take on me, take me on...

I (Dan) feel like I am living in a constant state of examen. It is good, I suppose, but that is just what we are supposed to say. In all honesty, I am in pain. I am remembering my pain and delving deep into what it means and where it comes from, which is good in the end. It is just that there is no resolve at the moment. No point where all is made known in that proverbial “ah-ha” moment. This week’s journaling exercises flowed from me freely in ways that previous week’s did not. This is mostly because I feel on the verge. Life beckons and the protection that this place has offered is coming to a close. Vulnerability and anxiety are driving up the lane, preparing for their visit. I do not want to be hospitable.

I think the take away from this week is that I was able, through putting fears to paper, to claim God’s promises more. I was able to shout my wants and desires to God. I was able to ask for God’s help, for clarity and a sense of purpose. While each day I feel rudderless in this sea of life, peace and direction are on their way. My hope is that when all the aforementioned visitors arrive for the party, that peace and direction have a prominent role as guests of honor.

you say potato, i say you're right

its official, the chicago nighttime skyline is just pretty.

 

an understanding update

Annie came to the fun realization the other day that teaching in the Chicago Public School system has given her the confidence to teach almost anywhere. She is enjoying having the same students daily, and is encouraged by the interactions with them. Most of them postive. As for me, it is a week before finals. I developed a cirriculum for teaching an inductive bible study on the Lord's Prayer, which has been extremely rewarding. I have also been able to reflect more on an ongoing thought that I have been in process with since 2001 dealing with the reality of the world and our interaction in it under God supreme control and will. The thought has most recently been sparked by discussions concerning the life and trials of Job and utilizes the study that I have done previously in the realm of chaos theory. I will continue to process through things and hopefully develop something of substance. Other than that, life is going along well. A reflective birthday post is on its way, I promise.

a new blog, a new time, a new place

Well, we have decided to join the ranks of the not-so-elite and begin to enter extra pieces of information regarding our lives into this here online journal. So, we better start then. And what better time to start than now? The degrees are dropping as the air outside signals that the winter is upon us and that means only 5 possible things, the most pressing of which is that the semester of classes are almost up! This semester has been rewarding, both in the classroom and in the general reflection on my life and calling. Anne and I have a better understanding of what it is I am called to do, we are now trying to articulate that better. Perhaps an update of that will be made later. Speaking of Anne, she is enjoying teaching consistantly now. She is also working on getting a special certification so that she will be able to be hired full time, instead of being a sub. And with that I will leave this post for now.