A memorable quote from one of the greatest children's books.
Susan: I'd thougt he was a man. I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
Mrs. Beaver: "That you will, dearie, and no mistake. If there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else silly.
Lucy: Is he... safe?
Mr. Beaver: Safe? Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Of course he isn't safe... but... he's GOOD...
C.S.Lewis, "Chronicles of Narnia"
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Balanced, For Once
I had one of those weekends...the rare one, where you actually manage to balance social engagement with r & r. Between the ZZzzzzs and the mindless TV watching, the answering of e-mails and getting stuck in Chicago traffic, I managed to get to the Cubs game!!! That's right! I did. Hit a few of the games at the beginning of the season (pun totally intended) and even some in years past. But, I have never seen the Cubs win, so witnessing the 12-7 win on Friday night pushing them, then, to a 2.5 game lead in the division was phenomenal! Now, of course they are in a 3.5 lead and playoffs tickets went on sale yesterday, only to be sold out in 30 minutes. Here we go again folks!
Then, on Sunday, (after visiting Bethel Community Church in Jefferson Park, where I awed by the community's massive amount of warmth, depth, and diversity...but that's for another entry) I decided the place I really wanted to be was outside...with a book...a magnificent view...and friends on hand if I decided I wanted discussion. Matt and Scott's roof deck! Bingo. One little phone call, a short ride, and two books in tow I made it up to their roof for an afternoon in the sun with a couple great authors to keep me company. Oh, and Scott & Matt below if I so pleased. Here is what my Sunday afternoon sight beheld...
Then, on Sunday, (after visiting Bethel Community Church in Jefferson Park, where I awed by the community's massive amount of warmth, depth, and diversity...but that's for another entry) I decided the place I really wanted to be was outside...with a book...a magnificent view...and friends on hand if I decided I wanted discussion. Matt and Scott's roof deck! Bingo. One little phone call, a short ride, and two books in tow I made it up to their roof for an afternoon in the sun with a couple great authors to keep me company. Oh, and Scott & Matt below if I so pleased. Here is what my Sunday afternoon sight beheld...
A balanced weekend well-done!
(We won't talk about the Bears loss...no, we won't!)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Chicago's Intriguing South Side
Can I just tell you how cool the South Side of Chicago is? It is. The organization I work for is holding a benefit dinner in October and, instead of naming the tables "1", "2", "3," I thought I would name them after landmarks on the South side. Not landmarks from across the city, but just those located on the South Side, which speak to the great impression African-Americans have made on our city and our country.
In my reflecting I feel blessed to have spent my childhood on the north side of town in Rogers Park, which offered much religious diversity, and now to be experiencing in my adulthood the South Side where, except for the burgeoning Nation of Islam, tends to be a fairly churched community. In fact, some of the largest congregations in the history of the nation were formed of African-Americans that worshipped together on the South Side. Homes of some the nation's great music heroes - homes of folks like Ida B. Wells, Phyllis Wheatley, Louis Armstrong, the Chess Bros.- scatter the Bronzeville neighborhood in which I live. Martin Luther King Jr. gave some of his greatest charges from inside the churches. And Jesse Jackson (all comments aside) headquarters his Rainbow-PUSH coalition right down the street from me. The nation's great abolitionists (as well as those who were a far-cry from) took up residence on the South Side. Blues and Jazz music gained its fame right here in Bronzeville, with its rugged jazz artists forming what would be the basis for America's rock n' roll obsession.
So fun! Come down here. We'll take a tour.
In my reflecting I feel blessed to have spent my childhood on the north side of town in Rogers Park, which offered much religious diversity, and now to be experiencing in my adulthood the South Side where, except for the burgeoning Nation of Islam, tends to be a fairly churched community. In fact, some of the largest congregations in the history of the nation were formed of African-Americans that worshipped together on the South Side. Homes of some the nation's great music heroes - homes of folks like Ida B. Wells, Phyllis Wheatley, Louis Armstrong, the Chess Bros.- scatter the Bronzeville neighborhood in which I live. Martin Luther King Jr. gave some of his greatest charges from inside the churches. And Jesse Jackson (all comments aside) headquarters his Rainbow-PUSH coalition right down the street from me. The nation's great abolitionists (as well as those who were a far-cry from) took up residence on the South Side. Blues and Jazz music gained its fame right here in Bronzeville, with its rugged jazz artists forming what would be the basis for America's rock n' roll obsession.
So fun! Come down here. We'll take a tour.
Jefferson Street
So, it's official. The year of solo living is coming to an end. An apartment has been found!
Kim and I found a place in east Pilsen neighborhood... or west South Loop, depends on who is talking to me or who I am talking to. I would really like to gloat about this new place but, a. you would think less of me and b. I'd be more fun if you came to visit. Needless to say, it's like Kim explains, "Well, the apartment trumps the neighborhood" (or lack thereof). We have approximately 20 neighbors between the 5 buildings and 2 coach houses on our block. (This is supposing everyone is single, of course.) So, while we don't live in a neighborhood per se, we do have an auto body shop across the street, which aside from being convenient in the event of a fender-bender also provides our little "neighborhood" with Mafia history that, I believe, every true neighborhood needs. There are two coach houses. Can you say that about your street? A convenience store....Spanish is a must, however. And, easy convenience to two highways, one shopping district, one university campus, many uppity bars, and more Hispanic restaurants than anyone could want. (Or, is it Latino? In college Spanish we spent a day learning the politically correct term for such culture groups, but my merely satisfactory grade in these courses testifies to the fact some things never stuck.)
That's all for now on this topic. I'm sure with Kim, one of the "bestest" story-tellers ever, I'll have more fun and inspiration in the future. No pressure, Kim. If going gets slow, we'll start creating stories. :wink:
Kim and I found a place in east Pilsen neighborhood... or west South Loop, depends on who is talking to me or who I am talking to. I would really like to gloat about this new place but, a. you would think less of me and b. I'd be more fun if you came to visit. Needless to say, it's like Kim explains, "Well, the apartment trumps the neighborhood" (or lack thereof). We have approximately 20 neighbors between the 5 buildings and 2 coach houses on our block. (This is supposing everyone is single, of course.) So, while we don't live in a neighborhood per se, we do have an auto body shop across the street, which aside from being convenient in the event of a fender-bender also provides our little "neighborhood" with Mafia history that, I believe, every true neighborhood needs. There are two coach houses. Can you say that about your street? A convenience store....Spanish is a must, however. And, easy convenience to two highways, one shopping district, one university campus, many uppity bars, and more Hispanic restaurants than anyone could want. (Or, is it Latino? In college Spanish we spent a day learning the politically correct term for such culture groups, but my merely satisfactory grade in these courses testifies to the fact some things never stuck.)
That's all for now on this topic. I'm sure with Kim, one of the "bestest" story-tellers ever, I'll have more fun and inspiration in the future. No pressure, Kim. If going gets slow, we'll start creating stories. :wink:
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Flying - Confessions of a Free Woman
Last night had me at the Gene Siskell Film Center with Kelley (who lives in the city now!!!) getting in on the first part of a three part film series by Jennifer Fox. Her latest film project recently concluded. A project which spans nearly every continent, women ages 20-99, logged 1600 hours of footage, and took nearly 5 years.
In this film project, Jennifer Fox lays bare her own turbulent life to penetrate what it means to be a free woman today. Employing an ingenious new camera technique, called "passing the camera", Fox creates a documentary language that mirrors the special way women communicate. Over intimate conversations around kitchen tables from South Africa to Russia, India and Pakistan, she initiates a groundbreaking dialogue among women, illuminating universal concerns across race, class and nationality. Part delectable soap opera, sociopolitical inquiry, and narrative experiments, FLYING sweeps us up into an addictive international adventure chronicled with sincerity, innovation and elegance.
I encourage you to check out the trailer. http://flyingconfessions.com/about_trailer.php
The film plays this weekend (& Tuesday). A six-hour film, it is broken up into 6-one hour chapters, of which 2 hours are being shown at a time.
I guarantee you will walk away and want to discuss this modern day femininity with your girl friend. Kelley and I did!
I had one overarching feeling when I left the theatre though. That is, how thankful I am to my own parents for how they exemplified in every aspect of their life that marriage does not bring happiness, adventure, or personal pursuits to a grinding halt...that love & excitement are only just beginning when you find each other...and that one's exploration of themselves does not end when you get married and have children. So often women's upbringing determines how they think about and play the dating game. I'm thankful I got off on a empowering, positive footing. Their marriage and their mindset I'm realizing gives me an amazing amount of hope.
In this film project, Jennifer Fox lays bare her own turbulent life to penetrate what it means to be a free woman today. Employing an ingenious new camera technique, called "passing the camera", Fox creates a documentary language that mirrors the special way women communicate. Over intimate conversations around kitchen tables from South Africa to Russia, India and Pakistan, she initiates a groundbreaking dialogue among women, illuminating universal concerns across race, class and nationality. Part delectable soap opera, sociopolitical inquiry, and narrative experiments, FLYING sweeps us up into an addictive international adventure chronicled with sincerity, innovation and elegance.
I encourage you to check out the trailer. http://flyingconfessions.com/about_trailer.php
The film plays this weekend (& Tuesday). A six-hour film, it is broken up into 6-one hour chapters, of which 2 hours are being shown at a time.
I guarantee you will walk away and want to discuss this modern day femininity with your girl friend. Kelley and I did!
I had one overarching feeling when I left the theatre though. That is, how thankful I am to my own parents for how they exemplified in every aspect of their life that marriage does not bring happiness, adventure, or personal pursuits to a grinding halt...that love & excitement are only just beginning when you find each other...and that one's exploration of themselves does not end when you get married and have children. So often women's upbringing determines how they think about and play the dating game. I'm thankful I got off on a empowering, positive footing. Their marriage and their mindset I'm realizing gives me an amazing amount of hope.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Resurrection - Nicol Sponberg
Featured Artist for this year's Sunshine Gospel Ministries' Benefit Dinner
Saturday, October 6th at 6:30 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center - Prentice Hall Ballroom
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Strip Tease at the Y
No, this entry is not going to be a silly or embarrassing story from inside the YMCA's women's locker room. Although...
Rather, this morning's excursion to my local YMCA, where I have a membership, resurrected in my mind a debate that took place at the end of this past winter. To understand this debate you must understand two dynamics.
1. This "Y", far above others that I know of, remembers well the "C" in its abbreviation. Bulletin boards support the local churches and post their latest news items. All Christian holidays are observed, while the same cannot be said about the other religious holidays. Headlines on the bulletin boards read "Praise the Lord" and "Hallelujah". Refreshing I must admit.
2. The "Y" offers free, one-hour classes in its upstairs gym beginning at 8 a.m. and carrying through, without a break, until 8 p.m. Gospel Aerobics, Therapeutic Aquatics, Tighten N' Tone Abs... The classroom is surrounded by large windows where passersby can stop and observe the workout. (Great P.R. move, I might add.)
This past winter a new class was introduced. "Introduction to Strip Tease" As you can imagine, quite the controversy arose despite the classes rapid (attendance) success. Some argued strip tease is a great thing in the context of marriage and that more classes should be held in this sexual regard, where women in the Church can feel comfortable exploring their sexuality. Others, begged to differ, stating that such an argument may have clout if there weren't windows around the perimeter of the classroom and if the class wasn't held during after-school hours. As it were, kids of any age, men and women of any age, could watch the class just as if it was "Gospel Aerobics". Covering the windows was, of course, a fire hazard.
For the first time in awhile, I did not form an immediate opinion. Or, rather, I would always play Devil's advocate with those who tried to impose their opinion on me.
I very much agree that there is a glut in the number of classes held for women - Christian women - where they can feel safe to explore their sexuality and even bump the bedroom excitement up a notch. And, I didn't feel the "C" in YMCA was jeopardized simply by the installment of such a class.
But, the fact that any man and any child could observe this class substantially changed the argument. And, I feel, does immediately jeopardizes the "safe" aspect of the course.
Needless to say, I just picked up the Fall schedule of courses at the "Y" and guess what class is not on the list?
If your local YMCA offered this course, what stance would you take?
Rather, this morning's excursion to my local YMCA, where I have a membership, resurrected in my mind a debate that took place at the end of this past winter. To understand this debate you must understand two dynamics.
1. This "Y", far above others that I know of, remembers well the "C" in its abbreviation. Bulletin boards support the local churches and post their latest news items. All Christian holidays are observed, while the same cannot be said about the other religious holidays. Headlines on the bulletin boards read "Praise the Lord" and "Hallelujah". Refreshing I must admit.
2. The "Y" offers free, one-hour classes in its upstairs gym beginning at 8 a.m. and carrying through, without a break, until 8 p.m. Gospel Aerobics, Therapeutic Aquatics, Tighten N' Tone Abs... The classroom is surrounded by large windows where passersby can stop and observe the workout. (Great P.R. move, I might add.)
This past winter a new class was introduced. "Introduction to Strip Tease" As you can imagine, quite the controversy arose despite the classes rapid (attendance) success. Some argued strip tease is a great thing in the context of marriage and that more classes should be held in this sexual regard, where women in the Church can feel comfortable exploring their sexuality. Others, begged to differ, stating that such an argument may have clout if there weren't windows around the perimeter of the classroom and if the class wasn't held during after-school hours. As it were, kids of any age, men and women of any age, could watch the class just as if it was "Gospel Aerobics". Covering the windows was, of course, a fire hazard.
For the first time in awhile, I did not form an immediate opinion. Or, rather, I would always play Devil's advocate with those who tried to impose their opinion on me.
I very much agree that there is a glut in the number of classes held for women - Christian women - where they can feel safe to explore their sexuality and even bump the bedroom excitement up a notch. And, I didn't feel the "C" in YMCA was jeopardized simply by the installment of such a class.
But, the fact that any man and any child could observe this class substantially changed the argument. And, I feel, does immediately jeopardizes the "safe" aspect of the course.
Needless to say, I just picked up the Fall schedule of courses at the "Y" and guess what class is not on the list?
If your local YMCA offered this course, what stance would you take?
Monday, September 10, 2007
To Be 10 Again
Friday night I entertained four little girls whose ages, if you averaged them, equalled ten. As predicted, Saturday morning came way too early and with way too much exhaustion. But, it was undoubtedly worth it.
Milkshakes, movie animation of some of American's great children's stories, girl chatter, and uncontrolled giggles, and sleeping on the floor brought me back to when I was 10. I remember the church ladies, unmarried at the time, who cooed over us, who made my friends and I milkshakes, sat up late, and got stern with us just when the fun was getting started. I now remember the pajamas that did not match, top and bottoms. The immense amount of time it took to go through the bedtime routine. How looking at these ladies brought up in my little adolescent mind all sorts of questions about growing older. What would I be like? Where would I work and live? I now remember life being a museum and everything open for touch. No questions were kosher and boys were the furthest thing from my mind.
And now...I live in Chicago. Same city as before. Life, unfortunately, has lost its marvelous museum affect. Boys are all too present in my mind (I'd trade anything to go back). I work for a non-profit telling my altruistic self each day that I am not on a solo effort to save the world, nor one soul, and instead doing "the Lord's work". I am the one cooing over kids now but still look up to those 20 years older than me with the same wonder and questions that I did when I was 10. My bedtime routine has shortened (thank God!) and so has my morning routine, in fact. I've dropped the acne but gained other horrid things. I've now been told there are certain kosher questions...
...yet I keep forgetting which ones they are.
Oh, it would be great to be 10 again... perhaps only for a day.
Milkshakes, movie animation of some of American's great children's stories, girl chatter, and uncontrolled giggles, and sleeping on the floor brought me back to when I was 10. I remember the church ladies, unmarried at the time, who cooed over us, who made my friends and I milkshakes, sat up late, and got stern with us just when the fun was getting started. I now remember the pajamas that did not match, top and bottoms. The immense amount of time it took to go through the bedtime routine. How looking at these ladies brought up in my little adolescent mind all sorts of questions about growing older. What would I be like? Where would I work and live? I now remember life being a museum and everything open for touch. No questions were kosher and boys were the furthest thing from my mind.
And now...I live in Chicago. Same city as before. Life, unfortunately, has lost its marvelous museum affect. Boys are all too present in my mind (I'd trade anything to go back). I work for a non-profit telling my altruistic self each day that I am not on a solo effort to save the world, nor one soul, and instead doing "the Lord's work". I am the one cooing over kids now but still look up to those 20 years older than me with the same wonder and questions that I did when I was 10. My bedtime routine has shortened (thank God!) and so has my morning routine, in fact. I've dropped the acne but gained other horrid things. I've now been told there are certain kosher questions...
...yet I keep forgetting which ones they are.
Oh, it would be great to be 10 again... perhaps only for a day.
AhAhAhChooooo!
Weather.com says that my itchy eyes and frequent sneezes are due to my weed allergy. Uh, yeah! A friend of mine asked me this weekend, after I'd sneezed 5 times in row, what exactly in the air was I allergic to. Not knowing, I later went on a search. No, folks, it's not hayfever, trees, grass.. nope, its weeds! Great.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
The Harder Way
"At first glance legalism seems hard, but actually freedom in Christ is the harder way. It is relatively easy not to murder, hard to reach out in love; easy to avoid a neighbor's bed, hard to keep a marriage alive; easy to pay taxes, hard to serve the poor. When living in freedom, I must remain open to the Spirit for guidance. I am more aware of what I have neglected than what I achieved. I cannot hide behind a mask of behavior, like the hypocrites, nor can I hide behind facile comparisons with the other Christians."
- Philip Yancey, "What is So Amazing About Grace?"
- Philip Yancey, "What is So Amazing About Grace?"
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