Today brings a rollercoaster of emotions for millions across this great nation. Before us is an ebb and flow tide of joy and anger, frustration and relief. A trying and triumphant unofficial national holiday. Break out the cheap beer and leave work early. The NCAA tournament begins today. Not much more can be said.
As far as my primary bracket goes (who really fills out just one?), my picks feel far “too safe” to even dream of having a bracket as successful as last year’s when I unbelievably finished #1606 of the roughly two million entries on ESPN.com. Time will tell.
For now, a question for the ages. Do I do the unthinkable and clandestinely hope that Clemson actually wins two games for the sake of bracket bragging rights, or do I hope that they lose in the first round, you know, because they’re Clemson. *Shudder*
Final 4 Picks
UNC
Kansas
Texas
UCLA (eventual champion)
Lastly, for those of you who have to work while the games are on: http://www.channelsurfing.net/
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
(In)experience Counts
Who understands does not preach;
Who preaches does not understand.
- Tao Teh Ching, 56 (Merel Translation)
I've been blessed, perhaps called, to preach several times at the church where I work. Truth be told, this is unusual. I don't hold a MDiv and I'm not currently in seminary. I'm "simply" a youth director who has been given a great opportunity.
I've now preached five times in the last year and a half, surely no Guinness record. The last two times have probably been the toughest. Not because I thought it had all been said before. Not because I had difficult passages (though you try preaching on the slaughter of innocents six days after Christmas). Not because I've had little to no 'proper' training in public speaking. The reason they've been tough is this: somewhere along the line I realized that I have no idea what I'm doing (in some enigmatic, humbling, "place in the world" sense).
Preparing a sermon, for me, requires asking countless questions. Here are a few in no particular order...
"What's the historical and societal context of this passage?"
"How is God speaking to me / the body of Christ / our culture in this passage?"
"What hook can I pull from the text?"
"What personal story might bring the theme home for the listener (any listener)?"
And perhaps the toughest...
"What the hell is my title going to be?!?" My last title search, ending with A Steady Guide for the ______ Journey, nearly drove our office manager to poison my coffee.
Still, bearing your soul and potentially showing your insanity before a large group of people is a challenging prospect. Maybe that's why I haven't fully embraced the concept of blogging.
Ultimately the prep questions shore themselves up through study, prayer, procrastination, preaching to an empty sanctuary (woodshedding, like in the jazz tradition), and one or two mild panic attacks.
Ultimately I stand before 300 people on any given Sunday and share what insight I've gleaned from immersing myself in passages of scripture assigned by the lectionary.
Ultimately two services pass, two nearly identical sermons are given, and many elderly ladies (whose names I still haven't learned after 31 months) tell me that I'm called to be a preacher.
It's a funny thing, but I've come to realize it's not just some great resume-enhancing experience, but a true, bring-you-to-your-knees calling.
One of the best preachers I know once said that preaching can be "humiliating." Truer words have rarely been spoken.
Who preaches does not understand.
- Tao Teh Ching, 56 (Merel Translation)
I've been blessed, perhaps called, to preach several times at the church where I work. Truth be told, this is unusual. I don't hold a MDiv and I'm not currently in seminary. I'm "simply" a youth director who has been given a great opportunity.
I've now preached five times in the last year and a half, surely no Guinness record. The last two times have probably been the toughest. Not because I thought it had all been said before. Not because I had difficult passages (though you try preaching on the slaughter of innocents six days after Christmas). Not because I've had little to no 'proper' training in public speaking. The reason they've been tough is this: somewhere along the line I realized that I have no idea what I'm doing (in some enigmatic, humbling, "place in the world" sense).
Preparing a sermon, for me, requires asking countless questions. Here are a few in no particular order...
"What's the historical and societal context of this passage?"
"How is God speaking to me / the body of Christ / our culture in this passage?"
"What hook can I pull from the text?"
"What personal story might bring the theme home for the listener (any listener)?"
And perhaps the toughest...
"What the hell is my title going to be?!?" My last title search, ending with A Steady Guide for the ______ Journey, nearly drove our office manager to poison my coffee.
Still, bearing your soul and potentially showing your insanity before a large group of people is a challenging prospect. Maybe that's why I haven't fully embraced the concept of blogging.
Ultimately the prep questions shore themselves up through study, prayer, procrastination, preaching to an empty sanctuary (woodshedding, like in the jazz tradition), and one or two mild panic attacks.
Ultimately I stand before 300 people on any given Sunday and share what insight I've gleaned from immersing myself in passages of scripture assigned by the lectionary.
Ultimately two services pass, two nearly identical sermons are given, and many elderly ladies (whose names I still haven't learned after 31 months) tell me that I'm called to be a preacher.
It's a funny thing, but I've come to realize it's not just some great resume-enhancing experience, but a true, bring-you-to-your-knees calling.
One of the best preachers I know once said that preaching can be "humiliating." Truer words have rarely been spoken.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Saturday Night Hoops
My ‘comeback’ wasn’t a misplaced tease; it’s just taking time to get some decent posts written in the midst of work, my new fascination with sports blogs, and time spent following the primaries. For my first post back, here are some quick basketball-related ramblings…
Saturday night was a good one for basketball. While putting down some mediocre high gravity IPA (Long Hammer from Red Hook Brewery) at Village Idiot, I was treated to an exciting USC win (though I was the only person paying much attention until about 2 minutes to go) and a surprisingly entertaining NBA skills challenge.
First off, the Gamecocks improved to 12-12 (4-6) with a win over not-so-mighty Alabama. My observations …
1) Devan Downey is a BEAST. I love this kid’s style and ability. Simply off the charts. No matter what Dave Odom foolishly said after our beatdown at the hands of UGA, Downey is easily the best PG in the SEC this year.
2) Mike Holmes apparently fought his way out of Odom’s doghouse and had a very respectable 10pts, 8 rebs. I’ve been pulling hard for Holmes all year and really hope to see him succeed. I think he has the potential to be a solid C/PF for several years to come. Hopefully the internet rumors about Mike potentially transferring to Winthrop are unfounded and very, very misguided.
3) A .500 or better season would be a huge asset in our coaching search. I can’t figure this team out on the court (win @ Ole Miss, bend over @ UGA, play hard to win vs. Bama), still I’ll cheer them on while saying nightly prayers for Anthony Grant of VCU to ride into town on a Garnet and Black horse later this spring…
On to the NBA (I STILL love this game…)
I’ve always really liked Dwight Howard as a baller. I like him even more after the dunk contest. His first dunk was incredible, assuming you can get past the miss in the first 50 seconds of this clip:
My only complaint was that his second dunk scored a “perfect” 50 as well. There’s no way. Can it even be considered a dunk? He threw the ball through the hoop and was nowhere near touching the rim w/ his hands. I’ve followed basketball all my life, and I just can’t justify calling that a dunk. Entertaining? Yes. Still, I’m not sure if wearing the superman cape on a very impressive non-dunk should get you a 50. Judge for yourself…
Either way the dunk contest was much more entertaining than other recent dunk contests I recall. Still, for me none will compare to the 2000 contest where Vince Carter redefined what the contest meant. That’s not a knock on some of the great contests of the 80’s…
Too bad he couldn’t get over the “next Jordan” hype that trailed him out of UNC.
Until next time (and hopefully more thought),
Chris
Monday, January 21, 2008
I'm baaaaack....
After nearly two years of neglecting the blogger within me, I've decided to give this a go again. I'm not sure if anyone has interest at this point, but I figured if anything it will be a place to save some stories and thoughts for future sermons and songs. Enjoy THE RETURN...
Sunday, June 11, 2006
FEMA: The ineptitude continues...
One underlying theme that kept cropping up during my week on the Gulf Coast was the ineptitude of FEMA and the federal government to respond to the ravaged region. Not only do people complain about the lacking response in the immediate aftermath, but the problems continuing today, nearly 10 months later.
Today you can drive through Pearlington, MS and see debris piles where houses once stood with FEMA trailers parked outside, PVC pipe rooted into the ground. What’s scary is that you can also see debris piles where houses once stood with no trailer, but with tents.
Have you ever lived in a tent for 9 months? Probably not.Have you ever slept in one for a night?
Tents are great for backpacking trips along the Appalachian Trail, but not for life along the Mississippi Delta.
Today you can drive into New Orleans, head down to the University of New Orleans Lakeview campus near Elysian Fields and see a grass field with uninhabited FEMA trailers with a good foot of weeds growing around them. From what I understand they “don’t have the keys” to move them. From what I understand there are multiple “trailer parks” like this around the region.
Why? Well, a big reason is that FEMA claims you can’t put these trailers in flood prone areas. I can see the logic (my stepmom works as Zoning Administrator in a rural SC county). Still, sometimes care for humanity should trump logic and law.
I could go on and on about similar stories I heard. Many folks in Pearlington applied for trailers 5 or more times in the first few weeks after the storm only to get them months later due to red tape. "Merry Christmas!" Here are a few quotes (as best as I could remember them) to help me sum up this first Katrina recovery-related post.
The first is from Jan, a woman in Pearlington whose house was destroyed by the 25 foot flood waters that surged through the town, which hadn’t flooded in the previous 100 years, “If they could go to Iraq and set up camps so quickly… why did it take so long for them to help us?”
The second is from George, with whom our church's team spent four days working with on repairing his and his wife’s home that flooded two feet into the second floor… “I was in Vietnam, and I remember detailed plans for the Army to drop relief supplies into rice fields for the citizens, and I remember those drops. You can’t tell me they wouldn’t have been able to do the same for those poor folks at the Convention Center.”
I struggle a lot with the concept of patriotism. I love many things about my country, but I question much of what goes on in its name. Jan and George are patriots, as is the woman outside the New Orleans Convention Center caught on camera saying “We Are American” (Dyson, Come Hell or High Water p.13). Patriots are people who place faith in their government’s ability to respond and protect them in certain life or death situations such as natural disasters or war. The same can be said for a local government. The police and fire departments are established to protect and to serve. Sadly, our government didn’t come near fulfilling those expectations following Hurricane Katrina. Time will only tell as to what happens following the next disaster…
Friday, June 02, 2006
Hugo and Katrina Go Dancing
Life is a funny thing. Sometimes you try to escape hard times by laughing at the memories, only to have the reality boil to the surface of your consciousness years later. Tomorrow I leave for Pearlington, MS, a small town (pop. 1684) dead in the path of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, this hamlet with no mayor and a ravaged volunteer fire department was the exact location of Katrina's third landfall.
By Sunday night I'll be brought back to my childhood, not the location, but devastation. While incomparable, I'll never forget the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, which brought it's 160 mph winds through my hometown of Mount Pleasant, SC.
I'll never forget being huddled with my parents in the dingy bathroom of a highway-side motel in Manning, SC screaming, "Daddy pray louder," hoping our cries for God to save us would drown out the commotion and the sound of the roof peeling from above our heads.
I'll never get the day-long drive home (normally 1 and 1/2 hours) where Mom and I waited in the car while my dad and others bore chainsaws to clear the road ahead.
I'll never forget communing at Second Presbyterian Church in Charleston the day after we returned, praying and listening to the sound of the building falling in around us. I'll always cherish the picture of the impromptu and unsafe worship service in the next day's newspaper.
Being out of school for a month in October isn't as fun as it sounds, even when you're 7. Living without water or electricity for weeks isn't either, especially when the neighborhood behind you has its power restored over a week before you do (still a little bitter about that one)! Being mandated by a national guard curfew to stay in your home after nightfall is the antithesis of liberation...
However, the "save the meat" cookouts with neighbors under the brightest of starry nights, family gatherings at Mimi's house, smiling volunteers, and simple thankfulness for being alive are some of the most amazing experiences of my life.
We were lucky. We didn't lose our home (only our backyard fence). Our young cat, Buffy, had survived the storm (and amazingly is still going at the age of 18 today).
These are the memories I will take with me to Mississippi. They don't compare to the stories I'll hear or the devastation I'll witness 10 months after Katrina danced her waltz of destruction across the Delta. I say it often... we should learn from our experiences and allow them to inform all that we encounter throughout life. Hopefully my experiences of hurricanes and uncertainty will allow me to empathize with the people we meet. Hopefully they will help me to be a leader to our work team (though I'm the second youngest of 7 going). Once I return I'll try to chronicle some of what I have sees and experienced here.
Some links related to this post...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearlington,_MS
http://operationeden.blogspot.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Hugo
http://www.secondpresbyterianchurch.org/content.asp?catID=10052
By Sunday night I'll be brought back to my childhood, not the location, but devastation. While incomparable, I'll never forget the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, which brought it's 160 mph winds through my hometown of Mount Pleasant, SC.
I'll never forget being huddled with my parents in the dingy bathroom of a highway-side motel in Manning, SC screaming, "Daddy pray louder," hoping our cries for God to save us would drown out the commotion and the sound of the roof peeling from above our heads.
I'll never get the day-long drive home (normally 1 and 1/2 hours) where Mom and I waited in the car while my dad and others bore chainsaws to clear the road ahead.
I'll never forget communing at Second Presbyterian Church in Charleston the day after we returned, praying and listening to the sound of the building falling in around us. I'll always cherish the picture of the impromptu and unsafe worship service in the next day's newspaper.
Being out of school for a month in October isn't as fun as it sounds, even when you're 7. Living without water or electricity for weeks isn't either, especially when the neighborhood behind you has its power restored over a week before you do (still a little bitter about that one)! Being mandated by a national guard curfew to stay in your home after nightfall is the antithesis of liberation...
However, the "save the meat" cookouts with neighbors under the brightest of starry nights, family gatherings at Mimi's house, smiling volunteers, and simple thankfulness for being alive are some of the most amazing experiences of my life.
We were lucky. We didn't lose our home (only our backyard fence). Our young cat, Buffy, had survived the storm (and amazingly is still going at the age of 18 today).
These are the memories I will take with me to Mississippi. They don't compare to the stories I'll hear or the devastation I'll witness 10 months after Katrina danced her waltz of destruction across the Delta. I say it often... we should learn from our experiences and allow them to inform all that we encounter throughout life. Hopefully my experiences of hurricanes and uncertainty will allow me to empathize with the people we meet. Hopefully they will help me to be a leader to our work team (though I'm the second youngest of 7 going). Once I return I'll try to chronicle some of what I have sees and experienced here.
Some links related to this post...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearlington,_MS
http://operationeden.blogspot.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Hugo
http://www.secondpresbyterianchurch.org/content.asp?catID=10052
Monday, March 13, 2006
Failing Bracketology
Christmas…
New Years...
Fall's first USC football game...
DMB in Charlotte...
March Madness…
They only come once a year. Few events on the calendar get me as excited to be alive as the NCAA Basketball Tournament. By the end few, if any, are more frustrating.
Can ‘Nova make the Final Four with a banged up Allen Ray (not to be confused with former UConn guard and current Supersonic Ray Allen)?
Can Winthrop really upset Tennessee? Which, I would guess is probably less likely since it's this year's ‘safe’ big upset pick.
Is Michael Wilbon out of his mind or pure genius for picking LSU as a Final Four team?
Bracketology: the science I just can't master.
I’ve been a diligent student for a good 14 years now, dedicating much more effort to acing this week's yearly final than any final exam during my actual college career.
Every year it’s the same… I complete my bracket(s), correct them, change them, and suffer insomnia due to the life-altering questions they inspire.
“Will Wichita State suffer an ‘upset’ at the hands Seton Hall?”
The next few days I’ll listen to ESPN Radio religiously, praying to the God of Andy Katz that I might get a scoop on the insurmountable strength of some mid-major’s veteran backcourt. Because we all know the teams with good guards have an advantage…
In the end my analysis is futile. By Friday night I’ll join millions of frustrated hoops fans who can't understand why the ditzy Administrative Assistant is beating them in their office pool. Left floundering in 413,089th place in ESPN’s Tournament Challenge I'll look back at my brackets and lament the fact that my Monday morning "pre-obsession" bracket was the most accurate. So it goes.
Stressful
Time-consuming
Self-defeating
March Madness, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Brought to you by: the Coalition for Every Blog in America to Include a Post on March Madness
New Years...
Fall's first USC football game...
DMB in Charlotte...
March Madness…
They only come once a year. Few events on the calendar get me as excited to be alive as the NCAA Basketball Tournament. By the end few, if any, are more frustrating.
Can ‘Nova make the Final Four with a banged up Allen Ray (not to be confused with former UConn guard and current Supersonic Ray Allen)?
Can Winthrop really upset Tennessee? Which, I would guess is probably less likely since it's this year's ‘safe’ big upset pick.
Is Michael Wilbon out of his mind or pure genius for picking LSU as a Final Four team?
Bracketology: the science I just can't master.
I’ve been a diligent student for a good 14 years now, dedicating much more effort to acing this week's yearly final than any final exam during my actual college career.
Every year it’s the same… I complete my bracket(s), correct them, change them, and suffer insomnia due to the life-altering questions they inspire.
“Will Wichita State suffer an ‘upset’ at the hands Seton Hall?”
The next few days I’ll listen to ESPN Radio religiously, praying to the God of Andy Katz that I might get a scoop on the insurmountable strength of some mid-major’s veteran backcourt. Because we all know the teams with good guards have an advantage…
In the end my analysis is futile. By Friday night I’ll join millions of frustrated hoops fans who can't understand why the ditzy Administrative Assistant is beating them in their office pool. Left floundering in 413,089th place in ESPN’s Tournament Challenge I'll look back at my brackets and lament the fact that my Monday morning "pre-obsession" bracket was the most accurate. So it goes.
Stressful
Time-consuming
Self-defeating
March Madness, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Brought to you by: the Coalition for Every Blog in America to Include a Post on March Madness
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Miller's High Life
It's been a while, but I haven't had much to say...
I have to admit, I’ve been pulled onto the US Ski Team bandwagon hook, line, and sinker. And it’s not for the reasons you might expect.
Why would a kid who grew up on the beaches of Charleston do such a thing?
Well, I love skiing, and I do it fairly well. I started at the age of four, the same age at which I was learning to read.
More than many things in life, I love hitting the snow (as I will this weekend) and reaching the bottom of a black diamond with the biggest smile I can manage plastered on my face. The ‘perfect’ run from my standpoint, even if I fell flat on my face. Thankfully that whole "falling" thing doesn’t happen often for me. The older I get, the more it hurts, so I try to avoid it.
On a side note, some friends were trying to talk me into wearing a helmet this weekend, but to be honest, if I go out skiing you can rest assured I was having the time of my life.
When I get to the Alps I’ll wear a helmet.
Moving on…
I respect athletes (hell, people in any profession) who push themselves not to fulfill the expectations of others, but simply for the great feeling they get from doing what they do. It’s why I love my job, and at times am frustrated by it.
Bode Miller does just that and it’s why he’s one of the best, if not the best, skier in the world right now.
I respect people in the vein of Miller who eschew conforming to the standards others have set for them and do what they do because a stirring in their soul, perhaps God, calls them to it. People who strive to live life on their own terms, doing what they love and pursuing it with all their heart. It’s the type of life I strive to live. It’s that mindset that pushes me to play guitar, write, and work toward my current goal of running a marathon.
Lastly, I’m on the bandwagon because several members of the women’s team are near my age and incredibly attractive (example - Julia Mancuso). An attractive woman who can ski well is immediately a medal winner in my book.
I’m honestly looking forward to the Olympics. I always do. This year’s team could be ‘the’ team to oust the dominance of the Austrians. Miller could be the first American male to stand on the medal podium after every race.
The Olympics and the 2006 ski team are good for a nation where there is a bitter divide between ‘right’ and ‘left’. Starting this weekend I for one will gladly turn on the television and alleviate my mind of frequent criticisms of our government, our current leadership, and their policies. Starting this weekend I’ll gladly put aside cynicism to focus on the many aspects of life in our nation of which we all should be proud. And, in the spirit of sport and the Olympic tradition, if not for our hot skiers, I’ll join the chorus of, “USA, USA, USA”.
I have to admit, I’ve been pulled onto the US Ski Team bandwagon hook, line, and sinker. And it’s not for the reasons you might expect.
Why would a kid who grew up on the beaches of Charleston do such a thing?
Well, I love skiing, and I do it fairly well. I started at the age of four, the same age at which I was learning to read.
More than many things in life, I love hitting the snow (as I will this weekend) and reaching the bottom of a black diamond with the biggest smile I can manage plastered on my face. The ‘perfect’ run from my standpoint, even if I fell flat on my face. Thankfully that whole "falling" thing doesn’t happen often for me. The older I get, the more it hurts, so I try to avoid it.
On a side note, some friends were trying to talk me into wearing a helmet this weekend, but to be honest, if I go out skiing you can rest assured I was having the time of my life.
When I get to the Alps I’ll wear a helmet.
Moving on…
I respect athletes (hell, people in any profession) who push themselves not to fulfill the expectations of others, but simply for the great feeling they get from doing what they do. It’s why I love my job, and at times am frustrated by it.
Bode Miller does just that and it’s why he’s one of the best, if not the best, skier in the world right now.
I respect people in the vein of Miller who eschew conforming to the standards others have set for them and do what they do because a stirring in their soul, perhaps God, calls them to it. People who strive to live life on their own terms, doing what they love and pursuing it with all their heart. It’s the type of life I strive to live. It’s that mindset that pushes me to play guitar, write, and work toward my current goal of running a marathon.
Lastly, I’m on the bandwagon because several members of the women’s team are near my age and incredibly attractive (example - Julia Mancuso). An attractive woman who can ski well is immediately a medal winner in my book.
I’m honestly looking forward to the Olympics. I always do. This year’s team could be ‘the’ team to oust the dominance of the Austrians. Miller could be the first American male to stand on the medal podium after every race.
The Olympics and the 2006 ski team are good for a nation where there is a bitter divide between ‘right’ and ‘left’. Starting this weekend I for one will gladly turn on the television and alleviate my mind of frequent criticisms of our government, our current leadership, and their policies. Starting this weekend I’ll gladly put aside cynicism to focus on the many aspects of life in our nation of which we all should be proud. And, in the spirit of sport and the Olympic tradition, if not for our hot skiers, I’ll join the chorus of, “USA, USA, USA”.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Westward Road, or "How I Found Grace"
I've decided (maybe) to put more of my creative writing on here and rant less. This was basically a stream of consciousness thrown onto paper with some minor editing afterward. Take it as you may.
1.12.05 12:16pm
In these days of war and peace
I become reconciliation
Running through valleys
Between chains and liberation
And dear if you ever
See my tired face again
Know we had some damn good times
But I finally grew into a man
Once this mountain called me
No friend or foe could bid me stay
Along heavenward trails
I understood the meaning of grace
If by chance you meet me
Along some westward road
Will you pass by or greet me?
With a slap or with a smile?
I can't help but carry onward
From this city beside our creek
I sought long for a perfect love
Yet we never find the things we seek
And if this life gets you weary
Crying out to leave it soon
Remember my philosophy
About lazy afternoons,
If we live for the deadlines
And someone else’s expectations
We'll lose sight of what matters
And become our own rejection
Last night I woke suddenly
To a sound above my head
Was it the sound of ancient laughter?
Did she overcome her dread?
If you ever see the moonlight
Cascade through cypress trees
Will you sleep naked in the glade,
Or will you fear being free?
When the woods around us burned
I thought it was the end
But the stream became our savior
In ways we'll never comprehend
And when mother left us waiting
She should've know we'd break the vase
All children work in mischief
While adults just run the race
I thought my time here was over
If not I'll continue on
Until my guitar returns to earth
And I unlearn her favorite song
Losing track within the railcar
We fell into a daze
While the world around us hastened
Casting others into its maze
Son, will you be my Judas,
Or will you set me free?
Will you desert me with your dry lips,
Or will you let me be?
One day we'll find answers
Along some cragged mountaintop
Where we escaped from the nonsense
And unearthed our worth and stock
All great things have been said before
Still I’ve always felt it’s true
Whatever’s reaped from the soul
Is the truth that makes you new
1.12.05 12:16pm
In these days of war and peace
I become reconciliation
Running through valleys
Between chains and liberation
And dear if you ever
See my tired face again
Know we had some damn good times
But I finally grew into a man
Once this mountain called me
No friend or foe could bid me stay
Along heavenward trails
I understood the meaning of grace
If by chance you meet me
Along some westward road
Will you pass by or greet me?
With a slap or with a smile?
I can't help but carry onward
From this city beside our creek
I sought long for a perfect love
Yet we never find the things we seek
And if this life gets you weary
Crying out to leave it soon
Remember my philosophy
About lazy afternoons,
If we live for the deadlines
And someone else’s expectations
We'll lose sight of what matters
And become our own rejection
Last night I woke suddenly
To a sound above my head
Was it the sound of ancient laughter?
Did she overcome her dread?
If you ever see the moonlight
Cascade through cypress trees
Will you sleep naked in the glade,
Or will you fear being free?
When the woods around us burned
I thought it was the end
But the stream became our savior
In ways we'll never comprehend
And when mother left us waiting
She should've know we'd break the vase
All children work in mischief
While adults just run the race
I thought my time here was over
If not I'll continue on
Until my guitar returns to earth
And I unlearn her favorite song
Losing track within the railcar
We fell into a daze
While the world around us hastened
Casting others into its maze
Son, will you be my Judas,
Or will you set me free?
Will you desert me with your dry lips,
Or will you let me be?
One day we'll find answers
Along some cragged mountaintop
Where we escaped from the nonsense
And unearthed our worth and stock
All great things have been said before
Still I’ve always felt it’s true
Whatever’s reaped from the soul
Is the truth that makes you new
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Some inspired reflections...
Inspired by Rumi and the Tao Teh Ching...
A lover of the soul knows the questions the lover of only flesh may never see.
What drives my neighbor to grow?
Why does my sister fear?
Why do we ignore the Great Wisdom residing in each of us and instead cherish disunity?
What does my beloved see in me?
One day all questions will come to pass.
Is that day today?
Hope for the future but live for the moment.
Why is humankind scared to die?
Why is its greater fear living?
The Great Commission is truly to love, not to convert.
If only we could see that truth, then peace would thrive.
A lover of the soul asks questions and seeks, yet the Great Paradox accepted is this:
If there is Truth, why are there no answers to my inquiries?
So the soul-minded meditates, prays, and prostrates all life-practices before the Great Unknown.
This mystery penetrates the heart of all who dare to love.
It satisfies.
It terrorizes.
It captivates.
It frees.
It is all things in one and fills the nothing-void within us all.
One day we will see.
But today, let us live each moment attentively and let us do so with love.
1/2/06 1:37am (revised 1/3/05 6:19p)
A lover of the soul knows the questions the lover of only flesh may never see.
What drives my neighbor to grow?
Why does my sister fear?
Why do we ignore the Great Wisdom residing in each of us and instead cherish disunity?
What does my beloved see in me?
One day all questions will come to pass.
Is that day today?
Hope for the future but live for the moment.
Why is humankind scared to die?
Why is its greater fear living?
The Great Commission is truly to love, not to convert.
If only we could see that truth, then peace would thrive.
A lover of the soul asks questions and seeks, yet the Great Paradox accepted is this:
If there is Truth, why are there no answers to my inquiries?
So the soul-minded meditates, prays, and prostrates all life-practices before the Great Unknown.
This mystery penetrates the heart of all who dare to love.
It satisfies.
It terrorizes.
It captivates.
It frees.
It is all things in one and fills the nothing-void within us all.
One day we will see.
But today, let us live each moment attentively and let us do so with love.
1/2/06 1:37am (revised 1/3/05 6:19p)
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Images of Jesus
Blond haired, blue eyed? Dreadlocked?
Stern-faced? Welcoming?
Revolutionary? Hippie?
Images are powerful. An image can elicit an array of emotions, depending greatly on who you are and where you're coming from. The same can be said for images of Jesus.
Why did a church receive death threats several years ago when they cast a black man as Jesus in a Passion Play? (http://lubbockonline.com/news/032197/black.htm)
Why are people surprised, yet often pleased when they first see 'Jesus Laughing'? (Above... a favorite I have up in my office). Why does it challenge their perceptions?
Why am I, a white, middle-class American male, bothered by images of anglo-Jesus? You know, the kind in your kid's Sunday School class.
There's no right or wrong answer (is there ever?). I believe our perceptions of Christ are largely shaped by our faith journey (no matter the tradition) and experiences.
For the white evangelical in America... Christ is most comfortably seen as white. For the oppressed of the inner city, an image of Jesus crucified next to the Sears Tower brings Christ home. Redeemer. Liberator.
We'll never have a definitive or 'true' image of Christ, and I think that's a good thing. Any image of Christ that brings hope to the weak and challenges the strong to reach out in charity is worthwhile.
Rant inspired by...
http://www.rejesus.co.uk/expressions/faces_jesus/index.html
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Striving for... something
In life I believe we are called to be in tune with the present moment. We are called to strive for our best in all endeavors, as imperfect as our ‘best’ may be. I do so when I strap on my guitar, when I put pen to paper, and when my feet hit the pavement for a run at Canal Park.
I’m admittedly a bit of a perfectionist. When I find something I care about, I pursue it almost to a fault (except guitar… that’s paid off). At times I think I’ll be remembered as a modern-day Icarus, someone who pushed the limits of his abilities, despite knowing the consequences, until plunging from the sky. I've taken my share of falls thus far.
I long for greatness, however broken and lacking my ‘best’ efforts may be. No one is perfect. If we were we’d have no need for God. Still, I believe we are all made in the image of God. We may be broken and fragile, but we all have our moments of greatness, perhaps even moments of perfection.
In the grand scheme of things we are not called to seek some infallible existence (note to self). If we do we’ll languish in a life of disappointment. Perhaps I’ve read too much Buddhist philosophy, but I believe more and more that being in-tune with the present moment is of primary importance to one’s happiness.
Greatness is to be measured not by our output, but our in-put: what we give of ourselves and how it changes who we are and, perhaps more importantly, how it changes the world around us.
We are called to be awe-full, to be filled with awe by the moments in which our feeble efforts and perfection go dancing. It is in these uncommon instances where we fully taste the splendor of life and see the face of God, the God who calls us to be in-tune with every moment, living life to the full for the uplift of this maddening world we live in.
I’m admittedly a bit of a perfectionist. When I find something I care about, I pursue it almost to a fault (except guitar… that’s paid off). At times I think I’ll be remembered as a modern-day Icarus, someone who pushed the limits of his abilities, despite knowing the consequences, until plunging from the sky. I've taken my share of falls thus far.
I long for greatness, however broken and lacking my ‘best’ efforts may be. No one is perfect. If we were we’d have no need for God. Still, I believe we are all made in the image of God. We may be broken and fragile, but we all have our moments of greatness, perhaps even moments of perfection.
In the grand scheme of things we are not called to seek some infallible existence (note to self). If we do we’ll languish in a life of disappointment. Perhaps I’ve read too much Buddhist philosophy, but I believe more and more that being in-tune with the present moment is of primary importance to one’s happiness.
Greatness is to be measured not by our output, but our in-put: what we give of ourselves and how it changes who we are and, perhaps more importantly, how it changes the world around us.
We are called to be awe-full, to be filled with awe by the moments in which our feeble efforts and perfection go dancing. It is in these uncommon instances where we fully taste the splendor of life and see the face of God, the God who calls us to be in-tune with every moment, living life to the full for the uplift of this maddening world we live in.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Things keeping me from posting....
I haven’t posted anything in a while, so here’s a lame and generic list of things I’m enjoying right now…
Wilco – Kicking Television – Ok, I saw Wilco a couple times at 96 Wavefest back in the mid-90’s. I remember nothing about the performances. What I do know is that their recently released 2-disc live album is nothing short of incredible. Surprisingly the genius of their recent studio albums works in a live setting.
Free gym at Eastminster Presbyterian –As Ron Burgundy says, “The only way to bag a classy lady is to give her two tickets to the gun show.” Free gym = free muscles. 2 weeks and I'm already seeing results.
Sufjan Stevens – Say Yes! To Michigan – The first Sufjan album I ‘discovered’ online (aka illegally downloaded) about a year and half ago. If you like laid-back, acoustic-driven indie music without the pretentiousness (a rarity!) and with intelligence… Sufjan’s your man.
Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks – Trendy? Yes. Masculine? No. Do I care? Not really. These things are like drinking heaven out of a recycled cup. So good it almost makes me forget that I’m exploiting third world farmers every time I waste, err spend, $4 on one.
Bob Marley & the Wailers – Live at the Roxy – 23-minute Get Up, Stand Up / War / No More Trouble jam is worth the purchase itself. Definitely a good stocking stuffer for your dreadlocked loved ones.
Credo – William Sloan Coffin – Fascinating book of quotations from one of the world’s most renowned social activists and ministers. I haven’t gotten too far into this book (each quote takes some sinking in), but so far it’s been a very refreshing read. Great pick for the socially conscious Christian on your Christmas list.
Honorable Mentions:
NCAA March Madness ’06 for PS2
Tao Te Ching
Peace is Every Step – Thich Nhat Hanh
The Genesee Diary – Henri Nouwen
Sidney Rice TD's
John Coltrane – Live at the Village Vanguard (Master Takes)… if anyone wants to give me a Christmas gift you can pick up the boxset!
Steve Spurrier’s mystique
Wilco – Kicking Television – Ok, I saw Wilco a couple times at 96 Wavefest back in the mid-90’s. I remember nothing about the performances. What I do know is that their recently released 2-disc live album is nothing short of incredible. Surprisingly the genius of their recent studio albums works in a live setting.
Free gym at Eastminster Presbyterian –As Ron Burgundy says, “The only way to bag a classy lady is to give her two tickets to the gun show.” Free gym = free muscles. 2 weeks and I'm already seeing results.
Sufjan Stevens – Say Yes! To Michigan – The first Sufjan album I ‘discovered’ online (aka illegally downloaded) about a year and half ago. If you like laid-back, acoustic-driven indie music without the pretentiousness (a rarity!) and with intelligence… Sufjan’s your man.
Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks – Trendy? Yes. Masculine? No. Do I care? Not really. These things are like drinking heaven out of a recycled cup. So good it almost makes me forget that I’m exploiting third world farmers every time I waste, err spend, $4 on one.
Bob Marley & the Wailers – Live at the Roxy – 23-minute Get Up, Stand Up / War / No More Trouble jam is worth the purchase itself. Definitely a good stocking stuffer for your dreadlocked loved ones.
Credo – William Sloan Coffin – Fascinating book of quotations from one of the world’s most renowned social activists and ministers. I haven’t gotten too far into this book (each quote takes some sinking in), but so far it’s been a very refreshing read. Great pick for the socially conscious Christian on your Christmas list.
Honorable Mentions:
NCAA March Madness ’06 for PS2
Tao Te Ching
Peace is Every Step – Thich Nhat Hanh
The Genesee Diary – Henri Nouwen
Sidney Rice TD's
John Coltrane – Live at the Village Vanguard (Master Takes)… if anyone wants to give me a Christmas gift you can pick up the boxset!
Steve Spurrier’s mystique
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Keys to a Win Saturday
Well, I wasn't going to post until after the Clemson game to avoid a jinx, but after some intense stat sheet studying here are some keys to a Gamecock win.
Defense
Make Whitehurst throw as many (or more) interceptions as TD’s. INT/TD ratio has always been make or break with this kid (all 35 years he's started at CU). If possible keep him below 60% on completions. 65% max.
If the INT's don't materialize, keep them under 150 yds rushing on the day.
Bonus fact: Ko needs 13 tackles to hit 100 for the season.
Offense
Mitchell needs more TD’s than INT’s. In the 2 games he started and USC lost, his INT/TD ratio was 1/2 (UGA) and 1/1 (Bama). In every win but Florida, he's thrown 2 TD's or more... We don’t even need 200 yds passing, but we must win the turnover battle to win. It's a fundamental truth in football and it weighs heavily in this game.
Freshman receivers (Rice and McKinley) need to produce. Arkansas is the only game in the 5-game win streak where Rice caught for less than 100. In that game McKinley picked up the slack. If Rice stays below the century mark McKinley must step up.
Keep up red zone production. We're 4th in the SEC for red zone scoring and first for TD percentage. Spurrier doesn't let up inside the 20 and he won't start on Saturday.
This one’s going to be closer than some USC fans think. I know a number of 'us' are so confident of a win our heads are nearing explosion level. Don’t expect redemption for 63-17, at least not for another year or two.
Perhaps I’ve learned a lesson from years past, but anything can happen in this one. Perhaps I still have “Lou-syndrome”. Our team isn’t that talented. Our team is young and they’re overachieving. Clemson’s better than their record indicates. Carolina isn’t as good as theirs.
Perhaps, however, this USC team has two key ingredients for success others have lacked: heart and character. The Gamecocks are taking it one game at a time and they’re playing to win. To paraphrase Spurrier, this isn’t a stats team, it’s a results team (so ignore my points above). Perhaps the opposite has been Clemson’s problem under Bowden. Maybe that’s why I’m confident that if and when it comes down to coaching, the Spur will always stand victorious.
This team's hungry for a win Saturday, especially the seniors. Bowl game? Check. Tennessee? Check. Florida? Check. Clemson? ___. This team, unlike previous USC teams under previous coaches, will not lie down and accept defeat if the going gets tough. As our fight song says, “that’s when the Cocks get going.” This year those words are finally ringing true. History says the first team to score in this one wins. Hell, history says the Gamecocks are bound to lose, but they call it “history” for a reason. Just ask fans in Gainesville and Knoxville.
Last week my predicted score was 3 points off. Let's hope I'm that close again.
Final – Cocks 24, Farmboys 20
Defense
Make Whitehurst throw as many (or more) interceptions as TD’s. INT/TD ratio has always been make or break with this kid (all 35 years he's started at CU). If possible keep him below 60% on completions. 65% max.
If the INT's don't materialize, keep them under 150 yds rushing on the day.
Bonus fact: Ko needs 13 tackles to hit 100 for the season.
Offense
Mitchell needs more TD’s than INT’s. In the 2 games he started and USC lost, his INT/TD ratio was 1/2 (UGA) and 1/1 (Bama). In every win but Florida, he's thrown 2 TD's or more... We don’t even need 200 yds passing, but we must win the turnover battle to win. It's a fundamental truth in football and it weighs heavily in this game.
Freshman receivers (Rice and McKinley) need to produce. Arkansas is the only game in the 5-game win streak where Rice caught for less than 100. In that game McKinley picked up the slack. If Rice stays below the century mark McKinley must step up.
Keep up red zone production. We're 4th in the SEC for red zone scoring and first for TD percentage. Spurrier doesn't let up inside the 20 and he won't start on Saturday.
This one’s going to be closer than some USC fans think. I know a number of 'us' are so confident of a win our heads are nearing explosion level. Don’t expect redemption for 63-17, at least not for another year or two.
Perhaps I’ve learned a lesson from years past, but anything can happen in this one. Perhaps I still have “Lou-syndrome”. Our team isn’t that talented. Our team is young and they’re overachieving. Clemson’s better than their record indicates. Carolina isn’t as good as theirs.
Perhaps, however, this USC team has two key ingredients for success others have lacked: heart and character. The Gamecocks are taking it one game at a time and they’re playing to win. To paraphrase Spurrier, this isn’t a stats team, it’s a results team (so ignore my points above). Perhaps the opposite has been Clemson’s problem under Bowden. Maybe that’s why I’m confident that if and when it comes down to coaching, the Spur will always stand victorious.
This team's hungry for a win Saturday, especially the seniors. Bowl game? Check. Tennessee? Check. Florida? Check. Clemson? ___. This team, unlike previous USC teams under previous coaches, will not lie down and accept defeat if the going gets tough. As our fight song says, “that’s when the Cocks get going.” This year those words are finally ringing true. History says the first team to score in this one wins. Hell, history says the Gamecocks are bound to lose, but they call it “history” for a reason. Just ask fans in Gainesville and Knoxville.
Last week my predicted score was 3 points off. Let's hope I'm that close again.
Final – Cocks 24, Farmboys 20
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Tao Teh Christ?
The Western mindset engrains in us a habitual lifestyle of busyness and of competition. We fight for the best parking spot, we watch TV or surf the net to pass time, and we choose our vocation to make the most money, not to procure genuine happiness.
In his assessment of man’s love for God in The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm asserts that such a mentality comes from an Aristotelian or ‘Western’ logic that focuses on finding answers. In Western society man’s highest gain becomes the act of gaining itself.
This leads, in my analysis, to conflict as opposed to resolution, to anger as opposed to understanding, to conformity as opposed to individuality. Still, I embrace this mindset in many ways in my life. We all do. I’m always seeking to “know” God or to find absolutes in my own life-journey. Deep down I wonder if the absolutes we Westerners boldly affirm are shaped more by our experiences and our culture than they are by some graspable truth undergirding creation.
Diametrically opposed to this mindset is that of paradoxical or ‘Eastern’ logic which, in brief, would claim that the greatest knowledge one can know is that we cannot fully ‘know’. In the Christian’s quest for knowledge of God this would result in the conclusion that our limited minds cannot fully wrap around God’s reality.
The trouble I have, as I desire to bridge the logic gap in my life, is that paradoxical logic seemingly comes into contention with the belief we Christians have that we can “know” God through Christ. Or do we? Can we "know" God through Christ, or do we get snapshots of divinity (albeit perfect and true)?
I look at Christ’s teachings and in many ways see Eastern philosophy at work. Christ is one who calls us to look within ourselves through prayer and meditation so that we may act rightly toward others. He himself did this. Christ is one who calls us to shed our possessions and follow an ascetic path (read Merton’s No Man is An Island). If you seek to live out the essence of discipleship I think/hope you’ll find some agreement here.
Ultimately the call of God (in my life) isn’t to understand the inner-workings of the Trinity but to focus on living rightly. In other words, being (in the silent presence of God) leads us to doing (justice, kindness, love). Is that not Christ’s teaching in a nutshell? To ‘be’ in the moment so that we may get to work ‘doing’ God’s will?
Now that I’ve opened Pandora’s Box, I’ll leave it at that.
The only conclusion anyone can get out of this post is that I’ll probably never make it through the ordination process.
In his assessment of man’s love for God in The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm asserts that such a mentality comes from an Aristotelian or ‘Western’ logic that focuses on finding answers. In Western society man’s highest gain becomes the act of gaining itself.
This leads, in my analysis, to conflict as opposed to resolution, to anger as opposed to understanding, to conformity as opposed to individuality. Still, I embrace this mindset in many ways in my life. We all do. I’m always seeking to “know” God or to find absolutes in my own life-journey. Deep down I wonder if the absolutes we Westerners boldly affirm are shaped more by our experiences and our culture than they are by some graspable truth undergirding creation.
Diametrically opposed to this mindset is that of paradoxical or ‘Eastern’ logic which, in brief, would claim that the greatest knowledge one can know is that we cannot fully ‘know’. In the Christian’s quest for knowledge of God this would result in the conclusion that our limited minds cannot fully wrap around God’s reality.
The trouble I have, as I desire to bridge the logic gap in my life, is that paradoxical logic seemingly comes into contention with the belief we Christians have that we can “know” God through Christ. Or do we? Can we "know" God through Christ, or do we get snapshots of divinity (albeit perfect and true)?
I look at Christ’s teachings and in many ways see Eastern philosophy at work. Christ is one who calls us to look within ourselves through prayer and meditation so that we may act rightly toward others. He himself did this. Christ is one who calls us to shed our possessions and follow an ascetic path (read Merton’s No Man is An Island). If you seek to live out the essence of discipleship I think/hope you’ll find some agreement here.
Ultimately the call of God (in my life) isn’t to understand the inner-workings of the Trinity but to focus on living rightly. In other words, being (in the silent presence of God) leads us to doing (justice, kindness, love). Is that not Christ’s teaching in a nutshell? To ‘be’ in the moment so that we may get to work ‘doing’ God’s will?
Now that I’ve opened Pandora’s Box, I’ll leave it at that.
The only conclusion anyone can get out of this post is that I’ll probably never make it through the ordination process.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Going Bowling
I'm not sure what's happened over the past few weeks here in Columbia, but as Steve Spurrier mentioned yesterday, "the guys are playing like winners." At 6-3 with two games left, they are winners. I'll admit, following the Vandy game I was preparing myself mentally to see this team finish 4-7. Two games later, we're going bowling. We can win the next two, the only question lingering is, 'will we?' Some thoughts on the rest of the season...
0 wins - Independence
1 win - Peach
2 wins - Outback
Florida's in town next. I'll be in Black Mountain for work (4th year in a row for the UF game). Don't worry, I'll be watching with the Shandon folks while my advisors are delegated the task of ensuring the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of 15 middle school youth.
On to the game... After UF slipped past Vandy in overtime I think there's no question this is a game we can win. Talent-wise the Gators have a solid advantage, but when it comes to heart there are few teams, if any, flying higher than the 'Cocks this November. No doubt Spurrier will be preparing some interesting things this week. This is not a game he wants to lose. It should be close. It will be exciting. I, for one, can't wait!
No matter what happens, the following week will bring Spurrier's induction into the USC/Clemson rivalry. Walking outside Death Valley about an hour after 'the Brawl', I told a Clemson-fan buddy of mine that "if," and at that time it was still a case of "if," we landed Spurrier as our coach, "(they'd) better enjoy the winning while (they) can." I stand by that statement.
Now, I'm not saying we'll beat UF and/or Clemson this year. What I am saying is that the first strokes of a masterpiece are hitting the canvas in Columbia weeks before Turkey Day '05, much earlier than many would've predicted. With all the off-field turmoil, media bashing, and general taunting our program has suffered in the last 12 months it's little short (kind of like an Arkansas 4th down) of a football miracle that the Gamecocks are sitting at 6-3.
Other highlights: First win at UT, second since joining the SEC in 1992. First win at Arkansas since 1997. 3 losses; to the current #3 (Alabama), #9 (Georgia), and #17 (Auburn) rated teams in the Coaches Poll. Passing records are falling and falling fast. Impact players are YOUNG. The team is playing like a team every down, every week.
Lou Holtz talked long and often about needing a culture change. Well, with Steve Spurrier in the Cockpit, the lip service has ended and the culture is changing before our eyes. Teams, coaches, and fans of other programs feel it. The Iron Fans feel it. The Gamecocks and coaches know it. It may take a miracle to win both of the next two, but as Coach has said for two weeks now, "God is smiling on the Gamecocks." Let's hope the smile persists.
Final record: 7-4
See you in Atlanta!
0 wins - Independence
1 win - Peach
2 wins - Outback
Florida's in town next. I'll be in Black Mountain for work (4th year in a row for the UF game). Don't worry, I'll be watching with the Shandon folks while my advisors are delegated the task of ensuring the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of 15 middle school youth.
On to the game... After UF slipped past Vandy in overtime I think there's no question this is a game we can win. Talent-wise the Gators have a solid advantage, but when it comes to heart there are few teams, if any, flying higher than the 'Cocks this November. No doubt Spurrier will be preparing some interesting things this week. This is not a game he wants to lose. It should be close. It will be exciting. I, for one, can't wait!
No matter what happens, the following week will bring Spurrier's induction into the USC/Clemson rivalry. Walking outside Death Valley about an hour after 'the Brawl', I told a Clemson-fan buddy of mine that "if," and at that time it was still a case of "if," we landed Spurrier as our coach, "(they'd) better enjoy the winning while (they) can." I stand by that statement.
Now, I'm not saying we'll beat UF and/or Clemson this year. What I am saying is that the first strokes of a masterpiece are hitting the canvas in Columbia weeks before Turkey Day '05, much earlier than many would've predicted. With all the off-field turmoil, media bashing, and general taunting our program has suffered in the last 12 months it's little short (kind of like an Arkansas 4th down) of a football miracle that the Gamecocks are sitting at 6-3.
Other highlights: First win at UT, second since joining the SEC in 1992. First win at Arkansas since 1997. 3 losses; to the current #3 (Alabama), #9 (Georgia), and #17 (Auburn) rated teams in the Coaches Poll. Passing records are falling and falling fast. Impact players are YOUNG. The team is playing like a team every down, every week.
Lou Holtz talked long and often about needing a culture change. Well, with Steve Spurrier in the Cockpit, the lip service has ended and the culture is changing before our eyes. Teams, coaches, and fans of other programs feel it. The Iron Fans feel it. The Gamecocks and coaches know it. It may take a miracle to win both of the next two, but as Coach has said for two weeks now, "God is smiling on the Gamecocks." Let's hope the smile persists.
Final record: 7-4
See you in Atlanta!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
The Place of Disconnect
11.2.05 3:19pm
I spill my desires
Through the cracks of an open mind
Onto soiled streets of need
Down into the basins of sanity
‘Fear not,’ I preach
Consumed by the search for God
I fade slowly
Overcome by the demands of the day
Slipping into contemplation
I meditate on the All in All
I meditate on Allah,
Freeing my soul from worldly repute
In the place of disconnect
Competition is no more
Veneration no longer a need
Charity transcends it all
In the place of disconnect
Christ resides
Vishnu comforts
God speaks beyond religion and creed
In meditation
‘To be’ is ‘to live’
In meditation
God reveals the path.
I spill my desires
Through the cracks of an open mind
Onto soiled streets of need
Down into the basins of sanity
‘Fear not,’ I preach
Consumed by the search for God
I fade slowly
Overcome by the demands of the day
Slipping into contemplation
I meditate on the All in All
I meditate on Allah,
Freeing my soul from worldly repute
In the place of disconnect
Competition is no more
Veneration no longer a need
Charity transcends it all
In the place of disconnect
Christ resides
Vishnu comforts
God speaks beyond religion and creed
In meditation
‘To be’ is ‘to live’
In meditation
God reveals the path.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
More on 16-15...
"God is smiling on the Gamecocks" - Spurrier
Thought this was an interesting quote. Does God really have a hand in intercollegiate athletics? If so, the Gamecocks are clearly God's chosen ones. Joe Morrison was our Moses (do the research). Since being set free around '84 we've wandered through a desert of mediocrity with glimpses of manna from the sky (2 Outback Bowls). If last night was a glimpse of what's ahead, I sure can't wait to reach the Promised Land!
Work with me here, it's humor, not blasphemy!
16-15... 'Nuff Said
Just your average UT fans on a night with Spurrier in town....
Spurrier - 8
Fulmer - 3
"Steve Spurrier owns Phil Fulmer" - Mark May
"You know that commercial where they say, 'Sit, Ubu, sit?' That's Steve Spurrier talking to Phil Fulmer" - Lee Corso
Tennessee, you've been owned!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Two Underrated Songwriters (and an album you should own by each of them)
Ben Harper (and the Innocent Criminals) – Fight For Your Mind
Few artists today carry a message as powerful as Ben Harper’s. You can’t go wrong with any Innocent Criminal album, but this one probably takes the cake as far as songwriting is concerned. From the stripped-down roots opener ‘Oppression' to the string-laden ‘Power of the Gospel’, this disc is focused, earthy, and most importantly, truthful. On Fight For Your Mind, Ben writes from the heart and touches the roots of human experience like few can do.
Bill Withers – Live at Carnegie Hall
I’ve been saying for years that Withers is the most underrated songwriter of the 20th century and this album hammers that opinion home.
Live at Carnegie Hall proves two things:
1) the man is a genius
2) his band was outstanding live
Anthems such as ‘Lean on Me’, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Use Me’ mix well with lesser-knowns such as the soulful protest song ‘I Can’t Write Left-Handed’ and the funky urban masterpiece ‘World Keeps Going Around’. Bill’s music speaks candidly and poignantly about life, love, and justice. A must for not only soul/funk/r&b fans, but for any real music fan.
Few artists today carry a message as powerful as Ben Harper’s. You can’t go wrong with any Innocent Criminal album, but this one probably takes the cake as far as songwriting is concerned. From the stripped-down roots opener ‘Oppression' to the string-laden ‘Power of the Gospel’, this disc is focused, earthy, and most importantly, truthful. On Fight For Your Mind, Ben writes from the heart and touches the roots of human experience like few can do.
Bill Withers – Live at Carnegie Hall
I’ve been saying for years that Withers is the most underrated songwriter of the 20th century and this album hammers that opinion home.
Live at Carnegie Hall proves two things:
1) the man is a genius
2) his band was outstanding live
Anthems such as ‘Lean on Me’, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Use Me’ mix well with lesser-knowns such as the soulful protest song ‘I Can’t Write Left-Handed’ and the funky urban masterpiece ‘World Keeps Going Around’. Bill’s music speaks candidly and poignantly about life, love, and justice. A must for not only soul/funk/r&b fans, but for any real music fan.
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