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we are

by Shaun

• having a good week

• about to watch _Hopkins_ medical show

• Kyndra's making banana bread

• heard a bit of Harlem Gospel Choir close out Reno's Artown July celebration

• looking over Peter Rollins new book

• playing with the dogs

• doing Wordle, HT: TallSkinnyKiwi

• having a good week

New Moves / Big Move

After a month of quiet, here's the Ohome update.

• I (shaun) had a birthday - going strong for 27 years and closing in on 30 (I guess).
• Kyndra continues hitting the books - currently handling up midterm madness.  Getting really close to never having to take midterms again! 
• I (27 year old) have read a couple of great books. 
  
  • First, the Wendell Berry essay The Long-Legged House - great insight into Berry's early days as a writer and family man, beginning a life that has lead him to where he is. 
  • Then, finished McLaren's Everything Must Change.  I blogged some reflections at thoseawake.  And, I attended the conference he did last week - basically speaking the principles of the book.  I think the biggest insight is simply the realization that global issues are not merely reserved for politicians and rock stars, but in fact we are responsible to live the alternative that can make a difference around the world.  *Substantial stuff here.
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Finally, the biggest news with us is the going-public with our life plans beginning this summer.  As Kyndra finishes grad school, it's time to make a change.  I've always loved school and knew from graduation in 2003 that I wanted to go back.  It worked out that I could work a great job (telling great stories) while Kyndra finished her undergrad and now her graduate work. 

Because she'll soon be done, it's time to change it up and let me head back to school for a while.  We've decided to head to the University of Nevada at Reno, because of their great program in  Literature and Environment - it's an area I've been excited about since high-school, and a way to study the connection of nature, literature and spirituality (see wendell berry link above).

SO - we are planning our big move to Reno in June for school and for Kyndra to begin her internships.  We don't know where this 2 year degree move will lead or where we'll be when it's over, but we're excited about this new life-chapter.  As Thoreau puts it, "I left the woods for as good a reason as I went there.  Perhaps it seemed to me I had several more lives to live and could not spare any more time for that particular one..."
In that spirit, we make some new moves with our family.  We are glad to have the community of friends and family continually support us.  Thanks. 

Oh, and tomorrow is also the Texas Primary voting.  I hope our country finds a way out of the woods as well!  Lord, help us.   

Lately Listening - Emergent and other leaders

I've been bad at blogging recently.  sorry.  Pretty busy little season at work(s), and keeping a finger in a few different things going on.  This year has really flown by.

Recently, I've been to 3 different events - all "churchy," all encouraging, and all giving me hope for the future of American Christian leadership.
Event 1:
Emergence in Austin - a conference featuring Scot McKnight as moderator to a panel of church leaders - reflecting thoughts contributed in a recent Zondervan book - Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches. 
The idea of the book was quite good, as each contributor got to write a chapter on a certain topic, and all other contributors offered a short reflection/rebuttal/extension of that topic thereafter.  I have flipped through it and I like the style.  There are definitely some opposing views on theology and praxis, but it's a good discussion for the most part. 
And that's what I'd say for this conference.  Scot McKnight led well.  The banter was both dense and funny, and McKnight is good at that.  John Burke had gracious answers (held at his church - Gateway), and Doug Pagitt was able to offer some new ideas and views, telling stories to connect the ideas along the way.  Doug was humble and positive towards other "demonstrations" of Christianity and I think that might have helped many listen harder (and offer more grace) as he expounded on the way his faith community lives out their theology as best they can.  I was encouraged to sense this perspective and grace from another Emergent leader.  I think that means a lot as the conversation goes forward.  (good review by Bob Carlton here)

Okay - speeding along --

Event 2:
A week ago Brian McLaren came to SMU as a Lecture speaker on Evangelism.   This was a day of some straightforward McLaren - therefore, I enjoyed it very much.  He also exudes a humility that simply draws me in to listen and learn.  I continuously feel challenged to think hard and live better when I listen to Brian.  And an especially neat part of this event was the way he wove in certain Methodist theological tendencies to what he presented.  Not being Methodist, I feel like I learned a lot while I got to see him validate the faith of so many in the room.  While "postmodernism" can seem so scary, he helped explain cultural shifts with the words and beliefs of John Wesley, and I felt that made a difference in the room. 
Brian took hard questions during a Q & A, but was gracious.  Some questions seemed like the same ones he's been hearing for years, while some were just plain challenging (perhaps a bit stubborn).  And I liked a key point Brian made, referring to Matthew 7, and citing - "Do not judge, lest you also be judged."  Brian posed, perhaps we could also phrase it - "Do not vilify, and you will not be vilified."  I admire Brian's desire to do theology and work against vilification at the same time.
I look forward to seeing Brian in DFW again in Feb. on the tour of his book - Everything Must Change.

Event 3:
Rob Bell @ Nokia Theatre - here's a pic I took -I know some people thought this sounded too showy, Bell "performing" at Nokia, and I know some people who just plain didn't go as to not support the "show."  But I gotta say it was a great experience.  Bell got up there and talked - teaching/monologue for a good hour and 1/2.  It felt sorta classical in that sense - sitting under a good orator - basically offering an "anthropology of religion."  That's an evening well spent.  There was nothing flashy about it - a stage with an ancient-style altar; it was a great mix of message and method.  While Nokia is a rather large stage (literally and symbolically), I like this format for theological oration and hope to see more going forward.

All in all, I'm glad to be listening to some of these leaders.  It has lately given me hope.  I hope you have some as well. 
Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday messages, questioning consumption

I've heard some very good words today.
Earlier, driving home from some very nice camping with Reagan in San Marcos, I listened to some podcast messages by Rob Bell and the Mars Hill Bible Church.  The messages were themed - "God is Green" and are about our use and abuse of the earth, and the question of consumption.  The messages are very good.

And now, I'm sitting and listening to Barry Jones teach here at IBC about Luke 12, the parable of the "Rich Fool."  He's preaching interdependence, sustainability, and the gospel message in the lives of 21st century Christians.  He quoted Chris Jordan, from Orion Magazine earlier -

Talking to Americans about consumerism is like talking to someone with an alcohol problem. Our culture is in deep denial about what we are doing to our planet, to the people of other nations, and the people of the future. And maybe the biggest tragedy of all is that we are in denial about how our consumer lifestyle is sapping our own spirits.

It is a tragedy beyond belief, happening right here in our own country, under our own noses, to our own selves. I think Americans in the first decade of the twenty-first century will be looked back upon as some of the most spiritually lost people in the history of humankind.

These words are powerful ... and Barry's words are really authentic today.  (Thanks Barry)

It's been a good day of messages and a lot to think about, and hopefully change inside me. 

Colbert's Freegans, Community Resurrection

Look, I've never been dumpster diving myself, but I've had a growing desire for it, the more exposed I am to Shane Claiborne and other radical simplicity people.   So, attached are two different videos ... both great.  First, here's Stephen Colbert commenting on the growing act of people diving for food in dumpsters, sometimes even just as a statement of opposition to food corporations, and many times because it puts to use what others consider waste. 

And, the second video is actually about The Simple Way community that Shane C. is a part of, and a devastating fire that recently burned down some of their community/living space.  But the group is "practicing resurrection" and hoping to benefit their neighborhood and it's children with a space to come after the fire.  There is hope, and there's even some things you and I can do to help.

Sorry to have to post these two different videos together, but there is a string of connection, so flow with it!  :)

Here, the words of the Philly community in response to recent tragedy:

Myriad of magazines

Just received three great magazines - the May/June issues of each.  It got me thinking ...
I really like these publications and I don't know if I'd replace any of them right now - Orion Magazine, GEEZ magazine, and the Utne Reader. 
(I also got my new issue of Relevant Magazine, but that one just didn't make the cut here on the coffee table, though it is a bit of fun reading sometimes) 
If I had to choose three magazines I'd like subscriptions to, these would be them!  (fyi - I didn't exactly choose them all, one was a gift)  And I just realized what they all sort of encompass for me...

Orion = nature, placeness, nature writing & life in nature = superb and exhilirating!
GEEZ = witty, simple, very unique thoughts on faith amidst current culture = provoking and challenging!
          (**both Orion & GEEZ are  void of advertising.  BIG HUGE PLUS!**)
Utne = current culture, varied and good coverage on events & media = informative and interesting!

Okay, those are my three.  What are yours?  (either what you have, or what you'd want to have!)

abortion politics

Had a good conversation with Richard and Reagan today - we even touched on the charisma of that Barack Obama guy.
The topic of abortion came up, and some general thinking about how (or if) to vote for someone because they are strong in some areas that we like and care about, but may differ from our ideals in others.  This is the fine line we walk, I guess. 

Then, Crunchy Con Rod Dreher posted something to this affect - linking to another good piece by Rich Lowry called - Who Cares About Abortion?  Good question, cause it seems it goes back and forth for many.  Worth reading and thinking about. 

vote well, get educated,
s.o

keeping current

The O'Reilly update:

->Shaun & Kyndra both getting over being sick(yeah, it started with me (shaun), and I generously gave it  away...)

->Kyndra started back to school today - 2nd semester of OT school underway!!  Updates to follow.

->We moved into a new apartment on Dec. 28th!  Kinda a hassle at times, but so great now!  We're enjoying getting our stuff out of storage and setting up "home."  *No more moves til Kyndra graduates!!  That's the promise*

->Resolutions under way - mostly about food, reading, and studying ... same ole, but hopefully with even better results

->Best reading of 2007 (so far) = Wendell Berry's The Memory of Old Jack

->Best music, the Shins single Phantom Limb! -- I jumped onto the Shins bandwagon after the Garden State movie, and haven't looked back.  They are unmatched in both choice simplicity AND vital creativity!!  "New Slang" is still such a beautiful song.  So, two notes on them:

    ->>Their new album releases a week from today.1/23. Highly anticipated!
->>They are not scheduled to come even close the the DFW area.  I probably could have predicted this luck... :(  Seems typical of the great bands.  They would be great live, I think. 

technorati tags: THE SHINS, WENDELL BERRY, OT SCHOOL, OREILLY,

A standing O!

"It's all I've ever wanted..."

This was Allen Iverson's response when asked (in a post-game interview) how he felt about getting a standing ovation while taking the court with his new team tonight.  "It's all I've ever wanted."

Two things go through my mind:
    1.  Wow, so he's arrived?  Have basketball fans, with nachos and beer in hands, applaud you as you run on the court slapping fives - that's all you've ever wanted?!?? hmmm.

    2.  On the other hand, good for him.  He's great at something, and he's showing a great appreciation for those that are showing appreciation for him.  I hate the popular persona that gets the applause but still doesn't give a damn about the fans.  Tonight, Iverson gave them some love ... pointing out that, yeah, he's moved to a new team & yeah, he'll be a star.  But, yeah, he feels honored to be welcomed the way he was.  It's all he's ever wanted. 

It's almost like the really good kind of love.  He hadn't done a thing in a Nuggets jersey yet ... but they stood and cheered the new guy in Denver just like he'd been doing amazing things for them for years.  Good show, Denver!

In other news, more people are giving their online "standing O's" for the BEST OF in 2006. 
Brian's got a good list out  - pointing out (in music) Tool's 10,000 Days & Sufjan Steven's The Avalanche and (in books) giving the "Cream of the Crop" nod to Shane Claiborne's The Irresistible Revolution.  I say, great stuff all around there!!  :)
Also, Jay Asp (freshly linked in the ohome blogroll ... though I've been reading his "Hopelessly Uncool" blog for a year!) weighed in on books and music, siting Honore's In Praise of Slowness book, and music by Rufus Wainwright & Nick Drake.  Again, I wholeheartedly concur and have been meaning to check all three of these out!  There's just not enough time in each day, friends!

Finally, from blogs I keep up with, I can't help but continue to come across blogpress for Yo La Tengo (the newest album is "I Am Not Afriad Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass").  I haven't jumped in yet - trying to be very intentional about music lately - but can't help but note the press for them in 2006.  Worth noting, I think.

okay ... so, congrats Iverson, Brhea, the Hopelessly Uncool, and Yo La Tengo. 
Ohome's "best of 2006" should debut this holiday week!!!

technorati tags: IVERSON, APPLAUSE, 2006 BEST, BOOKS & MUSIC

best books = blogged pt.2

Keeping up with some reviews of books this year, I was happy to notice Brian McLaren's recommendations on books from 2006.  You know, before I searched some of these blogs, I hadn't really thought about keeping a "log" of what books I read & when ... now I look forward to thinking through the year, keeping track of what was read/listened to/experienced.  It's a good exercise this time of year.

So, I turn to McLaren's favorite books from 2006.  As usual, he mentions many authors that I'm not aware of at all.  But that has proved a good thing to check out in the past two years - I began reading Wendell Berry because of McLaren's suggestions and that has been a most wonderful decision!  (Brhea also knew this was true a year and a half ago!). 
McLaren lists about 20 books.  The Kite Runner was one in his fiction section (kyndra read this over the summer, so that's a plus for us!).  He also mentioned How (Not) to Speak of God, which some friends and I have read recently.  That's not surprising, cause McLaren gave it such a raving review & endorsement.  And, he mentions The Irresistible Revolution too.  Greatness, I must say.  He also, again, mentions Wendell Berry - this time in the poetry genre. 

So he mentions plenty of books, but offers this tasty nugget I'm sure to explore:

"The best of the best, for me, was Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor (Leonardo Boff). It filled my mind and heart with worship."

I haven't ever heard of the book or of Boff ... but if it was the "best of the best," then it's probably worth checking out.  Wikipedia has an interesting overview of Boff, noting,

"He became one of the best known (along with Gustavo Gutierrez) of the early Liberation theologians. He was present in the first reflections that sought to articulate indignation against misery and marginalization with promisory discourse of the faith, leading to Liberation Theology. He continues to be a controversial figure in the Catholic Church, not only for his past support of communist left wing régimes, but also for his alleged support of homosexuality."

I welcome this author/subject, cause I'm increasingly interested in South American faith, politics, justice, and church movements too.  Apparently, interesting things are going on in this fascinating part of the world.

Kyndra and I are really taking it easy on the gifts this holiday season ... but if you find yourself with extra cash, and the desire to gift me something - look no further than McLaren's favorites list!  (that goes for his 2005 and earlier lists as well). 

technorati tags: BEST BOOKS 2006, BOOKS ON BLOGS,BRIAN MCLAREN, LEONARDO BOFF