Chicago, IL is an AMIA church under the bishopric of Uganda. Last night that church had the privelege of hosting Archbishop Henry Orombi from Uganda, whom I had the pleasure of meeting.
It went like this - I got a backstage pass with my professor (Joe). As Joe went to shake hands with an old friend all of a sudden it was just me and the Archbishop standing there. So, I shook his hand and we started talking a bit.
I wish I would have paid more attention to who we were going to see last night, because when I shook his hand I didn't know his name or his title or anything. Regardless, he was very kind, humorous and generally pleasant. And he has a son named Dan. ("A good, strong name," I assured him.)
The time sitting under his teaching was valuable. I am not Anglican, but I am in an Anglican theology class this term and have been learning about Anglicanism. It's been quite interesting.
I was able to ask the Archbishop a question in the forum:
"What would you say is the greatest strength that the Anglican Church can contribute to the world of Christianity?"
I thought he did an excellent job of responding, and I'll fill you in on his answer in my next post.
At least that's what he called himself.
Let me explain by way of an extremely condensed history lesson:
The Anglican Church is a world-wide Christian denomination that was birthed by the Church of England shortly after the Protestant reformation. It is now represented worldwide, with the Episcopal church as its current branch in America. Each country has its own Archbishop, so there are 38 archbishops (+ the Archbishop of Canterbury). The Archbishops are also known as "Primates." They're kind of a big deal.
Because the Episcopal church in America has been taking stances that many believe are unorthodox with Christian teaching, Anglican churches in other countries have began Anglican Missions in America (AMIA).
One of the AMIA countries is Uganda. The Church of the Resurrection in West Chicago, IL is an AMIA church under the bishopric of Uganda. Last night that church had the privelege of hosting Archbishop Henry Orombi from Uganda, whom I had the pleasure of meeting.
It went like this - I got a backstage pass with my professor (Joe). As Joe went to shake hands with an old friend all of a sudden it was just me and the Archbishop standing there. So, I shook his hand and we started talking a bit.
I wish I would have paid more attention to who we were going to see last night, because when I shook his hand I didn't know his name or his title or anything. Regardless, he was very kind, humorous and generally pleasant. And he has a son named Dan. ("A good, strong name," I assured him.)
The time sitting under his teaching was valuable. I am not Anglican, but I am in an Anglican theology class this term and have been learning about Anglicanism. It's been quite interesting.
I was able to ask the Archbishop a question in the forum:
"What would you say is the greatest strength that the Anglican Church can contribute to the world of Christianity?"
I thought he did an excellent job of responding, and I'll fill you in on his answer in my next post.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Hunt for Red Oct-job-er
Oh. My. Gosh.
That was the worst heading ever. I should be banned from the internet.
I went to a new "up-and-coming" Buffalo Wild Wings. The building is up, and the restaurant is coming.
They had a big sign that said "NOW HIRING!" in the window. I already have a job, but I'll need a second one over the summer. Bills are ever-increasing, and I'd like to avoid the massive student loans that I took out this past year.
The big sign outside of BWW should have read:
"NOT HIRING ANYTHING YOU WANT TO DO"
since the server and bartender spots are all filled up.
Needless to say (though for some reason we insist on saying things that are needless to say), I did not get a second job there. Which brings me to the point:
Rejection sucks.
One summer I went from place to place looking for a job. I probably applied at 15 places and interviewed at 1/3 of those. The only offer I got was to manage a shoe store. Um... yeah.
I think part of rejection is the feeling that we are not known. "If you knew me, you would do nothing but hire me because I'm one of the hardest workers you'll ever get." And they're like, "Nope. I don't want to know you."
I'm sure the same goes for dating and other areas of life. In general, rejection sucks.
On the flip side, if someone says no to you in one place, you might be able to go find something way better. It's the whole, "when one door closes another one opens" or something cliche that doesn't really make sense.
So, to all the rejects out there, I feel you. Not with my hands, but with my heart.
That was the worst heading ever. I should be banned from the internet.
I went to a new "up-and-coming" Buffalo Wild Wings. The building is up, and the restaurant is coming.
They had a big sign that said "NOW HIRING!" in the window. I already have a job, but I'll need a second one over the summer. Bills are ever-increasing, and I'd like to avoid the massive student loans that I took out this past year.
The big sign outside of BWW should have read:
"NOT HIRING ANYTHING YOU WANT TO DO"
since the server and bartender spots are all filled up.
Needless to say (though for some reason we insist on saying things that are needless to say), I did not get a second job there. Which brings me to the point:
Rejection sucks.
One summer I went from place to place looking for a job. I probably applied at 15 places and interviewed at 1/3 of those. The only offer I got was to manage a shoe store. Um... yeah.
I think part of rejection is the feeling that we are not known. "If you knew me, you would do nothing but hire me because I'm one of the hardest workers you'll ever get." And they're like, "Nope. I don't want to know you."
I'm sure the same goes for dating and other areas of life. In general, rejection sucks.
On the flip side, if someone says no to you in one place, you might be able to go find something way better. It's the whole, "when one door closes another one opens" or something cliche that doesn't really make sense.
So, to all the rejects out there, I feel you. Not with my hands, but with my heart.
Finally Home
For many of you reading that, you probably think I'm in Florida, eh?
The hardest part about moving somewhere is trying to make that place, "home." Some say, "Home is where you hang your heart." Pumba said, "Home is where your rump rests." Chris Daughtry says, "I'm going home," which really doesn't fit into the formula, but I'd like to think I'm up with pop songs that came out over a year ago.
Eight months after bringing my stuff to Lombard, IL, I'm finally adjusting to the fact that this is home. What makes it home? It's more than where I sleep, eat and go to school.
1. The majority of people I am in contact with are around me.
2. I know enough places to go eat that aren't corporate.
3. I can find 3 independent coffee shops within 30 minutes driving.
4. I can give directions places.
5. I feel comfortable being here.
For months I just wanted to finish my degree and get out of here, because the midwest isn't that great. But someone asked me why I was in such a rush, and I didn't have an answer. So, I decided to slow down a bit. That was about 5 months ago. Now, at month 8, I'm accepting where I am.
The truth is that home can be wherever you let it be. People ask about how it feels to make the move from Orlando to the midwest, wondering which one is better. I have come to the conclusion that wherever you let yourself really be is going to likely be a good place.
A place to love and be loved.
A place to hear and be heard.
A place to eat and... well, maybe the formula ends there.
I had written a six-word memoir which read "Not there yet; not here, either." It takes time, but I think wherever you are, there you are; so, you might as well be there.
Here I am.
It's not a bad place to be.
Heck, it might even be good.
The hardest part about moving somewhere is trying to make that place, "home." Some say, "Home is where you hang your heart." Pumba said, "Home is where your rump rests." Chris Daughtry says, "I'm going home," which really doesn't fit into the formula, but I'd like to think I'm up with pop songs that came out over a year ago.
Eight months after bringing my stuff to Lombard, IL, I'm finally adjusting to the fact that this is home. What makes it home? It's more than where I sleep, eat and go to school.
1. The majority of people I am in contact with are around me.
2. I know enough places to go eat that aren't corporate.
3. I can find 3 independent coffee shops within 30 minutes driving.
4. I can give directions places.
5. I feel comfortable being here.
For months I just wanted to finish my degree and get out of here, because the midwest isn't that great. But someone asked me why I was in such a rush, and I didn't have an answer. So, I decided to slow down a bit. That was about 5 months ago. Now, at month 8, I'm accepting where I am.
The truth is that home can be wherever you let it be. People ask about how it feels to make the move from Orlando to the midwest, wondering which one is better. I have come to the conclusion that wherever you let yourself really be is going to likely be a good place.
A place to love and be loved.
A place to hear and be heard.
A place to eat and... well, maybe the formula ends there.
I had written a six-word memoir which read "Not there yet; not here, either." It takes time, but I think wherever you are, there you are; so, you might as well be there.
Here I am.
It's not a bad place to be.
Heck, it might even be good.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Required Reading - Culture
It's one of those blogs that makes you think, "Why didn't I think of this first?"
Raised and Confused
I woke up this morning before 8. Amazing! Now what do I do? I'm usually asleep 'til at least 9.
To Do ToDay (not necessarily in this order):
- Spend time in prayer
- Write theology paper
- Go to the post office
- Eat (x3)
- Read for class
- Go to chapel
- Drop off CD's at work
- Try not to fall asleep in class
I once heard there are people who take naps every 4 hours or so and they can operate that way for days. (Like John Travolta!) I need 8-9 hours a night or I'm useless.
There was a time when I would try to avoid sleeping because I thought it was a waste of time.
Then there was also a time when I would work out because it would make me hungry, so then I could eat more.
Maybe I should stop manipulating my biorhythms on whims of my personality quirks.
To Do ToDay (not necessarily in this order):
- Spend time in prayer
- Write theology paper
- Go to the post office
- Eat (x3)
- Read for class
- Go to chapel
- Drop off CD's at work
- Try not to fall asleep in class
I once heard there are people who take naps every 4 hours or so and they can operate that way for days. (Like John Travolta!) I need 8-9 hours a night or I'm useless.
There was a time when I would try to avoid sleeping because I thought it was a waste of time.
Then there was also a time when I would work out because it would make me hungry, so then I could eat more.
Maybe I should stop manipulating my biorhythms on whims of my personality quirks.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Girls are 'spensive.
Allison needs $100.
Megan also needs at least $100.
Katie needs about $750. At least she's finally mine.
*sigh*
Who knew having two guitars and a Corolla would cost so much?
Megan also needs at least $100.
Katie needs about $750. At least she's finally mine.
*sigh*
Who knew having two guitars and a Corolla would cost so much?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
As a rule...
Friends of single people need to help them.
For instance, yesterday, as I was about to accuse Leesa of never trying to hook me up with any of her single friends and therefore being a bad friend, she turns to me in a pre-emptive strike against ridiculousness, saying:
"I was talking to my friend today and she was saying she had a bunch of single girl friends who couldn't meet any guys anywhere, and I was like, 'I have a bunch of single guy friends in the same situation!'"
She beat me to the punch, and was being a good friend.
Unfortunately, the girls she was referring to would have gone to my undergrad, so there's a decent chance I know them if they're about to graduate.
Ah well. The point is that as a rule, friends should help friends out in the single life.
BTW- that post below? I still haven't gone shopping again. That's almost 5 weeks... wow. I am currently eating a bowl of heated frozen veggies. Mmmmm...
For instance, yesterday, as I was about to accuse Leesa of never trying to hook me up with any of her single friends and therefore being a bad friend, she turns to me in a pre-emptive strike against ridiculousness, saying:
"I was talking to my friend today and she was saying she had a bunch of single girl friends who couldn't meet any guys anywhere, and I was like, 'I have a bunch of single guy friends in the same situation!'"
She beat me to the punch, and was being a good friend.
Unfortunately, the girls she was referring to would have gone to my undergrad, so there's a decent chance I know them if they're about to graduate.
Ah well. The point is that as a rule, friends should help friends out in the single life.
BTW- that post below? I still haven't gone shopping again. That's almost 5 weeks... wow. I am currently eating a bowl of heated frozen veggies. Mmmmm...
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