Perspective...or Lack Thereof

Is something better just because it is new? Yesterday, I was reading in the newspaper an article by a local sportswriter discussing whether or not Barry Bonds is the greatest baseball player of all time. I honestly don't mind the question. I think it is far to ask (there are a lot of arguments that would support Ruth --in his era, he often hit 30 MORE home runs than the guy in second place...and Ruth was a pitcher. That's pretty tough to top).

What bothered me in the article is how the writer flipantly made the comparison how modern teams would mop the floor with the teams of old. He casual mentioned how the Spurs would kill Larry Legend's Celtics. Sure, if we're talking about playing in 2007 but how in the world can you be so disrespectful of the past? Does anyone remember how good those Celtics teams in the 80's were? As a Lakers' fan, I feared that team. Bird could drain it from the cheap seats. Dennis Johnson played lock-down defense. Kevin McHale's was money down low and Robert Parish was a tough rebounder who could get his shot off on basically anyone. This team wasn't sexy but they could simply ball.

How are we so quick to forget the brilliance of days gone by? This doesn't only happen in sports, it also happens in academia. I never read Thomas Kempis' Imitation of Christ until my senior year of seminary. Did you know this book has sold more copies than any other book in history outside of the Bible? Plus, it is simply brilliant. But for some reason, this wonderful book got trumped by the likes of Rick Warren, George Barna and every other writer who is the hotest thing out.

But I have to ask, what is more relevant --things that have stood the test of time or contemporary wisdom that may or may not come to fruition.

I'm the Midwestern Monk and I approve this ad.

Baby Davenport

I have a new love. Lindsay and I just got back from the ole doctor's office. We got to see our baby for the first time today. It was love at first site. I got a little choked up with pride as I saw my baby's little toes, hands, feet and heart. I love this kid already. It was funny how the baby kept on posing as we took its pictures. I think he/she might be like his/her dad.

And now for what you are all waiting to know. Baby Davenport is a...




Tune in next time, when the Midwestern Monk will release the sex of the baby (hey, it's May Sweeps. All the other shows are doing it).

Here's to You Mr. Mildew

Sometimes when you are in the midst of greatness you don't fully appreciate it until it is no longer around you. Since you asked for it (ok, nobody did, but they should have) here it is...

Not too many people in this world have ever heard of Jason P. "Mildew" Miller. But for those of us who have, you just sort of have to smile and tell a story.

I have so many memories of this kid that I don't know where to start. I guess I'll start with the fact that he was the kid who could fall asleep any place in the world. Classes, boxes, head hanging off of desks, beds, wherever. The kid could just fall asleep like no bodies business. There were many nights when I would walk by his door only to see someone playing Nintendo in Mildew's room while sitting right next to his head...or on his head.

Then there is the night when we were all slept out in cardboard boxes as we tried to simulate what it is like to live in poverty. None of us slept very much that night due to the cold but I will never forget waking up at 2pm to find Mildew doing wrestling moves on these crates we were trying to bust. With every atomic drop or flying elbow, we all sort of forgot about how cold we were.

My favorite memory is when Mildw called up Jennifer Francis (a senior girl, whom he had never talked to prior to this call) only to ask her out by saying, "Hey, I think you are the best looking redhead on campus. I just got my paycheck. Would you like to go out?"

Man, I miss that guy.

Working in Movie Quotes

I have decided to work in movie quotes as much as possible today.
Earlier this morning I told a co-worker, "John Lennon once said, 'I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me. ' Afterall, he was the walrus, I could be the Walrus."

Yes, you may get few puzzled looks but deep down, I think we all know it is worth it.

Can anyone name this movie?

Schruetting It Up at the Ole Office

Sometimes I feel like I'm floating down a river in a sumo wrestler suit yelling at Angela on the shore. I keep saying, "it's pretty simple, Angela, just look at what I'm doing and tell someone about it and get the Bible-less peoples some help!" And she keeps saying back to me, "I'm sorry, I just can't help you (Andy) Nathan."

The Hole

There is a strange pang in my heart right now. I knew this day was coming but I didn't realize that it would stir up any kind of emotions. The Hole is finally coming to an end.(http://www.lccs.edu/News/tabid/458/Default.aspx#holeHistory).

As I looked at the pictures of this year's Holerfest, so many emotions and memories flooded my mind. I can't help but remember the time Jon Spencer ate 56 jalepeno peppers at Holerfest and then killed the grass in the place where he puked them up.

-I remember the time I ran after my first snowbird only to have Chewy step on me after I fell in the frozen snow.

-I recall the day SoeBeck and I made the comment how we "ruled the campus". Idiots.

-I remember the small group Auble and I had with Stoner and Cassidy.

-the semester Loweryface and I roomed together.

-I remember a certain foreign exchange student who would shower while wearing a wife beater t-shirt.

-I remember Terry...well, being Terry.

-The best nicknames in the world: Mildew, Homeschool, Zastrow, Spencer, D-Willy, Superdave.

Too much to write. Here's to you old dorm. Thank you for the memories. May your stank die a slow painful death.

Toadfucious say....

People who live in glass houses...

should buy windex by the barrel...and not walk around in the nude.

Venting

And now I am getting on to my soap box....

Dear Parents of the World,

Would you please stop discouraging your children from becoming missionaries. Yes, by going into missions your kids might end up doing something completely crazy...like following God's calling on their life. Yes, by becoming a missionary they aren't going to be making a lot of money. No, they probably will not be a part of the rat race that has sucked the life out of generations of Americans. Yes, they might be subjected to various difficulites, worries and trepidations.

But when did the Lord ever promise us or encourage us to find the road of least resistance. What person who ever made a difference in this world ever breezed through life without any challenges or obstacles? Why would you ever encourage your children to settle for mediocrity?

For just one moment, would you stop and think that maybe living in a big cushy house, with multiple expensive cars, working towards a retirement where one can chase a golfball around all day isn't the road map for happiness or fulfillment. Why do you continue to teach your children a lie that is grounded in mass marketing rather than age-old wisdom of scripture? As Helen Keller once said, "Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing."

And then again, maybe that's just me and Helen Keller.

Thank you Rod Blagojevich

You know how you hear those awesome stories about missionaries going to mailbox asking God to provide an extra check...

Well, I didn't get a check but I got a letter from the great state of Illinois stating that the Midwestern Monk needs to provide an extra check.

That's funny, I don't care who you are...unless you are me.

Home

After touring six different states, 19 stops over 10 days, I am finally home. As much as I love seeing old friends, meeting new friends and not knowing what each day will bring, there is nothing quite like home.

The only problem is that I'm not sure this is home. Home has always been an abstract concept for me. I have moved over 14 times (at one point, I just left my things packed in boxes). I fully believe that I will never fully feel completely at home until Jesus returns.

And now back to my previously scheduled job...