Well, if you haven’t heard yet, Tara and I are moving. We’re heading to the Northeast coast for my work (I know, it’s cold there too). I’ve accepted a new position, but because of our Presbyterian process, I can’t tell you where until after the congregation of my new church votes on me. So, is…
Category: Chicago
Redirecting elephants in Cuba.
Two Mondays ago, I arrived in Havana, Cuba, for the first of my two scheduled visits of 2017. Had you asked me a year ago if I would ever go to Cuba, I don’t know that I could have said yes. Not because I didn’t want to, but it was never on my radar. Until…
reparation: (noun) something that is done or given as a way or correcting a mistake that you have made or a bad situation that you have caused; origin: middle english, 14th century
Sermon writing is not my strong suit, but this is where Plato believes that practice at something can make you better. Preaching isn’t a virtue, but it is important. And with many great preachers to learn from in my own house, I’ve got some good examples. Below is the sermon I preached this evening for the…
list: (noun) a simple series of words or numerals; origin: germanic origin, first known use 1602
I love lists. They make me feel accomplished. When I create a list, it’s typically a “to do” list. Right now, on my phone are the following lists: Packing List Legal Documents Groceries Reminders Family General To Do There are also the random lists I keep on sticky notes in my office. Things like, “call…
space: (noun) the amount of an area, room, surface, etc., that is empty or available for use; an area that is used or available for a specific purpose; origin: middle english, 14th century
My office is one of my spaces. I have several of them. There’s my apartment, my car, the booths at Chick-fil-A down the street from work, the member’s lounge at the Art Institute of Chicago, Creation Lab, and a few others that I like to drop into from time to time. But my office is…
certification: (noun) the act of making something official; official approval to do something professional or legally; origin: 15th century
I have been certified to do many things in my life. I’ve been certified as a lifeguard, as a challenge course instructor, as a babysitter in high school, in wilderness first aid, on ropes courses and climbing walls. Yesterday, I got a new certification: certified ready to receive a call. For those of you not…
sandwich: (noun) two pieces of bread with something (such as meat, peanut butter, etc.) between them; origin: john montagu, 4th earl of sandwich, first known use 1762
I love food. I love food like I love Jesus: unconditionally and with all my being. I can’t live without either, because without them, I am left unfulfilled. Literally. I am one of those people who eats her feelings. Because I’m Southern and that’s what you do. I won’t speak for all Southerners, but the…
koine: (noun) the greek language commonly spoken and written in eastern Mediterranean countries in the Hellenistic and Roman periods; origin: first known use, 1901
Last night, I found myself sitting up late into the night attempting to understand the Koine Greek translations that I had done when I was in the midst of my seminary education. Thinking back on my Hebrew and Greek classes, I remember them fondly. In fact, in my mind, I was quite good at them….
dinner: (noun) principal meal of the day; origin: 13th century, middle english
Last night, my wife and I went to our favorite restaurant for dinner before seeing what might have been the longest play in history. We always go to this restaurant before plays. It’s our tradition. Recently, they got a new chef. And the menu changed. It didn’t change that much, but enough that we noticed….
wednesday: (adverb) the day of the week between tuesday and thursday; origin: middle english
Today is Ash Wednesday. I haven’t gone to an Ash Wednesday service in several years. Which, lots of people find shocking considering that I work for quite a large church with lots of services. I haven’t gone because finding a balance between working for the church and being part of the church has been almost…
suffering: (noun) pain that is caused by injury, illness, loss, etc. : physical, mental, or emotional pain: origin: 14th century
This last Sunday, I was given the honor of preaching for Fourth Presbyterian’s Jazz Service. Here’ a copy of the sermon I gave. Hint: this is my attempt to become more comfortable with putting this stuff out there and being unapologetic about it. If you’re gonna walk a dog, do it with pride. Today’s Old…
urban: (adjective) of, relating to, designating a city or town; living in a city; origin: 1610-1620, latin
It’s lovely. Just lovely. And I would be happy to never set foot in it again. There. I said it. I hate living in Chicago. Maybe hate is too strong of a word. I seriously dislike living in Chicago. Now, I did not say I hated Chicago. I love Chicago. (Notice the emphasis with the bold…
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