Saturday, September 17, 2005
Three Months
Three months from today and I am getting married. Joy will walk down the aisle and we'll say our vows before friends, family, God. It's really surreal. Cool to think about, something that's totally exciting, but also surreal. I think these months will fly. I soon will be a husband which means I have a wife. It seems odd that I'm becoming a husband when sometimes I feel like I'm becoming more and more like a little boy.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Robert Wise
I am a little saddened today. While reading the newspaper, I found out that Robert Wise died on Wednesday at the grand age of 91. To many, Robert Wise means absolutely nothing. But I'm different.
You see, growing up, I remember watching The Sound of Music about once a week. Every Easter and Christmas for sure. I memorized everything about the movie, the lines, the music, the dances, even the opening credits. And I always remember seeing: "Directed by Robert Wise." I've read a little bit about Wise over the years and always found myself admiring him. Martin Scorcese, one of the leaders who campaigned to give Wise an American Film Institute award for life achievement in 1998 told the Chicago Tribune: "He represents the American tradition of excellence and honesty and integrity...he was the Steven Spielberg of his time."
The thing is that if I had to list some characteristics of the American tradition, I'm not sure excellence, honesty, and integrity would be in there. Maybe half a century ago. But now? I'd say those are three gaping holes within out current tradition.
The Sound of Music was the movie of my childhood. As I grew up, I continued to love a good musical, and I eventually settled on my all-time favourite either on the stage or screen: West Side Story. It wasn't until years later that I discovered Robert Wise directed this film as well. Along with Lenny Bernstein, Steven Sondheim, and Jerome Robins, these men made movie-musical histroy when they brought the Sharks and the Jets/Capulets and Montegues to America in 1961.
For those of you who don't know musicals, one of Wise's earlier jobs was editing Citizen Kane, for which he was nominated for an Oscar. He was actually nominated many times, winning two directing awards for The Sound of Music and West Side Story.
I know these movies were made decades ago and aren't really that cool or popular any more. I'm okay with that. But I am a little sad today. I appreciate his modest nature, his attitude towards his craft, his family. On a cold afternoon or relaxing weekend this fall I'll put in one of those movies. I need to see them again.
You see, growing up, I remember watching The Sound of Music about once a week. Every Easter and Christmas for sure. I memorized everything about the movie, the lines, the music, the dances, even the opening credits. And I always remember seeing: "Directed by Robert Wise." I've read a little bit about Wise over the years and always found myself admiring him. Martin Scorcese, one of the leaders who campaigned to give Wise an American Film Institute award for life achievement in 1998 told the Chicago Tribune: "He represents the American tradition of excellence and honesty and integrity...he was the Steven Spielberg of his time."
The thing is that if I had to list some characteristics of the American tradition, I'm not sure excellence, honesty, and integrity would be in there. Maybe half a century ago. But now? I'd say those are three gaping holes within out current tradition.
The Sound of Music was the movie of my childhood. As I grew up, I continued to love a good musical, and I eventually settled on my all-time favourite either on the stage or screen: West Side Story. It wasn't until years later that I discovered Robert Wise directed this film as well. Along with Lenny Bernstein, Steven Sondheim, and Jerome Robins, these men made movie-musical histroy when they brought the Sharks and the Jets/Capulets and Montegues to America in 1961.
For those of you who don't know musicals, one of Wise's earlier jobs was editing Citizen Kane, for which he was nominated for an Oscar. He was actually nominated many times, winning two directing awards for The Sound of Music and West Side Story.
I know these movies were made decades ago and aren't really that cool or popular any more. I'm okay with that. But I am a little sad today. I appreciate his modest nature, his attitude towards his craft, his family. On a cold afternoon or relaxing weekend this fall I'll put in one of those movies. I need to see them again.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
My Hummingbird
I had a reall beautiful afernoon today. I had a few hours between classes so I thought I would go and relax down by the pond, read some Psalms, lay in solitude, that kind of thing. I went to a grocery store first and bought a little block of cheese and some break, filled up my Nalgene, and found my own private spot tucked away in a corner. I instantly was amazed at what there was to behold.
First, there was a frog that would come up for a while, sit there disguised among the weeds, and then disappear again. There were three ducks playing some version of keep-away. I saw some movement from my left and saw an ant carrying away a piece of fallen bread about half his size. Then I layed on my back for a while. It really was the perfect afternoon with a good steady wind. When especially strong, the first leaves of fall would come sailing down and then float on the water. Then my favourite moment...
I saw a movement off to my right and I turned. There in the brush I saw a tiny little hummingbird, just sitting on a twig. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't see a lot of hummingbirds. Once in a while they'll come flying for a second to some feeder filled with sugar-water or whatever, and I did see some behind wires at the Omaha Zoo. But never before had I seen out in the wild (well, as "wild" as you can call a pond in the Chicago suburbs) just staying still. Every once in a while it would flitter about and find a new branch to rest on, but mostly it just sat there. It was positively gorgeous. It was maybe an inch and a half long and was bright yellow. Kinda like the colour of a dandelion. There was a gray tail and some highlighting under the eyes. Truly splendid.
Basically, I was a little giddy boy. I realized that when I walk by every day on my way to class, there really is so much I'm missing out on, something that God created. If He has His eye on the sparrow, then I bet He's watching that tiny hummingbird too.
I think that's cool.
First, there was a frog that would come up for a while, sit there disguised among the weeds, and then disappear again. There were three ducks playing some version of keep-away. I saw some movement from my left and saw an ant carrying away a piece of fallen bread about half his size. Then I layed on my back for a while. It really was the perfect afternoon with a good steady wind. When especially strong, the first leaves of fall would come sailing down and then float on the water. Then my favourite moment...
I saw a movement off to my right and I turned. There in the brush I saw a tiny little hummingbird, just sitting on a twig. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't see a lot of hummingbirds. Once in a while they'll come flying for a second to some feeder filled with sugar-water or whatever, and I did see some behind wires at the Omaha Zoo. But never before had I seen out in the wild (well, as "wild" as you can call a pond in the Chicago suburbs) just staying still. Every once in a while it would flitter about and find a new branch to rest on, but mostly it just sat there. It was positively gorgeous. It was maybe an inch and a half long and was bright yellow. Kinda like the colour of a dandelion. There was a gray tail and some highlighting under the eyes. Truly splendid.
Basically, I was a little giddy boy. I realized that when I walk by every day on my way to class, there really is so much I'm missing out on, something that God created. If He has His eye on the sparrow, then I bet He's watching that tiny hummingbird too.
I think that's cool.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Mystery Syrup
Somehow life just gets too dang busy. I know that I should "beware the barrenness of a busy life" as we learned in Nepal, and honestly, that's difficult to do. This week I've worked a lot at both my jobs, had classes, worked on wedding stuff, read some books, and didn't spend as much time with Joy as I would have liked. Or with God for that matter.
It just seems there is always a list of things I need to be doing. And the more I do, the longer the list gets. Perhaps business breeds business.
Anyway, today is a good day. I'm coming out of my shell at Starbucks, and honestly, I don't know if Chicago's ready for it. With all their SUV's and "normality" and Grande Nonfat Lattes and all. But th majority of people at Starbucks that I work with seem to be enjoying it. I'm honestly a crazy silly goofball and it's a delight. I'm a child. I make up games, sing songs, and even do little jigs here and there, all as I'm brewing coffee, steaming milk, pulling shots.
My favourite game when business is a little slow is to play "Mystery Syrup." When a customer orders a mocha or latte, I tell them about the game: "If you want to play, you turn around for a moment and I will put a little bit of any syrup flavour in your drink. Then you can try to guess what it is. If you like it, everyone wins. If not, I'll make your drink just as you ordered it."
I love the people that go for it. Sadly, it's the minority. Where is our childlike love of games, anticipation, mystery? I don't see why it can't be a part of a silly coffee drink after all.
And besides, so far I haven't had to remake any drink.
Yeah, I'm that good.
It just seems there is always a list of things I need to be doing. And the more I do, the longer the list gets. Perhaps business breeds business.
Anyway, today is a good day. I'm coming out of my shell at Starbucks, and honestly, I don't know if Chicago's ready for it. With all their SUV's and "normality" and Grande Nonfat Lattes and all. But th majority of people at Starbucks that I work with seem to be enjoying it. I'm honestly a crazy silly goofball and it's a delight. I'm a child. I make up games, sing songs, and even do little jigs here and there, all as I'm brewing coffee, steaming milk, pulling shots.
My favourite game when business is a little slow is to play "Mystery Syrup." When a customer orders a mocha or latte, I tell them about the game: "If you want to play, you turn around for a moment and I will put a little bit of any syrup flavour in your drink. Then you can try to guess what it is. If you like it, everyone wins. If not, I'll make your drink just as you ordered it."
I love the people that go for it. Sadly, it's the minority. Where is our childlike love of games, anticipation, mystery? I don't see why it can't be a part of a silly coffee drink after all.
And besides, so far I haven't had to remake any drink.
Yeah, I'm that good.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
A Student Once Again
Well, I'm done with the first two weeks of graduate school here at Trinity International University. I'll admit that sometimes I feel like I'm in way over my head. I suppose a lot of grad students feel that regardless, but since I'm in a Counseling Psychology program with no undergraduate psychology degree, sometimes I feel a little lost. Not usually, but sometimes. Terms and vocab and theories and all of that all run together. All the professors say it doesn't matter, so we'll see if that's true.
I'm enrolled in six classes. Intro to Pscyhology, Counseling Theories, Foundations of Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Skills Training, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy. There isn't any one that I really don't like, which seems like a good thing to me. But I do have my favourites, as we all do, and so far they are Substance Abuse and Marriage and Family Therapy. I don't think it's a coincidence that my two faves are also taught by the same professor. He makes class interesting, relevant, and open to discussion. And I suppose I just find the classes downright interesting, maybe because they both seem so practical and relevant.
So that's what this semester holds for me. Three years in a program seems like so long, but I assume it will fly by. I guess just one day at a time.
Happy September to you all.
I'm enrolled in six classes. Intro to Pscyhology, Counseling Theories, Foundations of Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Skills Training, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy. There isn't any one that I really don't like, which seems like a good thing to me. But I do have my favourites, as we all do, and so far they are Substance Abuse and Marriage and Family Therapy. I don't think it's a coincidence that my two faves are also taught by the same professor. He makes class interesting, relevant, and open to discussion. And I suppose I just find the classes downright interesting, maybe because they both seem so practical and relevant.
So that's what this semester holds for me. Three years in a program seems like so long, but I assume it will fly by. I guess just one day at a time.
Happy September to you all.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Generosity
I really want to be more generous. I kinda hope I always want to be more generous, even while I continue to grow in my generosity.
For these six months while living in Chicago before getting married, I'm living with a pretty amazing family. You see, I have my own room in the basement and they don't let me pay rent. I've tried and been turned down on a few occasions. They always invite me to join them for dinner, tell me what's in the fridge, and are hosts to friends coming in and out on weekends.
There are four kids in the family I live with, two of whom are adopted. At the end of the summer, I wanted to give them a little something. So I wrote a little card and wrote a little check. Nothing much, just a little thank you. Then I went to work. When I came home from work, I found a card on my bed:
"Stephen, we can only say how much you being here this summer has blessed our family. Like the girls said, 'I wish he could stay forever!' You always have a place here. And like I told you when you came--you owe us nothing. We can only pray that someone will be generous with one of our kids someday...Thanks for blessing us by living here."
I was blown away. What amazing love and giving. This summer I've been working my way through Brian McLaren's "A New Kind of Christian." In the last chapter I read, he was talking about generosity. He believes that "if the new kind of Christian we [have] been dreaming about wasn't radically generous, it [is] a waste of time...If we can't discipline ourselves to learn the joys of generous living, I think we're an embarrassment to the gostpel" (112). I find myself completely agreeing. I guess I see generosity as an outflow from selfishness, and outflow from love, and we all have heard that they will know we are Christians by our love.
The Wightmans have shown me some pretty amazing love this summer, some pretty amazing generosity. I want that to be a quality I cultivate in my life.
For these six months while living in Chicago before getting married, I'm living with a pretty amazing family. You see, I have my own room in the basement and they don't let me pay rent. I've tried and been turned down on a few occasions. They always invite me to join them for dinner, tell me what's in the fridge, and are hosts to friends coming in and out on weekends.
There are four kids in the family I live with, two of whom are adopted. At the end of the summer, I wanted to give them a little something. So I wrote a little card and wrote a little check. Nothing much, just a little thank you. Then I went to work. When I came home from work, I found a card on my bed:
"Stephen, we can only say how much you being here this summer has blessed our family. Like the girls said, 'I wish he could stay forever!' You always have a place here. And like I told you when you came--you owe us nothing. We can only pray that someone will be generous with one of our kids someday...Thanks for blessing us by living here."
I was blown away. What amazing love and giving. This summer I've been working my way through Brian McLaren's "A New Kind of Christian." In the last chapter I read, he was talking about generosity. He believes that "if the new kind of Christian we [have] been dreaming about wasn't radically generous, it [is] a waste of time...If we can't discipline ourselves to learn the joys of generous living, I think we're an embarrassment to the gostpel" (112). I find myself completely agreeing. I guess I see generosity as an outflow from selfishness, and outflow from love, and we all have heard that they will know we are Christians by our love.
The Wightmans have shown me some pretty amazing love this summer, some pretty amazing generosity. I want that to be a quality I cultivate in my life.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
The End of Summer
It seems Summer 2005 has come to an end. In a lot of ways, it's been fun. Lots of good weddings, seeing friends, moving to Chicago and being close to Joy...all good things. There was a Cubs game, Taste of Chicago, meeting Ryan Seacrest, playing tennis, visiting Oregon (and Rainier National Park!), hanging out in Minneapolis, Michigan, and Nebraska for some weddings, "March of the Penguins, going to Ravinia, having Taylor from Boston and Taylor from Oregon both visit, going to the beach, and all sorts of wedding planning. And let's not forget the DJ at the Blomgrens' wedding. Yeah, it's been a good summer.
I also realized this summer how nice it is to have a job you really actually enjoy. I used to have that at the OG in Ohio and I am not too crazy about either of the jobs I had this summer and continue to have. I usually like Starbucks but wish it paid more. As for the restaurant, well, let's just say I'm tolerating it.
Joy started teaching today. Her very first classroom full of fourth graders. I'll be honest...I'm pretty proud of her. Following Becker family tradition, I made her a big breakfast this morning and saw her off to school. I have no doubt she's going to be an amazing teacher and that she'll love her job.
As for me, I start classes tomorrow. Today I went to Trinity and paid my bill for the semester. Then I came home and saved over $100 on books by buying them online, but still spent about $325. Depressing.
To celebrate the end of our summer, Joy and I took off after church on Sunday and spent the day together at a beach north of Chicago. We loved it and wondered why we didn't find ourselves there more often this summer. I guess that's just what happens. It's weird to think that next summer I'll be married. Youth is quickly fading away and I'm not sure what I think about that.
At least next summer I can sing the Grease medly (with the Blomgrens' wedding DJ of course) and say "Summer Lovin,' Had Me a Blast..." and still be within the realm of Christian purity. Perhaps I am okay with this whole "youth fading away" business. Either way, here it comes.
Welcome students and teachers. The school year is upon us.
I also realized this summer how nice it is to have a job you really actually enjoy. I used to have that at the OG in Ohio and I am not too crazy about either of the jobs I had this summer and continue to have. I usually like Starbucks but wish it paid more. As for the restaurant, well, let's just say I'm tolerating it.
Joy started teaching today. Her very first classroom full of fourth graders. I'll be honest...I'm pretty proud of her. Following Becker family tradition, I made her a big breakfast this morning and saw her off to school. I have no doubt she's going to be an amazing teacher and that she'll love her job.
As for me, I start classes tomorrow. Today I went to Trinity and paid my bill for the semester. Then I came home and saved over $100 on books by buying them online, but still spent about $325. Depressing.
To celebrate the end of our summer, Joy and I took off after church on Sunday and spent the day together at a beach north of Chicago. We loved it and wondered why we didn't find ourselves there more often this summer. I guess that's just what happens. It's weird to think that next summer I'll be married. Youth is quickly fading away and I'm not sure what I think about that.
At least next summer I can sing the Grease medly (with the Blomgrens' wedding DJ of course) and say "Summer Lovin,' Had Me a Blast..." and still be within the realm of Christian purity. Perhaps I am okay with this whole "youth fading away" business. Either way, here it comes.
Welcome students and teachers. The school year is upon us.
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