There are many kinds of people and we can be described in many ways with many many interconnected descriptions, there are two specific descriptions I am currently thinking of.
Contemplative and Pragmatic.
These two are not opposites, nor are thy thorough descriptions but this is the thought I had.
There are monks who spend years learning to pray. Prayer is important and personally something I struggle with, the idea of stilling the mind and allowing the Spirit to come upon me. I do however appriciate contemplative prayer. I also appriciate a church service that helps me settle my mind to be able to pray contemplativly. A prayer that is not necissarily focused on things or people but more on a relationship with God in heaven. I spent my last year in seminary working on this aspect of prayer, it wasn't intercessory nor was it problem based, it was reliationship based. Part of it was simply about time and about focus, was I willing to give God the tired part of my day. I would attened different services in town that provided a high church atmosphere. It is important for a Christian whether he is a leader or not to be able to settle the mind and set in relationship with God.
There is also the pragmatic. Equally important. The pragmatic is out in the neighborhood and visible. The pragmatic is always taking requests and always praying for people and things. The pragmatic service is exciting and "spirit filled." It is a place where people can stand up and raise their hands and not worry about eyes on them or how people respond. It is very lively and when we leave the service we might say things like "We had church today."
Both functions can be communial, a group of monks can sit somberly and pray together, and by way of testimony both can be used to contemplate the goodness of God. But I think there is a fullness is being able to interchange between the two.
Have you silently let your heart be still and embraced God like Elijah? Have you praised the Lord in full spirit like Saul?
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Changing the world, one feeling at a time
I have been reading a theory by a guy named Murrey Bowen, his idea is called "Family Systems." The basic premise is that each family system has anxiety, and the way we manage that anxiety relates to the level of differentiation of each member of the family. As a whole it is not individualistic, however is a system made up by people who are individuals. One basic contention is that we cannot change the way our family interracts. but only the way we interact within the family system. We then best effect the system by paying attention to our own emotional reactivity, not ignoring our emotions but acknowledging them then choosing to respond from a principled stand as opposed to our own emotional reactivity. I react to people more often than interact with them. I can respond either abusivly or passive aggressivly because I am reacting to my own emotions. Someone might call me and tell me they are angry because of something I said, my first inclination is to defend what I said instead of listening to why they are angry. If I truly listen to what they say I might realize something I had done might have been insensative or impropper. I might also realize they may have misunderstood what I am saying either because they didn't want to hear or I was unclear, or both. Of course in that situation there were probably many instances where I didn't want to hear and misunderstood someone else. Often in that case I don't respond until later, I will let my anxiety settle and then choose how I am going to respond, if I am not emotionally reacive.
But in no way is this individualistic. People, especially children act out many different roles in a family, saint, mascott, problem child, good kid, etc... However to change the system parents can get more in touch with themselves ie. their realtionship with their own parents, either living or dead. Another way sympoms manifest in a sytem is physically, through sickness, lets say I grew up sick and when I quit being sick someone else became sick, then when they got over it someone else was sick. That turns into a way for the family to focus the anxiety of a system. When the anxiety is focussed on the sick one then it isn't bothering others.
Anyway this is a bad rendition of Bowen but I was thinking about this in a larger situation, lets say the country. The United States is one big system, and a very anxious one at that. How do we repair the anxiety of America? I wonder if Bowen would say work on myself? Do what I can to personally act out of a principle stand, and in doing that others around me might begin to do that, and over a few generations the system has righted itself. All I can do is work on me, I can't fix other people and often when I try to tell other people how to fix things they cuss me out, so why not just focus on me being the best me I can be, meaning, I act not react, I work hard myself, I treat other people with respect... Maybe...
But in no way is this individualistic. People, especially children act out many different roles in a family, saint, mascott, problem child, good kid, etc... However to change the system parents can get more in touch with themselves ie. their realtionship with their own parents, either living or dead. Another way sympoms manifest in a sytem is physically, through sickness, lets say I grew up sick and when I quit being sick someone else became sick, then when they got over it someone else was sick. That turns into a way for the family to focus the anxiety of a system. When the anxiety is focussed on the sick one then it isn't bothering others.
Anyway this is a bad rendition of Bowen but I was thinking about this in a larger situation, lets say the country. The United States is one big system, and a very anxious one at that. How do we repair the anxiety of America? I wonder if Bowen would say work on myself? Do what I can to personally act out of a principle stand, and in doing that others around me might begin to do that, and over a few generations the system has righted itself. All I can do is work on me, I can't fix other people and often when I try to tell other people how to fix things they cuss me out, so why not just focus on me being the best me I can be, meaning, I act not react, I work hard myself, I treat other people with respect... Maybe...
Friday, July 07, 2006
Death wears blue
I deal with death a good deal. Today I was walking through a floor with two other chaplain and one chaplain said to me, "I wonder what people think happened that three chaplains are together on one floor." I had never been to a hospital with a chaplain before I started working at one as a chaplain, but people know us here, they know our color and they know our faces. We walk hand in hand with death and stand at the chasm between now and evermore for many people. You have never lived until you walk a hallway with a family that has been waiting to identify a loved one for an hour while the body is cleaned, or seen the look of hope in the eyes of old men when you know the truth but aren't allowed to tell them. Well maybe you have lived, and maybe its ok to never experience these things. These are the things I hate about my job. I had to answer a call at Methodist North one night and when I got out of my car in my blue coat a man on the side of the road asked, "Who died." To those who do not know and are still filled with hope we can be banshees, to those who know and don't have the strength angels... And if we aren't careful... we become calloused and cold. We deal with death so much we were asked to write letters to death and then we gathered together in one place and read them to one another. My letter is personal but nothing I am ashamed of so I post it for any who are interested, blanking out no names and making no apologies.
God Bless
Justin
Dear Death,
It is because of you I keep from wasting away. I could sit in my chair and rot, I could do nothing, never reaching out, and never living in my community. I think without you I would never love and without you I would never know love. I stood in the room with you one night waiting. Waiting for the moment of expiration. As his breath became thin, as his blood pressure dropped you stood their waiting, ever so patiently, thinking if not now, later.
Death, I know that you will have your way with us, I know that you will come for my family one by one and then one day you will come for me. But in that instant while you stood their and waited I watched a wife and mother hold her lovers hand and it made me see where I stand, and that I stand alone. You drive me death to desire to act yet I stand ever watching ever waiting, you hang over my shoulder warning me of some inevitable time when we shall walk hand in hand to the boatman at the River Styx.
When you come Death I hope to be able to sing my history, when I was seventeen, when I was 21 and so on, and I hope like the singer sung to have no regret but to know that I truly lived. More than you I fear regret, to stand before God and regret the chances I didn’t take and the love I never found.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t take. I remember when I was young you took my Uncle Jim then later you took my Uncle Bud. I cried for both men, I cried because there was no longer a place in my life to talk with them, never again would I ride through the hills of West Virginia in Jim’s Jeep, or talk theology with my Uncle Bud. I wish I knew your response when I cried, and your facial expressions during my sobs.
After a night of visiting your sites over and over again, I am weary. I am physically weary but more of the soul. I am tired and restless. My heart sleeps but my body lies awake with the faces of the dead, the slack jaw and the half open eyes. Sometimes it is like any moment their chest will spasm and their lungs cry out for Oxygen. I still have burned in my mind the girl who died by the train. Her face still and silent her body cocooned in a bag. The walk for identification was an eerie sound, the sound of heels hitting the floor in a silent building. The long walk lead by the man in blue…
I tried to approach a woman on my hall and she fled from me like we all flee from you, as if I were death myself. Sometimes it feels as if I carry your scythe and wear your mask. I am associated to you, yet I don’t take life. I am full of holes, holes of the men in my life who have gone before, holes of the ones I have seen. I don’t hate you, but I feel a little emptier every time I see your work. When I am gone you will still walk the Earth, long after even. Eternity is in the hearts of men, but death is eternal.
Sincerely
Justin
God Bless
Justin
Dear Death,
It is because of you I keep from wasting away. I could sit in my chair and rot, I could do nothing, never reaching out, and never living in my community. I think without you I would never love and without you I would never know love. I stood in the room with you one night waiting. Waiting for the moment of expiration. As his breath became thin, as his blood pressure dropped you stood their waiting, ever so patiently, thinking if not now, later.
Death, I know that you will have your way with us, I know that you will come for my family one by one and then one day you will come for me. But in that instant while you stood their and waited I watched a wife and mother hold her lovers hand and it made me see where I stand, and that I stand alone. You drive me death to desire to act yet I stand ever watching ever waiting, you hang over my shoulder warning me of some inevitable time when we shall walk hand in hand to the boatman at the River Styx.
When you come Death I hope to be able to sing my history, when I was seventeen, when I was 21 and so on, and I hope like the singer sung to have no regret but to know that I truly lived. More than you I fear regret, to stand before God and regret the chances I didn’t take and the love I never found.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t take. I remember when I was young you took my Uncle Jim then later you took my Uncle Bud. I cried for both men, I cried because there was no longer a place in my life to talk with them, never again would I ride through the hills of West Virginia in Jim’s Jeep, or talk theology with my Uncle Bud. I wish I knew your response when I cried, and your facial expressions during my sobs.
After a night of visiting your sites over and over again, I am weary. I am physically weary but more of the soul. I am tired and restless. My heart sleeps but my body lies awake with the faces of the dead, the slack jaw and the half open eyes. Sometimes it is like any moment their chest will spasm and their lungs cry out for Oxygen. I still have burned in my mind the girl who died by the train. Her face still and silent her body cocooned in a bag. The walk for identification was an eerie sound, the sound of heels hitting the floor in a silent building. The long walk lead by the man in blue…
I tried to approach a woman on my hall and she fled from me like we all flee from you, as if I were death myself. Sometimes it feels as if I carry your scythe and wear your mask. I am associated to you, yet I don’t take life. I am full of holes, holes of the men in my life who have gone before, holes of the ones I have seen. I don’t hate you, but I feel a little emptier every time I see your work. When I am gone you will still walk the Earth, long after even. Eternity is in the hearts of men, but death is eternal.
Sincerely
Justin
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Hail to the beeper
I never thought I would be important enough to wear a beeper, it is funny two days ago I had three on. Tonight, I have two. I have one pager that is specific to me, and the other is a general pager that the on-call chaplain carries. So when people need a chaplain at any hour of the night, they can page one, we have a chaplain on duty 24 hours a day at Methodist Hospital in Memphis. The exiciting part about being on call is that I never know what is comming, they tell us, "Eat when your hungry , sleep when you can, because you might get called at any time."
Last time I was on-call there were three death notifications, and various other things that weren't incredibly fun to help with. We see a lot of death working in the hospital, go figure, right... To help deal with this, we have been directed to write a letter to Death. The chaplains will all get together on Friday and read each other the letters. Thing is, I don't know what to say.
Dear Death,
How are you, how's your mom, remember years ago when we used to hang out, you know before they called you Death and you were just Communicable Disease?
I am curious, how do you hold your head when you deal with crossing the river styx?
Last time I was on-call there were three death notifications, and various other things that weren't incredibly fun to help with. We see a lot of death working in the hospital, go figure, right... To help deal with this, we have been directed to write a letter to Death. The chaplains will all get together on Friday and read each other the letters. Thing is, I don't know what to say.
Dear Death,
How are you, how's your mom, remember years ago when we used to hang out, you know before they called you Death and you were just Communicable Disease?
I am curious, how do you hold your head when you deal with crossing the river styx?
Friday, June 16, 2006
Theology and Fire
I have a few minutes so I figured I would post again.
I am a chaplain on call until 5:00 it is 20 after 4. I am hoping that nothing happens between now and then, the thing is we never know. A chaplain gets called at every death in the methodist hospitals, we arrive and say, "hello I am the chaplain and I am here to help you in anyway I can." I have only been on one actual death call but have been called to three. The other two were during the day when another chaplain took the call (I know it is confusing but just trust me). The one I did go to I wasn't actually on call, just riding along for the experience, it was the hardest thing I have ever done.
I think alot on what it means to be a hospital chaplain but more who I am as a hospital chaplain. I have been here three weeks and talked to over 150 people. Some of them are in great moods, some of them pretend to be in great moods, and some are in horrible moods. I remember standing in a tragety once thinking, "there is nothing to say right now, there is no word I can give to give meaning to this occurance." I wonder at those times if the seminary training was all bullshit. Currently I don't think so. The seminary training gave me an underlying theology to consider life through, now my theology, ever changing is being tested in fire. Now that I think about it, it doesn't shock me that people who just lost a daughter, sister, grandaughter, niece, cousin, or friend care nothing about the exegesis of Romans 8:28. More than that they may be weeping and wailing to God, "Why, God oh why," but they really aren't looking for an answer, at least not in this case. Fire... hmm...
I am a chaplain on call until 5:00 it is 20 after 4. I am hoping that nothing happens between now and then, the thing is we never know. A chaplain gets called at every death in the methodist hospitals, we arrive and say, "hello I am the chaplain and I am here to help you in anyway I can." I have only been on one actual death call but have been called to three. The other two were during the day when another chaplain took the call (I know it is confusing but just trust me). The one I did go to I wasn't actually on call, just riding along for the experience, it was the hardest thing I have ever done.
I think alot on what it means to be a hospital chaplain but more who I am as a hospital chaplain. I have been here three weeks and talked to over 150 people. Some of them are in great moods, some of them pretend to be in great moods, and some are in horrible moods. I remember standing in a tragety once thinking, "there is nothing to say right now, there is no word I can give to give meaning to this occurance." I wonder at those times if the seminary training was all bullshit. Currently I don't think so. The seminary training gave me an underlying theology to consider life through, now my theology, ever changing is being tested in fire. Now that I think about it, it doesn't shock me that people who just lost a daughter, sister, grandaughter, niece, cousin, or friend care nothing about the exegesis of Romans 8:28. More than that they may be weeping and wailing to God, "Why, God oh why," but they really aren't looking for an answer, at least not in this case. Fire... hmm...
quick note
Just a real quick note:
I am sorry to have let my blogging slip so much, I have a lot to tell everyone but I have been so busy I just don't have time. I love my job, it is so great to enjoy getting up in the morning because I know I will be going to work. I am currently a hospital chaplain if anyone is curious or haven't read it somewhere else. It is a neat job sometimes and a horrible job others, depending on what is going on.
I am sorry to have let my blogging slip so much, I have a lot to tell everyone but I have been so busy I just don't have time. I love my job, it is so great to enjoy getting up in the morning because I know I will be going to work. I am currently a hospital chaplain if anyone is curious or haven't read it somewhere else. It is a neat job sometimes and a horrible job others, depending on what is going on.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Chapel to Chaplain
So I no longer go to chapel five days a week (which is sad, because I liked chapel) however five days a week and sometimes Sunday I will work as a Hospital Chaplain at Methodist Lebonner in Memphis. The neat thing is I get a cool blue labcoat, I will post a picture when I get my coat, I have seen though that it will be very difficult work. Everyone tells me the first month is the worst, I asked the chaplain on call last night if it ever gets easier, she said, "easier no, but better."
The newest leg of my journey should be exciting. Keep me in your prayers.
God Bless
Justin
The newest leg of my journey should be exciting. Keep me in your prayers.
God Bless
Justin
Friday, May 26, 2006
Movin on up...
So I moved most of my worldly belongings to an apartment in Midtown on Wednesday. Now it is Friday and I am moving the little things (which really add up) you know the things I need to actually live there because I have still been living at my apartment at the graduate school. For days I have been telling myself Friday night I will begin to sleep at the new apartment. Well it is Friday and I am experiencing some sadness over this. My apartment on campus has provided me a community of people whom I can always find someone to talk to or go to eat with. It is a Christian place, for the most part, and comfortable. I am used to it and it has been a stable part of my life for four years. What is funny is that I have been a stable part of this campus for four years, I tend to stick out anyway. It is major transition for me.
On Tuesday I will enter into orientation at Methodist Hospitial in Memphis. I will be a hospital chaplin, for at least a year. So from Graduation to this point I have been taking a bit of a break.
Anyway God speed.
On Tuesday I will enter into orientation at Methodist Hospitial in Memphis. I will be a hospital chaplin, for at least a year. So from Graduation to this point I have been taking a bit of a break.
Anyway God speed.
Monday, May 22, 2006
 | You scored as Christianity. Your views are most similar to those of Christianity. Do more research on Christianity and possibly consider being baptized and accepting Jesus, if you aren't already Christian. Christianity is the second of the Abrahamic faiths; it follows Judaism and is followed by Islam. It differs in its belief of Jesus, as not a prophet nor historical figure, but as God in human form. The Holy Trinity is the concept that God takes three forms: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (sometimes called Holy Spirit). Jesus taught the idea of instead of seeking revenge, one should love his or her neighbors and enemies. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to save humankind and forgive people's sins.
Which religion is the right one for you? (new version) created with QuizFarm.com |
Check this out, things like these are intersting, what is most intersting is the set of questions they use to pick out certain things. What is also interesting is where I fall right under Christianity, Buddhism. Ha, that is so cool.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Last to leave
For the last 9 years I have been living in a school setting, four and half for college and four and a half for my MDiv (I know that sounds long but it is 84 hours). One neat thing about this setting is meeting Christians from all over the country and often the world. The bad thing about it is that at some point everyone leaves. And while I revel in the folks that are going to stay in Memphis like me and the friends I have made who are not associated to my school there is still the problem of saying goodbye.
I am not very good at it, of course who is? I have a special goodbye I have to do today and I have been putting it off as long as I can. Mostly because I don't know what to say to the friend who has been here almost as long as I have and has helped carry me through many hard times. The thing that really sucks is that as much as I like to think that I will probably see them again it will never be what it is now again. That was the hard thing about graduating from Harding Undergrad and that is the hard thing here.
From this point where people leave I would like to believe they will always be the same people they were when they left. Yet, the world does not revolve around me, and they will change they will grow, as will I. The next time I see them they will probably resemble the people I knew, and after that they will be different people who for moments I will recognize and talk about the old days. But that is the problem with whole people who change... they will be good ole days that we discuss, but they will have many more with many different friends. Whole people never stop racking up good ole days because not only are the old days good but often so is the present and such will be the future. Oh yes, times will be difficult but how long then will it be to be reminded that time makes those days not just old but also good. I look back on the days and months I stuggled and refer to them as good ole days, not beacuse I enjoyed them, but because of the benefits I reaped in relation to them.
My feeling are epitomized not only by these words (for words can only point to emotions) but also by the tune that carries them. In this song by Arlo Guthree there are many words that don't yet match my story in that time I rely on the music. The music then carries the emotion, but still just points to it, the emotion is within us. If you have ever been an avid reader of my blog and have never heard this song I recomend you use whatever MP3, I-tunes, buyable music site to download, because you will never understand unless you hear the song behind the words.
Last to Leave
By Arlo Guthrie
Lonely sunshine, days come easy,
Spend my time alone at rest,
And if I were the last to leave here,
Now would these roads be any less?
Oh, I'm the last to leave.
Now would these ribbon highway roads
Be less wonderful to me?
Why must I always be so slow?
Many friends come and go,
You know there's a lot of feelings that I've left behind,
And it's a lonely world, I know,
When your friends are hard to find.
But take the time, my memory fails,
And soak my eyes in the morning rain,
Like a sailor, sailing over Jordan,
On the road back home again.
Oh, I'm the last to leave.
Would these ribbon highway roads
Be less wonderful to me?
Why must I always be so slow?
God Bless, and God speed.
I am not very good at it, of course who is? I have a special goodbye I have to do today and I have been putting it off as long as I can. Mostly because I don't know what to say to the friend who has been here almost as long as I have and has helped carry me through many hard times. The thing that really sucks is that as much as I like to think that I will probably see them again it will never be what it is now again. That was the hard thing about graduating from Harding Undergrad and that is the hard thing here.
From this point where people leave I would like to believe they will always be the same people they were when they left. Yet, the world does not revolve around me, and they will change they will grow, as will I. The next time I see them they will probably resemble the people I knew, and after that they will be different people who for moments I will recognize and talk about the old days. But that is the problem with whole people who change... they will be good ole days that we discuss, but they will have many more with many different friends. Whole people never stop racking up good ole days because not only are the old days good but often so is the present and such will be the future. Oh yes, times will be difficult but how long then will it be to be reminded that time makes those days not just old but also good. I look back on the days and months I stuggled and refer to them as good ole days, not beacuse I enjoyed them, but because of the benefits I reaped in relation to them.
My feeling are epitomized not only by these words (for words can only point to emotions) but also by the tune that carries them. In this song by Arlo Guthree there are many words that don't yet match my story in that time I rely on the music. The music then carries the emotion, but still just points to it, the emotion is within us. If you have ever been an avid reader of my blog and have never heard this song I recomend you use whatever MP3, I-tunes, buyable music site to download, because you will never understand unless you hear the song behind the words.
Last to Leave
By Arlo Guthrie
Lonely sunshine, days come easy,
Spend my time alone at rest,
And if I were the last to leave here,
Now would these roads be any less?
Oh, I'm the last to leave.
Now would these ribbon highway roads
Be less wonderful to me?
Why must I always be so slow?
Many friends come and go,
You know there's a lot of feelings that I've left behind,
And it's a lonely world, I know,
When your friends are hard to find.
But take the time, my memory fails,
And soak my eyes in the morning rain,
Like a sailor, sailing over Jordan,
On the road back home again.
Oh, I'm the last to leave.
Would these ribbon highway roads
Be less wonderful to me?
Why must I always be so slow?
God Bless, and God speed.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
What a long strange trip its been
I suppose it would be nice to put up some pics from Graduation but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I have been very busy, oh btw I have a Masters of Divinity. I think I also had the loudest cheering section at graduation.
My Dad, Mom, bother, sister in law, and niece "Anna" came for the graduation. Anna didn't work well with Memphis weather first off so actually on the day of graduation she and her mother stayed at the hotel.
My parents left for home less than two hours ago, I was so glad they were here, I actually had tears in my eyes when they left. Maybe it is because I am more emotionally stable or because I have just grown up a bit, but I don't know if I would mind living in the same town as my parents any more. I used to try and stay as far away from my family as possible, but now... it took me forever to see how much they cared and continue to care about me.
I came here, to memphis four and a half years ago because I didn't feel that a Bible degree from Harding University undergraduate prepared me for anything. Now I am waiting to hear back from a place in town for a job. I felt that seminary prepared me better for ministry and introduced me to many more options. I don't regret the time I spent here and the money I had to borrow to do it. God moved me here. I had to be here, now I can go unto all the world
God Bless everyone who reads my stuff
Justin McCreary M.Div.
My Dad, Mom, bother, sister in law, and niece "Anna" came for the graduation. Anna didn't work well with Memphis weather first off so actually on the day of graduation she and her mother stayed at the hotel.
My parents left for home less than two hours ago, I was so glad they were here, I actually had tears in my eyes when they left. Maybe it is because I am more emotionally stable or because I have just grown up a bit, but I don't know if I would mind living in the same town as my parents any more. I used to try and stay as far away from my family as possible, but now... it took me forever to see how much they cared and continue to care about me.
I came here, to memphis four and a half years ago because I didn't feel that a Bible degree from Harding University undergraduate prepared me for anything. Now I am waiting to hear back from a place in town for a job. I felt that seminary prepared me better for ministry and introduced me to many more options. I don't regret the time I spent here and the money I had to borrow to do it. God moved me here. I had to be here, now I can go unto all the world
God Bless everyone who reads my stuff
Justin McCreary M.Div.
Monday, May 01, 2006
... and ...done!
You'll all be happy to know, I passed my Bible knowledge exam, it is this test we have to take to graduate seminary. It is basically this test that covers all the stuff seminary professors this we should know about the Bible.
And I turned in my last final yesterday, finished it the day before.
And Sunday morning at 1:00 AM to the song "so long farewell goodbye," by the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, I finished editing my last research paper, "Alexander Campbell's View on Slavery during the Period of the Millennial Harbinger." Emailed it with a final Sunday afternoon.
I will graduate with my Masters of Divinity on Saturday!!!
Now if I just hear one more bit of news I will consider my life on track.
And I turned in my last final yesterday, finished it the day before.
And Sunday morning at 1:00 AM to the song "so long farewell goodbye," by the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, I finished editing my last research paper, "Alexander Campbell's View on Slavery during the Period of the Millennial Harbinger." Emailed it with a final Sunday afternoon.
I will graduate with my Masters of Divinity on Saturday!!!
Now if I just hear one more bit of news I will consider my life on track.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Knockdown Society
Last night, a buddy called me and said "hey Justin, you remember when you told me to tell you when Jimbo is playing in town?"
I said "Yes."
My buddy said, "He's playing tonight at Newby's."
I was like, "dude, I'm there."
What sucked about it was that I had gotten my wires crossed on another social engagement I thought was supposed to be the next day but it was that same night. I felt bad but I ended up going to see Jimbo, the venue was closer and it was music I really wanted to hear.
If you wonder who Jimbo Mathus is, he started a band many some years ago called "The Squirrel Nut Zippers," they are no longer together but they were amazing, so I have been wondering what his stuff was like now.
Jimbo has switched from the 20's and 30's style throwback swing to blues, which makes sense, because he moved to Clarksdale Mississippi (think Delta Blues). I couldn't stay the whole night, I had forgotten my earplugs so my ears were ringing and he didn't start twill 12:30 or 1:00 in the morning. The part of the show I saw kicked... well you know that part of the body that gets kicked when things are awesome.
So I walked away from the night in awe that I had met Jimbo Mathus.
I said "Yes."
My buddy said, "He's playing tonight at Newby's."
I was like, "dude, I'm there."
What sucked about it was that I had gotten my wires crossed on another social engagement I thought was supposed to be the next day but it was that same night. I felt bad but I ended up going to see Jimbo, the venue was closer and it was music I really wanted to hear.
If you wonder who Jimbo Mathus is, he started a band many some years ago called "The Squirrel Nut Zippers," they are no longer together but they were amazing, so I have been wondering what his stuff was like now.
Jimbo has switched from the 20's and 30's style throwback swing to blues, which makes sense, because he moved to Clarksdale Mississippi (think Delta Blues). I couldn't stay the whole night, I had forgotten my earplugs so my ears were ringing and he didn't start twill 12:30 or 1:00 in the morning. The part of the show I saw kicked... well you know that part of the body that gets kicked when things are awesome.
So I walked away from the night in awe that I had met Jimbo Mathus.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
GI Jesus
I try not to often judge the military. For you to really understand my point on this take into account that I am a democrat and oppose voted the non-military direction in the last presidential election (does everyone understand my aloofness?) The reason I try to keep from making moral and ethical decisions on how and to what length a governement can defend iteself is because I don't think Jesus made that distinction with the military. I pull that from his interaction with the Roman centurian, I once heard a military chaplin say that Jesus redily helped a man who was an officer of a millitary that was occupying another country. Jesus' goal was not to comment on the for or against of the military in that instance.
THE PRIOR STATEMENT WAS NOT MY POINT JUST A PATH I HAD TO TAKE TO GET TO MY POINT. So for eveyrone who is on either side of why I am wrong just relax for a minute, I really want to talk about millitary chaplency.
I don't understand the millitary I don't have the stomach or the will to do the things enlisted and officers have to do, but that doesn't mean there isn't work that needs to be done there. On a very small level I might have an iota of understanding what a soldier goes through here or abroad, and those aren't situations I feel like I can minister to.
My friend Josh got swore in today as an officer in the Air Force, planning on going into service as a chaplin. I got to watch him take his oath. I was proud to be there, because I know Josh and understand that he is walking into a different world and am proud of him and all the men who choose to try and be instruments of calm in chaos. Something that always gets me about military chaplins is that they don't carry guns, yet they aren't affraid to step onto the battle field. God Bless and God speed.
Take into account all ye nay sayers before you respond about my either too conservative or libral view on the millitary, I am talking about chaplins, and I would take issue with anyone who has a problem with military chaplency.
Monday, April 10, 2006
The dead shall rise
Easter is a wonderful time. The flowers are blossoming the grass is turning green, even Jesus is rising from the dead. My faith tradition has never been that big into Easter, and with their anabaptist roots I understand why, but I am a big fan of Easter. To me it resembles hope, and it is set in the season of rebirth.
The most wonderful thing about this season, other than Jesus I mean come he is just a given, the reeses peanut butter egg. The funny thing is that the reeses peanut butter egg is better than normal reeses cups. I don't know how that works but it is fact, just like the three main facts about ninja's. So good tidings of comfort and joy comfort and joy, and have an egg, and if you want to send me an Easter gift that isn't money, reeses peanut butter eggs.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Contra?
Anyone who reads my blog avidly knows that about six months ago I started swing dancing. I really enjoy swing, I dance every Wednesday night with a group in Memphis called the Redhotlindyhop, the webpage link is on my links section.
Last night I went to try Contra Dancing. I know what you are thinking:up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, b, a, b, a, select, start; but no not the video game the dance. I was cool, there was this band playing Celtic Music, and everyone got into two lines, and we danced. The style of the dance involves a caller, so there are do-si-do's, Promenade's, and swing's, I heard it once describes as barn dancing on crack. I think I agree, though I don't really know barn dancing nor have I ever done crack. After swing dancing my body is physically tired and sore, but after and during contra I am out of breath, so I figure that the contra dancing is more of an aerobic workout where the swing dancing works the muscles more, regardless it is one of those things where you have to accept that you are going to be covered in sweat and dancing with other people covered in sweat.
As I do more research I will post more on the history of contra, but if you are interested check out the memphis contra dancer's page.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
This is just a test, a vanity test
I am just curious about how many people check or read my blog. If you are reading this I would appriciate it if you left a responce, and said something really really rediculous.
Friday, March 17, 2006
St Patrick
In honor of the day, a word from the man himself:
"The Breast-plate of St. Patrick"
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
through belief in the Threeness,
through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
I arise today through the strength of Christ with His Baptism,
through the strength of His Crucifixion with His Burial
through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
through the strength of His descent for the Judgment of Doom.
I arise today through the strength of the love of Cherubim in obedience of Angels,
in the service of the Archangels,
in hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
in prayers of Patriarchs, in predictions of Prophets,
in preachings of Apostles,
in faiths of Confessors,
in innocence of Holy Virgins,
in deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through the strength of Heaven:
light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendour of Fire, speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea, stability of Earth, firmness of Rock.
I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to secure me:against snares of devils, against temptations of vices,against inclinations of nature, against everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.
I summon today all these powers between me (and these evils):
against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and my soul,
against incantations of false prophets,
against black laws of heathenry,
against false laws of heretics,
against craft of idolatry,against spells of women [any witch] and smiths and wizards,
against every knowledge that endangers man's body and soul.
Christ to protect me today against poison, against burning, against drowning, against wounding, so that there may come abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of Christ.
May Thy Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us
"The Breast-plate of St. Patrick"
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
through belief in the Threeness,
through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
I arise today through the strength of Christ with His Baptism,
through the strength of His Crucifixion with His Burial
through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
through the strength of His descent for the Judgment of Doom.
I arise today through the strength of the love of Cherubim in obedience of Angels,
in the service of the Archangels,
in hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
in prayers of Patriarchs, in predictions of Prophets,
in preachings of Apostles,
in faiths of Confessors,
in innocence of Holy Virgins,
in deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through the strength of Heaven:
light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendour of Fire, speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea, stability of Earth, firmness of Rock.
I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to secure me:against snares of devils, against temptations of vices,against inclinations of nature, against everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.
I summon today all these powers between me (and these evils):
against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and my soul,
against incantations of false prophets,
against black laws of heathenry,
against false laws of heretics,
against craft of idolatry,against spells of women [any witch] and smiths and wizards,
against every knowledge that endangers man's body and soul.
Christ to protect me today against poison, against burning, against drowning, against wounding, so that there may come abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of Christ.
May Thy Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Time for a breakdown
Hey hey hey, back again in full force (as long as full is half full, or half empty depending on how you look at it.
Last week man.. whew it was crazy, I hopped along for a ride from the reformation to the modern church. We studied Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Schleiermacher, Barth, and many many more. It was like a greatest hits album of refomation history. It was exausting but on the bright side I got free coffee out of it all week, a fella brought some starbucks brew and we tosted every class with a "cup a joe" (though through parts of it I wish I had a "shot a jack" [oh no, did he just say that, I think he did, what is wrong with him]) Anyway it was a good class. The picture is from my favorite seat in class, the closest one to the door. In the picture you can see the back of Bobby Valentines head, the profile of John Pittman, and "bringin it" up front DR. Mark Powell.
Saturday evening after a week of class I went to my buddy Nick's wedding, it was cool man, he had cheesecake and all the punch came in moonshine bottles. So I have to say to Nick and Jessie, Heath and Rebecca, Mary and Mike... Congrats...
Sunday all my church brotha's and sista's rolled up inta my crib to for a sunday morning praise party (or church whatever you call it), it was a good time, John Pittman just came back from South Africa so he was talking about his trip and showing us slides, it was a good time.
Well not much humor today just keepin it real yo.
Monday, February 27, 2006
You know there is a lot about me ya'll probably don't know.
1. Did you know how funky I really am?
2. Can you believe I only wear a size 8 shoe
3. A stands for awesome and that is me
4. I made Rainbow Bright, I knew her back in her vigialante days when she was Crossbow Bright.
5. If you'll check your awesome radar I show up, where ever you are
6. I don't have six toes
7. Close only counts in horse shoes and handgredades.
8. If you look up awesome in the dictionary you find this picture.
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