"Change is the only thing constant in this world."  I've heard this maxim for many years and, no matter how hard I try, I'm still uncomfortable with change.  There is a new movie out that I plan to see as soon as the madness from my wedding dies down (I get married this Saturaday) called The Social Network.  It chronicles the rise and (depending on who you talk to) fall of the creator of Facebook.  This online community, and subsequent Twitter, have changed the way that we communicate-with our neighbors, friends, business colleagues and even our partners. 

This upcoming Monday, those of you lucky enough to have jobs that celebrate federal holidays (heck, those of you lucky enough to have jobs, is more like it) will have the day off in observance of Columbus Day.  I remember, as a child, learning about the heroics of Columbus who "discovered" the Americas.  I also remember, during high school, reading recently-deceased historian Howard Zinn's seminal "A People's History of the United States" (a detailed, narrative history of the US, but always from the viewpoint of the "losers" of history) and really challenging all notions of Columbus being anything close to heroic.  I find it fitting, and not at all coincidental, that Indigenous Peoples' Day is also celebrated that day.  While I don't have the day off, I will hopefully pause and consider which side of history that I choose to celebrate.

"Sing to the Lord a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts."-Psalms 33.3

"But you should sever be embarrassed by your trouble with living; ‘cause it's always those with the sorest throats who have done the most singing."-"Laura Laurent" by Bright Eyes

 I love live music but rarely get to see multiple shows in one weekend.  But this past weekend, I was able to see the Avett Brothers (a punk-infused bluegrass band) outdoors at Crossroads and then the next night, a very private engagement (it was my group of 4 people and the other bands playing that night) with Corey Chisel (think Jackson Browne with a bit of Jakob and Bob Dylan, in a more gothic than country tone).  It was a weekend that reminded me how great music and other fine arts are.

Last Sunday, I was ordained for ministry at my home congregation in Lincoln, Nebraska.  There was a great gathering of people who have been a part of my life and taught me what community, faith and Christianity look like.  We worshiped and celebrated together and at the end of the day, many people came up to me and said, "I feel refreshed, I'm ready to go serve God!"  It was a beautiful thing, because the Spirit had moved among us and stirred up a desire to serve the Living God.