And so it goes…

Have you been keeping dry? There’s nothing like a spring rainstorm to dampen your day. I suppose we can all look forward to green, budding, and blossoming foliage this week. It is as if the rain is breathing new life into everything again. Certainly, the spring is fraught with change. Yes – a season of change is about to ensue for many of us. This semester is quickly coming to a close. North Central College has its last week of classes this week. Yikes! What does this mean for you? As a senior – graduation is rapidly approaching. Many of us will be looking for jobs. Many of us will have to leave our colleagues and acquaintances. And – who can forget about moving? What makes you more nervous? Change can be troubling, but exciting too. This afternoon Sonia and I looked at some smaller, cheaper, apartments. We found a quaint, contemporary apartment that is quite close to a couple we know. Although it is smaller, Cooper will have plenty of room to play and destroy things. Change can be a good thing. As this spring progresses and the semester comes to its close – I beckon you to enjoy the moments that you have left at Luther Seminary. Many of us will return, but others will go on to minister beyond these Twin Cities. Have a blessed evening.

-Dan

Finishing a Thesis is a Big Deal

I have been MIA from the blogosphere for awhile, but in my absence I finished my thesis. Yay!

As part of the final Children, Youth, and Family class, we write an 18-22 page (mini) thesis, present it to our classmates and the community, and submit it into a competition. I know it's not the same as a "real" thesis - but it still feels like a big deal. It certainly combats the idea that a Children, Youth, and Family degree (or concentration) is not a serious academic pursuit. It was a great challenge for me to dig so deeply into a topic and try to articulate my argument clearly in those 20 pages.

I now feel like I'm in a weird recovery mode. I'm not sure if it's after-thesis-fatigue or if I'm getting sick, but it has been difficult to have focus and motivation in my other classes (which I have been severely neglecting) and work-related projects and responsibilities (which I also have been lagging on). I have found it difficult to get through a whole day without a nap...I really hope I'm not getting sick.

Thesis or no thesis - it seems this is the state of many around here these days. People are ready to have a break from insane schedules and coursework. As my friend Edith often says, "This, too, shall pass." We are almost there!

A wedding and a funeral

The drive up to Montecido was beautiful, weaving on the 101 until it ran parallel with the ocean. Pacific Coast Highway, California 1, tucks between the rolling hills and mountains of Santa Barbara and the ocean that beckons beach traffic to stand still. We rolled into church right on time, thankful that 3pm means 3:15 on the West Coast. The groom looked dapper and the bride, dazzling. But the service wasn't about them. It was about God's faithfulness in our lives. The reception landed us outside, just off the beach with only the Amtrak Surf Rider Line in between us and the ocean. We danced, we toasted and we watched the sun set as the couple cut their cake. Driving back down California 1 we enjoyed the moonlight view and prepared for the next celebration: a funeral.

We weren't supposed to be in California; a trip had been planned to spend this week, this very busy week, in the belly of the Grand Canyon with friends, family and saints in our life. Plans change on short phone calls and instead of Arizona, California would be our springtime destination.

However beautiful, a wedding is nowhere near as holy a moment as a funeral, when hope is palpable, even if bittersweet. We processed in behind the casket and around the beautiful baptismal font up towards the altar. A Catholic liturgy, we followed along in near precision; our only snafu was that suspended doxology on the Lord's Prayer (for the kingdom, power and glory...). We enjoyed two readings and perhaps the best eulogy I've ever heard. Next was the Gospel reading before the priest offered his homily. When the Alleluias rolled into the Gospel Acclamation I found myself singing and crying, enjoying the beauty of singing Alleluia at a funeral. Leonard Cohen's song "Hallelujah" came to mind, "Love is not a victory march, it's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah." Hallelujahs do not pave over the brokenness of life, its sadness or sorrow, but offer a shout of hope, even if in a whisper. On days when death's cold sting hurts more than others it is a gift to speak, shout sing or whisper Hallelujah.

I've experienced the wedding/funeral phonemenon before and have also written about it (not here on the Life at Luther blog) but (here).

This is the end

...the end my friend. Indeed, this is the last day that I will be spending on my MA thesis project. If you’ve followed my blogs for the last half-year – you’ve most likely come to recognize a common theme; my thesis. I completed my preliminary research last summer, wrote the thesis, and defended it last fall, and have been revising it ever since. After revision after revision I finally came to the conclusion; why am I spending all this time working on something that has already been approved? Mah Zeh!? So—after researching countless hours (after I already defended it) I decided to work with what I already had on paper. I didn’t integrate hundreds upon hundreds of footnotes and theological tid-bits. Is this to say that all of that time spent was for nothing? Hardly! Reading and researching has led me to further discern myself as a scholar of Old Testament. You wouldn’t believe how many times I was excited while researching (because I found new, refreshing topics to work with). So, this is the end. I am bringing my thesis to the University of Minnesota for binding tomorrow. I will give myself one last read through—then I will be on to greener, well – maybe “darker” pastures. Why darker? I study war, violence, and God’s relationship with them. Regardless, I will wade through the muck and mire of some of our darkest Scripture – and will let you know what I think about it when I get to it. I certainly hope you have had a productive, eventful (in the best way), weekend. Have a wonderful evening.

-Dan

Rain

Today we watched out the windows of our sanctuaries as rain rushed down out of the sky. As I drove to church this morning I remarked to a friend how happy the trees must be. Usually I'm not given to anthropomorphizing sentimentality such as this, but when I am assaulted by the natural beauty of seasonal cycles I guess I can't help myself.

Of course, I was also reminded of Mark 4, where the kingdom of God is like a seed which grows into a tree and that tree becomes home to birds and stuff. Now, considering I've been studying that catechism, I know that water is just water, unless it is enclosed in and connected with God's word. And, on this occasion I watched the rain soaking the ground and climbing up the tree where the neon green buds on the branches foretold the impending fruits of spring.

Is it the water that does it, or is it what comes with the water? The minerals and nourishment of the soil can only be given to the tree through the water, without it the dirt stays just dirt and though it gives the roots something to hold onto, it cannot feed the tree. I know that analogies and conclusions often work against the truth, but consider this:

The rain as the preached words of forgiveness, the dirt as the law and life of believers being broken down and melded together by the carbonic acid in the rain and finally taken up into the life of faith which is at one time a single trunk, many branches, thousands of twigs, fluttering leaves, and also home to creatures, which although they are not human may still nest in the Kingdom of God which is promised to all believers.

Laughing Through It

I'm not sure about the bulk of students here at Luther, but I have rounded a corner in the semester. I've been trying to put my finger on where and how, exactly, that happened. While I haven't quite nailed it down I have several hypotheses (I am, after all, a scientist). One of the most likely hypotheses is LAUGHTER. The last couple of weeks I have found myself laughing much more. Laughing so my face hurts, laughing at silliness, and laughing at myself.

Regardless of how or why this happened - I find myself laughing through the last few weeks of the semester. It is wonderful.

If you are in need of a good laugh to lighten your spirits or give you a break, I encourage you to check out the newest issue of the Noncord (online here). I hope it makes you laugh.

Upside Down

It was merely a week ago that I gave a lecture on the Israelite Wisdom tradition. There are many characteristics that identify a text as Wisdom literature, but one in particular is ironically applicable to my situation; radical reorientation. This quintessential part of Wisdom read its way into my life last night. Sonia returned home in tears to tell me that she wasn’t going to be renewed as an elementary school teacher at Webster Elementary (her current employer). This is incredibly problematic. Certainly, without her current salary we cannot stay in our present location. If she doesn’t find work in the Twin Cities she might have to move – which isn’t exactly ideal for us. Likewise, if she moves then I, too, will have to move. I was just starting to feel “at home” in our apartment.

And how does this qualify as a radical reorientation? Well – knowing what I know now about the uncertainty about the summer months and beyond, I will do my best to spend as much quality time with Sonia and Cooper (because I might not be able to find an apartment that allows dogs). A lot is “up in the air” right now. Life is funny. I hope that better news finds its way to you. Take pleasure in this beautiful day.

-Dan

Fair Trade Fair

Today and tomorrow are Fair Trade Fair days here at Luther Seminary. It is such a cool event the Global Mission Institute hosts every semester. People on campus who have ties to fair trade organizations bring those organizations all together . This week there will be hand-made crafts from Lutheran World Relief's Handcraft Project in cooperation with A Greater Gift, the nonprofit handcraft program of SERRV International, as well as Sharing the Dream in Guatemalan, Mexican pottery, Equal Exchange items from the bookstore, and Hmong Handwork - Pan Dau. If you are on campus, stop by the Olson Campus Center between 9 AM & 2 PM the next two days.

Here's a little teaser for the fabulous items you may find for yourself, or as gifts at the Fair Trade Fair (Great modeling Cate!) Can you guess which items in the photo are from Guatemala? There will be loads of great stuff there, including lots of stoles, for your favorite pastors and mDiv seniors! Even if you don't like shopping - come learn about organizations that empower people all over the world and how you can be involved.

All this is done to raise awareness about global economics, the opportunities for participation in Fair Trade shopping and to encourage future congregational leaders to host similar fairs at their parishes.

Mah Zeh!

I believe that this weekend can be appropriately summed up with the Hebrew idiom “mah zeh” – or “What in the world?!” (Or another expletive of your choice!) Where shall I begin? Well, I was too excited to sleep on Thursday night. I was very nervous (this was my first real teaching experience). The next morning I gave my lecture on Ecclesiastes at North Central College. I love teaching. That morning was perfect. There was nothing easy about the material with which we worked. Ecclesiastes is not afraid to ask the ultimate question: what is the meaning of life? I prayed that I would be able to guide these young, bright, scholars through this difficult Scripture (and that I wouldn’t get lost in my notes). I think that they received it well. Time seemed to go by very quickly (maybe not for the students). I was basically on an adrenaline “high” for most of the day afterward, but that night I slept like a child. That brings me to my question - “mah zeh?” What happened to the weekend? It seems like it was just yesterday that I was standing in front of the classroom lecturing. I hope that everyone took a little time to enjoy the spring. Things are beginning to come alive again. Trees are budding. Grass is turning green. I saw a snapping turtle when I was walking with Sonia and Cooper around Como Lake. How random, eh? When we were walking we happened across a shell in the water with a large, scaly, alligator-like tail sticking out of it. It appeared dead so I bravely took a stick and gave it a poke only to realize that it was a snapping turtle that was not very friendly – and very much so alive. Nature is awesome. Anyhow, I’m off to sleep. I will be back at North Central in the morning.

-Dan

Procrastination Is Key

Well, I must admit - my attitude has taken a substantial hit this week. Thesis writing is not the most fun I've ever had.

Okay, let's be honest: I enjoy reading and thinking theologically. I enjoy processing the big picture about practical theology in ministry with young people. I even enjoy writing, in fact I really like writing. But this thesis writing in the midst of everything else is not my cup of tea. So, like many students, I have developed several very successful and highly recommended ways to procrastinate. May they inspire you in your own procrastination.

• Facebook...there are virtually limitless opportunities
• Checking email(s)
• Lurking around campus talking with people (I recommend the cafeteria and the campus center in general)
  
• Napping in the sun
  
• Going for walks around the neighborhood
  
• Attending a concert of my favorite band (who, coincidentally helped inspire my thesis subject)
  
• Pretending I'm not a student, but actually a poet on vacation
• Writing blogs
  

4 1/2 Weeks Left

Well, spring break/Easter break is officially over. We are back into classes. Daily chapel resumed today. It's time, once again, to focus on reading assignments, exegesis, papers, preaching, and studying.

I actually feel refreshed! It is amazing how wonderful this little break has been. If only it might have come sooner! I am eagerly digging into my thesis and have had a serious uplift in attitude....even though I'm counting down the days until my thesis is due and the end of the semester. 11 days to thesis and 4 1/2 weeks until it's over....for this semester.

Is it still too soon to be counting down?

“Fare thee well carbs”

Tonight I took my last bite of crispy, delicious pizza (for a while at least). Sonia and I decided to be adventurous given her recent endeavors in the Deep South. We’ve been trying to “get healthy” for some time now, but repeatedly return to our bad eating habits. One of Sonia’s friends from down south readily endorsed the “South Beach Diet” – which regulates all carbohydrates that one consumes. After a costly trip to the grocery store we came to realize that healthy eating can be pretty expensive. We have enough to make creative, non-carb meals for a month. This will be a good learning experience for us as well; neither of us has cooked using fish before (I couldn’t help but think of the fishing parables from the NT as I picked out tilapia and cod). Has anyone tried this kind of “diet” before? It will be good to feel healthy, but what I am looking forward to the most is the fact that I will be able to fit comfortably into all of my clothes from college (well, the appropriate ones) and my “church pants.” I wish you all the best for whatever your spring commitments may be. So, what else is on tap for this week? I present my lecture at North Central College this Friday (and I’m starting to get a bit nervous). Keep me in your prayers! I also will be turning my thesis work from the fall in to the University of Minnesota for binding. I will be glad to have these things behind me. I certainly hope that everyone is enjoying their “spring break” in a safe, productive manner (and not doing any renditions of “Seminarians Gone Wild”). Have a wonderful evening (and eat some carbs for me while you’re at it).

-Dan

Happy Easter

Greetings! Easter blessings to you on this cool, spring evening. I am certain that this is a busy time for everyone. Today, after all, is a seminal day for Christianity: Easter. Do you have big plans? I can remember last year’s Easter clearly: I was working for Target – and I had a jaded perception of all holidays. Back then, I viewed all holidays through the hermeneutic of consumerism. Easter was reduced to a holiday of chocolate bunnies, green non-biodegradable grass, pastel plastic eggs, and shoddy wicker baskets. These things (which were a pain in the rear) replaced the significance of Easter. I didn’t love the holiday: I loathed it. It was unfortunate that I let consumerism sully this holy holiday, but this year things are different. I’ve been thinking about the significance of Easter a lot lately (especially since I’ve been getting questioned quite a bit at home this break). One relative asked me “What makes Easter important?” I believe the significance of Easter is news. I put it briefly, “A man was dead and now he’s not – and that changed everything.” Certainly, there’s a bit more depth to it than that. So, what is the significance of Easter? Regardless, I hope that you enjoy time with your church, family, friends, and chocolate bunnies. Have a hippity-hoppity Easter!

-Dan

TGIGF or Thank God It's Good Friday

Last night, for Good Friday worship – we worshiped at Saint Sabina’s parish. This Good Friday worship was much different than what I have experienced in any other setting. There were 7 preachers from many different denominations who each preached on 1 of the last words from the cross. Two of the preachers were bishops in their denominations. Every one of the seven sermons was significantly longer than the 8 – 10 minute window we are giving in preaching class at Luther. The place was packed. We arrived 20 minutes early and still had to sit in the balcony, but I was glad we at least got to sit down, because the service ended up lasting over 4 hours! Never have I experienced such a jubilant Good Friday worship service. People were clapping, standing up, dancing, nodding, and waving their hands shouting. My favorite shout from behind me was a woman excitedly yelling “Shut Up!” (in an affirming way, mind you). We neither neglected the solemnity of the situation of Christ on the cross, nor forgot the promise and joy of the resurrected Christ living and working in our lives.

Thank God for Good Friday. And for St. Sabina’s awesome ministry in Chicago.

Vacation to Internship Part II

I am in Chicago for our Easter Break/Spring Break. [Honestly, who decided Holy Week would be a good “break” for seminarians?] One of my good friends is here for the semester doing an urban ministry internship. If I have learned anything about internships in my time at seminary, it is that they are isolating. Maybe that’s a foretaste of ministry in the “real world,” but I think it has much to do with the situation of being in leadership for a decidedly short period of time. Regardless, it is a wonderful break from the demands of school and work to visit close friends that aren’t as close as we would hope and spend some serious quality time together.

As part of our exploring, I’ve walked around the neighborhood and church where Mark stays in Irving Park, spent hours an the train, visited the Field Museum, explored public art, ate Ecuadorian food, went to a Richard Buckner concert at a really cool venue called Schuba’s, stayed up way past my seminary bedtime, and have laughed laughed laughed.

I had hopes of catching up in schoolwork, but pretending I’m not a student for the last two days has been glorious! Thank God for friends! The work can wait.

In Silence II

Suffering in silence might not seem a cool thing to do in today's world. Today we speak of liberation, speak out, name stuff that afflict you, use lawyers etc. It is actually a sign of defeat to be silent when you need to speak, especially with regard to matters regarding to your rights. Yet, on this one day in a year, this Good Friday, I find wisdom in silence. I am, in no way here, overlooking the ever present danger of keeping silent in situations of abuse, oppression and discrimination. Rather, I am thinking of situations when speaking might exacerbate the existing evil particularly in personal relationships. In such situations, silence might become for me a defense mechanism or a wise move. It is on the latter that my interest lies. Unfortunately,to make a wise move in situations of noises, is no easy task for most of us.We'd rather join in these noises and compete until we win or lose. And for some of us it is until some noises have been made that we really do get it. Whatever the case, we are reminded of that special one day in a time when in SILENCE we really should bow and revere the Lord who in silence fought back and defeated evil, death and sin.

Lesson planning

This semester I’ve been assisting a colleague as a teaching constituent for his History of the Old Testament class. Several months ago was promised a lecture of choice. I have always been drawn to difficult biblical texts; therefore I decided to work with Ecclesiastes. I’ve been preparing my lecture for several days in advance, but I might have my work cut out for me. I have one week to prepare my presentation. Why is this text difficult? Ecclesiastes (or Qoheleth) is an important part of the Israelite wisdom tradition and asks, perhaps, the ultimate question: “What is the meaning of life?” One can only imagine the difficulty of this question with respect to Qoheleth’s treatment of meaning, life, and death. I am thrilled, nonetheless, to share my knowledge of the Old Testament with these inquisitive, bright students. The timing of this lesson (I believe) is perfect. The students at North Central College end their semester at the beginning of May. Ecclesiastes marshals a sense of “immediacy” in its readers/hearers. This ushers the readers/hearers to reflect upon his or her life in light of the reality that one day, everything he or she knows will change because of the reality of death. Sounds terrible, right? The reality, however, is that death doesn’t wait for anyone. I think that this text is one of the most important morsels that are included in the canon because it addresses big, perennial questions of life and death – and how we should live in light of them. It is truly beautiful literature. I best get back to work. Have a wonderful night.

-Dan

In Silence

It is a quiet late afternoon this special Thursday. It's no wonder that I receive "out of office"auto replies to some of my emails. Although replies could be done from anywhere by those within reach of computers,I sincerely believe that people need a break during this 9th week of our semester. This makes me a little embarrassed at what I am doing here writing this blog. Anyway, that is my "break," in a way.
So, here I am reflecting on what may have transpired in the "Upper room" and "the Garden," where betrayal among friends, teacher and disciples took place. I do not think I could claim to speak for anyone on what it might mean to be betrayed by a close friend or family member. I am sorry if my saying this triggers such memories in you. If that might the case, I wish you release and relief of those difficult memories. S0, as I ponder on this difficult aspect of human experience, I realize how hard it is to clearly speak to the aspect of betrayal. The silence of this late Thursday afternoon creates that mood of inadequacy. Yet, it is in the inadequacy that one might discover the adequacy to clearly speak to the situation of betrayal. Ok, this may sound abstract, but that is the point, that on this Thursday evening, I return to my innermost self and believe that I have been "washed" clean from many faults, many sins, many wrongdoings, and to rejoice in and celebrate the meal set before me.

That’s more like it

As a child there’s something magical about Christmas morning. I remember running to the window to see if it was snowing. Today was not unlike one of those mornings – but I was holding my breath for a bright, beautiful spring day. I was delighted to be greeted by light, warmth, and the fact that I wouldn’t have to scrape my car for a half hour. It was certainly a wonderful day – and I hope that everyone was able to take advantage of it. Cooper (my dog) was thrilled to go on two walks: one around the apartment and another around Como Lake. I highly recommend it. Sonia also returned from Florida, which meant I had to make sure that all of my little messes were cleaned up. I thought it was beautiful today – but she was freezing due to her time spent in the Deep South. Isn’t it funny how we adapt to our environment? She also now has a better tan that I will probably ever have. Anyhoo - I sincerely hope that this week brings good news to everyone. The week before Easter, after all – often inaugurates crazy times for seminarians.

-Dan

Poems in the Crazy

It is a bit crazy around here these days. Seniors are beginning to talk with churches or future employers, have interviews, and the like. MDiv Middlers found out today where they are going for internship for next year. People are trying to keep up with readings, exegesis, preaching, papers, and even theses for class! Yikes - some of us even have other things: off campus jobs or families, multiple part-time jobs, big responsibilities at our churches. The list goes on and on.

In the midst of this overwhelming crazy, I study poetry. Yes, I'm behind in my classes. Yes, I haven't got much time to spare. Yes, I'm neglecting responsibilities and deadlines. But I'm still going to my poetry class in downtown Minneapolis. I seriously considered dropping it a couple of weeks ago, but a good friend encouraged me to keep at it [Thanks Scott!]. I think reading and writing poetry has been a gigantic asset when it comes to preaching. Both seek to communicate importance, meaning, and shared life. Both use narrative and lyric, image, repetition, and carefully planned space and sounds. Poetry feeds my soul, challenges my creativity, and informs my craft of preaching who this God is with and for us. Poetry is one of the ways I am grounded, and I'm not giving up just because I'm busy.

the holy ordinary

I read this blog post from the NY Times today. It's called "In Cancer, a Deeper Faith." The piece reflects on precisely what the title suggests in light of this particular religious season, Passover and Easter. Dana Jennings, who is battling a very aggressive form of Prostate Cancer, has been writing for about the last year about the journey and process that cancer brings. Today he writes about how faith, which became a part of his life four years before his diagnosis, has helped him see his experience. He writes,

I have spent the past year in the dark ark of cancer, and there is no question that I have become a new man. I’ve been granted a wisdom that only arrives at the rugged confluence of middle age and mortality. And I know, soul deep, that I have not been cut open, radiated, and tried physically and spiritually so that I can merely survive, become a cancer wraith. Since my diagnosis — after shaking off the initial shock — I have kept asking myself, in the context of my belief: What can this cancer teach me?

The most surprising thing I’ve learned is that cancer can be turned toward blessing. Through the simple fact of me telling my cancer stories on this blog, many of you readers, in turn, have told your own stories. And that mutual sharing of our tales has changed my life for the good. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said, “Life is not meaningful … unless it is serving an end beyond itself, unless it is of value to someone else."

The thing I like is his courage and honesty. His faith allows to see his reality clearly and yet hope for something beyond it.

The Final Match... *tear*

Yesterday was the final match of the Heretics soccer team. The team had a good turn out (but not too many players) with a decent fan base present. On the sidelines there were spouses, a baby, friends, a gigantic hand and ribbon dancing all cheering the Heretics on.

The Heretics didn't play their best starting out, and at half-time were down 1-0 off an unlucky corner-kick. But as the game progressed the team was in it. There was some great chemistry happening on the front lines between Robert, Matt, Justin, and Beth especially. Dennis was the intense German we've all come to know and love. There was solid and encouraging coaching from Scott. Countless saves from Colin in goal and our scrappy and tough defensive line made a big difference in the heretical stopping of the opposition's offense.

Robert scored a goal and got his name written in ribbon dancing. This (the goal, not the ribbon dancing) got the team fired up to come back for the win. We took many more shots on goal second half, but were not able to score again and take the win. The season closer ended with a 1-1 tie.

Here is our end-of-the-year team photo with game faces and a very professional and high quality video of some offensive play. Listen carefully for the goalie yelling, "Don't let him shoot!" because it is scary for goalies when Robert gets that close and gets a shot off.

Resurrection

Some people may criticize me for looking forward to Easter already. After all, biblically and theologically we've got somewhat of a long and emotionally topsy turvy way to go from one side of Jerusalem to the other. I say, "Au contraire, mon frere." My existential argument is that many people are looking forward to the resurrection as a moment in time, that is a culmination of preceding moments wondering "what is going to happen on Sunday." I think it is appropriate in the year of Mark to think this way.

We know something is going to happen, but what?

And, for many pastors and interns there seems to be no other way to think about it. Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. That's one holy week, as in "Holy Cow!" Each of these days carries so much weight and each of them may including preaching and leading worship. I can't help you with all of the responsibilities and anxieties of this week in the life of the church, but perhaps some.

If you are preaching or leading this week you should visit www.WorkingPreacher.org or the Itunes store and download the podcasts for this week. Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter are each singled out and discussed in their own podcast. You will find written commentaries as well.

And don't forget to join the conversation.