Thursday, October 30, 2008
Bonhoeffer says it best...
I just finished reading the transcript of an interview with Shane Claiborne that Elaine told me about. It's on a NPR site she recently discovered called Speaking of Faith. There was a really encouraging quote in the interview by Bonhoeffer. The interview talks about a much wider spectrum of issues and you should read the whole thing if you have time to get its broader context, but here's the quote:
"The person who's in love with their vision of community will destroy community. But the person who loves the people around them will create community everywhere they go."
I got really excited when I read this because God has been teaching me alot along the same lines recently. He's teaching me to be truely thankful for the community that he has given us and how it is not really ours. Everything that is good about it is the consequence of his goodness towards us, his grace. Anyway it's a somewhat difficult process of letting go of my ownership.
I guess I'm just saying that I get really happy when I see people in our "family" experiencing community wherever they go and that they are not stepping away from our community by experiencing it elsewhere. That goes for people in birmingham and outside as well.
Of course, you can always take it too far and there's a danger of stretching yourself too thin to the point that you are not really known because you're too busy being "vulnerable" to many people that you somehow escape the scary vulnerability of letting others challenge and confront you. I hope that God helps us find the balance.
PS. I can't get the link to work to find the interview but it's called "The New Monastics" and you'll find it if you search for it in the archives, I think.
"The person who's in love with their vision of community will destroy community. But the person who loves the people around them will create community everywhere they go."
I got really excited when I read this because God has been teaching me alot along the same lines recently. He's teaching me to be truely thankful for the community that he has given us and how it is not really ours. Everything that is good about it is the consequence of his goodness towards us, his grace. Anyway it's a somewhat difficult process of letting go of my ownership.
I guess I'm just saying that I get really happy when I see people in our "family" experiencing community wherever they go and that they are not stepping away from our community by experiencing it elsewhere. That goes for people in birmingham and outside as well.
Of course, you can always take it too far and there's a danger of stretching yourself too thin to the point that you are not really known because you're too busy being "vulnerable" to many people that you somehow escape the scary vulnerability of letting others challenge and confront you. I hope that God helps us find the balance.
PS. I can't get the link to work to find the interview but it's called "The New Monastics" and you'll find it if you search for it in the archives, I think.
That Deluxe Apartment in the Sky?
So... a friend of a friend offered to turn thirtytravelers.blogspot.com into thirtytravelers.com for free... This would still be up & running, all of our former posts would be duplicated on the new site, and our own domain would be a blog through WordPress, so we'd get some sweet new layout options too. Anyone opposed? The only downside I can see is that we'd have one advertisement running down the side (he just moved mine, if you want to see what it'll look like), but I figure, hey, let's move on up to the East Side.
Thoughts? Objections? Concerns?
Thoughts? Objections? Concerns?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
the proud family
yeah, jamie!
there are so many things to celebrate within our little extended family. therefore, i would like to present this photo. i think it really enhances the experience if you look at this while listening to pat become famous. maybe we should sell autographed black & white glossies?
i love you guys!
there are so many things to celebrate within our little extended family. therefore, i would like to present this photo. i think it really enhances the experience if you look at this while listening to pat become famous. maybe we should sell autographed black & white glossies?
i love you guys!
Can I just be proud?
Hey dudes and dudettes!
Sometimes I want to post. It's true. Mostly not, but every now and then my mind remembers this little virtual nook of community that we've created and I want to add a little to it. Anyhow, I haven't really wanted to post within the past 3 months.
This has been my life:
August 5th, 2008- take NCLEX
August 7th, 2008- discover that I fail NCLEX
September 2nd, 2008- begin orientation for a job I'm not jazzed about (Patient Care Technician)
September 2nd-October 26th, 2008- 12 hours shifts mixed with days of studying to retake NCLEX
Now, of course, there's been more to the past 3 months than just that (moving into a house with an amazing bunch of girls, a trip to Chicago, joining a bookclub, getting involved at a new church and community group, my birthday, the movie Wall-E, etc.), but I had a hard time being joyful through it all and admittedly let the situation get the best of me every now and then. So, it's of course easy to say now that I'm on the other side of things, (I just found out I passed! WOOHOO!) but towards the end of this whole deal, I was starting to understand more about God and how awesome He is...which is part of the whole deal right...part of every deal I suppose.
I think I learned three things (perfect for a three point sermon...if only I were a man, dang it.) My disposition and attitude is governed, I mean GOVERENED by situations. I now have more willingness to dig into what Paul means when he says that whatever situation he's in, he has learned to be content. That amazes me. What amazes me even more is reflecting on the opportunities I had while working in the hospital, just not in the position I wanted. I had countless opportunities to sit with patients. This entails calling into work at 5:45 in the morning to discover that I will be spending my entire 12 hour shift sitting with a patient in their room. This is typically required for 2 reasons: a patient is confused and trying to climb out of bed or pulling out feeding tubes or ivs, so i'm there to re-orient the patient, OR the patient is on suicide precautions and I'm there to make sure the patient doesn't try to harm themself. Most "sitting" days were spent studying while the patient slept quietly or just had no desire to converse with me, but there were a few gems in there that made the whole journey worth it. There were conversations with women my own age who wanted to end there lives. There was hearing the sorrows of a woman who's son had suffered a gun shot wound that forever altered his personality and quality of life. There was the opportunity to pray with a woman who just couldn't stand the thought of anymore pain. The kicker is that there was so so so much more...most of which I probably wont remember. I am late in the game to realize the opportunities God gave me, most of which provided healing for me, but I'm in the game nonetheless. Today, before I looked at the results of this silly exam that has been my waking thought every morning, I was able to say and really mean that whatever happens, God knows better than I ever will, just what I need. Hopefully next time I'll be able to glean the goodness a little earlier.
I dunno if that was actually three points so I'll close with three:
1. You all are awesome thanks for your prayers and encouragement.
2. Learn to listen to people, most have amazing stories to tell and I think crave vulnerability more than we often realize.
3. Go see Wall-E at the dollar theater or rent it/buy it upon it's release on DVD. So good. Kris and Candis, I'll work on getting it to you guys.
Love.
Sometimes I want to post. It's true. Mostly not, but every now and then my mind remembers this little virtual nook of community that we've created and I want to add a little to it. Anyhow, I haven't really wanted to post within the past 3 months.
This has been my life:
August 5th, 2008- take NCLEX
August 7th, 2008- discover that I fail NCLEX
September 2nd, 2008- begin orientation for a job I'm not jazzed about (Patient Care Technician)
September 2nd-October 26th, 2008- 12 hours shifts mixed with days of studying to retake NCLEX
Now, of course, there's been more to the past 3 months than just that (moving into a house with an amazing bunch of girls, a trip to Chicago, joining a bookclub, getting involved at a new church and community group, my birthday, the movie Wall-E, etc.), but I had a hard time being joyful through it all and admittedly let the situation get the best of me every now and then. So, it's of course easy to say now that I'm on the other side of things, (I just found out I passed! WOOHOO!) but towards the end of this whole deal, I was starting to understand more about God and how awesome He is...which is part of the whole deal right...part of every deal I suppose.
I think I learned three things (perfect for a three point sermon...if only I were a man, dang it.) My disposition and attitude is governed, I mean GOVERENED by situations. I now have more willingness to dig into what Paul means when he says that whatever situation he's in, he has learned to be content. That amazes me. What amazes me even more is reflecting on the opportunities I had while working in the hospital, just not in the position I wanted. I had countless opportunities to sit with patients. This entails calling into work at 5:45 in the morning to discover that I will be spending my entire 12 hour shift sitting with a patient in their room. This is typically required for 2 reasons: a patient is confused and trying to climb out of bed or pulling out feeding tubes or ivs, so i'm there to re-orient the patient, OR the patient is on suicide precautions and I'm there to make sure the patient doesn't try to harm themself. Most "sitting" days were spent studying while the patient slept quietly or just had no desire to converse with me, but there were a few gems in there that made the whole journey worth it. There were conversations with women my own age who wanted to end there lives. There was hearing the sorrows of a woman who's son had suffered a gun shot wound that forever altered his personality and quality of life. There was the opportunity to pray with a woman who just couldn't stand the thought of anymore pain. The kicker is that there was so so so much more...most of which I probably wont remember. I am late in the game to realize the opportunities God gave me, most of which provided healing for me, but I'm in the game nonetheless. Today, before I looked at the results of this silly exam that has been my waking thought every morning, I was able to say and really mean that whatever happens, God knows better than I ever will, just what I need. Hopefully next time I'll be able to glean the goodness a little earlier.
I dunno if that was actually three points so I'll close with three:
1. You all are awesome thanks for your prayers and encouragement.
2. Learn to listen to people, most have amazing stories to tell and I think crave vulnerability more than we often realize.
3. Go see Wall-E at the dollar theater or rent it/buy it upon it's release on DVD. So good. Kris and Candis, I'll work on getting it to you guys.
Love.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
like a proud father
listen to this excerpt of one of our very own strutting his stuff on the national public radio. in one insightful swoop he got more play than carole francisco in her blockbuster "firestarter". click here to associate yourself with his beauty:
Two Exodus Worldviews
Hey guys, I found this article that is relatively nonpartisan in describing the reasons that Democrats fundamentally disagree with Republicans on the role of government. Both of these views can be seen as Exodus stories. One is focused on the Exodus of America from the tyranny of monarchial England and the other focuses on the Exodus of americans experiencing the hardships of social oppression. The author does a good job of describing how these worldviews came about and the dangers of each.
Here's the link.
I want to know what you think because I connect with both worldviews. Is this too simplistic?
In other news:
Thank you jamie for not reading for book club and instead cooking an awesome meal.
Matt, I hope your continued in depth study of NSYNC songs continues to go well. I suggest learning "Yo Te Voy A Amar" known in english as "This I Promise You". It's a keeper.
Here's the link.
I want to know what you think because I connect with both worldviews. Is this too simplistic?
In other news:
Thank you jamie for not reading for book club and instead cooking an awesome meal.
Matt, I hope your continued in depth study of NSYNC songs continues to go well. I suggest learning "Yo Te Voy A Amar" known in english as "This I Promise You". It's a keeper.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Hooray for democracy!
Hooray for democracy!
Hooray for democratically-elected judges you know nothing about running for jobs you don't understand!
Hooray for voting against every incumbent Jefferson County Commissioner from now until we pay off our $3.2 Billion debt. (For more hurrahs, see here)
If you're lucky enough to live in Alabama and also vote in Alabama, AL.com has a handy Voter's Guide to help you decide how to vote in those tricky local elections. So, now you have no excuse for making fun patterns down the page. Sorry.
Hooray for democratically-elected judges you know nothing about running for jobs you don't understand!
Hooray for voting against every incumbent Jefferson County Commissioner from now until we pay off our $3.2 Billion debt. (For more hurrahs, see here)
If you're lucky enough to live in Alabama and also vote in Alabama, AL.com has a handy Voter's Guide to help you decide how to vote in those tricky local elections. So, now you have no excuse for making fun patterns down the page. Sorry.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Brian, this one's for you.
from GOOD Magazine (good.is/blog) "Marie Curie had a dance party and all these fun atoms came. Too bad she invited H2O and Potassium. They had an explosive reaction."
"P.S. Can you imagine the U.S. government producing something this awesome. Leave it to the E.U."
"P.S. Can you imagine the U.S. government producing something this awesome. Leave it to the E.U."
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tripe: So Tasty!
Concerts...haven't been to many in my lifetime. Point of Grace was my first (way back in 2nd grade). I think Ryan Adams was my last (Oct 2008...a little disappointing). so moving on to something i've had more experience with...
For those of you that ventured to Italy back in 2007 you might remember we had a surprise dish a few nights consisting of tripe....aka stomach. When most of the gang realized what they were eating they abruptly stopped. I, on the other hand, found it somewhat tasty. A little chewy, yes, but tasty. I might have even eaten more than one bowl of tripe...
Tonight my tennis match with a friend from China was rained out so she suggested we cook. Now, my Chinese friends love their food. (actually, everyone here loves their food. they really eat about 5 meals a day and whenever you visit a city they tell you all the foods you need to try there) Back to my Chinese friends. They've already given me pig's brain, pig's ear (crunchy cartilage), and pig's tongue to eat. They're always telling me the best place to eat cat satae and dog meat in China. Maybe I'll try that one day... But tonight my friend opened up her fridge and pulled out beef and tripe. I actually got excited when I saw the tripe (not because I wanted to eat it but because it reminded me of Italy and all yall). I was secretly hoping for beef (because it's kinda a scarcity around here...people eat chicken all the time here) but she went for the tripe. She cooked it differently this time: instead of noodle-style, it was cut in small pieces and fried with chili peppers. Mmmm, still that chewy taste but not quite as slimy as I remembered. I did learn tonight that the tripe in Italy was probably lamb's stomach (?) but the tripe tonight was cow's. Personal preference: Asia tripe over European tripe
In other news, I recently bought 2 ew gways (turtles). One died shortly after moving to my house. Lexi is still kicking. I wrote a song about my turtles; be expecting to hear it soon.
For those of you that ventured to Italy back in 2007 you might remember we had a surprise dish a few nights consisting of tripe....aka stomach. When most of the gang realized what they were eating they abruptly stopped. I, on the other hand, found it somewhat tasty. A little chewy, yes, but tasty. I might have even eaten more than one bowl of tripe...
Tonight my tennis match with a friend from China was rained out so she suggested we cook. Now, my Chinese friends love their food. (actually, everyone here loves their food. they really eat about 5 meals a day and whenever you visit a city they tell you all the foods you need to try there) Back to my Chinese friends. They've already given me pig's brain, pig's ear (crunchy cartilage), and pig's tongue to eat. They're always telling me the best place to eat cat satae and dog meat in China. Maybe I'll try that one day... But tonight my friend opened up her fridge and pulled out beef and tripe. I actually got excited when I saw the tripe (not because I wanted to eat it but because it reminded me of Italy and all yall). I was secretly hoping for beef (because it's kinda a scarcity around here...people eat chicken all the time here) but she went for the tripe. She cooked it differently this time: instead of noodle-style, it was cut in small pieces and fried with chili peppers. Mmmm, still that chewy taste but not quite as slimy as I remembered. I did learn tonight that the tripe in Italy was probably lamb's stomach (?) but the tripe tonight was cow's. Personal preference: Asia tripe over European tripe
In other news, I recently bought 2 ew gways (turtles). One died shortly after moving to my house. Lexi is still kicking. I wrote a song about my turtles; be expecting to hear it soon.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Lem Lem
From Kristen:
Continuing with the concert theme… I don't go to concerts. But if the
powers that be were ever to let Teddy Afro out of prison, you can bet
your sweet bippy that I'd be there in a heartbeat. It would be the
concert of the new millennium and would automatically trump anything
Pat and Matt currently feel the need to brag about. If you have the
time, you really should check out Teddy's most popular song- I think
called Abay. It's masterful. Especially the special effects- who
doesn't like a resounding gong at the beginning of their songs? He
really knows how to stick it to the man… which may have landed him in
his current predicament.
In other news- it has been confirmed that I will be in Birmingham Dec
30th thru Jan 5th. Don't worry… that's only 83 days from now. Not that
I'm counting. I vote we eat sushi. There are three reasons for this:
1. The best way to guarantee the Remington's attendance is to bribe
them with Surin.
2. It's good to make Aaron eat food he doesn't like.
3. I need sushi.
I would try to express how excited I am… but I don't really know how.
I guess I miss you guys a little. See you soon!
Continuing with the concert theme… I don't go to concerts. But if the
powers that be were ever to let Teddy Afro out of prison, you can bet
your sweet bippy that I'd be there in a heartbeat. It would be the
concert of the new millennium and would automatically trump anything
Pat and Matt currently feel the need to brag about. If you have the
time, you really should check out Teddy's most popular song- I think
called Abay. It's masterful. Especially the special effects- who
doesn't like a resounding gong at the beginning of their songs? He
really knows how to stick it to the man… which may have landed him in
his current predicament.
In other news- it has been confirmed that I will be in Birmingham Dec
30th thru Jan 5th. Don't worry… that's only 83 days from now. Not that
I'm counting. I vote we eat sushi. There are three reasons for this:
1. The best way to guarantee the Remington's attendance is to bribe
them with Surin.
2. It's good to make Aaron eat food he doesn't like.
3. I need sushi.
I would try to express how excited I am… but I don't really know how.
I guess I miss you guys a little. See you soon!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Best Concerts, Part Two
As a continuation of Patrick's previous post (with due appreciation given to Elaine's simultaneously terrifying & hilarious post), here are my five favorite concerts & honorable mentions:
Nickel Creek, Wright Center, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, 10/25/2003. Just an indescribable display of artistic fortitude. Highlight: I, along with the rest of the entire audience, was lulled to sleep by a song they introduced, "She Can't Complain," and then they exploded into beauty. And for the encore... 3 Elliott Smith songs. Wow.
Elton John, Gaylord Entertainment Center, Nashville, TN, 9/30/2005. Patrick, Sarah Murray, Three Hours of Glory, and I. I was growing upset when he played 8 songs off his new album to open... then he played for two more hours.
Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL 2/24/2007. First date with Erin & the greatest guitar player I've ever seen. So much fun. I've never felt such an energy coming from the stage.
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL, 10/28/2007. If you EVER get the chance to see Ben Harper, go. If you don't like him, I'll personally refund your money. Perfect concert to follow our Ryan Adam's debacle. Not only was he the most gracious musician I've ever seen, he played the lap-steel like a fiend, played beautiful piano, and sang a capella and filled the Alabama Theatre.
Bright Eyes/Feist/The Magic Numbers/Gillian Welch w/David Rawlings, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 11/14/2005. Pre-Cassadega Bright Eyes (when he still drank himself stupid every show) was incredible, plus I heard Feist & Gillian Welch for the first time.
Josh Ritter & Ingrid Michaelson, BottleTree Cafe, Birmingham, AL, 5/4/2008. Ritter was, as I've said before, the smilingest man I ever did saw. So enjoyable. Plus he told me the story behind "The Temptation of Adam" after the show.
Fleet Foxes & Frank Fairfield, BottleTree Cafe, Birmingham, AL, 9/29/2008. The Fleet Foxes were near-perfect. Frank Fairfield was born 3/4 of a century too late.
Sufjan Stevens & My Brightest Diamond, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 9/11/2006. Pat's number one... Great show. I closed my eyes & got lost in "Jacksonville." Later I closed my eyes in embarrasment as Pat put on his John Wayne Gacy mask.
Guster & Graham Colton, Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA, 3/05/04. Guster is so goofy & high energy. How can you beat ping-pong balls & strobe lights to "The Airport Song"?
John Mayer, On the Bricks, Atlanta, GA 05/24/02. Say what you will, he is one of the greatest performers on the planet. If only he hadn't gotten so popular, I could afford to go see him again.
Man Man & Yeasayer, Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL, 05/02/2008. I went with a ninth-grader to see two psychadelic bands. Great. Man Man was just hilarious. Totally bizarre. They wore masks; everyone played percussion; they wore facepaint & threw things at each other throughout the show; and, lastly, they randomly yelled throughout their songs...
Jump Little Children, Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL, 9/28/2005. As far as I can tell, this was Jump's last show. Terribly sad. And it was my 21st birthday. Thank you Josh Bradford.
The Favorites (in no particular order)
Nickel Creek, Wright Center, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, 10/25/2003. Just an indescribable display of artistic fortitude. Highlight: I, along with the rest of the entire audience, was lulled to sleep by a song they introduced, "She Can't Complain," and then they exploded into beauty. And for the encore... 3 Elliott Smith songs. Wow.
Elton John, Gaylord Entertainment Center, Nashville, TN, 9/30/2005. Patrick, Sarah Murray, Three Hours of Glory, and I. I was growing upset when he played 8 songs off his new album to open... then he played for two more hours.
Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL 2/24/2007. First date with Erin & the greatest guitar player I've ever seen. So much fun. I've never felt such an energy coming from the stage.
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL, 10/28/2007. If you EVER get the chance to see Ben Harper, go. If you don't like him, I'll personally refund your money. Perfect concert to follow our Ryan Adam's debacle. Not only was he the most gracious musician I've ever seen, he played the lap-steel like a fiend, played beautiful piano, and sang a capella and filled the Alabama Theatre.
Bright Eyes/Feist/The Magic Numbers/Gillian Welch w/David Rawlings, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 11/14/2005. Pre-Cassadega Bright Eyes (when he still drank himself stupid every show) was incredible, plus I heard Feist & Gillian Welch for the first time.
Honorable Mentions
Josh Ritter & Ingrid Michaelson, BottleTree Cafe, Birmingham, AL, 5/4/2008. Ritter was, as I've said before, the smilingest man I ever did saw. So enjoyable. Plus he told me the story behind "The Temptation of Adam" after the show.
Fleet Foxes & Frank Fairfield, BottleTree Cafe, Birmingham, AL, 9/29/2008. The Fleet Foxes were near-perfect. Frank Fairfield was born 3/4 of a century too late.
Sufjan Stevens & My Brightest Diamond, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 9/11/2006. Pat's number one... Great show. I closed my eyes & got lost in "Jacksonville." Later I closed my eyes in embarrasment as Pat put on his John Wayne Gacy mask.
Guster & Graham Colton, Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA, 3/05/04. Guster is so goofy & high energy. How can you beat ping-pong balls & strobe lights to "The Airport Song"?
John Mayer, On the Bricks, Atlanta, GA 05/24/02. Say what you will, he is one of the greatest performers on the planet. If only he hadn't gotten so popular, I could afford to go see him again.
Man Man & Yeasayer, Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL, 05/02/2008. I went with a ninth-grader to see two psychadelic bands. Great. Man Man was just hilarious. Totally bizarre. They wore masks; everyone played percussion; they wore facepaint & threw things at each other throughout the show; and, lastly, they randomly yelled throughout their songs...
Jump Little Children, Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL, 9/28/2005. As far as I can tell, this was Jump's last show. Terribly sad. And it was my 21st birthday. Thank you Josh Bradford.
Real life is funnier than SNL
I saw this unfortunate series of video clips on a friend's blog, and I just had to share. I added in another clip of Palin explaining to Couric that she reads ALL printed media, which being a mother of 5 and a vice presidential candidate is quite a feat of time and space. It's sort of hard to believe this is real, but it is. Half of me feels bad for her (and for the women she represents, aka all of us), half of me is laughing. Amused and a little baffled or terrified that she's "a heartbeat away," as they say. what do you think?
and, just for old times sake...
and, just for old times sake...
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