"But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial." -Matthew 26:10-12
Today is a monumental day in the history of the United States. There are those who believe that the nation has gone far off course, those that believe the nation is only now getting back on the right path, and those that think that their is no hope for any positive outcome. This is unfortunate for a variety of reasons, but I am hopeful for the future. Even though at the same moment I am furious at the state of affairs that many citizens find themselves in. A fair shake in life is a right, it is the essential component of dignity.
I have had the privilege of working with children over the last several weeks, but yesterday was very difficult for me. I saw children that loved reading and doing math and were invigorated by the classroom environment. But, at the same time there was the quiet child in the back that struggled to do basic addition well below their grade level. This is simply unacceptable. Change is an inevitable part of life and society. It is only right that certain injustices begin to get rectified. You have to be well in order to do well in the classroom.
I could continue, but I need to go. Have a great day everyone. Let us all remember that we are part of the same world.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
What A Week..
This past Sunday was the beginning to a very interesting and tiring week. It started off with a bang when I went to St. John's also known as "the church of the Presidents." I really enjoyed the service and will be attending again for sure. I then met my most energized group yet, and they were a blast to work with. The days were long, the adventures many, and the growth was undeniable. I feel very privileged to work with kids going through some of the most influential years they will have in their lives concerning their faith. Being able to challenge them and see them break through glass ceilings is incredible and I wouldn't really want it any other way.
I have had some long days and will have many more, so today is a much needed rest for the week ahead. So, continue to think of me and my coworkers and the ministry we are doing and allow it to impact each and every person that comes to serve.
Additionally, I got to go to a Nationals game this week!!!!!! I was super excited and really enjoyed my time at the ballpark and seeing them beat the Rays! I really hope to attend a DC United Soccer match while I'm here.
Finally, I went to the FDR and MLK Jr. memorials this week. I didn't get to spend near enough time at them, but I plan on going back because they are incredible.
Well, I think that's going to be it for now.
I have had some long days and will have many more, so today is a much needed rest for the week ahead. So, continue to think of me and my coworkers and the ministry we are doing and allow it to impact each and every person that comes to serve.
Additionally, I got to go to a Nationals game this week!!!!!! I was super excited and really enjoyed my time at the ballpark and seeing them beat the Rays! I really hope to attend a DC United Soccer match while I'm here.
Finally, I went to the FDR and MLK Jr. memorials this week. I didn't get to spend near enough time at them, but I plan on going back because they are incredible.
Well, I think that's going to be it for now.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
This is really short.
So, I've started and restarted this post like 4 times and am still not sure what all I'm going to say, so here it goes.
This week was exhausting. This week was fulfilling. It was a struggle and it was a needed challenge. I felt like I wasn't doing a very great job during this 2nd week (but my first full one) but, I think otherwise now. The comments and growth that I got to see and hear were really able to lift my opinion about how I do my job from low to acceptable. I know that I'm pretty critical of myself, but I just feel like I'm being honest. I don't need a sugar coat on when I speak in front of people (I need brutality to get better). Hopefully, this next week will continue to be a great chapter on this book I'm writing. I just don't have much to say...so, I guess that will be the end of it.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15: 5
This week was exhausting. This week was fulfilling. It was a struggle and it was a needed challenge. I felt like I wasn't doing a very great job during this 2nd week (but my first full one) but, I think otherwise now. The comments and growth that I got to see and hear were really able to lift my opinion about how I do my job from low to acceptable. I know that I'm pretty critical of myself, but I just feel like I'm being honest. I don't need a sugar coat on when I speak in front of people (I need brutality to get better). Hopefully, this next week will continue to be a great chapter on this book I'm writing. I just don't have much to say...so, I guess that will be the end of it.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15: 5
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
June 6th
"Few will have the greatness to bend history, but each of us can work to change a small portion of the events, and then the total — all of these acts — will be written in the history of this generation" Robert F. Kennedy
Today is the 44th anniversary of RFK being assassinated. If you are only going to read one thing today, don't let it be this blog. Read this instead.
http://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Ready-Reference/RFK-Speeches/Remarks-of-Senator-Robert-F-Kennedy-to-the-Cleveland-City-Club-Cleveland-Ohio-April-5-1968.aspx
Last night, I gave a debriefing session to my group with the capitol in the backdrop. While I didn't do it on purpose (I promise!), it was a little ironic when one of the leaders said I looked like a politician. HIstory says that Catholicism was a prominent part of RFK's life, and if I am ever given the chance to be a leader that makes even a small imprint on the book of history, I hope that it is also written that faith is essential. The past 72 hours have definitely been a testament to that.
The past few days have been difficult as they have been the first days of actually leading groups in the city and around. While I have remained calm and everything has happened that needed to, it has been trying on my brain. But, probably because I wanted to be in control over everything when that is just not going to be possible.
The group was only here for a short time compared to groups I will have the rest of the summer. I feel that I will be challenged and tested to even greater limits. Hopefully, I will be able to continue making strides to garner greater serenity concerning daily events and planning for the future.
Here's to a great week ahead!
~tim
John spoke up, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn't in our group."
Jesus wasn't pleased. "Don't stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he's not an enemy, he's an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.
Mark 9: 38-41 (The Message Translation)
Today is the 44th anniversary of RFK being assassinated. If you are only going to read one thing today, don't let it be this blog. Read this instead.
http://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Ready-Reference/RFK-Speeches/Remarks-of-Senator-Robert-F-Kennedy-to-the-Cleveland-City-Club-Cleveland-Ohio-April-5-1968.aspx
Last night, I gave a debriefing session to my group with the capitol in the backdrop. While I didn't do it on purpose (I promise!), it was a little ironic when one of the leaders said I looked like a politician. HIstory says that Catholicism was a prominent part of RFK's life, and if I am ever given the chance to be a leader that makes even a small imprint on the book of history, I hope that it is also written that faith is essential. The past 72 hours have definitely been a testament to that.
The past few days have been difficult as they have been the first days of actually leading groups in the city and around. While I have remained calm and everything has happened that needed to, it has been trying on my brain. But, probably because I wanted to be in control over everything when that is just not going to be possible.
The group was only here for a short time compared to groups I will have the rest of the summer. I feel that I will be challenged and tested to even greater limits. Hopefully, I will be able to continue making strides to garner greater serenity concerning daily events and planning for the future.
Here's to a great week ahead!
~tim
John spoke up, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn't in our group."
Jesus wasn't pleased. "Don't stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he's not an enemy, he's an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.
Mark 9: 38-41 (The Message Translation)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Reality, Faith, Kindness
"Gross National Product counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for the people who break them. It counts the destruction of the redwood and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and counts nuclear warheads and armored cars for the police to fight the riots in our cities. It counts Whitman's rifle and Speck's knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children. Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country, it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans." -Robert F. Kennedy Attorney General of the United States
Yesterday was an exciting day in many ways. We went to one of sites that helps provide resources to teachers that often work in underprivileged schools and areas. I felt really inspired while doing the work because it used several skills that I have extensive experience with (namely, open boxes, breaking them down, and counting pallets...). In many ways, I struggled to keep my mind out of the political questions that creep in concerning many issues of social justice (this would only get exponentially worse/better as the day went on).
That evening our groups were sent into the city to help personally impact someone and learn more about the realities of the city. Real people, real tasks, real challenges. I was able to do mine well (talking business people into giving me free food is another thing to list on the resume). However, I was really impacted by one of the residents of the street we met. I'll call him Luke for the purpose of this blog. Luke was a member of the United States Navy and went into his struggle with claiming military benefits, etc. He was very well spoken and articulate (while the other members of my groups were just nodding along with what he was saying because it was very bureaucracy-ese, I was eating it up). He talked about the need for government, the need for balance between interests, and was very balanced in the way he presented it. And, he was homeless.
It was hard for me to listen to this. Luke reminded me of another person that I know very, very well. That man is my father. My father was a member of the United States Navy. My father has always been reasonable and articulate with me and raised me to see both sides of issues. And, it was just tough.
So, this was the apex of what I call my political brain exploding. It was numb. How less than 6 blocks from the halls of Congress was this possible? Well, I don't have an answer and I probably never will. The answer I do have are that those we are meek shall inherit the Earth. These past few days have really made me grapple with many issues and constantly reevaluate to persistently seek truth.
-Tim
Yesterday was an exciting day in many ways. We went to one of sites that helps provide resources to teachers that often work in underprivileged schools and areas. I felt really inspired while doing the work because it used several skills that I have extensive experience with (namely, open boxes, breaking them down, and counting pallets...). In many ways, I struggled to keep my mind out of the political questions that creep in concerning many issues of social justice (this would only get exponentially worse/better as the day went on).
That evening our groups were sent into the city to help personally impact someone and learn more about the realities of the city. Real people, real tasks, real challenges. I was able to do mine well (talking business people into giving me free food is another thing to list on the resume). However, I was really impacted by one of the residents of the street we met. I'll call him Luke for the purpose of this blog. Luke was a member of the United States Navy and went into his struggle with claiming military benefits, etc. He was very well spoken and articulate (while the other members of my groups were just nodding along with what he was saying because it was very bureaucracy-ese, I was eating it up). He talked about the need for government, the need for balance between interests, and was very balanced in the way he presented it. And, he was homeless.
It was hard for me to listen to this. Luke reminded me of another person that I know very, very well. That man is my father. My father was a member of the United States Navy. My father has always been reasonable and articulate with me and raised me to see both sides of issues. And, it was just tough.
So, this was the apex of what I call my political brain exploding. It was numb. How less than 6 blocks from the halls of Congress was this possible? Well, I don't have an answer and I probably never will. The answer I do have are that those we are meek shall inherit the Earth. These past few days have really made me grapple with many issues and constantly reevaluate to persistently seek truth.
-Tim
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Big Gulps.
Those that know me well know that I love three things and may or may not be obsessed with: politics, soda, and more politics.
Let's start with the first one. I like Dr. Pepper.... Ok, I consume far more than the usual daily amount for normal humans. Anyways, the primary way I do that is via a Big Gulp from the 7-11. 32 oz of pure delicious goodness is double the price here in D.C. than back in Oklahoma. But, it's not really that surprising (it makes me feel like I'm back in a foreign country in some ways). In fact, the price of everything is pretty much double or triple what I grew up with and is a large factor for why the District has such a wide gap between the wealthy and those in poverty. So, realizing that it was so expensive not only in quick stops, but also grocery stores made me shudder. A 2-Liter should never be about 1.50 in my opinion...but, anyways it has been an enlightening experience with my coworkers talking about the differences between here and where they live (most are from similar places price wise etc. )
This week has been full of great and unique experiences for sure, but two have stuck out to me when interacting with the people of the city. When we had to ask locals about D.C., we got an earful and I loved hearing opinions from passionate people about their community and city. Which is why the price differences piqued my interest (because I wanted to grumble about 7-11 highway robbery on Soft Drinks).
The 2nd one was at a local restaurant when I was handed a flyer from a local with the Occupy movement and it concerned racial tension between different groups of the community. And, it went even further than that encompassing (rightly or wrongly) multiple issues facing this community and the broader society today. I thought to myself, "What am I going to say to the kid who (like I would have at 16) asks about it and what to do about it?" There two very good questions....however, this week has been helpful in being able to recognize something: answers and solutions are not always absolute, but the constant factor is the Love of God.
The lack of reconciliation in some areas or the occurrence of racial tension is something that I will be facing daily and seeing/hearing varying opinions on it. I won't elaborate, but if you want to know more of what I'm talking about wiki Washington D.C. and keep reading about the city.
Today was a pretty good day. I went with a couple of coworkers out and about in the city and had a good time exploring. (I finally saw the Avengers movie and it was solid ...the hype was higher than the actual product in my opinion.)
This Summer will be an adventure and a growing process for sure. It feels like it has been a month...and it has been a week. Oh man, here goes nothing/everything.
"Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth." 2 Timothy 2: 23-25
Let's start with the first one. I like Dr. Pepper.... Ok, I consume far more than the usual daily amount for normal humans. Anyways, the primary way I do that is via a Big Gulp from the 7-11. 32 oz of pure delicious goodness is double the price here in D.C. than back in Oklahoma. But, it's not really that surprising (it makes me feel like I'm back in a foreign country in some ways). In fact, the price of everything is pretty much double or triple what I grew up with and is a large factor for why the District has such a wide gap between the wealthy and those in poverty. So, realizing that it was so expensive not only in quick stops, but also grocery stores made me shudder. A 2-Liter should never be about 1.50 in my opinion...but, anyways it has been an enlightening experience with my coworkers talking about the differences between here and where they live (most are from similar places price wise etc. )
This week has been full of great and unique experiences for sure, but two have stuck out to me when interacting with the people of the city. When we had to ask locals about D.C., we got an earful and I loved hearing opinions from passionate people about their community and city. Which is why the price differences piqued my interest (because I wanted to grumble about 7-11 highway robbery on Soft Drinks).
The 2nd one was at a local restaurant when I was handed a flyer from a local with the Occupy movement and it concerned racial tension between different groups of the community. And, it went even further than that encompassing (rightly or wrongly) multiple issues facing this community and the broader society today. I thought to myself, "What am I going to say to the kid who (like I would have at 16) asks about it and what to do about it?" There two very good questions....however, this week has been helpful in being able to recognize something: answers and solutions are not always absolute, but the constant factor is the Love of God.
The lack of reconciliation in some areas or the occurrence of racial tension is something that I will be facing daily and seeing/hearing varying opinions on it. I won't elaborate, but if you want to know more of what I'm talking about wiki Washington D.C. and keep reading about the city.
Today was a pretty good day. I went with a couple of coworkers out and about in the city and had a good time exploring. (I finally saw the Avengers movie and it was solid ...the hype was higher than the actual product in my opinion.)
This Summer will be an adventure and a growing process for sure. It feels like it has been a month...and it has been a week. Oh man, here goes nothing/everything.
"Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth." 2 Timothy 2: 23-25
Sunday, May 20, 2012
the first day...
Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. 6 He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 7 O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? 8 Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. 9 They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war,[d] plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ 2nd Chronicles 20:5-9
This morning I went to Church with one of my co-workers. The church was one of several locations for members to go to throughout the DC area. It was interesting as I haven't been to a very contemporary style church. While I knew what it was, and how it would feel...I was challenged by the message. It seems fitting that it was on the passage above and how all of the problems that I would be confronted with later that day that I will be working in, through, and around.
After some logistical training, my fellow workers and I were introduced to the city and its landscape and scenery. The stark differences between the communities were similar to what I was expecting. However, the differences between even blocks within neighborhoods are varying in the degree of starkness (some are similar and some gentrification is almost bizarre in the way it looks). Taking it all in, I'm excited and ready to do this. However, it will be challenging and to not think so would be dumb. I'm looking forward to it all.
More next time.....
This morning I went to Church with one of my co-workers. The church was one of several locations for members to go to throughout the DC area. It was interesting as I haven't been to a very contemporary style church. While I knew what it was, and how it would feel...I was challenged by the message. It seems fitting that it was on the passage above and how all of the problems that I would be confronted with later that day that I will be working in, through, and around.
After some logistical training, my fellow workers and I were introduced to the city and its landscape and scenery. The stark differences between the communities were similar to what I was expecting. However, the differences between even blocks within neighborhoods are varying in the degree of starkness (some are similar and some gentrification is almost bizarre in the way it looks). Taking it all in, I'm excited and ready to do this. However, it will be challenging and to not think so would be dumb. I'm looking forward to it all.
More next time.....
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