Presbytery of Chicago – thetravellingtheologian

story: (noun) an account of incidents or events; a statement regarding the facts pertinent to a situation in question; origin: middle english from anglo-french, first known use 13th century

For the past week, I have attended a training put on by the Synods of Lincoln Trails and Mid America entitled “The Art of Transitional Ministry.” In short, it’s what most would traditionally call training to become an interim pastor. I was encouraged to attend by Jan. She’s good at getting me into things. She…

death: (noun) the end of life; the time when something dies; the permanent end of something that is not alive; origin: middle english; before 12th century

I need resurrection. I crave it. And because of that desperation for resurrection, I welcome death. Because without death, there is no resurrection. I’m not talking about my own death or the death of a loved one. I don’t want to think about not seeing those that I love ever again. That’s not the death…

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…

attention: (noun) the act or power of carefully thinking about, listening to, or watching someone or something; notice, interest, awareness; special care or treatment; origin: 14th century, middle english

I think I’m convinced: not everyone needs Lent. I hear what you’re saying, “you have to have Lent to get to Easter.” Well, sure you do. But not really. Because no matter what, Easter is coming, whether you like it or not. (And who doesn’t like Easter? Are you some sort of Easter-hating jerk?). Jesus…

hurt: (verb) to inflict with physical pain; to do substantial or material harm to; to cause emotional pain or anguish to; to suffer pain or grief; origin: 13th century, middle english

About 2 months ago, I found myself sitting in a community center in a meeting room, at a table with about 10 other people, talking about my faith story and some of my experiences. As I came to a particular part of my story, I found my throat closing up, my eyes becoming blurred, and…

decision: (noun) the act of or need for making up one’s mind; resolution; origin: 1425-75; late middle english

My job requires me to make a lot of decisions. A lot. These decisions range from what color to order of bandannas and shirts for the camp store, from who to hire for the summer, all the way from how to start dispersing with the camp things like canoes, kitchen equipment, etc. I make a…

memories: (noun, plural of memory) the reputation of a person or thing; a person, thing, event, act, etc., remembered; origin: 1275-1325, middle english

Watching my grandmother pass a few months ago, was one of the hardest, and most silently relieving things, of my short 29 year-old adult existence. It was hard because she wanted to go, and we (the family), wanted her to stay. But now, she’s gone and I believe that she is in a better place….