For several years now, we've driven about 45 minutes to another community to attend the Thanksgiving Eve Service at an Episcopal church. Traditionally, I've not been a fan of adding yet another church service to life, but for many reasons, this has become quite a meaningful evening for me. I attend a local community church of over 2500 with five weekend services, so this is quite an alternate event. Why do I seek out this somewhat inconvenient Episcopal experience once a year? Upon reflection, here's what happens for me. This experience...
...quiets me to be in a beautiful church building...like a cathedral.
...enriches me to listen to high church choir music that may or may not appeal to me, but is worshipful and interesting all the same.
...engages me to watch the procession down the center aisle at the beginning of the service, announcing something special is taking place to honor the Lord and King.
...stretches me to worship in unity with a diversity individuals and families, various generations and orientations, reminding me that “God so loved the world.”
...comforts me to participate in the liturgy and perhaps communion, even though I am an outsider to this group. The printed worship program guides me to simply read and follow along, to be gently included.
...invites me to feel awkward in the standing and sitting and greeting and all the Episcopal things so traditional to many, so awkward to me — yet a good experience to remind me of worship that may or may not look like the way I do things, and that is OK. Plus, I am more sensitive to visitors to my church.
...permits me to honor others as I think about the message — or homily, I think it is called. It may or may not be lined up with the way I think, yet it still intentionally invites humanity to reach back to God in some fashion, and that is lovely.
...connects me to the world of believers and expands my understanding of THE church.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A Prayer for Compassionate Immigration Reform
Lord, we cry out on behalf
Of immigrants throughout our land.
Dispel the myths. Squelch the lies.
Move in the hearts of Americans.
Open eyes to the complexity.
Turn hearts to compassion.
Lord, I pray for progress.
We depend on you for change.
You, the creator of all mankind,
the author of dignity,
the source of love,
help us encourage others to truly see
the neighbor, the stranger,
the power of love over law.
Protect the activists and advocates.
Give them wisdom and strength.
Grant them access to decision makers.
Bless them with love for those who disagree,
Yet quiet the organizations
that divide and destroy.
Help us be patient in the waiting,
Focused on the value,
Kind in our approach,
As we make others aware,
Challenge others to change,
And invite the country to
A renewed perspective, an
American foundational truth.
Please bring reform that keeps families together,
Provides a reasonable path to citizenship,
Grant grace to the good workers,
And most of all, Lord,
Please push the Dream Act
Into action on behalf of our
Immigrant students.
We do not know how you will act.
We come expectantly.
This is the day.
This is the time.
We, the church, must walk on
seeking You
To move mightily for justice.
Of immigrants throughout our land.
Dispel the myths. Squelch the lies.
Move in the hearts of Americans.
Open eyes to the complexity.
Turn hearts to compassion.
Lord, I pray for progress.
We depend on you for change.
You, the creator of all mankind,
the author of dignity,
the source of love,
help us encourage others to truly see
the neighbor, the stranger,
the power of love over law.
Protect the activists and advocates.
Give them wisdom and strength.
Grant them access to decision makers.
Bless them with love for those who disagree,
Yet quiet the organizations
that divide and destroy.
Help us be patient in the waiting,
Focused on the value,
Kind in our approach,
As we make others aware,
Challenge others to change,
And invite the country to
A renewed perspective, an
American foundational truth.
Please bring reform that keeps families together,
Provides a reasonable path to citizenship,
Grant grace to the good workers,
And most of all, Lord,
Please push the Dream Act
Into action on behalf of our
Immigrant students.
We do not know how you will act.
We come expectantly.
This is the day.
This is the time.
We, the church, must walk on
seeking You
To move mightily for justice.
Monday, October 18, 2010
"Who Am I" Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Poem
(written from a Nazi Prison cell prior to his execution)
Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equally, smilingly, proudly,
Like one accustomed to win.
Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectation of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?
Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!
March 4, 1946
Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equally, smilingly, proudly,
Like one accustomed to win.
Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectation of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?
Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!
March 4, 1946
Friday, October 15, 2010
Mayo Mystery
So, there was a big new jar of mayonnaise in the back seat of my car today. Someone gave it to me, since their family could not use it after all, but that doesn't count for this little story.
It was in the 90's today -- as in temperature, not as in a flashback to the 1990's when we were just trying to recover from the bad hairstyles of the 80's. Anyway, it was HOT. So, the mayonnaise, sealed, new, sat safely in the back seat of my car for the afternoon.
Is it safe to consume? I assume, since it was not opened, that it will be fine. However, opened and on a sandwich, unrefrigerated for a period of time -- now, that has its risks.
So, I puzzled ever so briefly about the mystery of mayonnaise. Sealed on a shelf...safe. Opened. Warming up. Danger. What a fine line between good and bad! Just a twist of a lid.
The moral and parallel for my own life is deep. Oh, not really. It is simply that I live cautiously around mayonnaise.
It was in the 90's today -- as in temperature, not as in a flashback to the 1990's when we were just trying to recover from the bad hairstyles of the 80's. Anyway, it was HOT. So, the mayonnaise, sealed, new, sat safely in the back seat of my car for the afternoon.
Is it safe to consume? I assume, since it was not opened, that it will be fine. However, opened and on a sandwich, unrefrigerated for a period of time -- now, that has its risks.
So, I puzzled ever so briefly about the mystery of mayonnaise. Sealed on a shelf...safe. Opened. Warming up. Danger. What a fine line between good and bad! Just a twist of a lid.
The moral and parallel for my own life is deep. Oh, not really. It is simply that I live cautiously around mayonnaise.
Glad to Be Gone
Driving home from an appointment with my job this afternoon, the news station reported a lock down at a local middle school. I felt a sense of relief that I'm no longer serving in the traditional classroom. Although it was a bomb scare in a building close to the school, and not in the school, I still remember lock downs, the stress, the annoyance, the mystery of safety for the students and myself. I am grateful to have a gig as an educator that is out of the traditional classroom for many reasons, and this was one reminder.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Two Men Approach in the Dark
[Borrowing from Amy's & Seth's segment on Saturday Night Live, "Really?"]
About 7:30, already dark outside, and I'm settling in for the evening. Only one home out of four adults and one darling 7-month old. Dog, faithful Sam, lets out a horrific set of big barks that sound like he is saying in dog talk, "Something is NOT right." I have rarely heard that type of bark. I rounded through the dining room into the living room and he is facing the door, a heavy wooden door. The front door. I look around gingerly through a window and sure enough, not one but two guys whom I do not know are standing on the steps.
Really? Really? After dark? As if??
So, I follow rule #1: Never ever open the door for anyone you do not know.
They are in ADT shirts and have those little ADT stop sign logo like things in their hands on little sticks, reminiscent of songs taught to kids in Bible school back in the day prior to projectors. And man #1 says, "We aren't trying to sell you anything."
Really? Really? Then what are you doing on my front steps after dark knocking on my door with all that logo gear and a white notebook? Could this be Meals on Wheels and they moonlight during the day for ADT Security Systems.
Me: "I don't open the door for anyone I do not know."
Them: "We really are not going to try to sell you anything. Can we talk through the window?"
Rule #2: Strangers appearing after dark are not to be given opportunities to linger (and don't you be quoting me a "angles unaware" verse at this point.)
Me: "Not interested. I don't talk to strangers after dark," or something lame like that. I should have walked away with a "thank-you" at that point. My current and very effective security system is still barking...I mean BARKING at my side, perhaps why the gentlemen are standing back a bit.
Really? Really? After dark? Cold calling? Perhaps one finds more people at home. Does anyone really open the door for strangers still? And after dark?
Really? Really? Doesn't ADT's Better-Ideas-For-Sales committee watch the news and realize this is a bad idea?
Them: "You can try ADT security for free."
This ended shortly after that. I continued to explain my policy on strangers after dark immediately being stereotyped as predators. They continued to wedge words my way to turn a cold call, and getting colder, into a warm one.
I did not get the chance to say the only thing I need to say, "No thank you. Not interested." It would be so much easier and less aggravating to stick to my little script. It just bugs me: 1) Every part of life seems to be violated with sales pitches. Please buy. Our economy will stay crumbled if you don't spend; and 2) The door-to-door pitch people and especially the after-dark group. We all need work, but I can't help you if this is your choice. I don't want to buy more, own more, and I find what I want without a random visit with a random idea. Though I do know people, usually men, who do open doors and buy. You know who you are.
About 7:30, already dark outside, and I'm settling in for the evening. Only one home out of four adults and one darling 7-month old. Dog, faithful Sam, lets out a horrific set of big barks that sound like he is saying in dog talk, "Something is NOT right." I have rarely heard that type of bark. I rounded through the dining room into the living room and he is facing the door, a heavy wooden door. The front door. I look around gingerly through a window and sure enough, not one but two guys whom I do not know are standing on the steps.
Really? Really? After dark? As if??
So, I follow rule #1: Never ever open the door for anyone you do not know.
They are in ADT shirts and have those little ADT stop sign logo like things in their hands on little sticks, reminiscent of songs taught to kids in Bible school back in the day prior to projectors. And man #1 says, "We aren't trying to sell you anything."
Really? Really? Then what are you doing on my front steps after dark knocking on my door with all that logo gear and a white notebook? Could this be Meals on Wheels and they moonlight during the day for ADT Security Systems.
Me: "I don't open the door for anyone I do not know."
Them: "We really are not going to try to sell you anything. Can we talk through the window?"
Rule #2: Strangers appearing after dark are not to be given opportunities to linger (and don't you be quoting me a "angles unaware" verse at this point.)
Me: "Not interested. I don't talk to strangers after dark," or something lame like that. I should have walked away with a "thank-you" at that point. My current and very effective security system is still barking...I mean BARKING at my side, perhaps why the gentlemen are standing back a bit.
Really? Really? After dark? Cold calling? Perhaps one finds more people at home. Does anyone really open the door for strangers still? And after dark?
Really? Really? Doesn't ADT's Better-Ideas-For-Sales committee watch the news and realize this is a bad idea?
Them: "You can try ADT security for free."
This ended shortly after that. I continued to explain my policy on strangers after dark immediately being stereotyped as predators. They continued to wedge words my way to turn a cold call, and getting colder, into a warm one.
I did not get the chance to say the only thing I need to say, "No thank you. Not interested." It would be so much easier and less aggravating to stick to my little script. It just bugs me: 1) Every part of life seems to be violated with sales pitches. Please buy. Our economy will stay crumbled if you don't spend; and 2) The door-to-door pitch people and especially the after-dark group. We all need work, but I can't help you if this is your choice. I don't want to buy more, own more, and I find what I want without a random visit with a random idea. Though I do know people, usually men, who do open doors and buy. You know who you are.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Night, Noise, & Neighbors: Coping with Late Night Loud in the Hood
Last night, again, as has been the case for much of the week, people had late night verbal encounters in front of their homes, in the street, by their cars, or by our home. Last night featured at least three separate groups and occasions. These interactions often continue up to and beyond midnight.
It has been a hot week, and we have had our windows open, which doesn't help block out the audio portion of the evening. Our windows are on the street side. Our sleep has been postponed and disrupted by the volume of the outside interactions, and it went beyond tolerable last night. We were treated to some young female in distress speaking phrases like "open the f---ing door," "are you f---ing serious?," "so it is my f---ing fault again?" Probably an argument/break-up, wouldn't you guess? And possibly the same couple due to the similar conversation we heard a week or so ago. Without the benefit of the bleeping out profanity.
There were women sitting outside a home talking and giggling. Two car alarms went off for way too long. Always someone running, which seems to be loud in the still of the night. Always cars coming and going, headlights, and different speeds with which they depart.
This is an annoying part of urban living and the challenge in "loving your neighbor." My loving YOUR neighbor might be easier. Mine? Not so much. And not after 11:00pm at least.
It is amazing to me how voices travel here at night, and how much we now know about the private lives of strangers. I’m tempted. I might buy in to the “If I can’t beat them, join them” philosophy to make a point in my frustration. I'll sleep in my clothes, have a plastic chair handy, head on out when disrupted, chair in hand, sit down with the late-night talk show neighbors, and join in. To make a point. Tempting.
It has been a hot week, and we have had our windows open, which doesn't help block out the audio portion of the evening. Our windows are on the street side. Our sleep has been postponed and disrupted by the volume of the outside interactions, and it went beyond tolerable last night. We were treated to some young female in distress speaking phrases like "open the f---ing door," "are you f---ing serious?," "so it is my f---ing fault again?" Probably an argument/break-up, wouldn't you guess? And possibly the same couple due to the similar conversation we heard a week or so ago. Without the benefit of the bleeping out profanity.
There were women sitting outside a home talking and giggling. Two car alarms went off for way too long. Always someone running, which seems to be loud in the still of the night. Always cars coming and going, headlights, and different speeds with which they depart.
This is an annoying part of urban living and the challenge in "loving your neighbor." My loving YOUR neighbor might be easier. Mine? Not so much. And not after 11:00pm at least.
It is amazing to me how voices travel here at night, and how much we now know about the private lives of strangers. I’m tempted. I might buy in to the “If I can’t beat them, join them” philosophy to make a point in my frustration. I'll sleep in my clothes, have a plastic chair handy, head on out when disrupted, chair in hand, sit down with the late-night talk show neighbors, and join in. To make a point. Tempting.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Heat and Inconvenience
In the Los Angeles area, we are currently experiencing record breaking heat. I live in an old home that is not air conditioned. It usually stays very cool, but that is not the case this week. Yesterday, I watched the temperature climb to 108 degrees in my town.
I work at home. I have a home office. Yesterday was hot and miserable, but we have a large fan that brought relief. I also watched photos of snow while listening to Tony Bennett sing "Snowfall" yesterday morning for a dose of mind over matter. In the afternoon, I listened to a rainstorm also to distract myself from the heat. YouTube helped me get through the day.
The evening was still too hot in the house. Usually things cool off nicely. Tough night to sleep. I was awake off and on.
Today was another story. I got up at 5:30am to get ready for a 7:00am Bible Study. When I left around 6:30am, it was cool, relatively, and beautiful outside. Dawn was breaking. A nice time of day.
By 9:00am, we were in the middle of a brown out. So, as the temperature climbed again, we now were without enough electricity to run the fan. We did not have access to the Internet. I could not work at home. After I returned from a home visit, I packed up everything for a work day, and Glen and I went uptown for a quick lunch in air-conditioning to discuss a plan.
I went to the public library. He went on to Starbuck's. I did some reports and cooled off. I packed up and went to the restroom, only to find out that the bathroom was not working because the water was shut-off. Ugh! My 2-hour parking was about over, so I headed home to use the bathroom.
I headed back out and went to Starbuck's. Every seat was full. I tried the library again. Another 2-hours of parking. More air-conditioning and Internet access, and this time I found a desk with an outlet to plug my computer in for a while, too. Things were looking up. I got some work done and headed out for my 3:30 home visit.
The day went OK, but it did have its inconveniences...or creative opportunities.
I work at home. I have a home office. Yesterday was hot and miserable, but we have a large fan that brought relief. I also watched photos of snow while listening to Tony Bennett sing "Snowfall" yesterday morning for a dose of mind over matter. In the afternoon, I listened to a rainstorm also to distract myself from the heat. YouTube helped me get through the day.
The evening was still too hot in the house. Usually things cool off nicely. Tough night to sleep. I was awake off and on.
Today was another story. I got up at 5:30am to get ready for a 7:00am Bible Study. When I left around 6:30am, it was cool, relatively, and beautiful outside. Dawn was breaking. A nice time of day.
By 9:00am, we were in the middle of a brown out. So, as the temperature climbed again, we now were without enough electricity to run the fan. We did not have access to the Internet. I could not work at home. After I returned from a home visit, I packed up everything for a work day, and Glen and I went uptown for a quick lunch in air-conditioning to discuss a plan.
I went to the public library. He went on to Starbuck's. I did some reports and cooled off. I packed up and went to the restroom, only to find out that the bathroom was not working because the water was shut-off. Ugh! My 2-hour parking was about over, so I headed home to use the bathroom.
I headed back out and went to Starbuck's. Every seat was full. I tried the library again. Another 2-hours of parking. More air-conditioning and Internet access, and this time I found a desk with an outlet to plug my computer in for a while, too. Things were looking up. I got some work done and headed out for my 3:30 home visit.
The day went OK, but it did have its inconveniences...or creative opportunities.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Empire Worldview Questions & The Book of Romans
I'm reading the book of Romans in the New Testament. I am also reading about the time period in world history, about A.D. 58. I am learning or re-learning some details, as well as pondering some new questions.
WORLD CONTEXT
Other things going on in the world generally around this time, give or take a century or so:
1. Egypt was part of the Roman Empire.
2. China was flourishing under the Han Dynasty.
3. Buddhism was gaining a large following during in the Gupta Empire.
4. Mayan temples were built at Teotihuacan in what is now central Mexico.
5. Roman Empire was strong though struggling.
OTHER INTERESTING DETAILS
Romans was written in A.D.58 it is believed.
Romans began persecuting Christians around A.D. 64, about six years later.
Romans destroyed Jerusalem in A.D.70, about twelve years later.
Evidently, Romans were looking for a people group to blame for the empire's troubles. They focused on Christians who would not worship Roman gods including the Caesar. They began to even kill the Christians in the arena.
MY QUESTIONS
1. Are Americans, also part of an empire, selecting immigrants to blame for troubles?
2. Isn't it risky to focus on a people group as an enemy of an empire?
3. Can't we as believers be more empathetic with this problem, since our people suffered through empire persecution? Roman Christians were viewed as breaking the law.
4. Is deportation a similar cruelty to being put to death? For some, they are sent back to a culture they don't know, separated from family, without employment, sentenced to poverty.
WORLD CONTEXT
Other things going on in the world generally around this time, give or take a century or so:
1. Egypt was part of the Roman Empire.
2. China was flourishing under the Han Dynasty.
3. Buddhism was gaining a large following during in the Gupta Empire.
4. Mayan temples were built at Teotihuacan in what is now central Mexico.
5. Roman Empire was strong though struggling.
OTHER INTERESTING DETAILS
Romans was written in A.D.58 it is believed.
Romans began persecuting Christians around A.D. 64, about six years later.
Romans destroyed Jerusalem in A.D.70, about twelve years later.
Evidently, Romans were looking for a people group to blame for the empire's troubles. They focused on Christians who would not worship Roman gods including the Caesar. They began to even kill the Christians in the arena.
MY QUESTIONS
1. Are Americans, also part of an empire, selecting immigrants to blame for troubles?
2. Isn't it risky to focus on a people group as an enemy of an empire?
3. Can't we as believers be more empathetic with this problem, since our people suffered through empire persecution? Roman Christians were viewed as breaking the law.
4. Is deportation a similar cruelty to being put to death? For some, they are sent back to a culture they don't know, separated from family, without employment, sentenced to poverty.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
If It Were Only That Simple: Education Reform
From Obama's speech on education reform: "I want teachers to have higher salaries. I want them to have more support. I want them to be trained like the professionals they are -- with rigorous residencies like the ones doctors go through," Obama says."All I'm asking in return -- as a president, and as a parent -- is a ...measure of accountability."
Cindi: I'm all for accountability...but only if the person being held accountable has more control over success variables...size of class, readiness of students, enough room in a nice space. And preparation like doctors? Would we get to keep peopl...e waiting a few hours before appointments? Would we get education malpractice insurance? Would we get office staff and assistants? Medical salaries -- how are those funded, anyway? I appreciate the ends -- we all share those goals, but the means can be quite elusive. Both careers are too stressful.Tamera: I'm also for accountability, however in my experience it was very ambiguous. The teachers that were known to be poor teachers were left alone. The teachers who parents and other teachers respected and thought to be good teachers were hara...ssed by the administration. I heard time and time again that the administration didn't used students standardized test scores to determine teacher effectiveness, but then the admin would ask to see the students test scores and complain about the effectiveness of the teacher. To many times the system of accountability is highly flawed. Don't even get me going on support...
Ellen: I am so sad for teachers... and for our students. Such a broken system, and those that are effected the most, the two I just mentioned. So many teachers are hindered by the system, and want only the best for our kids.
Cindi: Back to proposed reforms, it is not the "training" that makes a good teacher, people. If that were true, how would you explain the incredible success of many homeschool situations when the parent-educators are not necessarily credentialed? A good teacher is like the "Harry Potter" of the learner's world...there are powers good teachers have that cannot be taught. They have a heart for the whole person, and eye for the individual student's unique set of gifts and learning pathways, and they wear the cloak of invisibility--those intangible ways of equipping and empowering, providing enough emotional safety for someone to take risks -- always foundational to learning and change beyond memorizing facts in a data dump. I guess I should just make this all a blog post.
And so I did.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Floyd Landis
Floyd Landis admitted wrongdoing. I had believed he was innocent. I'm now one of the many who in error gave him the benefit of the doubt. Bummer.
I can't imagine why someone would work that hard and mislead so many, and even take so much money. I know he needed to preserve a livelihood, but still. Might have been miserable living with all that for several years. I don't know all the motives and details. I felt betrayed. Now I feel pity or empathy or sympathy or something. I hope he gets help and finds forgiveness. I also don't get why he needs to point the finger at Lance Armstrong from his position. I don't need to explain it all or determine the truth. I just need to leave it all alone and move along, sleeping peacefully.
Weird. Life goes on.
I can't imagine why someone would work that hard and mislead so many, and even take so much money. I know he needed to preserve a livelihood, but still. Might have been miserable living with all that for several years. I don't know all the motives and details. I felt betrayed. Now I feel pity or empathy or sympathy or something. I hope he gets help and finds forgiveness. I also don't get why he needs to point the finger at Lance Armstrong from his position. I don't need to explain it all or determine the truth. I just need to leave it all alone and move along, sleeping peacefully.
Weird. Life goes on.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Always Bittersweet -- Finishing in Paris
Today, the 2010 Tour de France ends with the cyclists riding into Paris along the Champs-Elysees. It has been three weeks of thrills and spills, beautiful countryside and cozy villages, sunflowers, cows, sheep, crazy fans, crowded corners, scary descents, cobblestones, engaging broadcasters, and brilliant helicopter camera perspectives. It is a long three weeks that I spend viewing much of the stage of the day early in the morning and possibly again for the replay in the evening. I'm always glad to get back to my regular schedule once it ends, but I am always sad to say good-bye to all the fun I get from watching.
I think this is my seventh year of watching the Tour de France. This year, I felt frustration with the difficulties of the route and the weather at the beginning and the multiple mountain stages. There were so many crashes in the first week. It got very discouraging. I also didn't see very many teams work together as well as I'd seen in previous years. That was different. However, I still enjoyed watching, listening to the commentary, learning, and following my many favorite cyclists. Some of my favorites withdrew, though.
The final day broadcast includes the highlight footage of the beauty and the fun of the Tour de France, always set to music. I really enjoy those summary montages. That is all part of the enjoyment of watching the tour for me. I sometimes feel like I have virtually visited France and a few surrounding areas and had a nice virtual vacation each July.
I do prefer watching on TV. We've learned that to be there in person is a whole lot of standing and waiting for the woosh of the cyclists and cars and motorcycles that often pass so fast you cannot pick out your favorites or even get a good photo. Waiting on a mountain stage catches a view of the cyclists because they tend to be moving a bit slower on a steep climb, but it is a lot of waiting and less than comfortable bathroom facilities. We've experienced all that by watching stages of the Tour of California.
Someday, I would like to be in the starting town for the Prologue a few days ahead, or in Paris for the final day, watching from a balcony. That would be memorable. Several of my friends and relatives have been in Paris on the final day and described it to me. I enjoy those stories.
I still can't completely explain the scoring...team points and various other score keeping. I understand overall leader and who wins a stage and who wears the yellow jersey. It is a complex sport, and that makes it interesting, especially as I continue to understand strategy.
This year, I again appreciated how it is free to spectators to see the events -- no other professional sport can claim that. The corporate sponsors are where the budgets are met. Very important in this sport. Can you imagine pro football like that? With jerseys with company logos all over? I know we see Nike and other sponsor logos on football uniforms, but not to the extreme like in cycling.
Well, congratulations, Alberto Contador. Again. Thank you Andy Schleck for making it exciting and good luck to you in 2011. Thank you to everyone who provides a great three weeks of watching all this from my home. I will anticipate 2011 with delight.
I think this is my seventh year of watching the Tour de France. This year, I felt frustration with the difficulties of the route and the weather at the beginning and the multiple mountain stages. There were so many crashes in the first week. It got very discouraging. I also didn't see very many teams work together as well as I'd seen in previous years. That was different. However, I still enjoyed watching, listening to the commentary, learning, and following my many favorite cyclists. Some of my favorites withdrew, though.
The final day broadcast includes the highlight footage of the beauty and the fun of the Tour de France, always set to music. I really enjoy those summary montages. That is all part of the enjoyment of watching the tour for me. I sometimes feel like I have virtually visited France and a few surrounding areas and had a nice virtual vacation each July.
I do prefer watching on TV. We've learned that to be there in person is a whole lot of standing and waiting for the woosh of the cyclists and cars and motorcycles that often pass so fast you cannot pick out your favorites or even get a good photo. Waiting on a mountain stage catches a view of the cyclists because they tend to be moving a bit slower on a steep climb, but it is a lot of waiting and less than comfortable bathroom facilities. We've experienced all that by watching stages of the Tour of California.
Someday, I would like to be in the starting town for the Prologue a few days ahead, or in Paris for the final day, watching from a balcony. That would be memorable. Several of my friends and relatives have been in Paris on the final day and described it to me. I enjoy those stories.
I still can't completely explain the scoring...team points and various other score keeping. I understand overall leader and who wins a stage and who wears the yellow jersey. It is a complex sport, and that makes it interesting, especially as I continue to understand strategy.
This year, I again appreciated how it is free to spectators to see the events -- no other professional sport can claim that. The corporate sponsors are where the budgets are met. Very important in this sport. Can you imagine pro football like that? With jerseys with company logos all over? I know we see Nike and other sponsor logos on football uniforms, but not to the extreme like in cycling.
Well, congratulations, Alberto Contador. Again. Thank you Andy Schleck for making it exciting and good luck to you in 2011. Thank you to everyone who provides a great three weeks of watching all this from my home. I will anticipate 2011 with delight.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
I Feel the Need...The Need to Read
So much I want to read. Seriously, if I were independently wealthy, I'd work less, read more, and invite people over all the time to enjoy great food and great conversations about what we're reading and what we're learning and curious about as we all live out our stories.
Today, I want to read:
Cold Tangerine: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature in Everyday Life, by Shauna Nyquist
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Donald Miller
And so many other books already on my shelf.
Today, I'm reading The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. Fascinating, engaging, stretching me head and how I view the world, curious, compelling, and fast reading. That makes reading fun. For me, anyway.
The new twist for me is slowing way down on buying books. We've downsized our living quarters to have more house to share with others, so book shelf space is now finite and owning more stuff has lost its appeal. We've had to give away many books, and that was actually difficult. Some with autographs even. Autographs were significant to us once upon at time. No longer. Makes it harder to part with stuff, and yet the meaning of an autograph tends to vaporize. Proof we met an author, yet no relationship came from that. So it lost its glitter, brought no life, and gathered the dust of celebrity chasing and some momentarily exciting and mildly validating experience.
So now I'm into the world of book swap. And the need to read.
Today, I want to read:
Cold Tangerine: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature in Everyday Life, by Shauna Nyquist
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Donald Miller
And so many other books already on my shelf.
Today, I'm reading The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. Fascinating, engaging, stretching me head and how I view the world, curious, compelling, and fast reading. That makes reading fun. For me, anyway.
The new twist for me is slowing way down on buying books. We've downsized our living quarters to have more house to share with others, so book shelf space is now finite and owning more stuff has lost its appeal. We've had to give away many books, and that was actually difficult. Some with autographs even. Autographs were significant to us once upon at time. No longer. Makes it harder to part with stuff, and yet the meaning of an autograph tends to vaporize. Proof we met an author, yet no relationship came from that. So it lost its glitter, brought no life, and gathered the dust of celebrity chasing and some momentarily exciting and mildly validating experience.
So now I'm into the world of book swap. And the need to read.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Cars, Details, Moments, & God
Last night, about 9:30, while driving on the freeway, Glen announced, "We have lost power." At that moment, I basically sucked in most of the oxygen remaining in the vehicle and began holding my breath in the face of that overwhelming sense of "what do we do now?" Although I did not panic beyond the beginning signs of breath holding, my heart knew to trust God in this tangible moment of intervention, and I quietly acknowledged our need.
Glen then said, "We are coasting." Gulp. So, we coasted gently and quietly across two lanes of highway toward an exit which just happened to be available right there right then. And the lanes were open as we rolled off the freeway. We still had the electrical power -- lights, windows.
We continued coasting off the exit ramp to an intersection where the light had just turned green, right there right then. So we were able to avoid braking and continued on with the dying momentum of the silent car. We came to another intersection and the light turned green as we approached, right there right then. And our coasting momentum though slowing with every rotation of the tire, carried us through the intersection. Glen made an immediate right hand turn into the parking lot of a restaurant and then pressed on the brakes, ending the coast and ceasing the momentum, what was left of it.
Now there was time to think. We were out of traffic in a safe place. The restaurant was busy and the parking lot was well lit. Glen and our friend Craig, who had joined us for the evening, pushed the car into a parking spot and turned off the engine. It was great that Craig was right there right then to help push the car. I called the Auto Club.
One tow truck came, but did not have room for three people to ride, so he left. It was probably 30 minutes or so until a "crew cab" tow truck arrived, but our generous friend Sam showed up simultaneously. Craig and I rode with Sam back to Whittier. Glen and the car rode to the Whittier mechanic. Sam dropped us off at home, where Craig got his car to head home. Sam picked up Glen. Glen got home a little past 11:30pm.
Our car is paid for and vintage. It is a 1996. So almost any repair is better than buying another car. We will see what happened. Car is in the shop today, and my day's plans have been adjusted accordingly.
I would like to express thanks to God for being in the moment and handling the details with us. I was aware of His presence in my sense of calm in the crisis, and in my sense of anticipation that it would all be OK. I am grateful that I wasn't driving alone when this happened. I am grateful that we got off the freeway safely. I am grateful that we got to a safe parking spot safely. I am grateful that nothing was left that day, so we were not panicked to keep up with any schedule. I am grateful that we are able to maintain our Auto Club membership. I am grateful that Sam was able and willing to drive to Cerritos and shuttle us all back home. I am grateful that the towing bill was only about $35 for that distance. I am grateful that my work schedule today is more flexible than most days, so no car is not a stress factor. I am grateful that God is in the moment, in the details. Even with cars, He cares. Crisis can create an awareness of His involvement. God is live and active. Some days, I just pay more attention.
At church on Sunday night, we sang "Everything" by Tim Hughes. This song echoes in my heart this morning. I'd like to add another line, "God in my driving."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V0rgrt1nTM
Glen then said, "We are coasting." Gulp. So, we coasted gently and quietly across two lanes of highway toward an exit which just happened to be available right there right then. And the lanes were open as we rolled off the freeway. We still had the electrical power -- lights, windows.
We continued coasting off the exit ramp to an intersection where the light had just turned green, right there right then. So we were able to avoid braking and continued on with the dying momentum of the silent car. We came to another intersection and the light turned green as we approached, right there right then. And our coasting momentum though slowing with every rotation of the tire, carried us through the intersection. Glen made an immediate right hand turn into the parking lot of a restaurant and then pressed on the brakes, ending the coast and ceasing the momentum, what was left of it.
Now there was time to think. We were out of traffic in a safe place. The restaurant was busy and the parking lot was well lit. Glen and our friend Craig, who had joined us for the evening, pushed the car into a parking spot and turned off the engine. It was great that Craig was right there right then to help push the car. I called the Auto Club.
One tow truck came, but did not have room for three people to ride, so he left. It was probably 30 minutes or so until a "crew cab" tow truck arrived, but our generous friend Sam showed up simultaneously. Craig and I rode with Sam back to Whittier. Glen and the car rode to the Whittier mechanic. Sam dropped us off at home, where Craig got his car to head home. Sam picked up Glen. Glen got home a little past 11:30pm.
Our car is paid for and vintage. It is a 1996. So almost any repair is better than buying another car. We will see what happened. Car is in the shop today, and my day's plans have been adjusted accordingly.
I would like to express thanks to God for being in the moment and handling the details with us. I was aware of His presence in my sense of calm in the crisis, and in my sense of anticipation that it would all be OK. I am grateful that I wasn't driving alone when this happened. I am grateful that we got off the freeway safely. I am grateful that we got to a safe parking spot safely. I am grateful that nothing was left that day, so we were not panicked to keep up with any schedule. I am grateful that we are able to maintain our Auto Club membership. I am grateful that Sam was able and willing to drive to Cerritos and shuttle us all back home. I am grateful that the towing bill was only about $35 for that distance. I am grateful that my work schedule today is more flexible than most days, so no car is not a stress factor. I am grateful that God is in the moment, in the details. Even with cars, He cares. Crisis can create an awareness of His involvement. God is live and active. Some days, I just pay more attention.
At church on Sunday night, we sang "Everything" by Tim Hughes. This song echoes in my heart this morning. I'd like to add another line, "God in my driving."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V0rgrt1nTM
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Sentimentality, Splintered Wood, and a Wedding Gown
My wedding dress (circa 1992) is hanging on the wall. A splintered piece of wood, painted green, with the letter G on the side edge and the number 22 on top leans against that same wall. I set the board there near the dress, and thought to myself, "Guess which one I'm keeping." Made me smile. I am keeping the board. I am sending the dress to a thrift store.
My husband and I have decided to rent our second floor. These are challenging economic times for us, as is true for many, and that had the "when push comes to shove" effect this past December. In order to take some steps to creatively use what God has blessed us with to help us during this time, we want to share our resources to learn to live in community, walk in a more sustainable lifestyle, and potentially free up God's resources of time, space, money, and energy to better meet the needs of others near and far.
Glen and I moved into a large home with the heart intentions to share it. We've shared the home with our nephew, a single teacher I worked with, and a married couple remodeling their new home. We have always really enjoyed that, but we both work from home and got comfortable with the place to ourselves. It was nice having a guest room, and rooms for our offices. How often did we use the guest room? About once a year.
It was a pleasure to have the home all to ourselves for a while. I loved the view to the hills from my office window and the view of the sunsets and Los Angeles valley lights at night from the front of the house, not to mention the 4th of July fireworks in a distance.
Anyway, in December we decided to prepare to share our home again and clear out the upstairs in January to rent in February. It is February 4th, and our renters move in tomorrow. A young married couple with their first baby due in mid-March. He is in graduate school locally and they are originally from near San Francisco. Needless to say we are back in the saddle for sharing our home and starting a whole new adventure of sharing the home with a baby girl soon, too.
So the dress and the board are two items carried downstairs to make room for our future housemates. The board is actually one of my prized possessions. It is a broken end of a bench -- a wooden bleacher seat G22 from the bleacher outfield of Wrigley Field. It is old, since I'm sure the benches were replaced with fiberglass or something more modern soon after that game where I walked home with the seat. It had broken off somehow. I walked by, and claimed it for my very unique souvenir. I loved the Cubs back in the day. Third base side, upper deck, looking out toward that ivy covered outfield wall with Lake Michigan in the distance, sailboats blowing by, breeze blowing in, is one of my happy places. This bench piece carries major sentimental value and uniqueness. I loved living near Chicago and it remains my favorite city to this day.
I'll send the wedding dress on out the door. I highly treasure my marriage, but the dress, though I designed it myself and had a dear friend sew it, is only what I wore for the event. This bleacher is meaningful. My marriage is meaningful. The dress is not. Maybe I'll make a small bookshelf out of my bleacher someday.
My husband and I have decided to rent our second floor. These are challenging economic times for us, as is true for many, and that had the "when push comes to shove" effect this past December. In order to take some steps to creatively use what God has blessed us with to help us during this time, we want to share our resources to learn to live in community, walk in a more sustainable lifestyle, and potentially free up God's resources of time, space, money, and energy to better meet the needs of others near and far.
Glen and I moved into a large home with the heart intentions to share it. We've shared the home with our nephew, a single teacher I worked with, and a married couple remodeling their new home. We have always really enjoyed that, but we both work from home and got comfortable with the place to ourselves. It was nice having a guest room, and rooms for our offices. How often did we use the guest room? About once a year.
It was a pleasure to have the home all to ourselves for a while. I loved the view to the hills from my office window and the view of the sunsets and Los Angeles valley lights at night from the front of the house, not to mention the 4th of July fireworks in a distance.
Anyway, in December we decided to prepare to share our home again and clear out the upstairs in January to rent in February. It is February 4th, and our renters move in tomorrow. A young married couple with their first baby due in mid-March. He is in graduate school locally and they are originally from near San Francisco. Needless to say we are back in the saddle for sharing our home and starting a whole new adventure of sharing the home with a baby girl soon, too.
So the dress and the board are two items carried downstairs to make room for our future housemates. The board is actually one of my prized possessions. It is a broken end of a bench -- a wooden bleacher seat G22 from the bleacher outfield of Wrigley Field. It is old, since I'm sure the benches were replaced with fiberglass or something more modern soon after that game where I walked home with the seat. It had broken off somehow. I walked by, and claimed it for my very unique souvenir. I loved the Cubs back in the day. Third base side, upper deck, looking out toward that ivy covered outfield wall with Lake Michigan in the distance, sailboats blowing by, breeze blowing in, is one of my happy places. This bench piece carries major sentimental value and uniqueness. I loved living near Chicago and it remains my favorite city to this day.
I'll send the wedding dress on out the door. I highly treasure my marriage, but the dress, though I designed it myself and had a dear friend sew it, is only what I wore for the event. This bleacher is meaningful. My marriage is meaningful. The dress is not. Maybe I'll make a small bookshelf out of my bleacher someday.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
My First Book, Perhaps
I am a writer. Sometimes I feel I was born to write. That is my sincere truth. Have I paid any bills or earned any portion of my living with my writing? Not many. Not exactly. Yet I haven't given up, though I continue to pay my way through life with other employment. There is some wisdom in that. My dream and efforts to become a published author lives on.
Yesterday, while sorting through some items in storage from my childhood. I came across a tiny little book. One and five eighths of an inch square to be specific. The title of the book is Mr. Worm Goes Swimming, and the inside cover states "By Cynthia Remington." That is me!
I wrote, illustrated, and self-published this book back in 1960's, while in my elementary school years no doubt. I wrote on index cards and trimmed them to that small size. I wrote the text on the lined side and drew and colored illustrations on the blank sides. This tiny book is twelve pages in length, has a simple, yet suspenseful, little plot line and pleasant resolution. My biggest struggle appears to be planning the cover and title page so that the entire word "Swimming" would fit neatly in the space given.
I was deeply touched yesterday when I discovered this work created as a child. I had no memory of it. It affirmed for me my great and long lasting interest in this creative art. Although I have not kept my interest in illustrating my work, I am still an avid doodler to this day.
For the technically minded, I did hand bind the book with one regular size staple.
This mini-book is a treasure and an inspiration.
Yesterday, while sorting through some items in storage from my childhood. I came across a tiny little book. One and five eighths of an inch square to be specific. The title of the book is Mr. Worm Goes Swimming, and the inside cover states "By Cynthia Remington." That is me!
I wrote, illustrated, and self-published this book back in 1960's, while in my elementary school years no doubt. I wrote on index cards and trimmed them to that small size. I wrote the text on the lined side and drew and colored illustrations on the blank sides. This tiny book is twelve pages in length, has a simple, yet suspenseful, little plot line and pleasant resolution. My biggest struggle appears to be planning the cover and title page so that the entire word "Swimming" would fit neatly in the space given.
I was deeply touched yesterday when I discovered this work created as a child. I had no memory of it. It affirmed for me my great and long lasting interest in this creative art. Although I have not kept my interest in illustrating my work, I am still an avid doodler to this day.
For the technically minded, I did hand bind the book with one regular size staple.
This mini-book is a treasure and an inspiration.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Quite the Fume Over Brit Hume
I listened to and watched Brit Hume's comments about Tiger Woods. I felt it was transparent and kind, but then I'm an insider, so to speak. I also felt is was awkward in the context of the TV program where it occurred, but life is awkward sometimes. We need to grant each other grace. I was innocently surprised by quite the kerfuffle caused by the comments. Moments like this helps define who the haters are, I guess. By hater, I mean people who are quick to draw a line and lambaste someone without relationship or full context.
I prefer to respond out of kindness. I'll quote Rob Bell about being criticized, "Two words -- love wins." In context, Rob Bell means that he has to walk the loving path and respond in love to his critics. He also means when it comes to making a difference on earth, love will win, and we need to focus. So I need to respond out of love, which means I listen respectively and respectfully to the critics who are quite incensed regarding Hume's open thoughts as shared, and learn their perspectives to better love them. Those critics are also nailing my faith choice, so I need to take a breath and respond in love to them.
I read a Huffington Post article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eve-tahmincioglu/beware-the-brit-humes-in_b_415579.html
Even the headline for that post felt hostile. That writer had a strong negative reaction to Hume's comments, but seems to be doing what Hume is accused of in the article. The writer seemed to write from a bigoted point of view to me.
I read another article from Politics Daily: http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/01/08/fox-tiger-and-christianity-a-defense-of-brit-hume/
It was more balanced in my opinion. I suppose "balanced" means -- more agreeable to me, but all the same, I learned from it. I found it fascinating to read comments on Buddhism from Buddhist authorities. It even provided some background to how Brit Hume came to faith as an adult journalist in Washington, D.C. -- very touching to me. A great example of how the community of faith models love as Christ has loved us. I found that part very interesting. Here is an excerpt from that part in the Politics Daily article:
"Such a horror is not something you ever get over. But you have to go on, and Brit Hume was able to do so, by his own account, because of the people who reached out to him in God's name. Nearly 1,000 sympathy cards arrived, from strangers as well as friends.
'I read them all,' Hume told Christianity Today. 'My mailbox would be stuffed with them night after night. I'd weep over some of them. Some of them were prayer cards, some of them would tell me a tree had been planted somewhere. I felt that I was seeing the face of God. I felt people's support and love. To me it was a miracle. I've been trying to face up to the implications of believing in Christ and believing in God ever since.'
It only stands to reason, then, that out of this crucible, Brit Hume would want to share that miracle with others who are hurting -- with Tiger Woods, for example. And so, channeling Mother Teresa and not Tom Shales, Hume's first duty is to smile, as painful as that must be some days. His second duty, as he sees it, is to share the reason he's able to smile. So why would anyone begrudge him that?"
I prefer to respond out of kindness. I'll quote Rob Bell about being criticized, "Two words -- love wins." In context, Rob Bell means that he has to walk the loving path and respond in love to his critics. He also means when it comes to making a difference on earth, love will win, and we need to focus. So I need to respond out of love, which means I listen respectively and respectfully to the critics who are quite incensed regarding Hume's open thoughts as shared, and learn their perspectives to better love them. Those critics are also nailing my faith choice, so I need to take a breath and respond in love to them.
I read a Huffington Post article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eve-tahmincioglu/beware-the-brit-humes-in_b_415579.html
Even the headline for that post felt hostile. That writer had a strong negative reaction to Hume's comments, but seems to be doing what Hume is accused of in the article. The writer seemed to write from a bigoted point of view to me.
I read another article from Politics Daily: http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/01/08/fox-tiger-and-christianity-a-defense-of-brit-hume/
It was more balanced in my opinion. I suppose "balanced" means -- more agreeable to me, but all the same, I learned from it. I found it fascinating to read comments on Buddhism from Buddhist authorities. It even provided some background to how Brit Hume came to faith as an adult journalist in Washington, D.C. -- very touching to me. A great example of how the community of faith models love as Christ has loved us. I found that part very interesting. Here is an excerpt from that part in the Politics Daily article:
"Such a horror is not something you ever get over. But you have to go on, and Brit Hume was able to do so, by his own account, because of the people who reached out to him in God's name. Nearly 1,000 sympathy cards arrived, from strangers as well as friends.
'I read them all,' Hume told Christianity Today. 'My mailbox would be stuffed with them night after night. I'd weep over some of them. Some of them were prayer cards, some of them would tell me a tree had been planted somewhere. I felt that I was seeing the face of God. I felt people's support and love. To me it was a miracle. I've been trying to face up to the implications of believing in Christ and believing in God ever since.'
It only stands to reason, then, that out of this crucible, Brit Hume would want to share that miracle with others who are hurting -- with Tiger Woods, for example. And so, channeling Mother Teresa and not Tom Shales, Hume's first duty is to smile, as painful as that must be some days. His second duty, as he sees it, is to share the reason he's able to smile. So why would anyone begrudge him that?"
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Kierkegaard - "Only A Rumor"
I read an article today by Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher of the 1800's. It is titled "Only a Rumor." I found the simple premise profound and engaging.
In response to Matthew 2:1-4, Kierkegaard states, "Although the scribes could explain where the Messiah should be born, they remained quite unperturbed in Jerusalem. They did not accompany the wise men to seek him. Similarly we may know the whole of Christianity, yet make no movement. The power that moved heaven and earth leaves us completely unmoved."
Kierkegaard continues, "What a difference! The three kings had only a rumor to go by. But it moved them to make that long journey. The scribes were much better informed, much better versed. They sat and studied the Scriptures like so many dons, but it did not make them move. Who had the more truth? The three kings who followed a rumor, or the scribes who remained sitting with all their knowledge?"
This provides a good launch to the new year. I need to seek, not just study. Seeking is active and implies movement. Off I go! The wise men had more than a rumor, according to Scripture. They also had a star to follow. I'll follow.
In response to Matthew 2:1-4, Kierkegaard states, "Although the scribes could explain where the Messiah should be born, they remained quite unperturbed in Jerusalem. They did not accompany the wise men to seek him. Similarly we may know the whole of Christianity, yet make no movement. The power that moved heaven and earth leaves us completely unmoved."
Kierkegaard continues, "What a difference! The three kings had only a rumor to go by. But it moved them to make that long journey. The scribes were much better informed, much better versed. They sat and studied the Scriptures like so many dons, but it did not make them move. Who had the more truth? The three kings who followed a rumor, or the scribes who remained sitting with all their knowledge?"
This provides a good launch to the new year. I need to seek, not just study. Seeking is active and implies movement. Off I go! The wise men had more than a rumor, according to Scripture. They also had a star to follow. I'll follow.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Why I Voted for Obama, Since You Asked
Someone graciously asked me why I voted for Obama. Here is my response:
I voted for Obama because his platform lined up with my views on more points than did McCain. I felt McCain would cater more to the rich and capitalism's dark side, though I respected his POW/Vietnam experience deeply. I also admired Obama's character, leadership style, transparency, and journey. I admire his family and appreciate his wife, which says something about the man. I acknowledge there is "spin" everywhere, so I can only go on face value. I was intrigued by how many people rallied around him, voted for the first time, and mobilized on his behalf. People I respect also voted for him and gave me good input.
However, from my perspective, how can I ever truly judge a politician equitably and authentically from this distance? I gotta go with my gut, listen to what lots of other thinkers are saying, compare platforms, pray, and then flip a coin. I had reservations. I would with any candidate.
I understand any campaign makes huge promises and any president has much less control and power once elected, so I don't go much on promises. Once in office, they get much more information, and get pulled by so many people. Not to mention, the process of American government is balanced and yet so complex. So, I am a "wait and see" voter. I, shallow as it sounds, end up simply voting for the one I like the best or fear the least after I do my research.
I still respect Obama. There is valid criticism. There is ill-informed criticism. It is WAY too soon to judge how he is doing. I get a kick out of the fact that there is a group of critical voices outraged that he won a Nobel Peace Prize because they feel he hasn't done anything. Yet that same group is outraged by what they credit him with doing. I know that is way oversimplified, and not a completely fair point, but it makes me smile.
I learned a big leadership lesson in my one year in school administration. As a leader, there are so many sides to any story, so many people with opinions who think you should please them first, and so much insight and information that comes your way as a leader that others are not privy to hearing. People you lead can never gain that much insight into why you do what you do. Yet people form opinions from a half-informed, subjective perspective, and get critical. That's just leadership. So, as a young administrator, I vowed to never criticize a leader from my limited perspective, knowing I don't have all the facts. I wait and see how things go long term, trusting God.
I trust God more than government. Most of us do. Obama is our president. I am learning how to show respect, since I saw how badly Bush was treated, regardless of my opinion. God blesses all nations. The U.S. may or may not be in the front of that line. God will work through our leaders, but that work may not look like we thought it would.
I voted for Obama because his platform lined up with my views on more points than did McCain. I felt McCain would cater more to the rich and capitalism's dark side, though I respected his POW/Vietnam experience deeply. I also admired Obama's character, leadership style, transparency, and journey. I admire his family and appreciate his wife, which says something about the man. I acknowledge there is "spin" everywhere, so I can only go on face value. I was intrigued by how many people rallied around him, voted for the first time, and mobilized on his behalf. People I respect also voted for him and gave me good input.
However, from my perspective, how can I ever truly judge a politician equitably and authentically from this distance? I gotta go with my gut, listen to what lots of other thinkers are saying, compare platforms, pray, and then flip a coin. I had reservations. I would with any candidate.
I understand any campaign makes huge promises and any president has much less control and power once elected, so I don't go much on promises. Once in office, they get much more information, and get pulled by so many people. Not to mention, the process of American government is balanced and yet so complex. So, I am a "wait and see" voter. I, shallow as it sounds, end up simply voting for the one I like the best or fear the least after I do my research.
I still respect Obama. There is valid criticism. There is ill-informed criticism. It is WAY too soon to judge how he is doing. I get a kick out of the fact that there is a group of critical voices outraged that he won a Nobel Peace Prize because they feel he hasn't done anything. Yet that same group is outraged by what they credit him with doing. I know that is way oversimplified, and not a completely fair point, but it makes me smile.
I learned a big leadership lesson in my one year in school administration. As a leader, there are so many sides to any story, so many people with opinions who think you should please them first, and so much insight and information that comes your way as a leader that others are not privy to hearing. People you lead can never gain that much insight into why you do what you do. Yet people form opinions from a half-informed, subjective perspective, and get critical. That's just leadership. So, as a young administrator, I vowed to never criticize a leader from my limited perspective, knowing I don't have all the facts. I wait and see how things go long term, trusting God.
I trust God more than government. Most of us do. Obama is our president. I am learning how to show respect, since I saw how badly Bush was treated, regardless of my opinion. God blesses all nations. The U.S. may or may not be in the front of that line. God will work through our leaders, but that work may not look like we thought it would.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
U2 Rose Bowl Concert
The U2 concert affected me in many ways. I'll share some impressions here. It has been over a month since my husband and I attended the U2 concert at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena. What a day! What an event! I am a U2 fan, both for the music and stories told, and for the power of celebrity used for good to change the world. However, I am not as extreme a fan as many I know and love are. In fact, I mentioned to Glen that I feared the U2 police might ask me to step outside as they noticed I was in violation of fan policy #1, #2, and #3. Definitely in violation of policy #4.
U2 Fan Policy
1. Must know all songs by heart and sing along.
2. Must stand the entire concert or a minimum of 95% of the time.
3. Must tip head back, close eyes, and sway in dreamy fantasy fashion for all slow songs performed.
4. Women: Must have some sort of rock star crush on Bono.
I was permitted to stay the entire concert, as it turned out. I was relieved. I actually do know more of the songs than I'd realized.
Other Impressions
U2 Fan Policy
1. Must know all songs by heart and sing along.
2. Must stand the entire concert or a minimum of 95% of the time.
3. Must tip head back, close eyes, and sway in dreamy fantasy fashion for all slow songs performed.
4. Women: Must have some sort of rock star crush on Bono.
I was permitted to stay the entire concert, as it turned out. I was relieved. I actually do know more of the songs than I'd realized.
Other Impressions
- The crowd: Oh, my goodness! 96,000+! That is a massive group of people. U2 has all ages and stages of fans and the people watching was superb. In our section, there were people our age, kids, groups of women out for a night with wine glasses in hand, stoners, and a couple that had flown in from Hawaii. Men in groups, families, and couples. Friends from church were there. Although I did not know it at the time, co-workers and husbands were there, too. Other friends were there, too, though we only connected through text messages.
- More about the crowd: Navigating a crowd that size took some effort. We pulled into the stadium parking around 1:00pm, since the potential of traffic delays when you have to get approximately 32,000 cars off at a couple of exits and parked scared us into getting there early. There were food booths and entertainment -- music and NFL on big screens -- set up like a massive tailgating picnic prior to the concert. We didn't see any of that, though we did have our own picnic, while sitting in portable chairs we had brought. We relaxed and read and snacked the afternoon away. We also watched people complain at parking guys trying to get them parked in an orderly, functional fashion. May I never turn into a Parking Lot Princess!
- Even more about the crowd: We got to our entry gate before 5:00, since the gates were supposed to open at 5:00 for the 7:00 concert. We had to get in a long line. Gates opened about 5:30 or so and our line moved peacefully into the stadium, but I was tired of standing. We found our tunnel to get to our seats. I was really glad we'd eaten near our truck, because the people walking through the crowd with a tray of food in one hand and some beverage in the other really had to use some creative maneuvers to push through and not spill!
- Prices: The food, though it looked tasty and interesting, was expensive. Parking was $25 or more. And the tickets. Well, two and a half days of subbing for Glen paid for those. Well worth it. Many of the crowd looked the age that they'd probably had to hire babysitters, too -- another pricey addition to the evening budget. There were a lot of babysitters hired for the evening from the looks of things. I do wonder what the economic impact of the evening was for Pasadena food, parking, and hotel businesses. A good night for some businesses, no doubt.
- The choir: When we sang along, it was impressive and moving to me. I will not soon forget that sound -- a good choir, really. There was a sense of unity...all sorts of people, with one voice. It was powerful to me. There is a sense of love and peace in that setting that gives hope for the world, though it is a fleeting feeling in reality. How does music pull people together like that? Amazing.
- The crew: Wow! I was fascinated by all the people involved in the production, especially now that I help a little with production of services at my church. I am amazed at all the people doing things well does take. They even lowered lights from the top of "the claw" to the stage before U2 and strapped in 3 people to operate the big lights, then hoisted the equipment back up probably 70 feet or so. Yikes! There were four sets of three people doing that. Amazing.
- The technology: The guy from Hawaii, mentioned earlier, took our picture for us -- our camera had broken -- and e-mailed it to us right then and there. The technology of the stage and all the components was stunning. Part of the set-up extended down seven stories, and then collapsed back up. It was also a screen for more visuals. Awesome. In fact, as we walked through the tunnel prior to the concert, and I saw the stage in front of me like a giant spacecraft, I just screamed with excitement. Again, I'd never seen anything like that at a concert, but then I haven't been to a rock concert in years. It was so cool!
- Concerts at age 54: Concerts are very physical! I'd forgotten that from the younger years of going to concerts. The walking. The standing. Climbing the steps to our seats -- steep steps at that Rose Bowl! The crunch on the knees -- the rows of seats are too close together, like flying economy. And enduring the lines for the bathroom and pacing when to get in line so as to stay comfortable and also not miss much. And two words. Ear plugs. Bliss.
- Bathroom story: while waiting in line for the women's restroom, a small conversation started around me...finding out how far people had traveled to be here and such. So, then I told a woman to enjoy the concert as she walked away. She turned and said, "You, too." I laughed and repeated, "U2," and she realized she'd punned. And we laughed together.
- The genius of the band: They connect intimately with the crowd. They encourage everyone to sing with them. They entertain. They impact through excellence as performers and musicians and through promoting social justice. They don't take themselves too seriously -- there were whimsical parts. And they leverage their popularity through several generations. It was a big deal to be there in person. These guys are bigger than the Beatles. I can't imagine having seen the Beatles. I did get to see U2. I will look back on this day with delight for my lifetime. And this band gave 150% -- they gave us such a great night, encores and all.
- Lights: The lighting for the concert, for the stadium, and most of all the lights of cell phones added some amazing features to the night. We were asked twice to hold up our cell phones and almost all stadium lights were turned off. It was like a man-made Milky Way. I loved it! Loved it! So cool.
- The Peas: That was fun. Not too familiar with Black Eyed Peas --or so I thought, though I think the female has a most awesome voice. They were awesome! And I was familiar with all the songs they did. Cool!
- Glen: Sharing the evening with Glen was a big deal for me. He is a HUGE U2 fan. HUGE. He'd seen them in 1987. So he is the real deal. To see him enjoy this concert just blessed me. I was so happy he could be there. I was so happy to be with him. So glad we got the chance to go, thanks to a Facebook friend. It is a chance to enjoy each other, play together, and do something we love. Good for the soul of a marriage.
- Smoking, drinking: It is somewhere between interesting and annoying to see (and smell -- gross!) to watch what fans like or need to relax and to increase the enjoyment of the evening. Big night for alcohol vendors from what I saw around us. I'd forgotten that sober is not everyone's choice for an evening.
- Spiritual power of music: When music tells a story, when a song feels like a familiar friend, when you are there in person with singers, when you sing with a huge crowd, when you listen to lyrics that move you, it is a spiritual experience at some deep level. Interesting. We felt a part of something bigger than anyone of us. For a few hours.
- Adjective shortage: I used the word awesome way too much in this post. Oh, well. It was awesome!
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