I'm singing this one like a broken piece of glass.

Katartidzo was, well...interesting, for many reasons. But hugely fulfilling at the same time.

A few things I am fairly sure of, after reflecting upon this weekend:

1. I am utterly human. I often judge people before I get to know them, and even after I get to know them, too. Especially if they think differently than me, and even more so if they voice their differences with as much frankness as I do. I just can't help it. Yeah, read that last sentence again. You heard right. I talk a big talk about openness, but being confronted directly with people who think differently than you makes you think hard about how naturally hesitant we all are toward new ideas, no matter what we believe or how we put that belief into action.

2. I am less angry than I used to be. People don't usually see me get angry, because I really don't. But, there used to be a time when certain ideas concerning faith and theology would light fires inside me (because I disagreed with them) that often led me to express a confrontational attitude, instead of a loving one, towards people who voiced those certain ideas. That usually doesn't happen anymore. For some reason, I think I have begun to mellow out. My friend told me that the other day. I thought about it. And he was right. I have, but I can't really pinpoint when the transition began to happen. Let's hope the trend continues, though.

3. I am behind in my work. Classwork, research work, everything. I need to shift out of second gear and up into fourth. Foot touches clutch, now.

4. T-shirts in a two inch-thick, frozen solid block of ice are hard to get out under time constraints. Even in 90 degree weather. Sometimes, even a hammer can't adequately do the job. The result? Plenty of stress. But a good story, too.

5. I will use the word "wrangle" to describe how I view issues of faith, probably until the day I die. I just like it that much. And so does Dr. CroweTipton. I will forever remember him for many, many things, but especially for introducing me to such a great word.

Update completed.

...And You're Still Alive?

As this year has begun, I have come to an immediate realization of two things.

First, I am a Senior. This means I have to figure out something to do with my life, and quickly. I'm probably going to seminary, but I may end up doing something else if things don't work out. As of right now, here is my narrowed-down list of five graduate school programs I will most likely apply to for admission:

1. Princeton Theological Seminary
2. Yale Divinity School
3. Duke Divinity School
4. Columbia Theological Seminary
5. McAfee School of Theology (Mercer University)

Others receiving votes: Vanderbilt Divinity School, Harvard Divinity School.

Second, I have a huge amount of work left to finish here before I can even think about applying to any of those schools above. I am still finishing research from this summer, along with trying to balance that with two religion courses (one seminar) and a fairly tough history course that I am currently taking this term. Then add to the mix that I am about to begin research with a professor in history (to count for credit winter term), and that I have two internships I will have to fulfill before the year is out (one for a scholarship and the other for Leadership programs), and that I also have a regular everyday job that takes up my time, and you begin to realize how much sleep I am about to lose this year (most of it during fall term).

I would update more, but homework is calling my name. More to come later...

I could write a song. A hundred miles long.

For anyone that cares besides me, the set list from Coldplay in Charlotte last night:

Square One
Politik
Yellow
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
Speed Of Sound
Low
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Amsterdam
White Shadows
The Scientist
'Til Kingdom Come [+ Ring Of Fire]
Green Eyes
Clocks
Talk

Swallowed In The Sea
In My Place
Fix You


Yes. It was great. Not many words can explain.