Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
THIS is a blatant copycat post
When my brother, Capt. Wordy, posted his last blog entry, I was overcome by a sense of deja vu. Knowing that I'd seen the scene before, I went to my old photograph collection (the ones that were printed from APS film) and found similar photographs from a trip to Portland in 2003.
I imagine that this one was taken from nearly the same outlook, but facing in the opposite direction. I also had a nighttime photograph of the skyline, but it was entirely blurred, and not worth posting here. Kudos to Capt. Wordy for getting a much better picture than I did.
I imagine that this one was taken from nearly the same outlook, but facing in the opposite direction. I also had a nighttime photograph of the skyline, but it was entirely blurred, and not worth posting here. Kudos to Capt. Wordy for getting a much better picture than I did.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The audacity
On my drive to work this morning, I followed a Mercedes SUV with a simple bumper sticker that read, "Got Hope?"
Initially, I believed that this person was advertising their faith, reminiscent of the old "Got Milk?" marketing campaign. I usually try not to respond to bumper stickers, but my heart warmed at the thought of seeing another believer subtly voicing their faith in a meaningful way.
Then I read the fine print.
The bumper sticker was not intended to inspire thoughts of God, but of a presidential candidate. I felt deeply wounded and shaken, then... sorrowful. Political leaders are usually fallible. Hope, here, is misplaced. The best (or worst) president only holds power for eight years, usually with their hands tied by opposing parties, lobbies, and campaigns for reelection. Public opinion can turn in an instant when our expectations go unfulfilled, and hope is left unsatisfied.
Is there any wonder why Jesus resisted being made king by force? He was bringing about the one thing that was truly worth hoping for, and couldn't be swept off course for man's own purposes and definitions.
Real hope is only found in him, the true hope of all nations.
Initially, I believed that this person was advertising their faith, reminiscent of the old "Got Milk?" marketing campaign. I usually try not to respond to bumper stickers, but my heart warmed at the thought of seeing another believer subtly voicing their faith in a meaningful way.
Then I read the fine print.
The bumper sticker was not intended to inspire thoughts of God, but of a presidential candidate. I felt deeply wounded and shaken, then... sorrowful. Political leaders are usually fallible. Hope, here, is misplaced. The best (or worst) president only holds power for eight years, usually with their hands tied by opposing parties, lobbies, and campaigns for reelection. Public opinion can turn in an instant when our expectations go unfulfilled, and hope is left unsatisfied.
Is there any wonder why Jesus resisted being made king by force? He was bringing about the one thing that was truly worth hoping for, and couldn't be swept off course for man's own purposes and definitions.
Real hope is only found in him, the true hope of all nations.
Monday, July 21, 2008
What's in a name?
I think the whole concept of baby names is ludicrous.
Don't get me wrong, baby names can be fun to think about. A Google search of "baby names" yields about 16 million results, including name generators, dictionaries of names in every language, and forums for parents to solicit naming advice. I'm perfectly fine with all of that, and appreciate some of those resources.
The problem is that babies don't remain babies, and baby names don't remain baby names.
I realize that I'm playing semantics here (pun intended), but baby names eventually become toddler names, which in turn become child names, and those grow up to become teenager names, adult names, and with enough passage of time, senior citizen names. Sooner, rather than later, we hope that our children's names will also be recorded in the Book of Life.
That's a lot of pressure for finding just the right name.
The Biblical tradition of naming is an interesting study, as children were often given names according to the circumstances of their birth. This was good news for Asher, but not so much for Jabez, as these names served as constant reminders throughout life of how they were received into the world.
Then there are cases where the Lord renamed people to identify new purposes for their lives. (See Jacob/Israel and Simon/Peter.)
There is also the less-documented, self-imposed name change of Saul/Paul, who seems to have changed his name for the sake of better evangelizing the Gentiles.
Even Jesus was given his name to describe his life's work.
All of this, however, is visible in hindsight. These names and name changes were divinely inspired knowing that the name-bearer would prove it to God's glory. How am I supposed to name our child without knowing the type of person he will become? How can I know which virtues he will embody when we haven't been formally introduced?
Shel Silverstein told the tale of "A Boy Named Sue," about a young man whose father gave him a name guaranteed to build strength and character. While the story is farcical, I believe that's similar to what all fathers want for their children: a name of depth, strength, character, and rich tradition. It should be something they grow into and from which they take all of the best qualities. The name does not guarantee those traits, but it can certainly help them along that path.
As for our son, Allison and I like the name Samuel Griffin. It is a name of great Biblical and familial significance. We dearly hope that he will take on all of the finest characteristics of his namesakes.
Don't get me wrong, baby names can be fun to think about. A Google search of "baby names" yields about 16 million results, including name generators, dictionaries of names in every language, and forums for parents to solicit naming advice. I'm perfectly fine with all of that, and appreciate some of those resources.
The problem is that babies don't remain babies, and baby names don't remain baby names.
I realize that I'm playing semantics here (pun intended), but baby names eventually become toddler names, which in turn become child names, and those grow up to become teenager names, adult names, and with enough passage of time, senior citizen names. Sooner, rather than later, we hope that our children's names will also be recorded in the Book of Life.
That's a lot of pressure for finding just the right name.
The Biblical tradition of naming is an interesting study, as children were often given names according to the circumstances of their birth. This was good news for Asher, but not so much for Jabez, as these names served as constant reminders throughout life of how they were received into the world.
Then there are cases where the Lord renamed people to identify new purposes for their lives. (See Jacob/Israel and Simon/Peter.)
There is also the less-documented, self-imposed name change of Saul/Paul, who seems to have changed his name for the sake of better evangelizing the Gentiles.
Even Jesus was given his name to describe his life's work.
All of this, however, is visible in hindsight. These names and name changes were divinely inspired knowing that the name-bearer would prove it to God's glory. How am I supposed to name our child without knowing the type of person he will become? How can I know which virtues he will embody when we haven't been formally introduced?
Shel Silverstein told the tale of "A Boy Named Sue," about a young man whose father gave him a name guaranteed to build strength and character. While the story is farcical, I believe that's similar to what all fathers want for their children: a name of depth, strength, character, and rich tradition. It should be something they grow into and from which they take all of the best qualities. The name does not guarantee those traits, but it can certainly help them along that path.
As for our son, Allison and I like the name Samuel Griffin. It is a name of great Biblical and familial significance. We dearly hope that he will take on all of the finest characteristics of his namesakes.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Christmas in July
Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
This passage illustrates one of the main reasons why I chose the title of my blog, Live in Contrast. The "land of the shadow of death" can also be rendered the "land of darkness." Contrast is the difference between darkness and light, between sin and redemption.
Imagine walking in darkness with no end, and suddenly seeing light approaching over the horizon! I take this very personally, because I remember working the late shift (4:30pm until 3:00am) for six months after college, seeing at most an hour of sunlight every day that was quickly absorbed by the night. Every day of my existence literally began as light was fading and ended with the coldness of a Chicago winter in the dead of night. It was depressing and despairing. It was after nearly five months of this that I began to understand the words of the Christmas song, Oh! Holy Night:
The thrill of hope!
A weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn!
The contrast between darkness and light, despair and hope, cannot be displayed any better than when the darkness of night is pierced by the rising of the sun at dawn. Seeing and feeling the daylight breaking was the most wonderful thing in the world to me after months of living in darkness. Out of darkness, light was entering the world! Out of sin, new hope appeared!
How great is our God, who conceived of all of this and sent light into a darkened world!
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
This passage illustrates one of the main reasons why I chose the title of my blog, Live in Contrast. The "land of the shadow of death" can also be rendered the "land of darkness." Contrast is the difference between darkness and light, between sin and redemption.
Imagine walking in darkness with no end, and suddenly seeing light approaching over the horizon! I take this very personally, because I remember working the late shift (4:30pm until 3:00am) for six months after college, seeing at most an hour of sunlight every day that was quickly absorbed by the night. Every day of my existence literally began as light was fading and ended with the coldness of a Chicago winter in the dead of night. It was depressing and despairing. It was after nearly five months of this that I began to understand the words of the Christmas song, Oh! Holy Night:
The thrill of hope!
A weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn!
The contrast between darkness and light, despair and hope, cannot be displayed any better than when the darkness of night is pierced by the rising of the sun at dawn. Seeing and feeling the daylight breaking was the most wonderful thing in the world to me after months of living in darkness. Out of darkness, light was entering the world! Out of sin, new hope appeared!
How great is our God, who conceived of all of this and sent light into a darkened world!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
It's a boy!
...and we have the images to prove it!
The doctor told us that she's "95% sure" that we're having a boy based on the images, so we could still get a surprise. Apparently our child was a little too modest (or camera shy) and didn't entirely cooperate. I suppose we'll have to get used to that. Both Allie and I see fairly convincing evidence that it's a boy, and you can judge for yourself in the first picture above.
More importantly, the baby looks good and healthy now just past the halfway point. The doctor went through a checklist and showed us that everything seems to be developing normally. She also said that based on our son's size, his due date may be as early as November 13, a week ahead of the original estimate of November 19. At the same time, she told us that first children tend to arrive late, so we may have a very big boy when he is born!
The doctor told us that she's "95% sure" that we're having a boy based on the images, so we could still get a surprise. Apparently our child was a little too modest (or camera shy) and didn't entirely cooperate. I suppose we'll have to get used to that. Both Allie and I see fairly convincing evidence that it's a boy, and you can judge for yourself in the first picture above.
More importantly, the baby looks good and healthy now just past the halfway point. The doctor went through a checklist and showed us that everything seems to be developing normally. She also said that based on our son's size, his due date may be as early as November 13, a week ahead of the original estimate of November 19. At the same time, she told us that first children tend to arrive late, so we may have a very big boy when he is born!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Independence Day - Part I
Allie and I had a great Independence Day weekend in Michigan visiting with my extended family. After much consideration (and several blog drafts), I've decided that there's just too much to say in this space. I have many good memories, and a few good photos. Since it would take too long to share all of my memories, I'll just share the photos.
This first section will concentrate on our fireworks celebration.
This first section will concentrate on our fireworks celebration.
Independence Day - Part II
The rest of our weekend was spent enjoying the company of family, including my cousin's Basset Hounds, Sadie and Zoe. Don't blame the photographer if the dogs happen to be photogenic.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Grandpa's Tractor
I'll try to post an update on our Independence Day trip to Michigan soon. In the meantime, you can view some of the pictures on my photos page.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Groundbreaking
About two weeks ago, our pastor exhorted everyone in the congregation to read the Bible.
This is not terribly groundbreaking, but like most people in our church, I knew I should be reading the Bible but didn't do it nearly often enough. One way or another, I had become jaded. Growing up in church, I had become familiar with the stories. Going back to at least high school, and through college, I had read through the Bible several times independently or with groups. After a while it began to seem repetitive, and even with the best intentions I could not keep up with any serious commitment to maintain a daily devotion. I have a good memory, and in my own wisdom I reasoned that if the Bible never changed, then surely I'd heard it all before.
Taking our pastor to be a man of greater wisdom than myself, I began going through the reading plan he outlined. (It's probably the best reading plan I've ever used. See the "Life Journal" link to the right for more details.) This morning, while reading through a passage of 2 Chronicles, God opened my eyes to a wonderful kernel of truth:
God's word is unchanging, but we are not.
We have to keep reading the Bible and studying it because we change throughout life. The last time I read most of these passages I was probably in high school or college. Now I am married and looking forward to the birth of our first child. My frame of reference is completely different. The things that I gleaned from the Bible as a teenage boy are not the same as what I see as a father-to-be, and I'm certain that as my children grow and I reach retirement, the things that are important to me will be radically different yet again. Even if my core beliefs are the same, I am not. The world keeps changing and I keep changing, so every time I open the Bible, its going to impact me in a different way- not because it is different, but because I am different than last time. It must be an anchor, reminding me that Jesus is our firm foundation, unchanging and unshakable, and able to reshape and refine me through all of life's changes.
This is not terribly groundbreaking, but like most people in our church, I knew I should be reading the Bible but didn't do it nearly often enough. One way or another, I had become jaded. Growing up in church, I had become familiar with the stories. Going back to at least high school, and through college, I had read through the Bible several times independently or with groups. After a while it began to seem repetitive, and even with the best intentions I could not keep up with any serious commitment to maintain a daily devotion. I have a good memory, and in my own wisdom I reasoned that if the Bible never changed, then surely I'd heard it all before.
Taking our pastor to be a man of greater wisdom than myself, I began going through the reading plan he outlined. (It's probably the best reading plan I've ever used. See the "Life Journal" link to the right for more details.) This morning, while reading through a passage of 2 Chronicles, God opened my eyes to a wonderful kernel of truth:
God's word is unchanging, but we are not.
We have to keep reading the Bible and studying it because we change throughout life. The last time I read most of these passages I was probably in high school or college. Now I am married and looking forward to the birth of our first child. My frame of reference is completely different. The things that I gleaned from the Bible as a teenage boy are not the same as what I see as a father-to-be, and I'm certain that as my children grow and I reach retirement, the things that are important to me will be radically different yet again. Even if my core beliefs are the same, I am not. The world keeps changing and I keep changing, so every time I open the Bible, its going to impact me in a different way- not because it is different, but because I am different than last time. It must be an anchor, reminding me that Jesus is our firm foundation, unchanging and unshakable, and able to reshape and refine me through all of life's changes.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Speaking of work...
I just reviewed my blog for the month of June, and all of the posts for the last 2-3 weeks have had something to do with my job. I think maybe, just maybe, it's been a source of stress for me during that time, and I appreciate you, my readers, for bearing with me.
This is a picture I took of me not working at work on Friday. I mean, I was at work, but this was after I was off the clock, so I was no longer working. Not that it didn't take some work to construct this photograph, but... oh, never mind. You get the picture.
This is a picture I took of me not working at work on Friday. I mean, I was at work, but this was after I was off the clock, so I was no longer working. Not that it didn't take some work to construct this photograph, but... oh, never mind. You get the picture.
Friday, June 27, 2008
More of the same, only different
The composition consisting of wrench heads from my previous post used to adorn my work computer as the desktop artwork. A few weeks ago, my new manager noticed this and asked if this meant that I still pledged allegiance to my previous work group, where I worked on tools. Since then, I have been looking for a way to rework this same theme using the medium of my current projects.
Today I had the opportunity to shoot some photos for our next catalog. My new screen backdrop is a byproduct of that endeavor.
Today I had the opportunity to shoot some photos for our next catalog. My new screen backdrop is a byproduct of that endeavor.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sounding Board
I don't know why, but I'm feeling a bit more abstract tonight. Perhaps its the fact that I'm trying to lower my dependence on caffeine, or perhaps it's my midweek "I need to do something creative" mindset. Either way, I like the pretty colors.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Oh, the places you'll go
When I woke up last Wednesday in Okemos, Michigan, I saw this in our hotel parking lot.
You can find out more at the C-Span Bus Website. Apparently its quite a big deal. If you don't believe me, just check out these ringing endorsements from the Teacher Quotes page:
"What is so great about these resources is that they show government doing things that we as government teachers usually just have to explain to kids and 'hope' they understand. But, as you know, government is so intangible, confusing and arcane. With these clips, government is brought to life."
Dan Fouts, Gov't. Teacher - Des Plaines, IL
"C-SPAN is as good as a field trip for students."
Myriam Oliver
"As Head of School, I often use information gained from C-SPAN for my readings or comments at our weekly Morning Meeting. I also refer teachers to available materials in my role also as Head."
Pamela Bloom
You can find out more at the C-Span Bus Website. Apparently its quite a big deal. If you don't believe me, just check out these ringing endorsements from the Teacher Quotes page:
"What is so great about these resources is that they show government doing things that we as government teachers usually just have to explain to kids and 'hope' they understand. But, as you know, government is so intangible, confusing and arcane. With these clips, government is brought to life."
Dan Fouts, Gov't. Teacher - Des Plaines, IL
"C-SPAN is as good as a field trip for students."
Myriam Oliver
"As Head of School, I often use information gained from C-SPAN for my readings or comments at our weekly Morning Meeting. I also refer teachers to available materials in my role also as Head."
Pamela Bloom
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Dear Diary
This post won't be much for words. That's mainly because after this last week, my brain has turned to mush, and I'm just trying to recuperate. Here are a few excerpts from my diary over the last week:
Saturday: Birthday. Mowed lawn. Met new neighbors. Slept a lot. Good day.
Sunday: Spent the afternoon with my cousins. Good conversations. Fun afternoon.
Monday: Drove to Michigan for training. Ordered a burger "medium well" at dinner. Remembered how dry and flavorless anything over "medium" is. Won't do that again.
Tuesday: Training all day. Learned enough to be dangerous with a $250,000 test system.
Wednesday: More training. Hopefully learned enough to keep me FROM being dangerous with the $250,000 test system. Drove back to Chicago. Got home around 11:00pm.
Thursday: More training, but unrelated to the other training. Brain totally exhausted.
Friday: Showed up at work, but completely useless due to mush-brain and lack of sleep.
Saturday: Slept in. Watched Cubs beat Toronto. Bought a lawn trimmer. Mowed lawn again. Already feeling much better.
Saturday: Birthday. Mowed lawn. Met new neighbors. Slept a lot. Good day.
Sunday: Spent the afternoon with my cousins. Good conversations. Fun afternoon.
Monday: Drove to Michigan for training. Ordered a burger "medium well" at dinner. Remembered how dry and flavorless anything over "medium" is. Won't do that again.
Tuesday: Training all day. Learned enough to be dangerous with a $250,000 test system.
Wednesday: More training. Hopefully learned enough to keep me FROM being dangerous with the $250,000 test system. Drove back to Chicago. Got home around 11:00pm.
Thursday: More training, but unrelated to the other training. Brain totally exhausted.
Friday: Showed up at work, but completely useless due to mush-brain and lack of sleep.
Saturday: Slept in. Watched Cubs beat Toronto. Bought a lawn trimmer. Mowed lawn again. Already feeling much better.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
My favorite email ever
I received this email today from my parents. It made me smile!
-----
Adam,
Four score and seven years ago, minus three score, your mother, and father, and a doctor and some nurses, brought forth on this continent a new Adam, conceived in...well we won't talk about that, and dedicated to THE LORD!
Happy Birthday! Best Wishes. Much Joy, Success, Happiness, and Love.
God is Good!
Love, Dad and Mom
-----
Thanks, Dad and Mom!!!!
-----
Adam,
Four score and seven years ago, minus three score, your mother, and father, and a doctor and some nurses, brought forth on this continent a new Adam, conceived in...well we won't talk about that, and dedicated to THE LORD!
Happy Birthday! Best Wishes. Much Joy, Success, Happiness, and Love.
God is Good!
Love, Dad and Mom
-----
Thanks, Dad and Mom!!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend
Ah... Lover Boy and those irrepressible images of Chris Farley dancing his heart out.
But, alas, that is unrelated to my post other than to provide an apt title.
Allie and I had a very busy weekend all around. Allie worked a little later than usual on Friday night, so we went out for a nice dinner followed by a little shopping for the baby. We arrived home at about 9:30pm only to find that the power was out in our entire neighborhood due to several severe storms earlier in the day. With no electricity to provide us with entertainment, we went to bed early hoping to wake up to the flashing red LEDs of an unset clock.
That never happened, at least not during the night. We each woke up several times to the sounds of work crews out and about trying to fix the problem, but the electricity remained off.
On Saturday morning, I went into a recording studio with our church's worship director to work on tracks for his upcoming CD. Allie stayed at home, powerless, until about 2:15 in the afternoon. I finished up around 9pm after a full day in the studio and headed home. I know that doesn't sound like much, but neither the power outage nor the studio work should have lasted more than a few hours, and they felt like they consumed the whole day.
If Friday and Saturday were busy, then Sunday was a complete blur. After church we hurried out to a bridal shop to get Allie fitted for a bridesmaids dress for a wedding in October. We rushed home, changed, and headed to Winnetka for Libby's (the 5-year-old Allie takes care of) ballet recital. As soon as that let out, we drove further south to babysit three young boys for one of Allie's work friends. All of this went better than anticipated, but we were worn out by the end of it.
I'll include one picture from the ballet of which I am particularly proud. Great job, Libby!
But, alas, that is unrelated to my post other than to provide an apt title.
Allie and I had a very busy weekend all around. Allie worked a little later than usual on Friday night, so we went out for a nice dinner followed by a little shopping for the baby. We arrived home at about 9:30pm only to find that the power was out in our entire neighborhood due to several severe storms earlier in the day. With no electricity to provide us with entertainment, we went to bed early hoping to wake up to the flashing red LEDs of an unset clock.
That never happened, at least not during the night. We each woke up several times to the sounds of work crews out and about trying to fix the problem, but the electricity remained off.
On Saturday morning, I went into a recording studio with our church's worship director to work on tracks for his upcoming CD. Allie stayed at home, powerless, until about 2:15 in the afternoon. I finished up around 9pm after a full day in the studio and headed home. I know that doesn't sound like much, but neither the power outage nor the studio work should have lasted more than a few hours, and they felt like they consumed the whole day.
If Friday and Saturday were busy, then Sunday was a complete blur. After church we hurried out to a bridal shop to get Allie fitted for a bridesmaids dress for a wedding in October. We rushed home, changed, and headed to Winnetka for Libby's (the 5-year-old Allie takes care of) ballet recital. As soon as that let out, we drove further south to babysit three young boys for one of Allie's work friends. All of this went better than anticipated, but we were worn out by the end of it.
I'll include one picture from the ballet of which I am particularly proud. Great job, Libby!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Who?
For the second year in a row, Allie and I had tickets to the Cubs game for Memorial Day. The Cubs won 3-1 over the Los Angeles Dodgers, led by 7 good innings from pitcher Ryan Dempster and home runs by first baseman Derrek Lee and third baseman Aramis Ramirez.
The real highlight of the game, however, came during the top of the eighth inning with the opposing team up to bat. The starting second baseman, Jeff Kent, lead off with a single. The Dodgers manager then substituted in pinch-runner Chin-lung Hu.
Judging by the lack of uproarious laughter at Wrigley, I think only the PA announcer and I got the joke.
The real highlight of the game, however, came during the top of the eighth inning with the opposing team up to bat. The starting second baseman, Jeff Kent, lead off with a single. The Dodgers manager then substituted in pinch-runner Chin-lung Hu.
Judging by the lack of uproarious laughter at Wrigley, I think only the PA announcer and I got the joke.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Birthday Hijinks
Four birthdays in a week and only one blog in which to celebrate them...
What to do...
Unfortunately, I don't have too many recent photos of any of these guys (at least not many that I haven't already posted) so I'm digging deep into the vault.
May 14: my best friend Dan
May 20: my old roommate Matt
May 20: my Dad
May 21: my brother, David
[Editor's Note: Apparently May 21 is one of my coworkers' birthdays as well. I don't have any pictures of him. Then again, he doesn't read my blog.]
What to do...
Unfortunately, I don't have too many recent photos of any of these guys (at least not many that I haven't already posted) so I'm digging deep into the vault.
May 14: my best friend Dan
May 20: my old roommate Matt
May 20: my Dad
May 21: my brother, David
[Editor's Note: Apparently May 21 is one of my coworkers' birthdays as well. I don't have any pictures of him. Then again, he doesn't read my blog.]
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Fast Track
I'm beginning to secretly (and not very seriously) suspect that I'm on the fast track to a management position. Over the last month or so, I've spent an average of at least two days a week at corporate headquarters, and at least half of all of my working hours in meetings. This week, I'm finally crossing that magical threshold and spending parts of three days at HQ, all in meetings. With any luck, by the end of the year I'll be delegating my work to underlings and making decisions solely by some mystical combination of experience and whim.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
...Before we even asked
A little more than a month ago, our church elders told the congregation about a budget shortfall of more than $40,000. They had carefully looked over all of the numbers and determined that although we didn't have the projected income to meet the church's needs, they could not find any unnecessary programs to cut. We needed to come up with the money.
In response, they called the congregation to participate in a day of prayer and fasting the first weekend of April. However, they were very clear in their instructions: the purpose of our prayer and fasting was not to determine for ourselves how we were going to fix the problem, but rather to bring our need before God and see how He intended to provide for it.
This morning, the elders again came before the church, this time to share with everyone how God clearly responded to our need. Back in 2002, a church member had died and left $50,000 to our church. Due to some legal issues, the money has remained tied up since then and never been given. The church leaders were only recently made aware that this money even existed. After some work, all of the roadblocks were cleared and on April 4, the week after our elders spoke to the congregation, and the day before the fast, the check was finally written. Without knowing our church's situation, instructions were given not to cash the check until April 9, the week following the fast. Even after our church tithed on the check to pay into our missions fund, there was more than enough to cover the $43,000 needed to complete the budget.
"So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.'" Genesis 22:14
In response, they called the congregation to participate in a day of prayer and fasting the first weekend of April. However, they were very clear in their instructions: the purpose of our prayer and fasting was not to determine for ourselves how we were going to fix the problem, but rather to bring our need before God and see how He intended to provide for it.
This morning, the elders again came before the church, this time to share with everyone how God clearly responded to our need. Back in 2002, a church member had died and left $50,000 to our church. Due to some legal issues, the money has remained tied up since then and never been given. The church leaders were only recently made aware that this money even existed. After some work, all of the roadblocks were cleared and on April 4, the week after our elders spoke to the congregation, and the day before the fast, the check was finally written. Without knowing our church's situation, instructions were given not to cash the check until April 9, the week following the fast. Even after our church tithed on the check to pay into our missions fund, there was more than enough to cover the $43,000 needed to complete the budget.
"So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.'" Genesis 22:14
Friday, May 2, 2008
Transformation
In some ways, this past week feels like it has flown by (mainly at home), and in other ways it seems like nothing has happened (mainly at work). I suppose those ideas are not mutually exclusive, so for now, that's the best I can think of to describe it.
Allie has been doing better in the last few days. She's still a bit tired, but has (generally) been feeling better. She had an appointment last Friday and everything still looks good. We're only at week 11, but our little one is now the size of a large lime and apparently danced and wiggled through the entire appointment. Allie can't feel it just yet, but Sam put on quite a show during the ultrasound. Personally, I'm hoping that this means we have a drummer on the way. We tried to get a good ultrasound picture, but Sam just wouldn't hold still.
I wrote a few weeks ago that I wanted to explore the parallels between spiritual and physical life. I still intend to do that, although much has happened to distract me since then.
I guess for starters, we find at least one place in scripture where Jesus talks about spiritual life in Him as being "born again," so for practical purposes, I will use birth as a major milestone in both realms. I am quickly learning that there is a LOT that happens in the physical world before birth. Seeds are planted. Those seeds have to unite with a willing and fertile recipient. That in itself is a miracle. There is tremendous and continuous growth from something that barely resembles a person (as one book put it, if you saw it coming at you in a dark alley, you'd high-tail it in the other direction) into something that is already becoming beautiful. Even at this early stage, Sam has a good heart, a brain, hands and feet. Although our little one has not yet been born, Allie and I have the responsibility (privilege!) to nurture them, protect them, and make sure they are able to grow throughout this process and long afterward.
We find almost the same things occurring during the early stages before someone is born again spiritually. Seeds are planted, and one of them lands on a heart and a mind that God has opened. That in itself is a miracle. From there, the person begins a period of growth, asking questions, looking for evidence, thinking about God perhaps for the first time, or beginning to finally understand Him for who He is. At this point, the person may not resemble a "Christian" in any way that we would be able to identify, but God is moving them towards beautiful redemption. Their heart and mind are changing and preparing to be renewed. The part of the Christian or discipler is to nurture them and help them grow throughout this process in anticipation of what is to come. The transformation has not yet occurred, but they are on their way.
Allie has been doing better in the last few days. She's still a bit tired, but has (generally) been feeling better. She had an appointment last Friday and everything still looks good. We're only at week 11, but our little one is now the size of a large lime and apparently danced and wiggled through the entire appointment. Allie can't feel it just yet, but Sam put on quite a show during the ultrasound. Personally, I'm hoping that this means we have a drummer on the way. We tried to get a good ultrasound picture, but Sam just wouldn't hold still.
I wrote a few weeks ago that I wanted to explore the parallels between spiritual and physical life. I still intend to do that, although much has happened to distract me since then.
I guess for starters, we find at least one place in scripture where Jesus talks about spiritual life in Him as being "born again," so for practical purposes, I will use birth as a major milestone in both realms. I am quickly learning that there is a LOT that happens in the physical world before birth. Seeds are planted. Those seeds have to unite with a willing and fertile recipient. That in itself is a miracle. There is tremendous and continuous growth from something that barely resembles a person (as one book put it, if you saw it coming at you in a dark alley, you'd high-tail it in the other direction) into something that is already becoming beautiful. Even at this early stage, Sam has a good heart, a brain, hands and feet. Although our little one has not yet been born, Allie and I have the responsibility (privilege!) to nurture them, protect them, and make sure they are able to grow throughout this process and long afterward.
We find almost the same things occurring during the early stages before someone is born again spiritually. Seeds are planted, and one of them lands on a heart and a mind that God has opened. That in itself is a miracle. From there, the person begins a period of growth, asking questions, looking for evidence, thinking about God perhaps for the first time, or beginning to finally understand Him for who He is. At this point, the person may not resemble a "Christian" in any way that we would be able to identify, but God is moving them towards beautiful redemption. Their heart and mind are changing and preparing to be renewed. The part of the Christian or discipler is to nurture them and help them grow throughout this process in anticipation of what is to come. The transformation has not yet occurred, but they are on their way.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Celebrating a Quarter Century of Excellence
Happy Birthday, Sarah!
What's a big brother for if he can't post a weird picture of his sister on his blog for her birthday?
Also, I don't know if I ever officially apologized for it, but I'm sorry I made you eat Play-Doh. Hopefully this makes it up to you.
What's a big brother for if he can't post a weird picture of his sister on his blog for her birthday?
Also, I don't know if I ever officially apologized for it, but I'm sorry I made you eat Play-Doh. Hopefully this makes it up to you.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Old Friends
I became aware of the band Caedmon's Call during high school when they had several songs on the local Christian music station. Although pop-savvy, they had a folksy sound and honest lyrics that made them stand out in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) scene. I saw them in concert the first time nine years ago, during the fall of my freshmen year of college. At that time the band had been together for seven years, but only experienced "mainstream" success with two albums. They were young. They were talented. They were rock stars.
Within a couple of years, the band joined the already declining worship-band-wagon and recorded several albums that did not impress me musically or lyrically. Gone were their roots of guitar-driven introspection and hope, replaced by simple chord loops and repeated choruses. As much as I'd always enjoyed their music, I just couldn't get into their new watered-down CCM pop. Like many, I blamed this on their parting ways with talented band member and songwriter, Derek Webb, who decided to pursue a solo career and audiences of less than a dozen members. On that point, if nothing else, I can relate to him.
In the years that followed, Caedmon's Call released four studio albums and two "greatest hits" discs, all hits, but none of them worth listening to. Derek Webb released four studio albums, all of which sounded fantastic even if they never cracked the Billboard charts.
Fast forward to 2007.
After years of traveling their own musical paths, Caedmon's Call reunited with Derek Webb for their new album, "Overdressed," and the ensuing tour, including their stop in Chicago on Saturday. Derek Webb opened for his old-and-current band-mates, then joined them for a two hour set consisting of many old songs, many new songs, and (thankfully) only handful from in between. In 1999, the band was playing to some of the biggest crowds they'd ever seen, filling auditoriums like college gymnasium where I first saw them. Now nine years later, they were again playing a sold-out show, though the venue this time probably only held 300 people. In an ironic twist, I imagine this was one of the biggest audiences Derek Webb has entertained during his solo career, but one of the smallest as a member of his old band.
They put on a great show. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, reminiscing about the old times and catching up with what they've been doing since. After many years apart, it was good to see them all again.
Derek Webb
Cliff Young
Danielle Young
Andrew OsengaTuesday, April 15, 2008
Knocking on Heaven's Door
Most of you, my loyal readers, will remember the previous trouble I have had with the United States Postal Service. Today, I had a couple of much more pleasant encounters with them.
This morning, I went to the post office to apply for a US Passport. Having completed my taxes about two months ago, the fact that today was April 15 meant nothing to me until I arrived at the building at 9:00am. The line was not yet out the door, but was still 15 people long despite having four stations open. Fortunately for me, the passport window was at the opposite end of the building with no line. I slinked past all of the frustrated customers and stood patiently until one of the employees came over to help me, well ahead of many of the other customers. It felt very Calvinist, seeing the powers that be choose to extend grace to me while others suffered. I had my picture taken, filled out a few forms, paid my fees, and left before most of the people in line had even moved.
My other pleasant encounter has come with some of the "humorous" mail I have been receiving at home. I thought I'd hit the jackpot last week when we received a generic mailer from Red Man addressed to the "Adult Smokeless Tobacco User" in our household. I thought maybe I'd send that one back with a note saying that he doesn't live here. I couldn't do that with today's mail, however. It's addressee?
"Jesus (or Current Resident)."
This morning, I went to the post office to apply for a US Passport. Having completed my taxes about two months ago, the fact that today was April 15 meant nothing to me until I arrived at the building at 9:00am. The line was not yet out the door, but was still 15 people long despite having four stations open. Fortunately for me, the passport window was at the opposite end of the building with no line. I slinked past all of the frustrated customers and stood patiently until one of the employees came over to help me, well ahead of many of the other customers. It felt very Calvinist, seeing the powers that be choose to extend grace to me while others suffered. I had my picture taken, filled out a few forms, paid my fees, and left before most of the people in line had even moved.
My other pleasant encounter has come with some of the "humorous" mail I have been receiving at home. I thought I'd hit the jackpot last week when we received a generic mailer from Red Man addressed to the "Adult Smokeless Tobacco User" in our household. I thought maybe I'd send that one back with a note saying that he doesn't live here. I couldn't do that with today's mail, however. It's addressee?
"Jesus (or Current Resident)."
Coming soon to a blog near you
About four years ago, I was but a lowly supervisor (read: only employee) for a coffee shop in Evanston. During the summer months, I would routinely have half an hour between serving customers. Realizing that I could only wash the tables and clean the espresso machine so many times, I took it upon myself to keep a book and notepad on-hand to pass the time.
One afternoon, alone with my thoughts, I began to meditate on the way that God often parallels the spiritual world, which we cannot see, with things in the physical world, which we can readily observe. Jesus himself often taught in parables so that his disciples and followers could learn truths about His kingdom from the things with which they were already familiar. Scripture is still the best source for knowledge of God, but I believe that in His creativity He ordered the world in a way that we could also learn about Him and the spiritual realm.
I filled the front and back of a sheet of paper with thoughts about the parallels between birth, growth and maturity in the physical and spiritual realms. Jesus spoke of being "born" again. Several authors in the New Testament exhort believers to become "mature." From what I observed, every major stage of human development can also convey some lesson in our spiritual growth. In the weeks that come, I plan to explore this subject in depth.
One afternoon, alone with my thoughts, I began to meditate on the way that God often parallels the spiritual world, which we cannot see, with things in the physical world, which we can readily observe. Jesus himself often taught in parables so that his disciples and followers could learn truths about His kingdom from the things with which they were already familiar. Scripture is still the best source for knowledge of God, but I believe that in His creativity He ordered the world in a way that we could also learn about Him and the spiritual realm.
I filled the front and back of a sheet of paper with thoughts about the parallels between birth, growth and maturity in the physical and spiritual realms. Jesus spoke of being "born" again. Several authors in the New Testament exhort believers to become "mature." From what I observed, every major stage of human development can also convey some lesson in our spiritual growth. In the weeks that come, I plan to explore this subject in depth.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
1173 Words
Allison is pregnant! We found out just before Easter, and Allie has had a couple of doctor's visits since then to confirm that everything is coming along well. We're obviously very excited about the news, and thinking through everything we need to do to prepare. Allison is picking out strollers and high chairs, and I'm trying to make sure we can afford it all.
FAQ:
Due date: middle of November (hard to pin down, somewhere between 11/7 and 11/18)
Boy or Girl: We won't be able to find out until the end of June. Yes, we will be finding out.
Name: Nahum Jeremiah for a boy, Naomi Jezebel for a girl, Sam until we know for sure
[EDITOR'S NOTE: These names were intended as a joke, but my sense of humor just before midnight is not as sharp as I would like to believe. Apparently these names were slightly too plausible to be considered humorous, and most of my readers understandably took me seriously. I don't have anything against anyone named Nahum, Jeremiah, Naomi, or Jezebel, but we won't be using those for baby names. See the comments section if you still have any questions. The real names we are using are locked in a time delay safe that, coincidentally, is set to open in about 7 months. Also, because all of this is written inside these little bracket thingies, I don't have to update the word count for the title of this post.]
Health: Mom and baby are doing fine so far
Work: Allie will be taking time off around the birth, and will return to work at the beginning of next year. One distinct advantage of taking care of children professionally is that she will be able to take our child with her to work when she returns.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Happy Meal Grace
Tonight I observed several children eating Happy Meals. I should qualify that statement by saying that they eventually ate their Happy Meals, but spent the first 20 minutes of dinner playing with the "prizes" inside. As I watched the food grow cold and the children's fascination with the plastic trinkets, my mind drifted to the grace of our God.
In many ways, I treat God's grace like the prize in a Happy Meal. The first time it appeared, it was a big deal. It was a surprise- something unexpected and wonderful accompanying my daily sustenance. Here in the midst of the ordinary was something so completely unique and exciting that everything else stopped while I tore open the packaging and explored its every facet. As I began to see this reward as the pattern, however, my surprise turned to expectation, and I began to believe that I deserved it. Lack of expectation led to complacency, and complacency led to boredom. Before long, what I once considered to be of the highest value was discarded, and perhaps worse, I outgrew my sense of wonderment at it all.
Lord, forgive me for looking at your grace as a cheap pleasure, only to be used and forgotten. Help me to receive it like a child and to continually be excited by its newness.
In many ways, I treat God's grace like the prize in a Happy Meal. The first time it appeared, it was a big deal. It was a surprise- something unexpected and wonderful accompanying my daily sustenance. Here in the midst of the ordinary was something so completely unique and exciting that everything else stopped while I tore open the packaging and explored its every facet. As I began to see this reward as the pattern, however, my surprise turned to expectation, and I began to believe that I deserved it. Lack of expectation led to complacency, and complacency led to boredom. Before long, what I once considered to be of the highest value was discarded, and perhaps worse, I outgrew my sense of wonderment at it all.
Lord, forgive me for looking at your grace as a cheap pleasure, only to be used and forgotten. Help me to receive it like a child and to continually be excited by its newness.
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