WORLDS ARE FORMING

Explosions in the Sky.

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that I'm always a big fan of new-to-me music. I was first introduced to Explosions in the Sky by my buddy, Ben. It is a band based out of Austin with an ambient, jam band, acoustic sort of thing going on. Very "driven" stuff. For now, I only have their album The Rescue, which you can download here, for free. Day #5 is my favorite for now. Some of their stuff is a little harder and darker, other songs are relaxing, good study music. Enjoy it. (Oh, and I like their design skills.)

Come, Ye Sinners...

This is one of my favorite hymns, but I always forget about it.  It has been stuck in my head all morning.  Such beautiful lyrics.

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and pow’r.

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

UNASHAMED, UNDENIABLE ADDICTION.

Hello, my name is Josh, and I am now addicted to LOST, Season One, on DVD. 

I am not one to get addicted to TV (save for American Idol: Season One...Kelly is still my girl...no shame), but last week, my buddy Dave revealed that he had LOST on DVD.  I since it is early in the semester, I didn't have anything else to do with my time on that day, so..."Eh, why not?" 

With that being said, in the past four days, I have watched nine, 43 minute-long, commercial free episodes.  I would have easily watched more, but once he saw my addictive tendencies, Dave is keeping me on a strict schedule.  It's for my own good.  I'm trying to pull others down with me, too.

How did I not get addicted to this show earlier?  Oh, that's right.  Seminary life.

"Hey Josh, has anyone ever told you that you look like..."

Here's the deal.  No joke, since I was about 20, pretty much on a bi-weekly basis, I meet someone -- at school, on the street, at church, in the hospital, whenever -- and I'll hear those words..."Hey Josh, has anyone ever told you that you look like...?"

Usually, these people are trying to be nice, trying to make small-talk, trying to make some connections.  OK, I get that.  Sometimes, though, I get the die-hards, the people who, when inquiring, get the crazy "oh-my-gosh-I-bet-no-one-has-ever-told-you-this-before-and-this-will-change- your-life, Josh" look in their eyes.

Most commonly, people ask, "Hey Josh, has anyone ever told you that you look like Robin Williams?" After I give them the usual polite grin mixed with the look of death, just about the time my eye stops twitching, I will say, "You know, they have!"   When some perceptive folks gather that I don't quite take this as a compliment, they often say something to the effect of, "Oh, you know...you look like a young Robin Williams."  It's not that I don't see the similarity, but omehow, I find no solace in being told that I am a dead ringer for hairy old Mork from stinkin' Ork.  But, I take it.

On a less frequent basis, people will say, "Hey Josh, has anyone ever told you that you look like Quentin Terantino?" Sigh.  "You know, they have!" This is even less of a compliment to me.  You're telling me that I look like this guy on the left.  Sweet.  Thanks.  (Actually, I do have some fond memories of being compared to QT...when I counseled some amazing goth high school guys at a camp, they put a huge poster outside of our cabin, asking people to vote on which celebrity I look most like.  Ha.)

I am usually patient with such well intentioned folk, but on my less Christian days, I want to ask women (any woman), "Hey ______, has anyone ever asked you if you look like Dolly Parton?!" And to the men (any man), I want to ask, "Hey ______, has anyone ever told you that you look like Richard Simmons?"

Simply because of how cool and smart and edgy he is, I can take the "Hey Josh, has anyone ever told you that you look like Bono?" I often reply, "You know? They have, and you know what?  I am Bono."  No one has believed me.  Yet.

Fall Semester 2006.

The next few months of my life will be spent in these classes...with these guys...and 23 books.

Interpretation of Job :: Dr. Seow
Pastoral Care of Men :: Dr. Dykstra
Gospel of Mark :: Dr. Blount
Ministry & History of African American Denominations :: Dr. Hanson
Popular Religion & Popular Culture in Europe :: Dr. Deming

Living as a Child of Light

This morning, while reading Scripture and the Prayers of St. Francis, I was reminded of the beauty of living in light, and the reality of God's faithfulness.  As this new semester begins, I do want my priorities ordered rightly, and I desire to be God's own child.

For you were once in darkness, but not you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light...and find out what pleases the Lord.
                                    Ephesians 5.8,10

Most high and glorious God,
lighten the darkness of my heart
and give me sound faith,
firm hope
and perfect love.
Let me, Lord, have the right feelings
and knowledge,
properly to carry out
the task you have given me.
                                    St. Francis, 2 Cel 10

I Miss Lunch Boxes.

First day of classes today.  I am a little wistful.  I loved the first day of school as a kid.  I remember well the first day of school from my childhood: getting up early, wearing my new school clothes, carrying my Trapper Keeper under one arm, carrying my lunch box in the other.  Even though they always smelled, I miss lunch boxes.  Without question, my favorite lunch box and thermos set, circa 1987: Alf.   What was your favorite Trapper Keeper or matching lunch box / thermos set?

Room Sweet Room.

This is where I live.   Now, now...don't be jealous.  You, too, could have a 12X12 room.  That is what 28 year olds are MADE for!  Fun room last year, but I switched the room up this year.  Got a free new (huuuge) couch, which makes people look tiny when sitting upon it.  I also got a free new wingback chair.  The Virge remains, of course.  Illegal green paint still covers a few walls.  Got rid of the Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center chair (sorry, Reno.)  It is a comfortable room so far, but I am confident that I will need to find a way to move it all around in the next few weeks, when I want to procrastinate from my work.  It is good to be settled in.  Here is your virtual tour...

I'm Back.

My time in Austin: encouraging.  I had a great meeting with my committee.  They were very affirming of some progress I've made in the past year, and were especially encouraged by my CPE work.  After a great conversation, they gave me the thumbs up and we shared a meaningful time of prayer.  Thanks for the prayers...they were felt, and are appreciated.

While in town, I also got to see some good friends, drink some good coffee, eat familiar Texan food, and worship at my church.  I am grateful for all these things.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. 
His love endures forever.

Heading to Austin!

Flying, again.  Hopefully, no Colgate or Moose Drool incidents! 

I'll be meeting with a committee about another possible step towards ordination.  We'll talk, discuss, pray, and recommendations will be made about my future.  I'm not too worried at this point, just trusting that God is in the process, and will continue to be with me on the journey! 

Meeting at 11:00 Texas time on Tuesday (oops, I meant Saturday) ...prayers appreciated!