The title is the first line of the song "Gloria" by U2. Bono follows it with I try to stand up, but I can't find my feet. I've felt that way lately with A Pot of Stew. Sometimes the urge to write comes, but ultimately writing is nothing more than an expression of ideas. Ideas are important and deserve thoughtful articulation. Too often we clutter the landscape of ideas with mindless chatter and incessant words. I have more than enough ideas floating around in my brain to fill the interwebs with post after post after post, but I don't want to cheat my ideas and add further litter to the information superhighway.
The fleeting nature of the 21st century disturbs me. We rush so much to be the first or to create something fresh that we no longer take time to ponder and reflect. In my Psychology class I teach that normal human anxiety is essential to anticpating and preparing for what it to come, while normal human depression is a natural response to significance, slowing our lives to understand the significance of what has transpired. Perhaps we are in a state of technology induced anxiety. I've opted out of the race for a time.
Maybe it would have been polite to explain my absence from APOS before hand, but the idea really hadn't taken shape until I partially realized what I was doing. I grew tired of "disposable" writing, fresh for the day and discarded on the trash heap of digital content. The break has been good.
In the next few weeks, I'd like to write about several books I've read during this break. I've also been working on a post for graduation. I want to share several conversations I've had with a friend regarding faith. I've heard from nine or ten people in the last month who read APOS, and honestly, it is humbling to know that even one person is interested in what I have to say. So thank you, and I hope to post again soon.
In the meantime, enjoy an awesome song from and awesome band.
Showing posts with label fresh start. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fresh start. Show all posts
Monday, May 23, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
A Quiet New Year
As I sit at home in pajama pants on New Year's Eve morning, I notice, for the first time, the buzz about this day. All of the morning talk shows are prepping folks for the nights festivities- from the best food to prepare to hang-over preventions for the morning. Cities around the world are taking care of last minute details for their first night parties, some have already begun. I'm trying my best to opt out.
I've had my share of New Year's parties. Lots of them were fun, but largely unfulfilling. I really appreciate the ones where I had a chance to really connect with a few good friends and family. But I am really starting to appreciate the virtues of quietly ringing in the New Year and getting off to a well rested and healthy start on New Year's Day.
Prince sang "tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999" and I've often looked to the end of the New Year with a sense of finality. The year is done, go out with a bang. Many people recognize the holidays of many non-Christian religions begin at sundown; the day begins at sundown. Think about what this means, in our ancient past, the beginning of the day began with rest. I pray that no matter how you celebrate New Year's eve that it will provide you with the rest and energy to face 2011 as the best you that you can be.
I've had my share of New Year's parties. Lots of them were fun, but largely unfulfilling. I really appreciate the ones where I had a chance to really connect with a few good friends and family. But I am really starting to appreciate the virtues of quietly ringing in the New Year and getting off to a well rested and healthy start on New Year's Day.
Prince sang "tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999" and I've often looked to the end of the New Year with a sense of finality. The year is done, go out with a bang. Many people recognize the holidays of many non-Christian religions begin at sundown; the day begins at sundown. Think about what this means, in our ancient past, the beginning of the day began with rest. I pray that no matter how you celebrate New Year's eve that it will provide you with the rest and energy to face 2011 as the best you that you can be.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
My Favorite Books of 2010
I've referred to several books from time to time on A Pot of Stew, but considering how much I enjoy reading I haven't really given too much space to the books I enjoy the most. Here are the ten favorite books that I've read in 2010. Some are old and some are new. They aren't in any order other than the rough order in which I finished reading each one.
The subtitle of this book says it all. We attribute so much of what happens in our lives to talent and ability, but Mlodinow says that many of the success stories (and failures) of the world can be explained by simple principles of statistics. I understood that we are all marked by success and failure experiences. When those successes come early, we are much more likely to weather the storms later on than when the failures come early and we give up before we even start. Just like flipping a coin. Five tails in a row just isn't enough information to decide that your coin is more prone to tails than heads. So don't give up so quickly.
Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior
by Ori and Rom Brafman
What could possibly lead over 50% of a French game show t.v. audience to respond that the Sun 
revolves around the Earth? It was the French version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and apparently the audience did not think the contestant worthy of the prize if he didn't know the moon revolved around the Earth, so they mislead him. This book is full of stories such as this, backed up with explanations for these behaviors from the world of Social Psychology and Behavior Economics. I read this book right after Predictibly Irrational
and The Drunkard's Walk
, and should have given it a little more space, but it was still an enjoyable and interesting read.
After thinking I had read too many psych/social science books in a row, I turned to religion. I am no 
fan of apologetics, but Keller's insight on the Christian faith appealed greatly to me. I get the impression that he is a pretty conservative guy, but he manages to express the Gospel story in a novel and easy to understand way. He explains why "Jesus is the only way" without alienating. His answer to "why does a good God allow suffering" satisfies the intellect without insulting the soul. My intent focus on the dual concept of Justice and Mercy came directly from this book.
The tone of this book reminded me of "Trainspotting
." It was not an inspiring book and I found it a 
little on the dark side, but from time to time that can be a good thing. The book can be hard to follow, bouncing back and forth from present day London to a post-modern (if not post-Apocalyptic) world and using language/dialect that can be sometimes hard to follow. Reading the book is an experience as the pieces of the puzzle are revealed leading the reader further into understanding exactly what is happening. Without giving too much away, the psychotic journaling of a London cabbie going through a painful divorce and custody process manages to have a profound impact on a dystopic (I don't really know what that word means, but it sounds right for this) world many years later.
I first heard about Francis Collins when I read a blog post about how a number of individuals at a 
National Youth Ministry conference got a little worked up over his keynote address. Francis Collins was a former head of the Human Genome Project. He grew up across the mountain from my current home and spent some time at UVA. He is a renown scientist and devout Christian and finds no conflict in the two. In this book he explains how his faith has developed along side his growth as a scientist. I greatly appreciate his point of view and draw comfort from his experience. Anyone who finds that a literal reading of the Bible, especially regarding creation, leads them to struggle in their faith would benefit from this book.
It's not a comic book, it's a graphic novel. At least that's what I tell myself to feel better about reading SuperHero books. It all started last year with The Watchmen. Ever since, I've really started getting 
into comics. After reading The Watchmen, I read several other Alan Moore works, and one of the Frank Miller Batman novels. This was my first venture outside of Moore/Miller, and I really enjoyed it. A killer strikes on Halloween and continues through the major holidays of the year. The book is a real mystery, leaving the reader wondering just as much as the crime-fighter who the culprit will be. The book reads like a journey throughout an entire year that changes the lives of all the characters involved.
I read this book at the beginning of the school year and it really inspired me for a while. The main idea of the book is alluded to in the title. Rather than behaving like a cog-- an interchangeable, ultimately replaceable part-- we should strive to become Linchpins. We do this by, among other things, creating art and sharing it with others. The definition of art here is pretty loose, but essentially we all have the opportunity to go beyond what is expected to create something of true value that will make us stand out and those around us better. The book even inspired me to wr
ite this piece titled "Teaching and Donuts" on a different blog.
Early in the year, I stumbled upon a free down download of the book Food Rules
and loved its simple 
advice for eating. For example, if your grandmother wouldn't recognize it as food, don't eat it; regarding cereal, if it turns your milk a different color, don't eat it. This book was short and pithy, full of excellent advice for better health. Later in the year, I watched the movie Food, Inc.
with my son, and really started thinking about the food that I consume. Michael Pollan was involved with both of these, and I had talked about Omnivore's Dilemma with a farmer friend of mine, so when I saw it displayed in our school library I decided to read it. This book impacted me more than anything else that I've read this year. As Pollan traces the origin of several meals, the true cost of the food we eat is revealed. We should all consider the food that we eat more deeply-- this book doesn't propose to tell you how you should think about your food, but it definitely frames the ethical, moral, social, and health issues that every human should consider as they consume the food that will sustain their lives.
This is another graphic novel. If The Long Halloween was a first venture outside of Moore/Miller, this 
was my first real superhero book outside of Batman. This book features nearly all of the DC characters, some of whom I've heard of before (Flash, Green Lantern, etc.) but others of whom I haven't a clue. I knew enough to know that I didn't know everything that I needed to know to fully "get" this book, but it was still great to sit as an adult and enjoy the action and adventure without getting caught up in the cerebral efforts of reading. As terrible as this sounds, no matter what the book itself is like, the pictures and art alone are enough to make the book a worthwhile read.
This was one of the first books downloaded on my Kindle. Best of all it was free. This volume 
contains numerous short stories featuring Holmes and his sidekick, Dr. Watson. I've been reading on this book all year between reads. It is a great filler with stories that can be read in just a few sittings (or sometimes one). I am nearing the end, but I've loved short stories ever since elementary school and I would love to find more collections like this one.
That's my list, I know that at least a few people are reading this blog, so step up and share a little back-- What were your favorite reads of 2010. You don't even need to explain, just list if you want. I've got 365 more days coming in 2011 and I'd love some reccomendations. Click the comment link below if a comment box is not showing. You may post anonymously or using an account, but let me know if you've encountered a "must read" this year, or if there are any "must reads" on your 2011 reading list. Happy New Year.
by Leonard Mlodinow
The subtitle of this book says it all. We attribute so much of what happens in our lives to talent and ability, but Mlodinow says that many of the success stories (and failures) of the world can be explained by simple principles of statistics. I understood that we are all marked by success and failure experiences. When those successes come early, we are much more likely to weather the storms later on than when the failures come early and we give up before we even start. Just like flipping a coin. Five tails in a row just isn't enough information to decide that your coin is more prone to tails than heads. So don't give up so quickly.Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior
by Ori and Rom Brafman
What could possibly lead over 50% of a French game show t.v. audience to respond that the Sun revolves around the Earth? It was the French version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and apparently the audience did not think the contestant worthy of the prize if he didn't know the moon revolved around the Earth, so they mislead him. This book is full of stories such as this, backed up with explanations for these behaviors from the world of Social Psychology and Behavior Economics. I read this book right after Predictibly Irrational and The Drunkard's Walk, and should have given it a little more space, but it was still an enjoyable and interesting read.
by Timothy Keller
After thinking I had read too many psych/social science books in a row, I turned to religion. I am no fan of apologetics, but Keller's insight on the Christian faith appealed greatly to me. I get the impression that he is a pretty conservative guy, but he manages to express the Gospel story in a novel and easy to understand way. He explains why "Jesus is the only way" without alienating. His answer to "why does a good God allow suffering" satisfies the intellect without insulting the soul. My intent focus on the dual concept of Justice and Mercy came directly from this book.
by Will Self
The tone of this book reminded me of "Trainspotting." It was not an inspiring book and I found it a little on the dark side, but from time to time that can be a good thing. The book can be hard to follow, bouncing back and forth from present day London to a post-modern (if not post-Apocalyptic) world and using language/dialect that can be sometimes hard to follow. Reading the book is an experience as the pieces of the puzzle are revealed leading the reader further into understanding exactly what is happening. Without giving too much away, the psychotic journaling of a London cabbie going through a painful divorce and custody process manages to have a profound impact on a dystopic (I don't really know what that word means, but it sounds right for this) world many years later.
by Francis Collins
I first heard about Francis Collins when I read a blog post about how a number of individuals at a National Youth Ministry conference got a little worked up over his keynote address. Francis Collins was a former head of the Human Genome Project. He grew up across the mountain from my current home and spent some time at UVA. He is a renown scientist and devout Christian and finds no conflict in the two. In this book he explains how his faith has developed along side his growth as a scientist. I greatly appreciate his point of view and draw comfort from his experience. Anyone who finds that a literal reading of the Bible, especially regarding creation, leads them to struggle in their faith would benefit from this book.
by Jeph Loeb
It's not a comic book, it's a graphic novel. At least that's what I tell myself to feel better about reading SuperHero books. It all started last year with The Watchmen. Ever since, I've really started getting into comics. After reading The Watchmen, I read several other Alan Moore works, and one of the Frank Miller Batman novels. This was my first venture outside of Moore/Miller, and I really enjoyed it. A killer strikes on Halloween and continues through the major holidays of the year. The book is a real mystery, leaving the reader wondering just as much as the crime-fighter who the culprit will be. The book reads like a journey throughout an entire year that changes the lives of all the characters involved.
by Seth Godin
I read this book at the beginning of the school year and it really inspired me for a while. The main idea of the book is alluded to in the title. Rather than behaving like a cog-- an interchangeable, ultimately replaceable part-- we should strive to become Linchpins. We do this by, among other things, creating art and sharing it with others. The definition of art here is pretty loose, but essentially we all have the opportunity to go beyond what is expected to create something of true value that will make us stand out and those around us better. The book even inspired me to write this piece titled "Teaching and Donuts" on a different blog.
by Michael Pollan
Early in the year, I stumbled upon a free down download of the book Food Rules and loved its simple advice for eating. For example, if your grandmother wouldn't recognize it as food, don't eat it; regarding cereal, if it turns your milk a different color, don't eat it. This book was short and pithy, full of excellent advice for better health. Later in the year, I watched the movie Food, Inc. with my son, and really started thinking about the food that I consume. Michael Pollan was involved with both of these, and I had talked about Omnivore's Dilemma with a farmer friend of mine, so when I saw it displayed in our school library I decided to read it. This book impacted me more than anything else that I've read this year. As Pollan traces the origin of several meals, the true cost of the food we eat is revealed. We should all consider the food that we eat more deeply-- this book doesn't propose to tell you how you should think about your food, but it definitely frames the ethical, moral, social, and health issues that every human should consider as they consume the food that will sustain their lives.
by Geoff Johns
This is another graphic novel. If The Long Halloween was a first venture outside of Moore/Miller, this was my first real superhero book outside of Batman. This book features nearly all of the DC characters, some of whom I've heard of before (Flash, Green Lantern, etc.) but others of whom I haven't a clue. I knew enough to know that I didn't know everything that I needed to know to fully "get" this book, but it was still great to sit as an adult and enjoy the action and adventure without getting caught up in the cerebral efforts of reading. As terrible as this sounds, no matter what the book itself is like, the pictures and art alone are enough to make the book a worthwhile read.
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
This was one of the first books downloaded on my Kindle. Best of all it was free. This volume contains numerous short stories featuring Holmes and his sidekick, Dr. Watson. I've been reading on this book all year between reads. It is a great filler with stories that can be read in just a few sittings (or sometimes one). I am nearing the end, but I've loved short stories ever since elementary school and I would love to find more collections like this one.That's my list, I know that at least a few people are reading this blog, so step up and share a little back-- What were your favorite reads of 2010. You don't even need to explain, just list if you want. I've got 365 more days coming in 2011 and I'd love some reccomendations. Click the comment link below if a comment box is not showing. You may post anonymously or using an account, but let me know if you've encountered a "must read" this year, or if there are any "must reads" on your 2011 reading list. Happy New Year.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
61
Any idea what the big deal is with 61? I've had a burst of activity on this blog in the last three days. 61 visits to be exact. More visitors in three days than in the last few months combined, and I haven't posted anything new since the beginning of August.
If you're just stumbling upon the blog, or have been pointed here by a friend, I hope that you take the time to read a few of my posts. I try to post with some regularity, just thoughts and ideas about things going on in my mind. The title refers to the story of when Jacob tricks his older brother Esau into selling his birthrite for a simple pot of stew.
Famished and fatigued, Esau was so stuck on his immediate circumstance that he failed to appreciate the significance of the price he paid for gratification. I try to avoid this in my life- not always successfully- and I believe that we all could learn from this mistake. After all, that's what life is. A brief moment of time that we've been given to make something of. We all have to live IN the moment, but we don't have to live FOR the moment-- I want my life to be bigger than this moment.
That's my journey. No matter how you've found this, I invite you to join me. I can't post daily, and sometimes once a month is a struggle, but check in from time to time, and if you know me, feel free to say something.
May you find Grace and Peace in your life.
If you're just stumbling upon the blog, or have been pointed here by a friend, I hope that you take the time to read a few of my posts. I try to post with some regularity, just thoughts and ideas about things going on in my mind. The title refers to the story of when Jacob tricks his older brother Esau into selling his birthrite for a simple pot of stew.
Famished and fatigued, Esau was so stuck on his immediate circumstance that he failed to appreciate the significance of the price he paid for gratification. I try to avoid this in my life- not always successfully- and I believe that we all could learn from this mistake. After all, that's what life is. A brief moment of time that we've been given to make something of. We all have to live IN the moment, but we don't have to live FOR the moment-- I want my life to be bigger than this moment.
That's my journey. No matter how you've found this, I invite you to join me. I can't post daily, and sometimes once a month is a struggle, but check in from time to time, and if you know me, feel free to say something.
May you find Grace and Peace in your life.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Hello Again
Once again, keeping up on the blog has gotten the best of me. The last few posts related to my attempt to read the Bible in 90 days. Considering it took me 385 days to read the Bible in 90 days, it could take me a considerable time to completely blog about the experience, so I may abandon it; or maybe not.
Anyway, I preached last Sunday at Chestnut Grove, and the sermon is posted online at our church's site. The title of the sermon is "Justice and Mercy"; if you're interested in listening, click the title and it will stream, or right click to download.
I blogged about this topic previously here. Anyway, if you listen, feel free to comment.
Anyway, I preached last Sunday at Chestnut Grove, and the sermon is posted online at our church's site. The title of the sermon is "Justice and Mercy"; if you're interested in listening, click the title and it will stream, or right click to download.
I blogged about this topic previously here. Anyway, if you listen, feel free to comment.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Stop Hunger Now!
On January 3, our church participated in the Stop Hunger Now! program. During our morning worship and Sunday School sessions, we packaged and sent over 30,000 meals to fight world hunger. Here is a video of the event:
Thursday, October 08, 2009
What am I to do?
Monday's mail- Belk mailing for the wife, Vera Bradley mailing for the wife, more Discover card checks for me, an offer to save $35.oo at Lowe's if I spent 
$350.oo or more, and this:
What has this man earned for me? The ability to save $35 on more home appliances that I don't need. An extra 20% off at Belk extra value days. A stylish purse that makes a statment.
As much as I believe in peace, and wish for an end to US involvement in Iraq and Afganistan, the stack of mail from Monday reminded me that I'm at fault for what's going on. My desires, my consumerism, my pursuit of happiness through consumption. I'm reminded of why Christ commanded those without guilt to cast the first stone, or reminded us to remove the plank in our own eyes before criticizing a brother about a speck in his eye.
Peace. Am I the obstacle.
$350.oo or more, and this:What has this man earned for me? The ability to save $35 on more home appliances that I don't need. An extra 20% off at Belk extra value days. A stylish purse that makes a statment.
As much as I believe in peace, and wish for an end to US involvement in Iraq and Afganistan, the stack of mail from Monday reminded me that I'm at fault for what's going on. My desires, my consumerism, my pursuit of happiness through consumption. I'm reminded of why Christ commanded those without guilt to cast the first stone, or reminded us to remove the plank in our own eyes before criticizing a brother about a speck in his eye.
Peace. Am I the obstacle.
Oh what am I to do
Just tell me what am I supposed to say -
I can't change the world,But I can change the world in me
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Introduction
I know that I have at least a few people who check in on the blog regularly, so here is an introduction to what is going on. I haven't made an issue of it, but this year for Lent I have decided that rather than giving something up that I will spend time reflecting on a passage of Scripture each day and then writing about it in APOS (nice new nickname for the blog). I've chosen Psalm 37 simply because it has 40 verses. That makes one verse a day for each day of Lent. So look for a new reflection on Psalm 37 every day but Sundays between now and Easter. God bless, and please feel free to comment on any of these if you wish.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
What are you wearing?
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3
I read this scripture to our youth this Sunday, and we talked about each word and what it meant. I posed the question after discussing these words-- "so how are we doing with that?" Sadly, in my world it doesn't seem like any of us are doing to well with that. It seems that suburbian culture has bred a new line of apparel that looks more like what's in it for me, I can be better than you, don't get in my way, and I want it now. Compassion is an afterthought; a good way to kill some time or make ourselves believe that we're doing something good for the world. It usually takes the form of enabling others to recreate themselves in our image rather than bringing them closer to the image of God.
When Jesus said it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, I wonder if maybe he really meant it. Not as hyperbole or metaphor, but maybe he really meant it. I hope to ask myself how I'm doing with this frequently. Does my flesh show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Not usually.
So for now, maybe it would be better for me to clothe myself with Christ before giving up on a world that is adorned with self.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Time for a Change
Have you ever needed a fresh start. Every year, September and October seem to be the toughest season of ministry for me. I always find the fall of the year deflating. I get to the point where I want to cry out, "Why God, why after I pour all that I have into these teenagers do you reward me with nothing. It's like beating my head against a wall. I sacrifice so much and it is all to no avail." Then I'm reminded of Elijah. "God, they want to kill me. I'm the only one left, and now they want to kill me." Remember that. That was right before the earthquake, fire, wind, and all the other natural disasters you can name. But God came to Elijah in a whisper. Sometimes I think that Elijah needed a swift kick. "Listen to what you're saying Eli, have you forgotten how I took care of you, how I'm taking care of you now. Get over yourself and get back to work, I've got big plans for you." God didn't do that though. He calmly whispered to Elijah and gently set him straight. I need that whisper now. To be reminded that all of the chaos that I am in the midst of will not provide the truth of the message that I need to hear, but the gentle, caring voice of God is present-- I must choose to listen.
This is my start. Again. And I will probably start again, again. But for today, I've changed the blog. Our church now has its own, and my official voice as its minister will be found there from now on. I've deleted previous posts from this site that relate explicitly to my ministry there and renamed the blog "A Pot of Stew." From here I hope to continue to share my journey of keeping focused on the big picture while living in the small one. Grace and peace to us all.
This is my start. Again. And I will probably start again, again. But for today, I've changed the blog. Our church now has its own, and my official voice as its minister will be found there from now on. I've deleted previous posts from this site that relate explicitly to my ministry there and renamed the blog "A Pot of Stew." From here I hope to continue to share my journey of keeping focused on the big picture while living in the small one. Grace and peace to us all.
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