Yesterday was a pretty amazing day for me. It did not start out well, as you can see in my previous post (see Bathroom Issues). But the day certainly got way better.
I always enjoy hitting the golf course, even though I'm not really a good player. But yesterday's outing was for a good cause. It was a golf benefit for Camp Pioneer in Angola, NY. It's a Lutheran camp up here that serves all people. I was a chaplain there over the summer. That was really rewarding. I've referenced it in a couple of earlier posts. I should do a whole post on the place. It's that much of a blessing to the Christian Church and to western NY.
I didn't golf particularly well, but I had a great time. How could I not? I was playing golf, it was a beautiful day, I was among friends, and I had The Boss with me. The Boss is my vicarage supervisor. We got to be pretty tight.
Anyway, I got a huge surprise on one of the holes. Each hole was sponsored by some entity, like a business or a church, or individuals. Anyway, imagine my surprise and joy when I discovered that one of the holes was sponsored by my parents. Each hole was marked as to who sponsored it. You can see it in one of the photos up top.
It all started at 6:15 (EST). I woke up to what sounded like water running in the bathroom. I got out of bed and the floor was half an inch deep in water. The water was coming from the toilet. I thought something was wrong plumbing-wise. So, I came downstairs to see if that bathroom was experiencing water issues. Thankfully, it was not. But I did notice that water was dripping heavily and rapidly down from the ceiling in my dining room. Two of the ceiling tiles were swelling. I actually saw one burst. The other popped while I was getting a mop.
So, I called my head elder. He's a really amazing person. So, he came over and checked thing out. We headed upstairs, and that's when we noticed the problem. There was a crack in the toilet's tank. The water was just about drained, and it kept trying to refill itself. I'm not sure how long it was doing that. But it had to be quite some time for that much water to seep through the floor.
So, Dan came back with his camera and dehumidifier. We cleaned it up, which wasn't really that big of a deal. But still, it's more than just an inconvienience. With those toilet tank cracks, there's really no way to see it coming or much you do about it. So, it looks like I'll be getting a new toilet (or atleast a new tank) this weekend.
The pictures are the downstairs ceiling tile issues.
let's start with the lows. My beloved St. Louis Rams got abused again by an NFC East team. Do not get me wrong. Those are great teams. Philly finally has a healthy Donovan McNabb. And the NY Giants are the defending Super Bowl champions. But seriously, the Rams do not have any plays inside the opponents' respective Red Zones at all.
There is something seriously wrong in that organization. And I'm not sure where the problem lies. If I'm being honest, it's probably at every level. Since their Super Bowl loss, they seem to have embraced a culture of losing. And when losing is described in terms of a "culture", you know the problem is systemic and not just a couple of isolated proverbial bad apples.
People are clamoring for head coach Scott Linehan to be fired. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I mean, I don't want anybody to lose their job in this economy. On the other hand, changes do need to be made and they should start somewhere. That's not to say that firing Coach Linehan is the answer. Like I said, this is a culture of losing. In that case, everyone should be on notice.
The highs: My adopted AFC team, the Buffalo Bills, is now 2-0. At least I have that to look forward to this season.
I know the title of this post can be somewhat misleading. So, let me clarify.
Part of my (or just about any pastor's) job is reading. Some read the newest stuff. Some stick to the classics. But you cannot avoid reading in ministry. So, I incorporate it into my normal workday. But, I have a method to it. I pick 12 subjects that I want to read about in the coming year. Then,I assign each month a topic. I read my books (plus magazine and journal articles) on that topic for the whole month. It may not work for everybody, but it does the job for me.
Here's this year's list. By the way, the year, for me starts in September. That's when I started this last year. Enjoy!
SEP: Pastoral Ministry OCT: Reformation History NOV: Preaching DEC: Christian Literature Classics JAN: Old Testament FEB: Other Religions MAR: The Gospel of John APR: Christianity and Pop Culture MAY: Christology JUN: The Sacraments JUL: Youth Ministry AUG: Worship
Like I said, this system doesn't work for me. I also read every night before I go to bed. The rule there is anything is up for grabs, except it cannot be theological. That rule is in place to protect my personal time. Some might have an issue with that. But that's just me.
Yesterday was our church picnic. It's held every year at Camp Pioneer in Angola. If you've never been there, I'd highly recommend it. It's such a blessing for our district, and Christ's church in general.
It was an incredible time. The worship service was good. All the hymns, except the sermon hymn, were requests from the congregation. The food was amazing as it always is. We've got some really great cooks in our church. What a blessing to be there.
Anyway, here are some pictures from yesterday. Enjoy!
This happened on Monday. I was golfing with a parishioner at a place called South Shore Golf Course. One of my shots (I forget which hole), went awry, as they are wont to do. We were riding around along the fairway trying to find my ball. I saw it and said, "There it is." My partner said, "Over there? By the burning stump?" I hadn't noticed that the stump was on fire. And so, I was like, "Yeah. Oh, it IS on fire!" So, I moved the ball away from the burning stump (about 1 club length) and made my next shot. In the photo, that's exactly where the ball landed. I had to preserve that for posterity.
Apparently, there was a ground crew clearing some trees on the course near that hole. And the decided to burn one of the remaining stumps. I'll never forget it. Of all the things I expected to find on the golf course that day, a burning stump was not even on my radar screen.
Despite the fact that I serve as a parish pastor in western NY, you've probably noticed, dear readers, that my blog isn't really very theological at all. There's a couple reasons for this. One, I'm not the greatest theologian out there. Next, other people do theological blogging way better than I ever could. For proof of this, check out the links to the other blogs that I have on this page. Even though My Sweetheart's Blog is not specifically theological, there's enough about the Bible and Christianity to qualify it as such.
Anyway, I've decided to undertake a personal study of prayer. I'm not sure how much of it is going to be posted here. Prayer is a central component of the Christian faith and life. What's interesting about it is that not only is it communication between us and God, it is both intensely communal and deeply personal at the same time.
I've wanted to to this personal study for a little while now. What really got me going on it, though, is my experience last night. Couple that with some recent discussions I've had, and there really was no other choice. I had to study the issue for myself in a really personal way. Thus, you, dear readers, get an explicitly theological post.
The study will consist of actual prayer, reading secondary sources, and immersing myself in the Psalms. I'm essentially looking for answers to the following questions:
1. How does God answer prayer? 2. How can I deepen and edify my prayer life? 3. What can I apply to the congregation? 4. What does it mean to "pray the Psalms"? 5. How does one listen to God's answers?
Other questions may come up. Please pray for me and with me as I begin this journey.
One thing I should probably mention. The purpose of this exercise is not to call into question my core beliefs or Scriptural truths. In other words, if you are expecting heresy at the conclusion of my study, look elsewhere. You will be disappointed. I am Lutheran and I fully intend to stay that way.
To be honest, the idea for this list came to me in the shower yesterday morning. I don't know why I was thinking about poetry and poets at that time, but, apparently I was.
As many of you dear readers know,I was an English major in college. I loved literature (and still do). I always tell people that English is the best thing to major in. Why? because when you tell people that you major in English, a good many of them will think you are a sensitive poet. A smaller faction will assume you are lonely and angst-ridden. I was not, but I knew people who were.
I even fancied myself a poet and tried my hand at it. I published a chapbook. It was a book of haiku. Maybe I'll put some of those poems on the blog. The book was called "Haiku Fuel".
Anyway, here's a list of my fave writers of poetry. As with all my lists, they writers are listed in no particular order. Enjoy!
1. Langston Hughes 2. Adrienne Rich 3. Anne Sexton 4. Denise Levertov 5. James Wright 6. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 7. Jim McWilliams 8. Anne Bradstreet 9. e.e. cummings 10. Kevin Coval
I've actually met 2 of the poets on this list. Jim McWilliams, at last check lives in Columbia, MO. He and I met when we both worked for Vitamin World back in the late 90's. He inspired me to put my chapbook together and even helped me publish it. I lost track of him, but I'll always be grateful for his friendship, inspiration, and help.
I could not pass this up. I found this in the Fall 2008 catalog for Concordia Publishing House, on page 2. I'll also post the link at the bottom. It's an art print called "The Seeker." But doesn't the face of Christ look a heck of a lot like Gene Wilder? Or possibly Nicholas Cage.
I about fell out of my chair. Have fun, dear readers!
I know I haven't posted a list in quite some time. The following is a list of some of my favorite places. Some of them are big important places, others are much more simple and much more personal. As always, the list is in no particular order. Enjoy!
What are some of your fave places?
1. The Record Exchange (St. Louis, MO) 2. The Anchor Bar (Buffalo, NY) 3. Niagara Falls- Canadian Side (Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) 4. Castle Rock, S-F Scout Ranch (Knob Lick, MO) 5. Dixie Truck Stop (McLean, IL) 6. Union Station hotel lobby (St. Louis, MO) 7. St. Louis Brewery and Tap Room (St.Louis, MO) 8. Cassadaga Country Club (Cassadaga, NY) 9. Chinatown (Chicago, IL) 10. Bass Pro Shop (Springfield, MO)
I know what it says in the "About Me" section of the blog layout. But I'm going to do some complaining in this post.
I just cannot believe how badly my beloved St. Louis Rams played today. they just plain sucked. Let me quote that "Pin Pals" episode of "The Simpsons": "Those guys sure did suck...They were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked." Losing 38-3 to the Philly Eagles today was just inexcusable. Not that there's any shame in losing to this Eagles team in and of itself. But to lose by that much and to play with no real sense of team effort was just painful to watch. After that game today, I am curious as to how these guys can think that they are worth every penny they're paid. And I have nothing against athletes being paid what they are. It's a free market, and if someone thinks they're worth that, I've got zero problems with that. And I'll gladly contribute it by going tot he games and buying the gear. But come on Rams, do you really think you earned it today?
But all is not lost! It's hard to live in Western NY and not fall in love with the Buffalo Bills. What a game they had! They crushed the Seattle Seahawks, a Rams division rival. I turned off the Rams game once it got completely out of hand and switched to the Buffalo game. I made my choice and I stand by it.
Another positive note is that I am able to track my fantasy team players on DirecTV. I am a proud subscriber of DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket package. Kudos to DirecTV!
I've been really in the mood for a heavy drama as of late. Nothing on TV I've seen recently did the trick. I suppose I could have watched something I already own, but I'm not sure that would have sufficed. So I headed to a local picture house. I watched "The Last Mistress." I was not disappointed. It did exactly what I wanted it to. This is a French film, directed by Catherine Breillat.
Before beginning my review, let me put forth some ideas on non-American directors. I do like some foreign films. I don't have enough exposure to foreign cinema to call myself anything other than a casual observer. Most of what I've seen, I've enjoyed. I am not a very discriminating aesthete. Nor am I a any sort of cinematic elitist. It may sound axiomatic to cinephiles, but I do enjoy the films of Kurosawa and Bergman (Japan and Sweden, respectively). I've seen other foreign films, and have liked most of them. This film gave me an introduction to Catherine Breillat. I have heard that she is a very provocative filmmaker, a true artist. This is my first exposure to her work. Based on this, I'm ready for more.
One more thing I've noticed about world cinema vs. American films. For sheer production values, American movies have the market cornered. However, for plot and acting, as well as willingness to explore things a bit more deeply, the non-Americans win hands down. There are exceptions, and I could probably list them if I thought about it, but I'm kinda pressed for time.
So, on with the review...
This is a period piece set in 1830's France. It's about a guy who is getting married to a woman of high standing in that polite society. He's had the same mistress for about 10 years, and people wonder whether or not he'll be able to give her up after such a long entanglement. he bulk of the film is told in flashback, which I normally don't like, but the flashbacks are long enough to actually say something. Anyway, There's this long romance between the 2.
The acting is quite good. Having no previous exposure to these actors, I could not evaluate their performances against previous performances they had given (see Heath ledger in my review of "The Dark Knight"). All players did a fine job. I felt that Asia Argento (in the role of the mistress) played her part extremely well. She really convinced me that she was a mistress in a tempestuous relationship.
I hate to disappoint my dear readers, but I cannot give a grade for the "That Guy" factor. I'm sure if I were more in touch with French cinema, I would recognize someone. Alas, I cannot.
The discussion factor, though, is moderately high. The issues it raises are obviously fidelity and keeping up appearances in society. Some larger issues would be: what is the nature of love? How does one express love? Is that love and its expression shaped by society? Should it be?
I would definitely recommend seeing this film. It would serve, ideally, as a good first foray into foreign films (though, in my humble, non-professional opinion Benigni"s "Life is Beautiful" is a better choice for that).
Acting: A- Directing: A That Guy Factor: N/A Overall rating: A-
Go ahead. Call me a tool all you want. But it's time for fantasy sports.
I don't take it seriously at all. I don't compete for money or prizes. I just do it for fun. It makes for an interesting way to follow the season. I signed up for fantasy football for the 1st time. I also just signed up for fantasy hockey. Both leagues are free on Yahoo!
I have 2 team names I like. My football team is the "Tie-Dyed Chasubles." And my hockey team is "The Green Alephs." For those dear readers who don't happen to have a churchly vocabulary, a chasuble is a liturgical garment worn during the celebration of Holy Communion. An aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The world kinda sounds like "olive"; that's why I picked it.
It occurred to me that this blog gets the most hits when it publishes photos. That's when I notice people from all over the world look at the pics. To those international viewers, I say "Welcome!" Keep looking at them! And please don't be afraid to leave a comment.
Today's pics are just random shots I took on several golf outings made this year. There's really no order to them.
Yesterday, I went to the annual chicken wing festival in Buffalo, NY. What a thrill! How could it not be, since chicken wings (or Buffalo wings, to you non-WNYers) are one of my all-time fave foods? It was great to try wings from all over the region, as well as the country. I was surprised at what a great value it was. It was $5 to get in, and then you had to buy a sheet of tickets. The sheets were $10. At the wing restaurants, 2 tickets got you 3 wings. So, a whole sheet got you 30 wings. My personal limit is about 20, so I had some leftover. Plus, drinks and non-wings foods were on a cash basis. Now, why you would go to a Chicken wing festival (in Buffalo, no less) and get a friggin' slice of pizza is beyond me. But, I digress.
The other big thrill for me was getting to meet and have my picture taken with the Wing King. He's a local guy named Drew Cerza (I hope I'm spelling that right). Anyway, he founded the festival. His other claim to fame was that he beat Bobby Flay on the "chicken wings" episode of "Throwdown." Nice, huh? That's us in the top photo.
So, the big question is this: Who had the best wings? Time to lay yet another bias on the table. I have to go with The Anchor Bar. It's one of my fave places to go in Buffalo. And they have the best wings in the known universe (in my book).
This blog marks the end of a hiatus. This blog has had many incarnations, some successful, some not so much.
Despite the title, I hope to not do much complaining. Most of this blog will be reactions and lists, thoughts and ideas.
This blog will probably not intoduce anything new or be very deep. In fact, most of what's on here will probably be quite inocuous and/or inane (to most of you anyway).
But, who knows? Maybe it'll give you something to talk about while you're bored.
