Sunday, May 30, 2004
PO
After 35+ mph winds kept the planes from delivering mail yesterday and the calm morning brought the periodic buzz of planes at the airstrip, the post office was even more popular than usual today. "Going PO" is part of daily life around here. And although folks offered to check mail for me or give me a ride on a four wheeler, I just couldn't give up the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and exercise of the just under one mile walk that I have made so many times in the past.
Many people were out today. I passed at least a dozen people during my trip and each one greeted me by name--somthing I miss in the faceless shuffle of life in the city. Two elders stopped me to ask how long I'm staying (most visitors stay for a minimum amount of time, so I've had at least one suprised person ask me everyday how long I'm staying). One parent of a former student stopped me to give me a hug--I hadn't seen her since I left last year.
When I got to the PO, I was excited to find that I had received TWO pieces of mail. I felt like an excited kid at summer camp. One was a package that my mom had sent 2nd day air on Monday (yes, today is Saturday). The other was a suprise letter from Adam that he had sent May 24th. Both were sent General Delivery, and Joe Post (yes, that is really his name) readily gave them to me since he knew me well as the teacher of more than one of his children. As I sat down on the bench to read the letter, I was greeted by several other people there to check their boxes. One of my former students sat down to chat with me for a while.
Small town life. Walking to the mailbox just isn't the same as the community event of visiting the PO in Tununak.
After 35+ mph winds kept the planes from delivering mail yesterday and the calm morning brought the periodic buzz of planes at the airstrip, the post office was even more popular than usual today. "Going PO" is part of daily life around here. And although folks offered to check mail for me or give me a ride on a four wheeler, I just couldn't give up the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and exercise of the just under one mile walk that I have made so many times in the past.
Many people were out today. I passed at least a dozen people during my trip and each one greeted me by name--somthing I miss in the faceless shuffle of life in the city. Two elders stopped me to ask how long I'm staying (most visitors stay for a minimum amount of time, so I've had at least one suprised person ask me everyday how long I'm staying). One parent of a former student stopped me to give me a hug--I hadn't seen her since I left last year.
When I got to the PO, I was excited to find that I had received TWO pieces of mail. I felt like an excited kid at summer camp. One was a package that my mom had sent 2nd day air on Monday (yes, today is Saturday). The other was a suprise letter from Adam that he had sent May 24th. Both were sent General Delivery, and Joe Post (yes, that is really his name) readily gave them to me since he knew me well as the teacher of more than one of his children. As I sat down on the bench to read the letter, I was greeted by several other people there to check their boxes. One of my former students sat down to chat with me for a while.
Small town life. Walking to the mailbox just isn't the same as the community event of visiting the PO in Tununak.
Friday, May 28, 2004
Wind
As the wind roared acrossed the tundra grass, it crashed against my house like waves on the beach. I love the sound of the wind out here--it is soothing and awe inspiring all at once. I slept so well last night and didn't want to get out of my cozy bed this morning.
Beans
Crisis at work. We couldn't find any coffee at the school this morning. I know that we are spoiled here in that the school provides coffee for the teachers in the first place. But I have another week of teaching...whatever shall I do???? I can handle living in a house with limited running water and no sewage system, but no coffee? That is roughing it.
Bears
I watched the Disney movie Brother Bear with some of my former students last night. I had avoided it at the theater because the previews made it seem like it had an anti-hunting message (which is just silly--how are people supposed to survive in the wilderness without hunting?). However, the movie had little to do with hunting and more to do with themes of tolerance, prejudice, understanding, responsibility, growing up, and forgiveness--good stuff! The movie is culturally confused--the producers describe the tribe as Inuit, but have given the characters Alaskan names (there are no Inuits in Alaska). The Native language spoken at the beginning of the movie is Yupik and the clothing, masks, and drums look Yupik or Inupiaq (Alaskan Eskimo cultures), but the characters have totems which is Tlingit (an Alaskan Native American tribe--not Eskimo). The moose definitely make the movie--they are very funny. It is also worth watching the Moose commentary in the DVD special features.
I think I'm done now. BTW, the buttons that make blogging so easy are not working from this mac I've been using. I've had to reach back into my memory to remember HTML code for links, italics, and bold. Aren't you impressed?
As the wind roared acrossed the tundra grass, it crashed against my house like waves on the beach. I love the sound of the wind out here--it is soothing and awe inspiring all at once. I slept so well last night and didn't want to get out of my cozy bed this morning.
Beans
Crisis at work. We couldn't find any coffee at the school this morning. I know that we are spoiled here in that the school provides coffee for the teachers in the first place. But I have another week of teaching...whatever shall I do???? I can handle living in a house with limited running water and no sewage system, but no coffee? That is roughing it.
Bears
I watched the Disney movie Brother Bear with some of my former students last night. I had avoided it at the theater because the previews made it seem like it had an anti-hunting message (which is just silly--how are people supposed to survive in the wilderness without hunting?). However, the movie had little to do with hunting and more to do with themes of tolerance, prejudice, understanding, responsibility, growing up, and forgiveness--good stuff! The movie is culturally confused--the producers describe the tribe as Inuit, but have given the characters Alaskan names (there are no Inuits in Alaska). The Native language spoken at the beginning of the movie is Yupik and the clothing, masks, and drums look Yupik or Inupiaq (Alaskan Eskimo cultures), but the characters have totems which is Tlingit (an Alaskan Native American tribe--not Eskimo). The moose definitely make the movie--they are very funny. It is also worth watching the Moose commentary in the DVD special features.
I think I'm done now. BTW, the buttons that make blogging so easy are not working from this mac I've been using. I've had to reach back into my memory to remember HTML code for links, italics, and bold. Aren't you impressed?
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Local Headlines
First King Salmon of the Year--the 40'' 20 lb. fish was caught in Quinhagak
First Halibut of the Year--A'urunaq Friend of Kwigillingok caught this 30'' fish
Button--this article was about how a baby girl in Kwig got her name
Increased Fuel Prices Cause Concern--some things are the same no matter where you go...
From the Delta Discovery in Bethel.
Quattuorquardragintillion
Actually, that isn't a Yupik word. It is the American word for 10 to the 135th power (I don't know how to superscript with HTML). You can learn all sorts of interesting things while teaching. Ever wonder what 10 the 303rd power is? Well, in case you want to know check out this chart of big numbers.
First King Salmon of the Year--the 40'' 20 lb. fish was caught in Quinhagak
First Halibut of the Year--A'urunaq Friend of Kwigillingok caught this 30'' fish
Button--this article was about how a baby girl in Kwig got her name
Increased Fuel Prices Cause Concern--some things are the same no matter where you go...
From the Delta Discovery in Bethel.
Quattuorquardragintillion
Actually, that isn't a Yupik word. It is the American word for 10 to the 135th power (I don't know how to superscript with HTML). You can learn all sorts of interesting things while teaching. Ever wonder what 10 the 303rd power is? Well, in case you want to know check out this chart of big numbers.
Monday, May 24, 2004
I'm at "work." I'm teaching Algebra I and sixth grade math to students who needed a little extra time to finish up the course requirements. I will theoretically be working with five students at a time, but this morning only one made it up "on time" and even he was thirty minutes late. There was a dance last night, so many students and parents were still asleep when I called at 11am.
I have a new place to stay while I'm here for the next two weeks. It is a little one room house next door to the school. I love it! It's the first time I've had my own place! It has a little kitchen, a TV with DVD player (no cable or satellite), an incinerator toilet (that scares me), and a small tank and pump that I can turn on for water in the kitchen sink. I will take showers and do laundry at the school. Also...the school's computer airport signal reaches out to the house so I can access the internet with the laptop that the school loaned me. And I have a great view of the tundra and hills out my back window. Not a bad set up!
I have a new place to stay while I'm here for the next two weeks. It is a little one room house next door to the school. I love it! It's the first time I've had my own place! It has a little kitchen, a TV with DVD player (no cable or satellite), an incinerator toilet (that scares me), and a small tank and pump that I can turn on for water in the kitchen sink. I will take showers and do laundry at the school. Also...the school's computer airport signal reaches out to the house so I can access the internet with the laptop that the school loaned me. And I have a great view of the tundra and hills out my back window. Not a bad set up!
Culturally irRelevant Ministry
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8:23-27
We stood on the rocky beach looking out toward the small boats bobbing on the choppy water of the Bering Sea. It was about 40 degrees outside, but with winds from the East at 20mph, it felt closer to 30. White clouds hung low over the water, hiding the cliffs as occasional rain drops splattered the 20 of us gathered on the beach after mass. Children bicycled around us in circles as people arrived by walk and by four-wheeler. Little old women in quspeqs and rubber boots huddled together and helped each other down to the beach. Father Anderson stood in his green and gold-trimmed white kuspeq holding his red Bible and trying to keep the pages from fluttering as he held one hand up over the water. A child reached up and held the page for him. He read the passage from Matthew before blessing the water and the fishing season, praying for safety and success.
For these people who have experienced the awesome power of storms in amazing ways, a God who can command the wind and waves is truly worthy of worship. Many of the tiny houses in the village have sustained damage this year from winds gusting 45-50 mph this winter. And all of the older fishermen in the village could share tales of terrifying experiences on the big water. This year, there are other storms. Commercial fishing is one of the only sources of income for many families in the village. Unfortunately, the rate for one ton of fish this season is only $100. I know one father of six who spent all day out Thursday to pull in 3 tons. With groceries, fuel, and supplies costing so much out here, that cash won't go very far to supporting his family for the year. For this community, blessing the water was important, and the old woman who plays the keyboard and calls out the hymn numbers in church, passed out hand-written song sheets with a specially selected ocean-themed hymn for us to sing by the water.
As touching as this moment was, I could not help but let my mind wander back to the 45 minutes of passionless liturgy we had just gone through in mass. Of the 350 people living in the village perhaps 25 were gathered in the church (mostly elders). The priest read his script in a clear, monotone voice as the people responded in mumbles of English and Yupik. How many people thought about the beauty of what they were saying, thought about the meaning behind the ritual? How many of them were in excited, joyful awe of the fact that they were gathered to worship the God of the universe who sacrificed his only son to have an intimate, passionate, personal relationship with us? I know I shouldn't make assumptions about what was happening in people's hearts, but what I saw and heard made me sad. We are created for so much more than this. And so many teenagers and young adults chose not to come and were perhaps busy pursuing all sorts of other things that would lead, not to fulfillment, but to self-destruction and death. Even with the beauty of this place and the richness of the culture, there is so much brokeness in this village that I don't know how to begin to describe it.
And how many villages like this one exist all over this world? How do we pray? For new people to be called to minister to these people? For spiritual renewal and awakening within the church that is already here? As frustrated as I am with the dryness of the Catholic Church, at least they are making the effort to maintain a church presence out here. Praise God that the Gospel is being read almost every week here, but at the same time, some how the Church is not connecting with many of the people in this community…
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8:23-27
We stood on the rocky beach looking out toward the small boats bobbing on the choppy water of the Bering Sea. It was about 40 degrees outside, but with winds from the East at 20mph, it felt closer to 30. White clouds hung low over the water, hiding the cliffs as occasional rain drops splattered the 20 of us gathered on the beach after mass. Children bicycled around us in circles as people arrived by walk and by four-wheeler. Little old women in quspeqs and rubber boots huddled together and helped each other down to the beach. Father Anderson stood in his green and gold-trimmed white kuspeq holding his red Bible and trying to keep the pages from fluttering as he held one hand up over the water. A child reached up and held the page for him. He read the passage from Matthew before blessing the water and the fishing season, praying for safety and success.
For these people who have experienced the awesome power of storms in amazing ways, a God who can command the wind and waves is truly worthy of worship. Many of the tiny houses in the village have sustained damage this year from winds gusting 45-50 mph this winter. And all of the older fishermen in the village could share tales of terrifying experiences on the big water. This year, there are other storms. Commercial fishing is one of the only sources of income for many families in the village. Unfortunately, the rate for one ton of fish this season is only $100. I know one father of six who spent all day out Thursday to pull in 3 tons. With groceries, fuel, and supplies costing so much out here, that cash won't go very far to supporting his family for the year. For this community, blessing the water was important, and the old woman who plays the keyboard and calls out the hymn numbers in church, passed out hand-written song sheets with a specially selected ocean-themed hymn for us to sing by the water.
As touching as this moment was, I could not help but let my mind wander back to the 45 minutes of passionless liturgy we had just gone through in mass. Of the 350 people living in the village perhaps 25 were gathered in the church (mostly elders). The priest read his script in a clear, monotone voice as the people responded in mumbles of English and Yupik. How many people thought about the beauty of what they were saying, thought about the meaning behind the ritual? How many of them were in excited, joyful awe of the fact that they were gathered to worship the God of the universe who sacrificed his only son to have an intimate, passionate, personal relationship with us? I know I shouldn't make assumptions about what was happening in people's hearts, but what I saw and heard made me sad. We are created for so much more than this. And so many teenagers and young adults chose not to come and were perhaps busy pursuing all sorts of other things that would lead, not to fulfillment, but to self-destruction and death. Even with the beauty of this place and the richness of the culture, there is so much brokeness in this village that I don't know how to begin to describe it.
And how many villages like this one exist all over this world? How do we pray? For new people to be called to minister to these people? For spiritual renewal and awakening within the church that is already here? As frustrated as I am with the dryness of the Catholic Church, at least they are making the effort to maintain a church presence out here. Praise God that the Gospel is being read almost every week here, but at the same time, some how the Church is not connecting with many of the people in this community…
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
Saturday, May 22, 2004
I am now almost as cool as Melissa! I've uploaded pics for you guys to see. Click here to see various pics from graduation. Here are two you should definitely view:
Graduation--Tununak style
The Village
Graduation--Tununak style
The Village
A Different World
Last night, we graduated 4 girls and 1 boy from Paul T. Albert Memorial School in Tununak, Alaska. Another one of my former male students (that I taught for two years here) also graduated from boarding school last week. All of this is a big deal. We have not had this many high school graduates in at least six years, and it has been at least eight years since a male student has graduated. I am so proud of my students!!!! They have all overcome more in their short lives than most of us will encounter in a lifetime.
Today, I was hired to teach nine days of summer school here in the village. I filled out my paperwork, called the local school board president at "6203" (we only need four digits here, unlike Atlanta's 10), then walked down to his house to get his signature. I am now again employed by the Lower Kuskokwim School District. Cool.
This afternoon, I went to buy groceries at one of the two small stores in town:
12 oz. Frozen Blueberries $4.15
2 lbs. Frozen chicken $6.45 (on special--probably old)
1 qt. boxed milk $2.79
15 oz. Pops cereal $5.55 (better than Honey Nut Cheerios at 6.95)
Progresso Soup $4.29
Chili $2.65
6 pack of single serving Easy Mac $5.03
2 sticks of butter $4.03
1 dz eggs $4.53
Chips Ahoy $6.25
I opted out of the Nov 03 generic Pop Tarts for $5.45 and the small canned tuna for $2.75
Hopefully, my diet will be supplemented by fish and other local foods over the next two weeks...
Last night, we graduated 4 girls and 1 boy from Paul T. Albert Memorial School in Tununak, Alaska. Another one of my former male students (that I taught for two years here) also graduated from boarding school last week. All of this is a big deal. We have not had this many high school graduates in at least six years, and it has been at least eight years since a male student has graduated. I am so proud of my students!!!! They have all overcome more in their short lives than most of us will encounter in a lifetime.
Today, I was hired to teach nine days of summer school here in the village. I filled out my paperwork, called the local school board president at "6203" (we only need four digits here, unlike Atlanta's 10), then walked down to his house to get his signature. I am now again employed by the Lower Kuskokwim School District. Cool.
This afternoon, I went to buy groceries at one of the two small stores in town:
12 oz. Frozen Blueberries $4.15
2 lbs. Frozen chicken $6.45 (on special--probably old)
1 qt. boxed milk $2.79
15 oz. Pops cereal $5.55 (better than Honey Nut Cheerios at 6.95)
Progresso Soup $4.29
Chili $2.65
6 pack of single serving Easy Mac $5.03
2 sticks of butter $4.03
1 dz eggs $4.53
Chips Ahoy $6.25
I opted out of the Nov 03 generic Pop Tarts for $5.45 and the small canned tuna for $2.75
Hopefully, my diet will be supplemented by fish and other local foods over the next two weeks...
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Real--Not Necessarily Ideal
I sat in the fold out jump seat of the Twin Otter and felt strangely at peace as the propellers purred to a roar that made it almost impossible to talk to the person in the seat next to me. As the plane took off, I felt a sudden rush of excitement. Something about this little plane was comforting to me. As I glided in the sky over the tundra, I realized that flying in this plane was somehow more real than the experience of flying in a jet. As I sat with my feet on the faded wood paneling that made the floor of the cabin area, I could see the propellers, hear and feel the rumble of the engine, see the pilots and their gauges ahead of me, and smell…well, in a place where running water is a luxury, the smell was not necessarily pleasant, but it was real. I was not insulated in the quiet, cushioned, climate-contolled cabin of a jet plane. I was sitting in the not-so-comfortable metal and leather seat of plane that allowed my stomach to repeatedly lurch as it dipped and swayed through the air currents of the Alaskan sky.
Although it was not ideal with the odor, noise, and nauseous stomach, it was a very real experience. Perhaps this is one of the reasons I like it out here so much. Everything seems so much more vivid and real. It is unlike our cities and suburbs where we are cut off from the land and insulated inside our homes and cars where we never have to think about where our food will come from. It is also much more intimate here, even in its isolation. The village seemed so familiar as I landed and so did the people I saw along the way to school from the airstrip. In such a small community, you see the same people everyday, tread the same ground, and dwell in a very finite number of buildings. I could never become this intimate and familiar with the people and places of the suburbs and the cities. I'm not saying that life here is ideal, perfect, or easy. But it is real.
It is good to be back; I feel like I've hardly been gone. But...as familiar as it feels, it is no longer home. I hope to find time to blog often here. I'll run-on soon.
I sat in the fold out jump seat of the Twin Otter and felt strangely at peace as the propellers purred to a roar that made it almost impossible to talk to the person in the seat next to me. As the plane took off, I felt a sudden rush of excitement. Something about this little plane was comforting to me. As I glided in the sky over the tundra, I realized that flying in this plane was somehow more real than the experience of flying in a jet. As I sat with my feet on the faded wood paneling that made the floor of the cabin area, I could see the propellers, hear and feel the rumble of the engine, see the pilots and their gauges ahead of me, and smell…well, in a place where running water is a luxury, the smell was not necessarily pleasant, but it was real. I was not insulated in the quiet, cushioned, climate-contolled cabin of a jet plane. I was sitting in the not-so-comfortable metal and leather seat of plane that allowed my stomach to repeatedly lurch as it dipped and swayed through the air currents of the Alaskan sky.
Although it was not ideal with the odor, noise, and nauseous stomach, it was a very real experience. Perhaps this is one of the reasons I like it out here so much. Everything seems so much more vivid and real. It is unlike our cities and suburbs where we are cut off from the land and insulated inside our homes and cars where we never have to think about where our food will come from. It is also much more intimate here, even in its isolation. The village seemed so familiar as I landed and so did the people I saw along the way to school from the airstrip. In such a small community, you see the same people everyday, tread the same ground, and dwell in a very finite number of buildings. I could never become this intimate and familiar with the people and places of the suburbs and the cities. I'm not saying that life here is ideal, perfect, or easy. But it is real.
It is good to be back; I feel like I've hardly been gone. But...as familiar as it feels, it is no longer home. I hope to find time to blog often here. I'll run-on soon.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Travel!!!!
Leaving today for Alaska! I can't wait to smell the fresh scents of Tununak in the summer! Mmmmm...tundra and fish guts...
I will stay in Chicago tonight before beginning the three plane ordeal tomorrow(Chicago-Anchorage-Bethel-Tununak). I'm actually looking forward to it. I love travelling. Especially in Alaska.
I'll try to post updates of my adventure! See ya in Blogdom!
Leaving today for Alaska! I can't wait to smell the fresh scents of Tununak in the summer! Mmmmm...tundra and fish guts...
I will stay in Chicago tonight before beginning the three plane ordeal tomorrow(Chicago-Anchorage-Bethel-Tununak). I'm actually looking forward to it. I love travelling. Especially in Alaska.
I'll try to post updates of my adventure! See ya in Blogdom!
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Country Song of the Week
Adam needs to be prepared to have this perspective when these (or similar) things happen (if they haven't happened already):
Little Moments
Brad Paisley
Well I'll never forget the first time that I heard
That pretty mouth say that dirty word
And I can't even remember now
what she backed my truck into
But she covered her mouth and her face got red
And she just looked so darn cute
That I couldn't even act like I was mad
Yeah I live for little moments like that
Well that's just like last year on my birthday
She lost all track of time and burnt the cake
And every smoke detector in the house was goin' off
And she was just about to cry
until I took her in my arms
And I tried not to let her see me laugh
Yeah I live for little moments like that
I know she's not perfect
but she tries so hard for me
And I thank god that she isn't
'cause how boring would that be
It's the little imperfections
it's the sudden change in plans
When she misreads the directions
and we're lost but holdin' hands
Yeah I live for little moments like that
When she's layin' on my shoulder
on the sofa in the dark
And about the time she falls asleep
so does my right arm
And I want so bad to move it
'cause it's tinglin' and it's numb
But she looks so much like an angel
that I don't wanna wake her up
Yeah I live for little moments
When she steals my heart again
and doesn't even know it
Yeah I live for little moments like that
Adam needs to be prepared to have this perspective when these (or similar) things happen (if they haven't happened already):
Little Moments
Brad Paisley
Well I'll never forget the first time that I heard
That pretty mouth say that dirty word
And I can't even remember now
what she backed my truck into
But she covered her mouth and her face got red
And she just looked so darn cute
That I couldn't even act like I was mad
Yeah I live for little moments like that
Well that's just like last year on my birthday
She lost all track of time and burnt the cake
And every smoke detector in the house was goin' off
And she was just about to cry
until I took her in my arms
And I tried not to let her see me laugh
Yeah I live for little moments like that
I know she's not perfect
but she tries so hard for me
And I thank god that she isn't
'cause how boring would that be
It's the little imperfections
it's the sudden change in plans
When she misreads the directions
and we're lost but holdin' hands
Yeah I live for little moments like that
When she's layin' on my shoulder
on the sofa in the dark
And about the time she falls asleep
so does my right arm
And I want so bad to move it
'cause it's tinglin' and it's numb
But she looks so much like an angel
that I don't wanna wake her up
Yeah I live for little moments
When she steals my heart again
and doesn't even know it
Yeah I live for little moments like that
Monday, May 10, 2004
The MTV show Made is holding an open audition at Lassiter tomorrow after school. Apparently, I'm old because I've never heard of it. But I find it interesting nonetheless.
Friday, May 07, 2004
The front page of the AJC made me sick today. I don't know what upsets me more: what happened to the prisoners in Iraq or the exploitation of the events by our media. Probably the former, but the latter is a close second.
"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3
"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Country Song of the Week
Well...I've decided to start a semi-regular feature on my blog that may threaten to scare some of you away. I have never been a big country fan, but lately I have found myself lingering on the country radio stations when I'm sick of the sex-laden lyrics of pop music, the obnoxious "jokes" of 99X, and the syrupy trite lyrics of Christian radio. Almost all of the songs (with the exception of those about drinking and being a redneck) make me smile with their simple truths and sweet stories. I still may not like the sound too much, but I love the lyrics.
The other reason for this new feature on my blog is the fact that I have a desire to prove to my fiance that country music does have some redeeming qualities. To him, country music is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Well, we're engaged now so he can't really break up with me over this post, which I'm sure will frighten him--hehehe. But the truth is, he plays guitar and has a great country singing voice if he could get over his prejudice against the music.
The first song in this new feature is "Meet in the Middle" by Diamond Rio:
Meet In The Middle
(Chaplin Hartford/Jim Foster/Don Pfrimmer)
It was seven hundred fenceposts from your place to ours
Neither one of us was old enough to drive a car
Sometimes it was raining, sometimes it would shine
We wore out that gravel road between your house and mine
I'd start walking your way
You'd start walking mine
We'd meet in the middle
'Neath that old Georgia pine
We'd gain a lot of ground
'Cause we'd both give a little
And their ain't no road to long
When you meet in the middle
It's been seven years tomorrow since we said our vows
Under that old pine tree, you ought to see it now
Standing in the back yard reminding me and you
That if we don't see eye to eye there's something we can do
I'd start walking your way
You'd start walking mine
We'd meet in the middle
'Neath that old Georgia pine
We'd gain a lot of ground
'Cause we'd both give a little
And their ain't no road to long
When you meet in the middle
Babe I love the way we work it out
That's what love's about
Feel free to post a comment about other songs you think I should feature!
Well...I've decided to start a semi-regular feature on my blog that may threaten to scare some of you away. I have never been a big country fan, but lately I have found myself lingering on the country radio stations when I'm sick of the sex-laden lyrics of pop music, the obnoxious "jokes" of 99X, and the syrupy trite lyrics of Christian radio. Almost all of the songs (with the exception of those about drinking and being a redneck) make me smile with their simple truths and sweet stories. I still may not like the sound too much, but I love the lyrics.
The other reason for this new feature on my blog is the fact that I have a desire to prove to my fiance that country music does have some redeeming qualities. To him, country music is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Well, we're engaged now so he can't really break up with me over this post, which I'm sure will frighten him--hehehe. But the truth is, he plays guitar and has a great country singing voice if he could get over his prejudice against the music.
The first song in this new feature is "Meet in the Middle" by Diamond Rio:
Meet In The Middle
(Chaplin Hartford/Jim Foster/Don Pfrimmer)
It was seven hundred fenceposts from your place to ours
Neither one of us was old enough to drive a car
Sometimes it was raining, sometimes it would shine
We wore out that gravel road between your house and mine
I'd start walking your way
You'd start walking mine
We'd meet in the middle
'Neath that old Georgia pine
We'd gain a lot of ground
'Cause we'd both give a little
And their ain't no road to long
When you meet in the middle
It's been seven years tomorrow since we said our vows
Under that old pine tree, you ought to see it now
Standing in the back yard reminding me and you
That if we don't see eye to eye there's something we can do
I'd start walking your way
You'd start walking mine
We'd meet in the middle
'Neath that old Georgia pine
We'd gain a lot of ground
'Cause we'd both give a little
And their ain't no road to long
When you meet in the middle
Babe I love the way we work it out
That's what love's about
Feel free to post a comment about other songs you think I should feature!
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
It's Not About Me Part Two
This wedding thing is an interesting creature. Everyone keeps telling me it is "my day," but everyone seems to have an opinion about what should happen, when, and how. Neither Adam nor I enjoy many of the activities required to plan and implement a wedding. We don’t like making decisions, shopping, spending money, being in crowds, or dressing up. We find all of these activities to be exceedingly tiresome. But…God is faithful and has been slowly giving me a new perspective on this whole wedding thing.
First of all, it’s not about me. It is, however, about us in some ways. It is our wedding, and it should be fun for us and reflect our personalities. In light of this, I don’t feel that it is necessary for us to worry about silly, antiquated details of superstition, etiquette, and tradition. If Adam and I want to see each other before the ceremony to pray and take pictures, why not? And if I need to for comfort’s sake, I will change out of my dress and hang out at the reception in jeans, tevas, t-shirt, and veil. And I hope that no one is offended if I don’t hand write the addresses on the invitations. I just don’t see the point of spending time, money, and anxiety on outdated trivialities.
Secondly, I have decided that it isn’t all about us no matter what everyone keeps telling me. And actually that makes me feel better, because I can’t justify in my head spending this much time, money and energy on myself! God has placed so many friends and family members in our lives who have touched us and shaped us in different ways over the years. All of these people have contributed to Adam and I becoming the man and woman of God that we are as we enter into this union. This celebration is also about all of those people! We wouldn’t be at this place if it weren’t for all of them! I want this event to be a joyful celebration that blesses all of these people and expresses our gratitude to all of them.
Finally, this day is ultimately about the One who created us, shaped us, and brought us together. Adam and I have often discussed what a blessing this relationship is. We have seen clearly how God’s hand has guided us and moved in this relationship. We both know that our satisfaction, all that we need, is found in Jesus, not in each other. But God has given us this relationship as another way for us to learn more about his love for us. More than anything, we want this wedding to be a celebration of Him—a worship service honoring, glorifying, and giving thanks to the one who first loved us. Marriage is a beautiful picture, a living example, of the intimate, loving, committed relationship that we are called to have with Christ. My prayer is that our wedding will reflect this truth.
Phew. I feel better. I hope all of you do, too. I have some ideas for future posts. Hopefully, you’ll hear from Little RunOn again soon.
This wedding thing is an interesting creature. Everyone keeps telling me it is "my day," but everyone seems to have an opinion about what should happen, when, and how. Neither Adam nor I enjoy many of the activities required to plan and implement a wedding. We don’t like making decisions, shopping, spending money, being in crowds, or dressing up. We find all of these activities to be exceedingly tiresome. But…God is faithful and has been slowly giving me a new perspective on this whole wedding thing.
First of all, it’s not about me. It is, however, about us in some ways. It is our wedding, and it should be fun for us and reflect our personalities. In light of this, I don’t feel that it is necessary for us to worry about silly, antiquated details of superstition, etiquette, and tradition. If Adam and I want to see each other before the ceremony to pray and take pictures, why not? And if I need to for comfort’s sake, I will change out of my dress and hang out at the reception in jeans, tevas, t-shirt, and veil. And I hope that no one is offended if I don’t hand write the addresses on the invitations. I just don’t see the point of spending time, money, and anxiety on outdated trivialities.
Secondly, I have decided that it isn’t all about us no matter what everyone keeps telling me. And actually that makes me feel better, because I can’t justify in my head spending this much time, money and energy on myself! God has placed so many friends and family members in our lives who have touched us and shaped us in different ways over the years. All of these people have contributed to Adam and I becoming the man and woman of God that we are as we enter into this union. This celebration is also about all of those people! We wouldn’t be at this place if it weren’t for all of them! I want this event to be a joyful celebration that blesses all of these people and expresses our gratitude to all of them.
Finally, this day is ultimately about the One who created us, shaped us, and brought us together. Adam and I have often discussed what a blessing this relationship is. We have seen clearly how God’s hand has guided us and moved in this relationship. We both know that our satisfaction, all that we need, is found in Jesus, not in each other. But God has given us this relationship as another way for us to learn more about his love for us. More than anything, we want this wedding to be a celebration of Him—a worship service honoring, glorifying, and giving thanks to the one who first loved us. Marriage is a beautiful picture, a living example, of the intimate, loving, committed relationship that we are called to have with Christ. My prayer is that our wedding will reflect this truth.
Phew. I feel better. I hope all of you do, too. I have some ideas for future posts. Hopefully, you’ll hear from Little RunOn again soon.
Monday, May 03, 2004
Other Stuff
Believe it or not, there is other stuff going on in my life other than the wedding. Not much, but other stuff does exist. Namely, I got a job at Roswell High School. This is a total blessing, because it is one less thing I have to think about, and it is close to where Adam works. Um...I'm sure there is other stuff. Hmmm...I hear that the last episode of Friends is coming up. I haven't really watched all season, but I guess that is a big deal for our generation...Oh! I thought of something! I'm leaving for Alaska in two weeks!!!! I can't wait to see the village (and get away from wedding planning). Wow. I'm sorry that this blog has become so boring. Perhaps it will return to normal after my brain has been retrieved from the Bridal Shop. Ugh!
Believe it or not, there is other stuff going on in my life other than the wedding. Not much, but other stuff does exist. Namely, I got a job at Roswell High School. This is a total blessing, because it is one less thing I have to think about, and it is close to where Adam works. Um...I'm sure there is other stuff. Hmmm...I hear that the last episode of Friends is coming up. I haven't really watched all season, but I guess that is a big deal for our generation...Oh! I thought of something! I'm leaving for Alaska in two weeks!!!! I can't wait to see the village (and get away from wedding planning). Wow. I'm sorry that this blog has become so boring. Perhaps it will return to normal after my brain has been retrieved from the Bridal Shop. Ugh!
music
fiction
- Sophie's World Jostein Gaarder
- Atlas Shrugged Ayn Rand
- The Name of the Rose Umberto Eco
- Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen
- War and Peace Leo Tolstoy
- I'm sure I'm forgetting many!!!
things above
- The Consolation of Philosophy Boethius
- Desiring God John Piper
- Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis
- The Ragamuffin Gospel Brennan Manning
- Jesus with Dirty Feet Don Everts
random
- metanoia
- runner's world
- relevant magazine
- jane austen society
- tununak
- appalachian trail conference
- espn
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