I get to go in for a second interview at a bike shop tomorrow. With any luck, I might be otherwise employed by Easter. I was really surprised to learn that a bike tech can make about the same as what I currently make. The pay and insurance are comparable to what I've got now, not quite as good, but still pretty solid. The hours would be a lot better for me. Every other weekend plus tow 9-5 shifts and two noon-9pm shifts each week.
I'm hoping that they'll be able to give me an answer tomorrow so I can give my two weeks, but we'll take it as it comes.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
New Dedicated Faith-Art Blog
The last few posts that I've done involving faith and art have been among the more challenging for me personally, but have also generated a lot more conversation than anything else that I've written. This blog has evolved over time from more or less a personal journal, to one that involves journal, news and conversation. My concern is that those that would be more interested in the faith-art discussion would become bored with the other content and would be less likely to stick around for the duration of the conversation.
So, I have launched Faith Art Community Exploration to allow for that conversation to, hopefully, take on a life of its own and be more effective in engaging those that are interested in this line of the conversation. So, please drop in there from time to time and contribute to the conversation.
So, I have launched Faith Art Community Exploration to allow for that conversation to, hopefully, take on a life of its own and be more effective in engaging those that are interested in this line of the conversation. So, please drop in there from time to time and contribute to the conversation.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Solutions Through Community
I know some of you have been wondering when I might get around to part two of the post from February 27. Here's where we pick it up again. If you haven't read that one yet, I'd recommend reading it before reading this one or it will be completely out of context.
At the end of that post I asked how Christian artists might be equipped and encouraged to create art that is incarnational in nature. As a songwriter, I recognize that there is a craft to songwriting and composition in other art forms that must go through birth pangs and infancy before it can grow into the fully formed expression of adulthood. It is not dissimilar from how a person progresses in discipleship. Because of this, I am of the opinion that artists should be fostered, equipped and encouraged in the context of community.
That's a no brainer in terms of formal education. The skill is applied in a setting where assignment is issued, effort is expended and feedback is given. Repetition of this process pushes the artist/composer/actor/writer/dancer/videographer to stronger artistic acheivement and gives them tools for continued growth that carry them after the season of formal training ends.
There are several disconnects between the ideal of a creative community and the reality of the current state of Christian art. One is that many creatives forgo formal settings of education and are left without all of the tools and development they need to really grow in their craft. Second, many creatives that go through the formal setting become "immune" to critical thought that could actually help them better acheive their creative potential. Third, many creatives are insecure in their efforts and/or gifting and isolate themselves as a defense against criticism. Finally, creatives are not really challenged to grow by the Church at large because we are not comfortable critiquing the offering of other believers (at least not to their faces).
I believe that all of these issues touch on a greater need for community and I'd like to deal with each one (and any others we discover on the journey) on its own in the weeks ahead. I know there are other issues involved as well that I haven't addressed here and I would welcome any comments in order to continue the discussion. I really believe we are in this together and value the input of others that have a passion for the arts and faith.
At the end of that post I asked how Christian artists might be equipped and encouraged to create art that is incarnational in nature. As a songwriter, I recognize that there is a craft to songwriting and composition in other art forms that must go through birth pangs and infancy before it can grow into the fully formed expression of adulthood. It is not dissimilar from how a person progresses in discipleship. Because of this, I am of the opinion that artists should be fostered, equipped and encouraged in the context of community.
That's a no brainer in terms of formal education. The skill is applied in a setting where assignment is issued, effort is expended and feedback is given. Repetition of this process pushes the artist/composer/actor/writer/dancer/videographer to stronger artistic acheivement and gives them tools for continued growth that carry them after the season of formal training ends.
There are several disconnects between the ideal of a creative community and the reality of the current state of Christian art. One is that many creatives forgo formal settings of education and are left without all of the tools and development they need to really grow in their craft. Second, many creatives that go through the formal setting become "immune" to critical thought that could actually help them better acheive their creative potential. Third, many creatives are insecure in their efforts and/or gifting and isolate themselves as a defense against criticism. Finally, creatives are not really challenged to grow by the Church at large because we are not comfortable critiquing the offering of other believers (at least not to their faces).
I believe that all of these issues touch on a greater need for community and I'd like to deal with each one (and any others we discover on the journey) on its own in the weeks ahead. I know there are other issues involved as well that I haven't addressed here and I would welcome any comments in order to continue the discussion. I really believe we are in this together and value the input of others that have a passion for the arts and faith.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Reunions and Sermons
We had a great time over the weekend as we headed back to Sheldon, IA to lead worship and speak at the Church of the Brethren. We headed over early on Saturday to see our friends Amy and Abe Scheaffer. We had a good time catching up and talking about ministry which is always an energizing topic for me. We even left with a lead on a job in North Dakota, although the idea would take some selling with Amy and our families. Climate and distance are a little less desirable than what we would like, but if God leads us there, that's where we'll be.
While we were at Amy and Abe's, Marilyn called to let us know that another high school friend, Molly Abraham (formerly Rolfsmeier) was in town to celebrate her mom Lynn's birthday. Our parents were at the party as well, so we joined them and had a few hours to catch up with Molly and had the chance to meet her husband John and baby girl Olivia. John kept Xander well entertained and taught him a magic trick that he'll be practicing to master for some time.
We spent the night with my folks before heading to church back in Sheldon the next morning. Amy did the music and children's sermon while I did the main sermon and other "master of ceremonies" elements of the service. Jim, Marilyn, my folks and their friends Pete and Paula were all there, so our entourage was about 25% of the congregation. We also made it a truly ecumenical affair by providing Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans and Nazarenes for the Brethren congregation.
I was much more comfortable with my sermon this time than when we were there in January. Part of it was that it was material I was more familiar with because it contained elements of other things that I've presented before. We get to go back in late May again, so I've got a little time to think about what I want to do, but I know I'll wait until about two weeks prior to really begin to worry about it.
While we were at Amy and Abe's, Marilyn called to let us know that another high school friend, Molly Abraham (formerly Rolfsmeier) was in town to celebrate her mom Lynn's birthday. Our parents were at the party as well, so we joined them and had a few hours to catch up with Molly and had the chance to meet her husband John and baby girl Olivia. John kept Xander well entertained and taught him a magic trick that he'll be practicing to master for some time.
We spent the night with my folks before heading to church back in Sheldon the next morning. Amy did the music and children's sermon while I did the main sermon and other "master of ceremonies" elements of the service. Jim, Marilyn, my folks and their friends Pete and Paula were all there, so our entourage was about 25% of the congregation. We also made it a truly ecumenical affair by providing Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans and Nazarenes for the Brethren congregation.
I was much more comfortable with my sermon this time than when we were there in January. Part of it was that it was material I was more familiar with because it contained elements of other things that I've presented before. We get to go back in late May again, so I've got a little time to think about what I want to do, but I know I'll wait until about two weeks prior to really begin to worry about it.
Job Search
Well, we're not moving to Nebraska anytime soon. The job we applied for sent us the "Thanks, but no thanks" letter over the weekend. It's a little disappointing, but not for the reasons you might expect. Amy and I are both very peaceful about it and have faith that we're intended for something else, but rejection is rejection and it takes a little wind out of your sails to hear that you're not worth even talking to.
This weekend did provide several other leads though. One lead is a school near here that is hiring a Jr. High Band Director. The advantage is that we'd be able to stay in Sioux Falls and continue to see what opportunities for ministry present themselves. We also got leads for church jobs in Minnesota and North Dakota that I contacted this morning. The prospect of moving further north is not really attractive on a cold, gray day, but I've often told God that I would go anywhere He wanted me to go and do anything He wanted me to do, so we'll see whether there's any leading in that direction.
I also got a call last week about a bike mechanic position in town. I haven't had a chance to call back yet, but I don't have very high expectations for it anyway since the little bit of work I've done on my own bikes hardly makes me a bike mechanic. I had applied at the place last summer when I didn't have anything and thought it might be a fun thing to do. I'm not sure that the compensation would allow me to leave my current job even if they did want me. I'll still call back and see what happens.
This weekend did provide several other leads though. One lead is a school near here that is hiring a Jr. High Band Director. The advantage is that we'd be able to stay in Sioux Falls and continue to see what opportunities for ministry present themselves. We also got leads for church jobs in Minnesota and North Dakota that I contacted this morning. The prospect of moving further north is not really attractive on a cold, gray day, but I've often told God that I would go anywhere He wanted me to go and do anything He wanted me to do, so we'll see whether there's any leading in that direction.
I also got a call last week about a bike mechanic position in town. I haven't had a chance to call back yet, but I don't have very high expectations for it anyway since the little bit of work I've done on my own bikes hardly makes me a bike mechanic. I had applied at the place last summer when I didn't have anything and thought it might be a fun thing to do. I'm not sure that the compensation would allow me to leave my current job even if they did want me. I'll still call back and see what happens.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Sermon Prep
I'm not sure exactly why, but I've been having a hard time the last few days getting into the right frame of mind to write a sermon for Sunday, but this morning it clicked. I got up a little after 6:30 this morning and just wrapped up the first draft. I'll practice it tomorrow morning, rewrite, practice, rewrite, practice and so on until I either am happy with where it is or run out of time. I don't think this one is going to need too much rewrite though.
God is good. My brain has been elsewhere lately and I was beginning to wonder if this sermon was going to come together to where I would actually have anything of value to say on Sunday. God opened some things up to me this morning as I read Acts 17 that excited and inspired me to just write until I was done. Hopefully God uses it to connect with someone in a new way and stirs them like He has me.
God is good. My brain has been elsewhere lately and I was beginning to wonder if this sermon was going to come together to where I would actually have anything of value to say on Sunday. God opened some things up to me this morning as I read Acts 17 that excited and inspired me to just write until I was done. Hopefully God uses it to connect with someone in a new way and stirs them like He has me.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
3.22.06 Update
I've been fighting myself to get things written the last few weeks and, unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to wait another week or so before I'll really be able to dig into anything of substance here. Taking out my wisdom teeth also took my energy from me for a few days. I spent a day and a half home from work, spent the weekend mostly sleeping (occasionally opening my eyes to see what the scores in the NCAA tournament looked like and have spent the last two days trying to muster the strength to try to get back into the swing of things at work. Add to that the fact that I'm preaching on Sunday at the Sheldon Church of the Brethren and it leaves little time or energy to give thoughtful consideration to the topics that are in my head right now.
In the news... We're still waiting to hear back from Lincoln, NE about the jobs we applied for. I didn't anticipate hearing anything prior to the end of the month, but we applied almost two weeks ago now and waiting seems like all we've been doing since last June. We do have a peace that if this is not the place for us, that something will come along, but my patience with my current job situation grows more tenuous each day.
I did get my confirmation that I am all set to take the teaching exam at the end of April. I registered before all of this thought about another relocation and reentry into ministry started, but since we don't know how long it will be before anything develops, there is still a strong possibility that this fall could see me headed to the classroom. Plus I paid $115 for registration for the test, so I'm taking it even if I am otherwise employed by the end of next month (not likely).
We took my friend Patricia out for lunch yesterday. She's still a few days away from being able to drive after her surgery, so it was a chance to get her out of the apartment and catch up a bit. The kids were on their best behavior and we had a good time. Amy invited Patricia to the class that she's teaching at New Hope for the next several weeks based on John Ortberg's book "God is Closer Than You Think". I feel a real responsibility to get her connected somewhere where she can begin to grow in her faith. Discipleship is something I missed early in my relationship with Christ and it took me almost 10 years to wake up to the fact that there was more than simple behavior modification that God wanted to do with me. I'm realizing that Patricia needs someone to disciple her, but I don't think it should be me. I'm not trying to abdicate responsibility, I just recognize that we may not be in town much longer and I also happen to believe that one on one discipleship can be very dangerous between men and women. If I were to be a main player in Patricia's discipleship, it would have to be in a group setting. My hope is that she'll connect with someone at the church that she can really begin to dig into Scripture with and that I can just be supplemental to her growth through regular conversation and friendship.
In the meantime, we keep praying for new jobs, the sale or rental of our house in Marion and more direction on where we are supposed to be and what we're supposed to be doing. Life is rarely dull, but we've been praying for the same stuff for a year, so I feel like a lot of my prayers are on repeat. I'm looking forward to being excited about work and ministry again. Going through the motions is tiring, but hopefully will be rewarded with a greater sense of joy and gratitude when this season is over.
In the news... We're still waiting to hear back from Lincoln, NE about the jobs we applied for. I didn't anticipate hearing anything prior to the end of the month, but we applied almost two weeks ago now and waiting seems like all we've been doing since last June. We do have a peace that if this is not the place for us, that something will come along, but my patience with my current job situation grows more tenuous each day.
I did get my confirmation that I am all set to take the teaching exam at the end of April. I registered before all of this thought about another relocation and reentry into ministry started, but since we don't know how long it will be before anything develops, there is still a strong possibility that this fall could see me headed to the classroom. Plus I paid $115 for registration for the test, so I'm taking it even if I am otherwise employed by the end of next month (not likely).
We took my friend Patricia out for lunch yesterday. She's still a few days away from being able to drive after her surgery, so it was a chance to get her out of the apartment and catch up a bit. The kids were on their best behavior and we had a good time. Amy invited Patricia to the class that she's teaching at New Hope for the next several weeks based on John Ortberg's book "God is Closer Than You Think". I feel a real responsibility to get her connected somewhere where she can begin to grow in her faith. Discipleship is something I missed early in my relationship with Christ and it took me almost 10 years to wake up to the fact that there was more than simple behavior modification that God wanted to do with me. I'm realizing that Patricia needs someone to disciple her, but I don't think it should be me. I'm not trying to abdicate responsibility, I just recognize that we may not be in town much longer and I also happen to believe that one on one discipleship can be very dangerous between men and women. If I were to be a main player in Patricia's discipleship, it would have to be in a group setting. My hope is that she'll connect with someone at the church that she can really begin to dig into Scripture with and that I can just be supplemental to her growth through regular conversation and friendship.
In the meantime, we keep praying for new jobs, the sale or rental of our house in Marion and more direction on where we are supposed to be and what we're supposed to be doing. Life is rarely dull, but we've been praying for the same stuff for a year, so I feel like a lot of my prayers are on repeat. I'm looking forward to being excited about work and ministry again. Going through the motions is tiring, but hopefully will be rewarded with a greater sense of joy and gratitude when this season is over.
More discussion on Christian Art
I've been working a little on the response to my post The Problem With Christian Art but it's nowhere near ready to post yet. In the meantime, I'd like to keep the conversation going by encouraging you to read my friend Brian Moss's post is christian music christian? and the related links. Brian is a musician and songwriter that I admire and respect a great deal and he's got an insider's perspective on faith/art issues that I believe are important.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Wisdom Teeth
I finally got my wisdom teeth pulled today. It was something I'd been needing to do for awhile, but didn't really want to pay for. Since I have the best insurance I am probably ever going to have, I decided now is the time. I think everybody should consider working a job they don't care for with great benefits from time to time just to do all of the elective procedures that they've been putting off. I guess I'll have to think of what I can inflict on myself next.
The pain hasn't been too bad, but I look like a prize fighter the day after the big fight, without the black eyes and all. My jaw is HUGE and throbs a bit, but I've got good meds and feel a little groggy, but otherwise not bad. If I feel this way tomorrow, I think there's a good chance that I'll be at work. I'll decide around noon whether I go to work or watch the first day of the NCAA tournament.
They asked me if I wanted to keep any of the teeth if they stayed intact. I told them I have a six year old son, so of course I want the teeth. I only managed to bring one home with me and it's pretty gross. The doc had said that if I was single he would have recommended dipping it in gold, putting it on a chain and wearing it to the bar because any dental assistants would go nuts for it. I told him I thought I'd just make a necklace with some dentures instead. That's the last thing I remember before I went under.
I woke up in a different room and was soon reunited with Amy and the kids and was on my way home. I pretty much just sat around for the afternoon and watched the extended "Fellowship of the Ring" while Maia napped and Amy and Xander went grocery shopping. I was able to talk to Rena (my sister) awhile this evening and think I carried on a coherent conversation with her, although she would be a better judge of that.
I did have to skip worship rehearsal tonight, but was able to get Maia put down awhile ago after Amy left. Xander picked up a new Sonic the Hedgehog plug and play game (with the allowance that he's been saving for a few months) and has been in our room putting it through its paces all night. I'm proud of him for saving for something he's really wanted and hope he'll enjoy it.
Update on Patricia, she went home on Monday and was hurting a bit when I talked to her yesterday. I'll check in with her again tomorrow. She seems excited by what she's reading in the Bible and I've encouraged her to write in it and to feel free to ask questions about anything she wants to know more about. I'm encouraged and envy her opportunity to really dig in over the next few weeks as she's less mobile. I'm praying for God to immerse her in Himself and let her new faith really take root. What a blessing.
The pain hasn't been too bad, but I look like a prize fighter the day after the big fight, without the black eyes and all. My jaw is HUGE and throbs a bit, but I've got good meds and feel a little groggy, but otherwise not bad. If I feel this way tomorrow, I think there's a good chance that I'll be at work. I'll decide around noon whether I go to work or watch the first day of the NCAA tournament.
They asked me if I wanted to keep any of the teeth if they stayed intact. I told them I have a six year old son, so of course I want the teeth. I only managed to bring one home with me and it's pretty gross. The doc had said that if I was single he would have recommended dipping it in gold, putting it on a chain and wearing it to the bar because any dental assistants would go nuts for it. I told him I thought I'd just make a necklace with some dentures instead. That's the last thing I remember before I went under.
I woke up in a different room and was soon reunited with Amy and the kids and was on my way home. I pretty much just sat around for the afternoon and watched the extended "Fellowship of the Ring" while Maia napped and Amy and Xander went grocery shopping. I was able to talk to Rena (my sister) awhile this evening and think I carried on a coherent conversation with her, although she would be a better judge of that.
I did have to skip worship rehearsal tonight, but was able to get Maia put down awhile ago after Amy left. Xander picked up a new Sonic the Hedgehog plug and play game (with the allowance that he's been saving for a few months) and has been in our room putting it through its paces all night. I'm proud of him for saving for something he's really wanted and hope he'll enjoy it.
Update on Patricia, she went home on Monday and was hurting a bit when I talked to her yesterday. I'll check in with her again tomorrow. She seems excited by what she's reading in the Bible and I've encouraged her to write in it and to feel free to ask questions about anything she wants to know more about. I'm encouraged and envy her opportunity to really dig in over the next few weeks as she's less mobile. I'm praying for God to immerse her in Himself and let her new faith really take root. What a blessing.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Sunday recap (hotel baptisms and hospital rooms)
Yesterday was a fairly busy day for us. New Hope had services off site at the Ramada Inn in Sioux Falls. Amy and I helped load and set up before rehearsing on Saturday night. We had the service in a large conference room in which (ironically enough) I took the Postal exam in last fall. The room was set up with tables and chairs with a few rows of chairs in the back for overflow seating. We had a catered meal in the room right after the service before the rest of the day's festivities.
Jim and Marilyn were able to come up from Yankton and Casey (Amy's brother), Heidi and their kids Rylie and Chase came over from Mitchell. The service was good, if a bit of a blur for us with all of the extra stuff that goes with being off-site. The basic message was that we've been given a message in the Gospel of Christ that is meant to be shared. The emphasis was on sharing from parents to children, but it had a little different meaning for me this week because of Patricia (see "Great Night at Work" post).
After the service and food, people had the chance to stick around and swim. Xander had been more than a little excited for this for the last several weeks. We had been as well because Amy and I were going to be baptized. We caught a little grief from the Baptist contingents from Yankton and Mitchell because we were being baptized in the hot tub instead of in a freezing body of water somewhere, but hey, you have to take the opportunities that are offered to you. Amy and I were both able to share a few words before taking the plunge and were really glad to have the opportunity to share in this sacrament.
After that, came swimming. Now, this is not your run of the mill hotel pool. It has a good sized water slide which Xander went down with Amy, Casey, Marilyn and me about 1,000 times. Xander and I got some great speed going and had a pretty good, two man luge form going. Amy said the riptide off of us at the end of the slide was pretty impressive. The challenge at the bottom was to get Xander's head above water as quickly as possible since it was a little too deep for him to swim. Coming out with a full head of steam, I wound up scraping my back on the bottom while trying to hoist him up on several occasions.
Aside from the slide, they've also got a pirate ship with slides and fountains galore. This was a great area for us to hang out in because the water was only a foot deep at the sides which meant that we could hang with Maia and Chase while Rylie and Xander played on the ship. Between these two attraction areas and hanging out in the hot tub we managed to keep occupied until about 2:30. Jim spent some time taking pictures and lounging a bit. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get some pics from him to post in the days ahead.
As things began to wrap up, our attention shifted to the weather and the travel ahead to Yankton and Mitchell. When Amy and I arrived at the hotel, it hadn't started showing yet and there was nothing on the ground, but by the time we left, there were probably 2-3 inches of snow and it was still coming down pretty well. They were all able to make it home safely, if a bit slowly.
I dropped Amy and the kids off at home and headed over to McKennan hospital to see Patricia. She had her surgery on Friday which apparently went very well. I stopped in on Saturday to see her before they moved her from intensive care to neuro and she seemed to be dong well. I'm sure she was pretty doped up on Morphine, but was fairly alert and we were able to carry on a good conversation for about an hour or so. When I stopped to see her on Sunday, she was doing even better, even if she was in a bit more pain. I was there for about 90 minutes. We talked a bit, went for a walk and checked her email in the visitor's lounge (which allowed me to see about two minutes of my Hawkeyes winning the Big Ten basketball championship).
They've apparently tried to feed her about everything she doesn't like and she was pretty hungry by the time I left. She was not the least bit confident that she'd get anything to eat that she'd actually enjoy. She was also fairly annoyed with one of the nurses. I got to witness some of their interaction and hope that they don't drive each other nuts before Patricia is released. Patricia was also a little bummed that I was the only one from work that had visited her at that point. We've got several from the team that live out of town, so I know she wasn't figuring on seeing them, but there were a few that had said they'd come, but hadn't. I'm sure the weather didn't help, but I can't say that I had any trouble getting there.
Regardless, Patricia is doing well and should be headed home soon. She's off work for awhile, so I'm hoping that she'll have a good chance to grow into this new relationship with Jesus before too many other things begin fighting for her time and attention again. I invited her to a class at the church that Amy will be leading for the next several weeks and hope that it might be a way for us to stay in contact while she's off work. Hopefully, she'll have a quick recovery and we'll be able to stay in touch during her recovery.
I headed home, talked to my folks on the phone, ate supper (shrimp, to stay with the aquatic theme) and gave Maia a bath before finally getting a chance to lounge a bit. A full, but good day.
Jim and Marilyn were able to come up from Yankton and Casey (Amy's brother), Heidi and their kids Rylie and Chase came over from Mitchell. The service was good, if a bit of a blur for us with all of the extra stuff that goes with being off-site. The basic message was that we've been given a message in the Gospel of Christ that is meant to be shared. The emphasis was on sharing from parents to children, but it had a little different meaning for me this week because of Patricia (see "Great Night at Work" post).
After the service and food, people had the chance to stick around and swim. Xander had been more than a little excited for this for the last several weeks. We had been as well because Amy and I were going to be baptized. We caught a little grief from the Baptist contingents from Yankton and Mitchell because we were being baptized in the hot tub instead of in a freezing body of water somewhere, but hey, you have to take the opportunities that are offered to you. Amy and I were both able to share a few words before taking the plunge and were really glad to have the opportunity to share in this sacrament.
After that, came swimming. Now, this is not your run of the mill hotel pool. It has a good sized water slide which Xander went down with Amy, Casey, Marilyn and me about 1,000 times. Xander and I got some great speed going and had a pretty good, two man luge form going. Amy said the riptide off of us at the end of the slide was pretty impressive. The challenge at the bottom was to get Xander's head above water as quickly as possible since it was a little too deep for him to swim. Coming out with a full head of steam, I wound up scraping my back on the bottom while trying to hoist him up on several occasions.
Aside from the slide, they've also got a pirate ship with slides and fountains galore. This was a great area for us to hang out in because the water was only a foot deep at the sides which meant that we could hang with Maia and Chase while Rylie and Xander played on the ship. Between these two attraction areas and hanging out in the hot tub we managed to keep occupied until about 2:30. Jim spent some time taking pictures and lounging a bit. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get some pics from him to post in the days ahead.
As things began to wrap up, our attention shifted to the weather and the travel ahead to Yankton and Mitchell. When Amy and I arrived at the hotel, it hadn't started showing yet and there was nothing on the ground, but by the time we left, there were probably 2-3 inches of snow and it was still coming down pretty well. They were all able to make it home safely, if a bit slowly.
I dropped Amy and the kids off at home and headed over to McKennan hospital to see Patricia. She had her surgery on Friday which apparently went very well. I stopped in on Saturday to see her before they moved her from intensive care to neuro and she seemed to be dong well. I'm sure she was pretty doped up on Morphine, but was fairly alert and we were able to carry on a good conversation for about an hour or so. When I stopped to see her on Sunday, she was doing even better, even if she was in a bit more pain. I was there for about 90 minutes. We talked a bit, went for a walk and checked her email in the visitor's lounge (which allowed me to see about two minutes of my Hawkeyes winning the Big Ten basketball championship).
They've apparently tried to feed her about everything she doesn't like and she was pretty hungry by the time I left. She was not the least bit confident that she'd get anything to eat that she'd actually enjoy. She was also fairly annoyed with one of the nurses. I got to witness some of their interaction and hope that they don't drive each other nuts before Patricia is released. Patricia was also a little bummed that I was the only one from work that had visited her at that point. We've got several from the team that live out of town, so I know she wasn't figuring on seeing them, but there were a few that had said they'd come, but hadn't. I'm sure the weather didn't help, but I can't say that I had any trouble getting there.
Regardless, Patricia is doing well and should be headed home soon. She's off work for awhile, so I'm hoping that she'll have a good chance to grow into this new relationship with Jesus before too many other things begin fighting for her time and attention again. I invited her to a class at the church that Amy will be leading for the next several weeks and hope that it might be a way for us to stay in contact while she's off work. Hopefully, she'll have a quick recovery and we'll be able to stay in touch during her recovery.
I headed home, talked to my folks on the phone, ate supper (shrimp, to stay with the aquatic theme) and gave Maia a bath before finally getting a chance to lounge a bit. A full, but good day.
Back to Camp
Amy and I get to head back to Indiana this summer for our sixth year at Impact Summit Camp (formerly Bible Conference). Fred Stayton gave us a call on Wednesday to wee if we might be able to make the trip as they hadn't found replacements for us yet. The camp staff was faced with the possibility of having to hire a band to come in and wondered if, instead of hiring someone they didn't know who might not be on the same page in terms of ministry, it didn't make more sense to see if they could cover our expenses to come out.
Of course, we have loved being a part of this camp for the last five years and don't know how many more opportunities we'll get to work with these great friends of ours, so our initial response was to jump at the chance. We decided to take a few days to listen to whether God had anything to say on the subject before making a commitment, but didn't sense Him telling us "no."
Now I'm trying to get in touch with a few musicians to see if we can round out a band that we can do this with that will require minimal rehearsal. We might be able to sneak a practice or two in while we're in Marion in May, but we'll have to see. I'm also trying to get my vacation schedule at work shuffled around just in case I'm still working there by the end of July. Between ministry and teaching job possibilities, we may not need to worry about my current vacation schedule, but I'd like to have it in place just in case. I've learned to not take anything for granted where employment is concerned and wouldn't be completely surprised if the end of 2006 saw me still doing what I'm doing, but I'm fairly optimistic that something will come along.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Another Job Opportunity
We've spent a lot of time in recent months trying to figure out exactly what we're supposed to be doing. I still believe that God called us to Sioux Falls and that He also called us to minister to artists, but I'm beginning to wonder if those were intended to be one calling (ministering to artists in Sioux Falls) or if they were two different things. We're beginning to get the impression that maybe Sioux Falls was not the final destination on this journey, but instead was a place that was meant as a point on the journey to something else.
Monday night Amy and I were asking each other "What are we doing here?" and we couldn't quite answer beyond the thought that God told us to move here. Wednesday night I saw an ad for a pair of church jobs in Lincoln, Nebraska that about knocked me over. A church of about 4000 people is looking for a Worship and Arts Pastor and an Associate Pastor of Music and Worship that, on reading the descriptions, sound like an ideal fit for the two of us. We went ahead and sent our resumes last night and are leaving the next step up to the Lord. I think we're both having a hard time not getting our hopes up. One thing we've learned this year is to hold all things loosely, but it is nice to be excited about something.
We could definitely use prayer for this. Prayers for discernment on our part and that of the church would be greatly appreciated. Prayers that God would move in the midst of this to reveal where our next step is. I have to admit that Nebraska has never sounded better than at this moment.
Monday night Amy and I were asking each other "What are we doing here?" and we couldn't quite answer beyond the thought that God told us to move here. Wednesday night I saw an ad for a pair of church jobs in Lincoln, Nebraska that about knocked me over. A church of about 4000 people is looking for a Worship and Arts Pastor and an Associate Pastor of Music and Worship that, on reading the descriptions, sound like an ideal fit for the two of us. We went ahead and sent our resumes last night and are leaving the next step up to the Lord. I think we're both having a hard time not getting our hopes up. One thing we've learned this year is to hold all things loosely, but it is nice to be excited about something.
We could definitely use prayer for this. Prayers for discernment on our part and that of the church would be greatly appreciated. Prayers that God would move in the midst of this to reveal where our next step is. I have to admit that Nebraska has never sounded better than at this moment.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Great Night at Work
It's amazing how quickly things change. I came home from work last night frustrated and wondering what on earth we're doing in Sioux Falls and why I'm stuck in the job I'm working. 24 hours later I left on a high and it had nothing to do with the job.
I wrote awhile ago about my friend and co-worker Patricia who was recently diagnosed with a tumor. Well, she goes in for surgery on Friday and tonight was our last full night of work together until she returns from disability in a couple of months. She and I have had a lot of great conversations about God and she has felt comfortable enough to ask questions from time to time and has always been very open to listening to what I have to say. She decided a few weeks ago to come to church at New Hope and, with surgery just around the corner, our conversations have taken on a new significance.
I had really hoped to get the chance to talk to her tonight and have prayed for months for the opportunity to ask her whether she had ever committed her life to Jesus. Early on, it didn't seem like that opportunity would present itself tonight. As the night went on though, the team thinned out a bit and the people that Patricia and I usually spend our breaks with left early. As Patricia and I talked and worked, the topic of God came up again, so I asked her about her relationship with God.
The conversation that followed was everything that I had been praying for. We talked about how believing that there is a God is one thing, but believing that God is who He says He is and committing to learning about Him and following Him is another matter all together. We talked about what it means to commit your life to God and about the sin of man, the sacrifice of Jesus and the salvation that is offered to us.
She had asked if making the commitment was something that she could do when she prayed that night, so I wrote a few things down for her to take with her, but as the conversation went on, I really felt the Holy Spirit lead to pray "the sinner's prayer" with her. I asked her if that would be alright and we prayed right there at our desks. I was so glad that everybody in our area had cleared out, because I don't know if the conversation would have happened otherwise. After we prayed, I let her know how I had been praying for her and for the chance to have that conversation with her. I let her know that Amy and I are continuing to pray for her as are other people.
We continued to talk. She asked some questions about how to learn more about God and about the Bible. She's going to have a good amount of time after her surgery to give it some more thought, so I tried to give a few more things that might help her in the weeks ahead.
We finally broke off the conversation and got back to work. For the record, the conversation took 15 minutes, so I counted it as my final break of the night and was able to stay above board with work policy.
I think Patricia recognizes that she took a step tonight, but I don't think she understands the full scope of the journey that she's on. None of us do when we first make that commitment, but I'm just praying that God will help her take her next step, and the one after that, and the one after that, for however long her journey is.
God, thank You. You are the giver of life, hope and peace. I pray that as You give new life to Patricia through a renewed relationship with you, through the blood of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit that you will transform her into the new creation that you have promised. I pray that you will give those of us that know and love her, and know and love You, a chance to continue to be a part of her life and a part of Your life in her. Help us to be tools that You use to teach her what it means to follow You. Help us to be faithful to continue to work alongside You as you continue to grow her into the woman of God you desire her to be.
I pray for her surgery. Be with the doctors and all who play a part in it that it would go well and that she would be delivered safely through it. I pray for her family and friends and I pray for Patricia as she has to deal with her family and friends. Be a constant peace surrounding her that spreads to those she comes in contact with. Help her recover quickly and fully and to use the time that she will be away from work to grow in her relationship with You.
You are glorious. Thank You for being my answered prayer, for taking me from the depth of frustration to the height of worship. Thank You for letting me know that You are in this and that You have called me to where I am. Thank You for saving my friend and for allowing me to be a part of her story.
All glory, honor, power and dominion be Yours, now and forever.
Amen
I wrote awhile ago about my friend and co-worker Patricia who was recently diagnosed with a tumor. Well, she goes in for surgery on Friday and tonight was our last full night of work together until she returns from disability in a couple of months. She and I have had a lot of great conversations about God and she has felt comfortable enough to ask questions from time to time and has always been very open to listening to what I have to say. She decided a few weeks ago to come to church at New Hope and, with surgery just around the corner, our conversations have taken on a new significance.
I had really hoped to get the chance to talk to her tonight and have prayed for months for the opportunity to ask her whether she had ever committed her life to Jesus. Early on, it didn't seem like that opportunity would present itself tonight. As the night went on though, the team thinned out a bit and the people that Patricia and I usually spend our breaks with left early. As Patricia and I talked and worked, the topic of God came up again, so I asked her about her relationship with God.
The conversation that followed was everything that I had been praying for. We talked about how believing that there is a God is one thing, but believing that God is who He says He is and committing to learning about Him and following Him is another matter all together. We talked about what it means to commit your life to God and about the sin of man, the sacrifice of Jesus and the salvation that is offered to us.
She had asked if making the commitment was something that she could do when she prayed that night, so I wrote a few things down for her to take with her, but as the conversation went on, I really felt the Holy Spirit lead to pray "the sinner's prayer" with her. I asked her if that would be alright and we prayed right there at our desks. I was so glad that everybody in our area had cleared out, because I don't know if the conversation would have happened otherwise. After we prayed, I let her know how I had been praying for her and for the chance to have that conversation with her. I let her know that Amy and I are continuing to pray for her as are other people.
We continued to talk. She asked some questions about how to learn more about God and about the Bible. She's going to have a good amount of time after her surgery to give it some more thought, so I tried to give a few more things that might help her in the weeks ahead.
We finally broke off the conversation and got back to work. For the record, the conversation took 15 minutes, so I counted it as my final break of the night and was able to stay above board with work policy.
I think Patricia recognizes that she took a step tonight, but I don't think she understands the full scope of the journey that she's on. None of us do when we first make that commitment, but I'm just praying that God will help her take her next step, and the one after that, and the one after that, for however long her journey is.
God, thank You. You are the giver of life, hope and peace. I pray that as You give new life to Patricia through a renewed relationship with you, through the blood of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit that you will transform her into the new creation that you have promised. I pray that you will give those of us that know and love her, and know and love You, a chance to continue to be a part of her life and a part of Your life in her. Help us to be tools that You use to teach her what it means to follow You. Help us to be faithful to continue to work alongside You as you continue to grow her into the woman of God you desire her to be.
I pray for her surgery. Be with the doctors and all who play a part in it that it would go well and that she would be delivered safely through it. I pray for her family and friends and I pray for Patricia as she has to deal with her family and friends. Be a constant peace surrounding her that spreads to those she comes in contact with. Help her recover quickly and fully and to use the time that she will be away from work to grow in her relationship with You.
You are glorious. Thank You for being my answered prayer, for taking me from the depth of frustration to the height of worship. Thank You for letting me know that You are in this and that You have called me to where I am. Thank You for saving my friend and for allowing me to be a part of her story.
All glory, honor, power and dominion be Yours, now and forever.
Amen
Monday, March 06, 2006
On the Road Again
I finally was able to make my first foray onto the road and logged my first 22 miles of the 2006 cycling season. Last week the weather was gorgeous, but I was flat on my butt at home with a cold/flu bug that made its way through the family. It made me miss work on Monday and Tuesday and left me dragging myself through the rest of the week. I had hopes of riding on Saturday when the weather was again supposed to be upper 40's. It turned out to be fairly warm, but overcast with a wind of 20+ mph out of the southeast that bit pretty hard, so I opted to not push my luck with my health and stayed home. Yesterday, I decided to not look at the forecast and to wait to see how things felt after church to decide whether I would ride or not. Things seemed favorable, if still windy, so I decided to go.
The first five miles of any season are some of the hardest of the year for me as the first burn kicks into the legs and the mind starts to wonder just how much fitness I've lost in my winter's hibernation. I never know exactly how far to ride the first time out and know I won't really know what I'm capable of until I'm well into it. To add to the challenge this year, I was out in 20+ mph winds on the first ride, which I don't think I've ever done before on ride #1.
The first five miles out of town in pretty much any direction are in town for me if I leave from the house. Most of that is on city streets, not the bike trail which is a drag. It's a nice trail system, but doesn't easily lend itself to country riding like the Cardinal Greenway in Marion did. There, I'd only have a handful of blocks to get onto the trail and another handful to get onto the country roads after several miles of trail riding. Here, I can spend a fair amount of time and energy to get onto the trail, only to ride a short distance before I have to get off again to ride a good distance to head out of town. I like riding the trail, but it its a different kind of riding than the long, hilly, windy efforts you get riding outside of town which are far more rewarding.
I hit the roads northeast of town and headed to Brandon. This is one of the areas around here that I've found with a few hills to train on. I rode through some nice areas with some good roads, a regular rate of traffic and some good hills. I realized that I was in a little trouble as I'd be fighting a WNW wind a good part of the way back, but I didn't want to cut things short and still don't know the roads well enough to adjust my route with any confidence. I decided I'd just have to slug it out and stick to the plan. The ride back was a bit painful with a few good hills going into the wind that left me in first gear a lot earlier than I would have preferred. It burned a bit, but I managed to fight through it to keep going. Once I was in town it was a lot easier with houses and trees breaking to wind for me a bit. I still found myself crawling at times to gain any progress, but I finally rolled into the driveway for what I would consider a successful completion of ride #1.
I don't know what kind of rhythm I'll settle into for riding this year, but I doubt very seriously that I'll get close to last year's totals. My work schedule and sleep schedule run counter to my natural tendencies and I won't be able to do most of my riding before my family is awake. I also have a job this year where last summer was freed up significantly while I looked for work. Since I won't be able to ride as early in the day this year, I'll also have to contend with a lot more wind and traffic which could make it a little more tedious as well. I am on the job hunt again and hope that maybe by the end of the summer new employment will improve my lot all the way around. The way it could positively impact my riding would merely be a beautiful bonus.
The first five miles of any season are some of the hardest of the year for me as the first burn kicks into the legs and the mind starts to wonder just how much fitness I've lost in my winter's hibernation. I never know exactly how far to ride the first time out and know I won't really know what I'm capable of until I'm well into it. To add to the challenge this year, I was out in 20+ mph winds on the first ride, which I don't think I've ever done before on ride #1.
The first five miles out of town in pretty much any direction are in town for me if I leave from the house. Most of that is on city streets, not the bike trail which is a drag. It's a nice trail system, but doesn't easily lend itself to country riding like the Cardinal Greenway in Marion did. There, I'd only have a handful of blocks to get onto the trail and another handful to get onto the country roads after several miles of trail riding. Here, I can spend a fair amount of time and energy to get onto the trail, only to ride a short distance before I have to get off again to ride a good distance to head out of town. I like riding the trail, but it its a different kind of riding than the long, hilly, windy efforts you get riding outside of town which are far more rewarding.
I hit the roads northeast of town and headed to Brandon. This is one of the areas around here that I've found with a few hills to train on. I rode through some nice areas with some good roads, a regular rate of traffic and some good hills. I realized that I was in a little trouble as I'd be fighting a WNW wind a good part of the way back, but I didn't want to cut things short and still don't know the roads well enough to adjust my route with any confidence. I decided I'd just have to slug it out and stick to the plan. The ride back was a bit painful with a few good hills going into the wind that left me in first gear a lot earlier than I would have preferred. It burned a bit, but I managed to fight through it to keep going. Once I was in town it was a lot easier with houses and trees breaking to wind for me a bit. I still found myself crawling at times to gain any progress, but I finally rolled into the driveway for what I would consider a successful completion of ride #1.
I don't know what kind of rhythm I'll settle into for riding this year, but I doubt very seriously that I'll get close to last year's totals. My work schedule and sleep schedule run counter to my natural tendencies and I won't be able to do most of my riding before my family is awake. I also have a job this year where last summer was freed up significantly while I looked for work. Since I won't be able to ride as early in the day this year, I'll also have to contend with a lot more wind and traffic which could make it a little more tedious as well. I am on the job hunt again and hope that maybe by the end of the summer new employment will improve my lot all the way around. The way it could positively impact my riding would merely be a beautiful bonus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)