A good time was had by all.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
birthday cake
I decided to make an Indiana Jones hat-shaped cake for Titus. I didn't think to take pix until I was part way through putting on my crumb coat, but at least you can get an idea of how the cake is put together. It is going to be a neapolitan cake - strawberry and vanilla cakes with chocolate frosting. I also braided a whip out of black licorice and will place them on a map for the centerpiece...should be pretty cool. I'll add some more pix tomorrow as I comes together.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
job update
So I had my interview Monday morning. It was the best interview I've ever had. I REALLY like the principal - easy manner, similar philosophy about working with kids, open - I would feel very comfortable working with him. And, the possibility is still there, although I have one more interview. Next Tuesday I'll be interviewing with the counseling department co-chairs. I've already met one of them; she is one of the people who recommended me to the principal.
The principal said they want to make a decision in June, but obviously time is running out. Things are pushed back a bit due to one of the counselors being out of town. The bottom line is that things are looking good, and I've made it to the next round...the waiting is the hardest part...
I'll keep you posted. Check back next week.
The principal said they want to make a decision in June, but obviously time is running out. Things are pushed back a bit due to one of the counselors being out of town. The bottom line is that things are looking good, and I've made it to the next round...the waiting is the hardest part...
I'll keep you posted. Check back next week.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
another hoop
Today I got a call from the North Kansas City High School principal offering me an interview for a school counselor position. Yippee, yahoo! This is my dream job, and I'm pretty confident I'm going to be offered the job. Counting my little unhatched chickens, you say? Well, the fact is that I met a co-chair of the counseling department last week. She gave me the inside skinny. They had offered the job to someone else, but that person declined. She was lamenting their predicament - no other interviewees had any high school experience and none had knowledge of the SASI program used to schedule classes.
I was a bit perplexed at why they would not have interviewed me, since I have both experience at the high school level and have not only used SASI, but also was primarily responsible for its implementation at IMS (the school in Iowa where I used to work). She encouraged me to contact the principal, who replied with a hopeful, but curious statement.
"Complete the on-line district application, and I'll have the central office get in touch when they have your records." Odd. I did that last winter. I suspected that my double last name had once again been the complicating factor, an assumption proven true today when the district confirmed they were looking for me under "Weikal".
At any rate, I'm very thankful for all of the people who were a part of getting me this far in the process. Northtown is a great school. I did a lot of subbing there this past year and love the climate which has been cultivated. It was by far my favorite of the three schools in which I subbed. For that reason alone, it would have been my pick. But, it gets even better. My "commute" (should I get the job) will be 1/6th of a mile! No joke. The school is around the corner from our house.
If you want to check out the school's website, click on the picture. Also, note that the rounded portico is the entry to the student services office where the counselors are located...I'll keep you all posted!
Friday, June 13, 2008
some thoughts on politics and faith
Last fall I picked up Jim Wallis' book entitled, "The Soul of Politics" at our local used book shop. This week, I started reading it again and am blown away by Wallis' timely assessment of the religious and political landscape of America (the book was published in 1994); the seeds he saw happening then have now flowered. I guess I should expect it. He, more than any other individual (in my opinion) over the past thirty years, has thoughtfully wrestled with questions of faithful Christlike living and American politics/culture.
Anyway, I am reading this book at just the right time. Funny how we pick up just what we need on the journey. I can tend to get a bit burned out and discouraged by the political partisanship, the faith communities unproductive alliances, and the media's inability to understand the role of faith in public life.
Just look at how the media and general population has no idea what to do with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Father Pfleger, and Rev. Hagee. I'm not saying I agree with their positions or their choice of words, the attitudes they reveal, etc. I mean to say that in the entire public conversation, I have heard little that articulates the prophetic nature of faith communities. Roland Martin, a CNN commentator, tried to get at this point, referring to the radical nature of Dr. King's message and life as well as the long tradition in African-American churches of speaking against injustice regardless of the perpetrator. (Yes, that means even the USA can be an oppressor at times.)
I am comfortable with this voice, probably due in large part to my years spent among the Mennonites. I didn't always understand the positions presented - nuclear proliferation in the 1980's, pacifism in general, conscientious objector status, an opinion that GW Bush would put us in a war, immigration issues, the call for forgiveness of foreign debt, etc. But more and more, I get it. Point by point, I confess my blindness. I learn, as my Mennonite friends have taught me well, that I am first a citizen of heaven, with allegiance to the way of Christ over ANY man-made political power structure, be it nationalistic, ethnic, or economic to name a few. I get it now today more than yesterday; I repent humbly and try to move ahead with greater integrity in living the Kingdom life. It is a Kingdom here and now as much as we will make it so - following in the way of Jesus, infused by the Spirit.
Well, this has turned into a far too lengthy post. If you care to read some excerpts from Wallis' book, read on. I hope it whets your appetite for more of his writing!
When religion becomes conformed to the culture, it can no longer provide a reliable path to spirituality, and our public life loses its moral compass. The two dominant forms of religion in our time have failed to provide the spiritual guidance that might inform a politics of moral conscience. Both conservative and liberal religion have become culturally captive forces that merely cheer on the ideological camps with which each has identified. And religion as a political cheerleader is invariably false religion.
Conservative religion has become preoccupied with words and dogma. Correct religious language and doctrine have replaced an emphasis upon faithful living and action. A certain lifestyle is associated with conservative religion, but it reveals more about the cultural and political biases of its adherents than about the meaning of authentic faith. Personal piety has become an end in itself instead of the energy for social justice. Religious language has little or no connection to moral action in society. In a bargain for power, some conservative religious leaders have aligned themselves with reactionary political elements, creating a particularly bizarre and frightening combination of religion and politics. In the most materialistic culture in history, conservative religion has produced a gospel of prosperity. In a society whose inequitable distribution of resources has become obscene, conservative religion has become a defender of the wealthy. Within the greatest military superpower in the world, conservative religion has become a primary advocate for extending American hegemony and a consistent defender of the nation's every war. In an already divided and polarized society, the religious right has drawn even firmer boundaries. It has been a white religion, has fueled the backlash against women's rights, and has used blatant caricatures and attacks on homosexuals as highly successful fund-raising techniques.
The confusion and rejection of Christian faith caused by this unholy alliance of religious appeals and right-wing politics are now pervasive. Liberal religion has made its own pacts with political power and has aligned itself with the liberal power centers of the society. Often its "political correctness" reflects the values of liberal elites more than the authentic voice of the powerless, in whose name liberal religion often claims to speak. Reforming our language for the sake of, for example, racial and gender justice is important. But ideological conformity undermines prophetic integrity.
..... Prophetic spirituality is the alternative to the current manifestations of conservative and liberal religion. Much older than either of the contemporary religious options, the prophetic biblical tradition is rooted in the Hebrew sages, Jesus, and the early Christian community. Prophetic spirituality has found expression in virtually every renewal and reform movement in history that has sought to return to radical religious roots. ... a prophetic spiritual movement for social change has been steadily growing and is making a difference in the institutions of both religion and society. ... It relates biblical faith to social transformation; personal conversion to the cry of the poor; theological reflection to the care for the environment; core religious values to new economic priorities; the call of community to racial and gender justice; morality to foreign policy; spirituality to politics; and, at its best, it transcends the categories of liberal and conservative that have captivated both religion and politics.
** The art is a painting by Jay Lonewolf Morales entitled "Humility Holds on Flesh Falls".
Anyway, I am reading this book at just the right time. Funny how we pick up just what we need on the journey. I can tend to get a bit burned out and discouraged by the political partisanship, the faith communities unproductive alliances, and the media's inability to understand the role of faith in public life.
Just look at how the media and general population has no idea what to do with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Father Pfleger, and Rev. Hagee. I'm not saying I agree with their positions or their choice of words, the attitudes they reveal, etc. I mean to say that in the entire public conversation, I have heard little that articulates the prophetic nature of faith communities. Roland Martin, a CNN commentator, tried to get at this point, referring to the radical nature of Dr. King's message and life as well as the long tradition in African-American churches of speaking against injustice regardless of the perpetrator. (Yes, that means even the USA can be an oppressor at times.)
I am comfortable with this voice, probably due in large part to my years spent among the Mennonites. I didn't always understand the positions presented - nuclear proliferation in the 1980's, pacifism in general, conscientious objector status, an opinion that GW Bush would put us in a war, immigration issues, the call for forgiveness of foreign debt, etc. But more and more, I get it. Point by point, I confess my blindness. I learn, as my Mennonite friends have taught me well, that I am first a citizen of heaven, with allegiance to the way of Christ over ANY man-made political power structure, be it nationalistic, ethnic, or economic to name a few. I get it now today more than yesterday; I repent humbly and try to move ahead with greater integrity in living the Kingdom life. It is a Kingdom here and now as much as we will make it so - following in the way of Jesus, infused by the Spirit.
Well, this has turned into a far too lengthy post. If you care to read some excerpts from Wallis' book, read on. I hope it whets your appetite for more of his writing!
When religion becomes conformed to the culture, it can no longer provide a reliable path to spirituality, and our public life loses its moral compass. The two dominant forms of religion in our time have failed to provide the spiritual guidance that might inform a politics of moral conscience. Both conservative and liberal religion have become culturally captive forces that merely cheer on the ideological camps with which each has identified. And religion as a political cheerleader is invariably false religion.
Conservative religion has become preoccupied with words and dogma. Correct religious language and doctrine have replaced an emphasis upon faithful living and action. A certain lifestyle is associated with conservative religion, but it reveals more about the cultural and political biases of its adherents than about the meaning of authentic faith. Personal piety has become an end in itself instead of the energy for social justice. Religious language has little or no connection to moral action in society. In a bargain for power, some conservative religious leaders have aligned themselves with reactionary political elements, creating a particularly bizarre and frightening combination of religion and politics. In the most materialistic culture in history, conservative religion has produced a gospel of prosperity. In a society whose inequitable distribution of resources has become obscene, conservative religion has become a defender of the wealthy. Within the greatest military superpower in the world, conservative religion has become a primary advocate for extending American hegemony and a consistent defender of the nation's every war. In an already divided and polarized society, the religious right has drawn even firmer boundaries. It has been a white religion, has fueled the backlash against women's rights, and has used blatant caricatures and attacks on homosexuals as highly successful fund-raising techniques.
The confusion and rejection of Christian faith caused by this unholy alliance of religious appeals and right-wing politics are now pervasive. Liberal religion has made its own pacts with political power and has aligned itself with the liberal power centers of the society. Often its "political correctness" reflects the values of liberal elites more than the authentic voice of the powerless, in whose name liberal religion often claims to speak. Reforming our language for the sake of, for example, racial and gender justice is important. But ideological conformity undermines prophetic integrity.
..... Prophetic spirituality is the alternative to the current manifestations of conservative and liberal religion. Much older than either of the contemporary religious options, the prophetic biblical tradition is rooted in the Hebrew sages, Jesus, and the early Christian community. Prophetic spirituality has found expression in virtually every renewal and reform movement in history that has sought to return to radical religious roots. ... a prophetic spiritual movement for social change has been steadily growing and is making a difference in the institutions of both religion and society. ... It relates biblical faith to social transformation; personal conversion to the cry of the poor; theological reflection to the care for the environment; core religious values to new economic priorities; the call of community to racial and gender justice; morality to foreign policy; spirituality to politics; and, at its best, it transcends the categories of liberal and conservative that have captivated both religion and politics.
** The art is a painting by Jay Lonewolf Morales entitled "Humility Holds on Flesh Falls".
Monday, June 9, 2008
they say it's your birthday
I'm blogging at the end of a very long day. I've been up for almost 22 hours now. Tonight we hosted a surprise birthday party for Ray. It was a pure delight. He had no idea and was thoroughly pleased with a houseful of friends and rich desserts. I realize this is the perfect arrangement, me throwing surprise parties for Ray. He loves surprises. I love anticipating things, planning, scheming, plotting, cooking, and creating a wonderful evening of great food & friends enjoying it all. I'm having a bliss hangover.
And if you weren't with us this evening, you should know we had perfect weather in which to enjoy our quintessentially American front porch, freshly scrubbed and adorned with cafe lights, purple potted flowers and candles, we ate tiramisu, chocolate cheesecake, key lime pie, baked brie with apples, and strawberries, we had fresh roasted coffee and three kinds of dessert wine (thank you Kathleen for your contribution), lots of laughter and good jokes (many told by the Titus himself). It was an evening when our house held the sounds and tastes and smells of the life we love. We are very blessed with wonderful friends and very glad to have Ray as a friend, father, and loving partner.
And if you weren't with us this evening, you should know we had perfect weather in which to enjoy our quintessentially American front porch, freshly scrubbed and adorned with cafe lights, purple potted flowers and candles, we ate tiramisu, chocolate cheesecake, key lime pie, baked brie with apples, and strawberries, we had fresh roasted coffee and three kinds of dessert wine (thank you Kathleen for your contribution), lots of laughter and good jokes (many told by the Titus himself). It was an evening when our house held the sounds and tastes and smells of the life we love. We are very blessed with wonderful friends and very glad to have Ray as a friend, father, and loving partner.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
no such thing as a free lunch
Ray scored some free Royals tickets through work for today's baseball game against the Cleveland Indians. Pretty nice perk, huh? We sat directly behind home plate in the shade in the lower section. NICE seats.
The only problem is that along with the free tickets were two Royals caps for Titus and his friend, Raj at $9.95 a piece - two BBQ sandwiches at $7.25 a pop, two hot dogs totaling $7.50, peanuts & cotton candy at $5.50 each, a frosty malt for $4.25, two flavor-ice popsicles $7, two sodas about $10, $5 for a program, and parking for $9...I don't think I left anything out. I suppose the free special edition river otter wearing a KC Royals cap and holding a KC Zoo fish compliments of Build a Bear Workshop has some monetary value...but the bottom line is...BEWARE taking two kindergarten boys to an MLB game even if you score some FREE TICKETS!
P.S. In spite of the significant financial investment in an afternoon at the ball park, it was a very fun day - the Royals even obliged us with a six run winning effort! Something totally unanticipated!
P.P.S. In about the 8th inning an ad popped up on the jumbo screen scoreboard. "Don't forget! Every Sunday is Family Day at Kaufman Stadium! 4 Tickets, 4 Hotdogs, 4 Sodas, 4 Bags of Peanuts, and a Souvenir Program all for $44!" ... Did I mention we had free tickets today?
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