He may be back???

I Need a New Law????

Now, I may be behind the curve on this one but when I used to listen to "Christian Music" I ran across a band called Caedmon's call. In fact, this band played an instrumental role (no pun intended) in changing and expanding my faith with their deep lyrics and compelling questions. One of the band members, Derek Webb, has struck out on his own and continues to put out music that challenges the way I think about my faith. You can check out his music and listen to a few songs here. One song in particular seems to tie into the purpose and message of this site, enjoy.

A New Law

(vs. 1)
don’t teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for

don’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music

don’t teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus)
i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law

(vs. 2)
don’t teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice

don’t teach me about loving my enemies

don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus/chorus)

(bridge)
what’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid

Some of the best acting I've ever seen.

I hate to be a hater but this guy really pisses me off. I don't think I've ever seen a better scripted "church" service. Enjoy!

How strange that the very word "faith" has come to mean its exact opposite.

One of my favorite pieces of radio these days is NPR's "This I Believe" series. I'm often bothered, frustrated, challenged, or strengthened by the beliefs I hear. I think today's broadcast is especially appropriate for the folks who visit this site. Richard Rohr, a Catholic priest, offers his belief about belief and it is quite up-lifting. Here's an excerpt:

Whenever I think there's a perfect pattern, further reading and study reveal an exception. Whenever I want to say "only" or "always," someone or something proves me wrong. My scientist friends have come up with things like "principles of uncertainty" and dark holes. They're willing to live inside imagined hypotheses and theories. But many religious folks insist on answers that are always true. We love closure, resolution and clarity, while thinking that we are people of "faith"! How strange that the very word "faith" has come to mean its exact opposite.

How strange indeed. To hear the entire broadcast, click here.

Reflections From About A Year Ago

December 22, 2005, Delta Flight DL 285-somewhere over Georgia.

Since I’ve started this new job I haven’t really had much time off. I had vacation time but I didn’t really feel comfortable taking any time right at the beginning of my employment. Couple that with all of the work we had to do and it just didn’t seem right. Even the weekends seem to get filled up with stuff other than r&r is you know what I mean. So, it’s been about six months since I started the job and I really haven’t had much time off. I know, here come the laughs and fake sobbing. Poor baby, you’ve had to work for a whole six months it must be tough. In most cases I would be the one offering up the ridicule in this situation except that it’s me and I have a hard time ridiculing myself.

I really miss being a “real” graduate student. For the past five years, I’ve had two or three weeks off for the holidays. Granted, I wasn’t really scott-free, I would go into the office for a couple of hours a day but there was no real pressure. And, to be honest, I would mainly screw off during that time. I somehow justified my lack of work by the work I’d done during the semester.

But now, I have to account for my time again and to be quite frank, I don’t really like it. No shit the crowd echoes. Agreed, I’m being a baby. It’s taking some time to get back in the swing of things as far as a real job is concerned.

What really brings all of this to the forefront of my mind is that I’m traveling today to spend about a week in sunny West Palm Beach, FL. I’ve got to be honest, I am really enjoying it. This is the first time in a couple of years that I’ve traveled for pleasure. I’ve logged a bunch of miles in the last two years but they were all for work. I’ve been back and forth to Dallas about 20 times, DC five times, NY City several times, Boston…I really don’t mind traveling for work. It has given me the opportunity to see a bunch of stuff that I wouldn’t be able to afford on my own. But, being business focused most of the time I miss out on a lot too. I’m usually reading something for a presentation, preparing for a talk, or trying to get work done on the flight and in the airport. I don’t really see everything.

This trip is different. It’s one of the peak holiday travel days this year. The airports are filled with people with backpacks instead of garment bags and brief cases. There is a dad skipping through the terminal at the urging of his 3 year old daughter. There are so many children traveling, most with parents in large groups. Some single mom is trying to harangue her three children under 8 years old. Even minors traveling alone (I think this is an extra charge now. When did we start charging extra for courtesy?). I really love seeing all of these kids. It really makes the airport seem bright and cheery. I’ve come to the conclusion that I really love children.

Traveling at this time of the year has really opened my eyes to some things:
I love my family.
L is a really neat kid and I can’t wait to spend more time with her.
I’m grateful for the good work situation that I have.
These last few years have given me more freedom and autonomy than I realized.
I like and value a flexible work situation and the one I’m in offers more than most jobs.

Alright, I seem to be rambling now. Let me end this by saying thank you to all of those people who have given me the opportunity to pursue school, those who have employed me, and those who have to put up with me everyday. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Day of the Ninja

Go slink around somewhere and kill some unsuspecting heathen in the name of Christ and Ninjas everywhere.

Grace creates debt?

I realize that it has been a while since my last post and for that I am truly sorry. Work and the holidays have snuck up on me and blogging has fallen to the wayside. Regardless, the jouney continues. Following is a nugget that I received from gracedagain.com.


"The effort to repay God in the ordinary way we pay creditors would nullify grace and turn it into a business transaction. If we see acts of obedience as installment payments, we make grace into a mortgage. Let us not say that grace creates debt; let us say that grace pays debts."
John Piper, Future Grace