WORLDS ARE FORMING

An Imperative.

Today, I sat down at a piano in a beautiful room on the seminary campus, and played around on the piano.  I always forget how cathartic that is for me -- I don't even "know how" to play -- it is something I just plain enjoy.  I must say, it felt good to be reminded of that.

So.  Because I care about you, I say this: friends, do something you love to do today. Do something you've forgotten that you love to do.  Do something cathartic.  Take a minute, remember what it is you love and need to do today...and then do it.  That's an order.

Who's a Loser?

Adam is.  Apparently, he may or may not have lost his wallet.  (Sorry, dude.)  Which reminds me...

When I was in high school, it was a frequent occurrence for me (we're talking several times a week here) to lose or misplace my wallet and/or keys. (Momma Cleveland would get so frustrated with me.  Ha.)  I've grown, I've changed my ways.  I lose them much less frequently (say, once a month).  Now, though, I prefer to lose my ID card every other week or so...

What do you find yourself too frequently losing or misplacing?

More Autumn Ugliness.

                  From a recent afternoon photojourney around the Princeton Battlefield.

The Joys of On-Campus Living! Let's Cuddle!

From what may be my favorite seminary e-mail to date...

"In order to install new equipment for the Seminary’s steam plant, it will necessary for us to shut down [for one day] the steam that supplies the heating to the campus buildings. We have researched the forecast for the warmest day this week on which to make this installation in order to minimize the inconvenience."

"The heat in the following buildings will be shut off (i.e. there will be no heat) from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 26 October..." 

"We apologize for this day-long inconvenience and suggest bringing an extra layer of warmth with you on Thursday in case it is needed."

I love Princeton, and mostly understand, and it will be helpful in the long-run...but...BOO!  It is getting cold around here!  If I am not around on Friday, you'll know where to find me...frozen stiff with a few hundred other pastors and theologians in training, all with Barth in one hand and a dialectical tension in the other...

Sometimes it takes a walk to be reminded...

This semester, I have needed to hear the words from one of my favorite psalms, Psalm 62. And yet, I've forgotten them, I haven't heard these word.  I am grateful to be reminded of them today. Friends, listen to God's word...to you...and to me.

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
       my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
       he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
       he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
       pour out your hearts to him,
       for God is our refuge.

Michelle Sanders: The Real Deal.

That's what she is, folks: the real deal. My friend Michelle has a blog. She's hilariously honest there, makes me laugh and laugh. Michelle writes about Chicken (her dog), writes about faith and life in Portland, and writes lists. I recommend checking it out.

She also has an amazing business, Attic Journals, where she takes previously loved hardcover books, and converts them into journals. I have a few. So should you. (That's right, I should-ed on you. I only do that when I know I'm 100% right about things.)

Michelle, she's great.

I Am Back and am Going Forward.

My quickest trip ever. Big ups to business men and women all over the world. I couldn't travel like you do. I am officially a Candidate in the PC(USA) ordination process. Praise the Lord! I shared my statement of faith, not off of paper, but on the spot and from my heart. It seemed to go well.

Jesus, lead on.

To Austin I Go. (Yes, again.)

I'll be in Austin from 11pm on Friday until 4pm on Saturday. Far too short of a trip. I'm heading down to meet with my presbytery to (Lord willing) become a Candidate. Meeting is Saturday, 9:30am CST. As always, your prayers are appreciated!

Favorite Coffee Shops?

Speaking of coffee...last week I asked about your favorite coffee blends.  Thanks for the ginormous amount of tips.  I'm going to try some out!  And, as much as I love coffee itself, I think I love coffee shops even more.  I am always up for trying a new one out, too. 

So, please, wherever you are, tell me your favorite coffee shop/s and the location*...

My Top Three:

1. Progress.  Austin, TX.
2. Victrola.  Seattle, WA.
3. Failte.  Hopewell, NJ.

(*Though frowned upon, chain shops may be included.  Just share the coffee love, already.)

From an Afternoon Walk in Hopewell, NJ.