you may have noticed...

I haven't posted in a while. I apologize. I just finished up my first semester of grad school and finals and what not so I am taking a little break.

Look back in the new year for some changes around here.

Sorry for the inconvenience. I promise this isn't over, just a break until the new year.

peace out,
hersch

changes...

Sorry about the changes...

I'll get the bugs out soon enough.

peace out,
hersch

working through...

So I am working my way through Ecclesiastes right now and it is bringing up some things in my inner-being that I don't like. Things like consumerism, idleness, selfishness, etc.

I am looking at simplifying things around here. I am not really sure how to do that just yet.

I'm working through the idea that in order to be happy in what God has called me to do, one of the spiritual disciplines I need to undertake is that of simplicity--such as getting rid of things I have that I don't need, not buying stuff I don't need, getting the use out of things I already own, etc.

But there has to be more to simplifying things than just dealing with my possessions. Right? Right.

I'm working through it. I'm sure there will be more on this as it continues.

peace out,
hersch

I just wanted to say...

I am one week away from a sucessful finish to my first semester upon my return to seminary. I am thankful for that for rizzle.

It has been one of the strangest semesters of my life I would say. For one, it has flown by. It seems like it was just yesterday I was moving in. Let's look at the recap shall we?

Hits:
-Finally led in some direction as to what to do with myself here and there after
-Actually took school work seriously
-kicked some butt in the land of Catan
-learned how to play Beamo

Misses:
-Anti-social behavior; I felt like Paul from "Loser" (I was anti-social, not others)
-no job as of yet
-cafeteria food
-kidney stone

___________________________________________

To be frank, it was a rough semester for me and God. As great as it was to finally get some direction, I still suck at making myself available to God in my own spiritual disciplines. But what is good is knowing I am where He wants me. And I've felt like Eusatace being descaled more than anything--which though painful, can't be bad. God is tilling the dirt of my garden and planting seeds. And I need to be sure to leave the hose and weedeater out.

Thanks to all of you who pray for me.

peace out,
hersch

plug it in please.....seriously...plug it in....

O.k. Its time to plug one of the greatest things since the last greatest thing I have touted. I am not trying to advocate consumerism during this holiday season, but I feel compelled to share with you one of the greatest collections of music ever.

Back in the day, Sufjan Stevens would make these intimate CD's with Christmas music on them for his friends. Well now he has compiled all of these recordings into one package and made it available to the general public. And it is beautiful. Go to iTunes and listen to the 30 second samples. Holy Holy Holy is stunning. O Come O Come Emmanuel is stunning. Oh Holy Night is more than stunning.


Just to see how much you get for 20 bucks, here is the track listing:
Disc: 1
1. Silent Night
2. O Come O Come Emmanuel
3. We're Goin' To the Country!
4. Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming
5. It's Christmas! Let's Be Glad!
6. Holy Holy, etc.
7. Amazing Grace
Disc: 2
1. Angels We Have Heard on High
2. Put the Lights on the Tree
3. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
4. I Saw Three Ships
5. Only at Christmas Time
6. Once in Royal David's City
7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
8. What Child Is This Anyway?
9. Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Disc: 3
1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
2. Come on! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!
3. We Three Kings
4. O Holy Night
5. That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!
6. Ding! Dong!
7. All the King's Horns
8. The Friendly Beasts
Disc: 4
1. The Little Drummer Boy
2. Away In A Manger
3. Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time!
4. The First Noel
5. Did I Make You Cry On Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It!)
6. The Incarnation
7. Joy To The World
Disc: 5
1. Once in Royal David's City
2. Get Behind Me, Santa!
3. Jingle Bells
4. Christmas in July
5. Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming
6. Jupiter Winter
7. Sister Winter
8. O Come O Come Emmanuel
9. Star of Wonder
10. Holy, Holy, Holy
11. The Winter Solstice

So now that you see what your getting, you have no excuse not to buy it. Its not your typical Christmas album. Its a worshipful and reverent celebration of the birth of Christ. Seriously good stuff guys. Seriously.

peace out,
hersch

anybody....

What's up?

So today after class, i was walking to supper and talking with a friend and Dr. Stratton came upon us and reminded me that there was a seminar about burnout in ministry starting. As we entered the cafeteria he asked me if I would like to come. Because I couldn't think of any reason not to, I went.

And it was exactly what I needed to hear. Because we had just gotten out of class, we had missed the first twenty minutes that apparently dealt with burn-out. What I heard after walking in was like an answer to a prayer.

See, I've been having trouble making myself available to God. I have let school, homework, and all sorts of other things get in the way. Basically Dr. Headley, the lecturer, gave us a brief message about taking responsoibility for our selves instead of letting our circumstances dictate things. He talked about time management. He talked about prayer. He talked about Bible study.

He talked about how we can't do everything--only God can do that.

I don't want to open up the creation can of worms but I do want to use the creation narrative here. God took his time creating us and the world we live in. Whether you take that to be literal or metaphorical is besides the point. The old cliche' "Rome wasn't built in a day" stands.

God rested not just on the sabbath, but during the work also. He took time to enjoy what He had done. His work in creation doesn't end until after he had rested.

I don't know if any of this sticks to your walls, but it did mine tonight.

peace out,
hersch

oh my goodness...

So today is just one of those days.

I found myself complaining a lot-virtually taking a dump on Matt's email client. Sorry buddy.

It has been a day and its only 2 in the afternoon, but you know what? I am still better off than most of the world and that makes me sad that I am complaining.

I mean, overslept and missed breakfast, but at least I have breakfast available to miss.




I have to buy new tires. For my very own car, that is paid for.
I am typing this on my own computer.
I have a nice padded chair under my butt.
I have clothes.
I have heat.
I have all that I need.

And I am complaining. What a waste.

Sorry God.

Sorry Matt.

peace out,
hersch

deja vu was one of my favorite games for the original Nintendo...

So I've been here before.

I'm sitting in the recliner in the living room of my parents house and I am looking at Geoff's blog. On the TV is Inside the NFL and I am having deja vu of having deja vu. Weird.

I hope everyone's holiday went well. Mine was really good. I was surprised. Not that it usually isn't good, but it just seemed extra nice this year. I think it had to do with the fact that for the first time in 2 years I feel I am doing something worthwhile with my life.

I also have just been really blessed to get to be home and see my family and friends this week. I miss my friends while I'm at school and I have been trying to soak up all the time with them this week that I can.

Also, Longbrake, I stole your idea. After listening to your sermon I felt compelled to have some sort of Christmas dinner at our church as well for families in our community who we have relationships with that might not have anywhere else to go--so kudos good sir. We'll find out this week if the session approves it.

Anyways yall, its bed time.

peace out,
hersch

what week is this?

Oh that's right, its Thanksgiving week. In honor of Thanksgiving, I wanted to open up this post for a chance for all of us to say what we are thankful for.

I'll start.

I am thankful for finally being in a place after 2 years where I feel God is leading me.
I am thankful to be with my family after being at school for a while.
I am thankful for my friends whom I have gotten to spend some serious ammounts of time with lately. Its been awesome.

If you want, you may join in on the comments section. I know its alittle cheesy but I think its important to stop and take stock in what we are thankful for.

peace out,
hersch

pictures...

Here's a preview...the rest are at my Flickr site.

peace out,
hersch

a cup of tea and perhaps some internet?

-So in my thoughfulness, I spoke to a group of high schoolers this past weekend about obedience. Then I read this post(Stirrings) about obedience and was confronted with my own disobedience that I live in most of the time. Hmmm.

-I would really like the internet in my room to work again.

-I would also love to have a nice hot cup of tea. Mmmm's good.

-Sometimes I like to do a personal gut check, ala Psalm 139. Sometimes I feel good about myself after...sometimes not. Today is a not. I've been a little selfish and sarcastic lately. I don't like being sarcastic but I like getting laughs. And I am good at getting laughs by being sarcastic and mean. I am trying to learn how to be funny without being sarcastic--it's hard.

-Anyone wanna buy me a new pair of glasses? My prescription is old and my vision isn't where it should be.

-This semester has been very strange to me. For one, it has FLOWN by faster than any semester of school that I can remember. It also has been more lonely than I had anticipated. I'm not sure if I have been doing a good enough job of making myself open to new relationships here. Part of me likes the alone time, but a bigger part longs for someone to disclose to.

-Apocolypto or ApocolypNO?

Tis all.

peace out,
hersch

pictures post delayed....

So due to some technical difficulties, the previously mentioned picture post has been delayed. I am in the library right now due to the fact that the internet in the dorm is out. I am also having trouble getting the pictures from my camera to my computer(ie: I left the cable in IL and I am in KY...doh).

Upon further notice, I leave you with the brilliance that is: The Office(owned by NBC-Universal)


peace out,
hersch

new post coming...

updates with PICTURES coming soon!!!

peace out,
hersch

it's all downhill from here right?

So yesterday I turned 26 and started down that steep slope to 30. Yikes. I've been thinking and I have some observations about my life so far.

-I'm not married. I can remember being 16 and thinking the angst of life would finally be gone when I graduated college and got married at 21--1 year early because I am so smart. In reality I graduated when I was 23 and a semester late because I changed my major 3 times. Geez.

-I'm still in school. Like I said, I planned on being halfway to retirement by now. It's funny I can't really remember what I thought I would be doing. Maybe a teacher? Or a Paleontologist? Who knows.

-The last couple years I've gone from thinking about nothing except the good things of God and how He wishes us nothing but prosperity and great lives not only here on earth but in heaven to thinking about how messed up we as human beings really are and how maybe God's plans for us arent actually for us so much as for others. I also still can't write a sentence clearly or without it being a run-on. See.

-When I was in high school, my parents were mild annoyances, sometimes major road blocks to my convenience. Now they are friends. Wierd.



-One of the greatest joys of my life as a child was drawing. I remember myself and a friend creating a whole world filled with people we called "Punk-wheels." They were these strange "people" without feet. Instead they had some sort of wheels-hence the name "Punk-WHEELS." Also they were punk rockers. I still like to draw but have realized my skills as a child have not transcended into adulthood.

-I have only been out of the country once. This is actually better than I had planned. I used to think I would never get out of Fairfield Illinois-let alone the U.S. Thank God for that.

-I mentioned Paleontology earlier. When I was a child I probably knew more about dinosaurs than most teachers. I actually corrected the teacher once in 1st grade and she invited me to do presentation for the class about dinosaurs. I actually did an awesome job. I made a kick-butt "dino-rama" and lectured extensively for 5 minutes. It was great and my first academic victory. If only I had that same enthusiasm today. My love for dinosaurs has also been one of my biggest stumbling blocks to my faith as well. I have yet to find a truly satisfying explanation to where dinosaurs fit in with God's story.

------------------------------------------------------------------
So I am sitting here with all these observations and wondering about my life. How did I get here? Where am I going. When I am 30 what will I be thinking?

And I remember Jesus' words in John chapter 1:
" 35The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
37When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"
They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

39"Come," he replied, "and you will see."
So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

40Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42And he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter[j])."

Jesus didn't tell them anything. He simply invited them to come with Him. That simple verse seems to be the theme to life as a follower of Christ. To simply come along and see with our own eyes and experience and taste and touch. And do. And feel.

And live. With Jesus. With others.

To serve.

To not worry about myself so much and look to the needs of others.

To deny myself for the sake of others.

Hmmm.

peace out,
hersch

maybe...

I have discovered that I don't really like theological study. And I am in seminary. Hmmm. What to do?

Maybe theology isn't my cup of tea. Good thing Asbury has more than that.

peace out,
hersch

I love little baby ducks...(finish this song quote-if you can)

Some things that have made me enjoy life more lately....






































WUKY-NPR in Lexington









peace out,
hersch

DO THIS...

Community photo project....jump on in....

Seriously, this is a cool photo project. Check out Longbrake for the details.

Nathan, you and your fancy new camera better have a kick-butt entry.

That is all...retire into your creative worlds...

peace out,
hersch

people surprise you sometimes...

Isn't is funny when you go into a situation with a perception of how someone will be and then you are completely wrong? Let me explain.

I had to go to the Doctor's office today. Now not to lump all doctors together, but my general experience with any doctor I've seen except for one has been with a person who is condescending and sees me as a small annoyance and not a person who mught actualy be sick. Not today though. I went and saw Dr. Demos last friday and while he wasn't a jerk, he wasn't friendly either. So I expected today to be no different. When Dr. Demos came and I described my pain from my kidney stone(yeah..its still there) he smiled and said "Good. That's what I wanted to hear." Exsqueeze me? You want me to be in pain? He then explained that the pain I am feeling, though sucky, is actually a sign that I am going to be better soon. Oh, ok. He actually took me in his private office and showed me some pictures and then we talked about me getting my degree in counseling. He was completly cool.

I guess it just goes to show you that shouldn't pre-judge a situation. I walked away from Dr. Demos' office with a much better attitude and thankful heart. Nice.

peace out,
hersch

All I need is everything....

-I've spent the last few minutes looking out my window thinking. Sometimes in those simple moments, things can become clear. Sometimes they stay the same. Today things are the same.

-I spent this morning finally watching Invisible Children and found myself actually in tears. That doesn't happen often, and I hate to share that with you for fear you might think I am looking for some kind of validation. I am not. All I want is to share with you how I was affected.

-Why can't Don and Lori's new CD be out yet? I am so ready for some new Chaffer music.

-Seminary has definitely challenged me this semester. My foundations shaken, my vision foggy, my hope grounded more deeply in Christ than ever before. Why? Where else can I put it?

-I've come to the conclusion that I would rather live in Narnia. That sounds dumb I'm sure. Things there just seem much more black and white, not gray like our real world. Sometimes I'd rather have a Lion invite me to drink with Him in the stream than deal with the pain that is often my struggle to reconcile myself to God. Sometimes I'd rather be told plainly to clean my sword than left to silence. But ease of life would not compare to the joy of humility before a God I can't possibly ever hope to fully understand.

-The weight of the consequence of my sin is getting more and more heavy, and if I could do it all over again I would change so much. I don't understand people who wouldn't change their past. Yes I am thankful to be where I am, but if I could go back and stop myself from carrying such a load now, than I would. I am forgiven, but that doesn't eliminate the earthly consequence of sin.

-Do I really care about all the things I say I do?

-I've said it before: I want a canoe.

-John 3:30 English Standard Version: "He must increase. I must decrease." How do I put that attitude into my life? How do I act on that?

-Cheryl said this week that she makes too many mud pies. I do also. Ask her to explain that one.

-I am loved. Thank God.

peace out,
hersch

again already?

Some things I thought y'all would enjoy...

-Some cool photos...
-A great book...
-Only 7 dollars a month...
-Hiya bunkmate...

peace out,
hersch

Because it's Friday...

Well, it's 12:10 a.m. so I guess it's Saturday.

The Cards won. I think I passed my kidney stone. God really opened up my eyes to some stuff yesterday(more on that later...). I think we'll take it easy tonight.

I leave for your consideration the top 10 songs I found on the Asbury iTunes network. They are up for debate. These just happen to be the ones I am in the process of enjoying.

10. Under Bridges by Brave Saint Saturn-The first of 2 songs by Reese Roper, one of my favorite song writers.

9. Best of You by Foo Fighters-Who doesn't like to fight foo, especially let it get the best of you? Not me, probably not you.

8. I'm Gonna Miss Her by Brad Paisley-This is a guilty pleasure of mine. I just love it.

7. Stare at the Sun(acoustic) by Thrice-I don't really know too much about this band, but I thought this song was great.

6. The Prayer by Charlotte Church and Josh Groban-This would have been higher on the list if Josh Groban would sing in English.

5. These Are Not My Pants Medley by Five Iron Frenzy-No words can explain this brilliance.

4. We're So Far Away by Mae-This CD has grown on me more than any CD in my memory.

3. Elijah by Rich Mullins-My appreciation for his songwriting grows with every listen.

2. Mystery of Iniquity by Lauryn Hill-Have you heard this song? Man you need to.

1. Oh My God by Jars of Clay-Though I disagree with those who say that Good Monsters is their best CD, this song is their second best song of their career. Can you guess their first? It's not flood by the way. Listen to this song.

Well, that's all I got for tonight. We'll have some deeper stuff later. Have a good weekend y'all!

peace out,
hersch

so...

December 15, a Friday night mind you, is not only my last day of finals, but also the night of a concert I was hoping my proximity to Cinncinatti would bring me the oppurtunity to attend-----Over the Rhine.

Over the Rhine will be here in Lexington on December 15. I would like to invite you guys to come down and chill that day, and then we can drive back up Saturday caravan style.

Also, big shout out goes to NFB for the banners to Save Darfur and Worldvision!

That's all for now. I'm going to go eat some Easy Cheese.

peace out,
hersch

HYPOCRITE!!!! BURN!!!!!

So I have a confession. A while back, I questioned the motives of a certain MEGACHURCH in the Lexington area. I even may have said something to the effect of:


"I'm pretty sure I am done with the whole MEGACHURCH thing...I mean...come on..."

" ....I'm sorry. This is too cynical, but perhaps a little true? Maybe. Jesus can and does work through these churches. I'm not saying He doesn't. I am saying that I don't think my place is there. That's just me."

Since then, I actually have been back to this church a few times. I question myself everytime I go. Am I going because it is like fastfood spirituality for the week or do I feel drawn by the Spirit to go there. Honestly, the first time was because I overslept and missed the church I wanted to go in the morning, but this week, I can say I truly felt called to go there.

Tonight the sermon was from Romans 12:1-2.

Romans 12 English Standard Version

A Living Sacrifice

1I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] 2Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

So many times when I have read this scripture, I pass over "but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." But tonight, it stuck out to me.

Lately I have been wondering what the crap I am doing with my time here at Seminary. I am constantly feeling dumb because of all the intelligent people around me. I know I am capable of doing the work, but sometimes I feel inadequate in the presence of my peers. I also find myself completly frustrated by some people in my classes who seem to me, to be so arrogant that they feel they can call out a professor who has been teaching for his whole life, or an author who obviously has put hundreds of hours into work on a book. I am frustrated by a lack of humility on some my classmates parts when it comes to learning.

But I am more frustrated in myself. Am I allowing God to renew my mind here at school? I don't think I have been. So much of my Christian life has been lived at heart level and I think God is wanting to start working on my upstairs.

Just a thought.

peace out,
hersch

5 hours to get one stinkin' prescription...

So I just spent 5 hours being given the run around, trying to get a refill to my painkillers for my kidney stone. The first hour and a half was spent at Lexington Clinic where I was finally told they couldn't help me and they I should go to the ER at the hospital up the road.

So I went. And after waiting for almost an hour, finally saw a doctor, explained my situation, and was told he'd be right back. 3 hours later I finally have my prescription, a finished book, and lines on my face from falling asleep in the exam room. Rediculous.

It did get me thinking though how good/bad we have it here in America when it comes to healthcare. I recently just got health insurance through school, but for the last 5 years, had none. Thank God I never got sick in those 5 years.

Here in America we have all sorts of healthcare, some of the very best in the world, available to us and yet, so many of us cannot afford what we need because health insurance is so expensive. And health insurance is so expensive because the medical profession charges so much. And they charge so much because they can. And we pay it because our health insurance covers it. It's a viscious cycle.

And it makes me sick(pun?).

During my three hour layover in St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Room, I started thinking about the third world. My mind often wanders there. I remember being scared to death that I might have to go to the doctor in Guatemala because I wasn't sure how safe a doctor there would be. Yet that is all they have.

Have you every seen The Constant Gardener? It's about drug companies using third world citizens, namely in Africa, as test subjects for new medicines. You should check it out.

I just wonder sometimes if we as the church are really loving our neighbors as Jesus has called us to. To be more honest, I wonder if I am loving my neighbors as God has called me to.

I've been thinking about AIDS in Africa alot lately, and how me, a seminary student in podunk Kentucky can help. I can't call out the church anymore until I am following God's call myself. Right? Right.

peace out,
hersch

Studying? What is that? What is that?

To those inquiring minds, yes, I still subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine if you catch my drift.

You know what sucks about seminary so far? Well, I guess it isn't seminary per se, but life in seminary? I don't know how to study.

It all started when I was a young lad in elementary school. I got A's easy enough that I didn't think homework was necessary. So then I started failing because I wasn't doing my homework. My mom took exception to this philosophy and came up with a grand solution.

1. She taped a checklist of things I was supposed to do everyday, including writing down assignments and getting the teacher to initial said assignments, as well as checking my homework over, right onto my desk.
2. She bought me a day planner to write down all assignments in and have teachers initial.

Sounds like a good plan. After one week I had figured out how to forge my teachers initials and suddenly I went from having 3 or 4 assignments every night to having zero. Being in fourth grade, I doubted my mom's ability to catch on. I also doubted her ability to read her mail since every three assignments I didn't turn in, a demerit was issued and sent home to my parents. I got 7 demerits that year.

So I finally decided that doing my homework was probably the better route to take instead of failing school and repeating fourth grade. What I discovered was that in the 5 minutes before work was due, I could do it sufficiently enough to get a C. I was ok with this. My parents were not, but I tried to ignore their anger over my poor grades.

As my school career continued, I fell into a pattern of doing last minute work, not studying for tests, and being entirely satisfied just to pass. This continued through High School.

When I started college at Eastern, I quickly found more work was required than I was willing to do. I skipped most of my math classes and somehow managed a D. The only class I did well in was Composition. I transfered back to Frontier. What did I find? Classes were much easier than at EIU. The A's started rolling in. During one summer term, I took 19 hours and got all A's. Did I study? Nope.

Bethel came and went along the same lines. Classes weren't so much hard as they were just labor intensive. I learned that homework wasn't graded so much on content as it was on whether it was done or not. Seriously, the further I have gotten from my Bethel education, the more worthless it seems.

This brings me to my present situation. I am at Asbury Seminary, and the work required of me is more than anything I have ever experienced. I know how to read the assigned reading and do so and can retain the knowledge. I know how to write a paper and do well. What I don't know how to do it study for tests. Tests at Bethel were jokes compared to tests here. Throughout my entire academic career, I always loved tests because I could normally ace them without much effort. Here I am lucky to get an 80% with alot of studying. I don't know how to study. I don't know how to look at our material and point out what points I should focus on more for the tests than others. I don't know how to manage my time between reading and reviewing.

So there is a big lesson I need to learn while I am here. How to study. I personally think tests are stupid anyways because in real life, if am counseling someone or pastoring a church or whatever, I will have references available. But maybe I think so because I don't know how to study, and also, hate to study. I love to read, but I hate to study.

I also need to not be content with getting C, if it is not by best effort. I still struggle with the desire to quit studying and jump on the computer or dive into a personal book, rather than one for school, and simply be ok with getting a C. A C is fine if I do my best and that's the outcome, but I have to learnt o do my best. Laziness is definitly a struggle for me.

That's my rant for now.

peace out,
hersch

ouch....seriously....ouch...

So I am finally back at Asbury after what proved to be a very very LONG weekend.

Friday morning, I was rudely awaken by the most intense pain I've ever experienced. At 4:30 in the morning, we drove to the ER at Fairfield to discover I have a kidney stone. I still haven't passed it so keep me in your prayers.

Presbytery wasn't as bad as it could have been.

I am currently sitting in class, trying to stay awake. My painkillers definitly are wanting me to go to sleep, but I have a test Thursday and need to be here to help prepare.

It was good to go home. It was good to see people. But I am finding that Asbury feels more like home than I thought it should by now. I found mself longing to come back and actually work. Weird.

That's about all I have for right now. I'll try to write with more substance when I'm not doped up.

peace out,
hersch

update coming soon...

update coming soon...

peace out,
hersch

Question.

If God said "Dena, I want you to give up your job and sell you car and house and give the money to the people who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. I want you to pack up and move down there and live in a tent and do nothing but feed people, and love people." Would you do it?

If God said "Geoff, I want you to pack up your wife, leave your new house and new church and be on a plane tomorrow for China to plant a church." Would you do it?

If God said "Amy, say goodbye to your house and family, I'm sending you to the Lakota Sioux Indians." Would you do it?

If God asked us of these things, would we have the faith to do it. Do we really have faith if we don't act on it? Ouch. That is a hard question.

One I am trying to answer...to act on.

As the body of Christ, in the world, in America, in our own little group, are we acting on our faith where we should be?

For those I singled out, it was only for dramatic effect. I am not saying God is calling you to do such things. Maybe He is...that's between you and Him.;)

peace out,
hersch

I saw him today...

While driving around Lexington, looking for a stinkin' job, I happened to see Bull-Horn Guy. He was at the corner of Man O War and Richmond.

I wasn't sure it was really him though.

He had all the makings of Bull-Horn Guy:

1. Sign proclaiming Jesus is coming back....check.
2. Bull horn......check.
3. Flyers.....check.
4. Message of damnation being yelled over afore mentioned bull horn.......er, no check?

Where was the "JESUS IS COMING!! REPENT OR BURN FOREVER!!!"?

I turned down my radio and listened. I heard something far different.

"Repent. Jesus is coming and He wants to save you. He loves you. He's already forgiven you, just accept him." It went on and on like that. He even smiled and waved at the cars whow ould honk at him. From all appearances he seemed like a calm individual who just wanted to share the HOPE of Jesus with people. Maybe his methodology was a little off, but maybe not. Who's to judge what God calls people to do.

Well, I can feel my grades falling as I write this...back to work.

CURRENTS:
Books I am reading for class:

"Resident Aliens" by Hauerwas and Willimon
"Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus" by Jeremias
"Current Pyschotherapies" by Corsini and Wedding
"Shaped by The Word" by Mulholland
























Books I am reading for personal growth:

"Invitation to a Journey" by Mulholland
"Cost of Discipleship" by Bonhoeffer
"Knowing God" by Packer




















Movies I am recommending:
Little Miss Sunshine(rated R)
The Departed(rated R)


























Music I am listening to right now:
Illuminate by David Crowder Band
Good Monsters by Jars of Clay
John Davis by John Davis
Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Nickel Creek by Nickel Creek





















DVD's I am recommending:
The Office(US) Seasons 1 & 2
The Motorcycle Diaries(rated R)
























peace out,
hersch

I've meaning to put this on here for a long time...

To Write Love On Her Arms...

This is a group of people who are trying to help addicts, young people who are depressed, people who cut themselves, people who are suicidal, etc.

You can buy a t-shirt here and the money goes to help put people through rehab, couseling, etc.

I recommend reading the story first. It might not be everyone's cup of tea.

I know for a while I have been wondering what our response as Christians should be to those who suffer depression, and this seems to be a step in the right direction. I know there are other ways out there, but this one definitly has a target group of people to whom it ministers. I think they are doing a good thing.

peace out,
hersch

yikes...

So here's the weekend recap. I know you are all dying to hear it.

Thursday night, I led my volleybal team to a victory with 0 aces, 0 kills, 0 digs, and probably 5 hits out of bounds. It was great to be hoisted onto the shoulders of my team mates and carried around like a king.

Friday was spent in reading, watching DVD's, reading some more, watching Battlestar Galactica.

Saturday consisted of some minor errands running and atending the UK/USC Football game-for free. Courtesy of Ian Canada.

Today was sleeping in until almost 11(church at night this week), eating lunch at Sonic, watching "The Departed," and writing this blog.

Good times.

Something strange keeps happening to me. I've written about this a LONG time ago back when I first made my prospective student visit to Asbury. It seems everywhere I go, I see familiar faces.

Its like I have seen these people before in a dream, or...I don't know how to explain it.

I have a rediculous theory and I will run it by you for you to trash and pscyhoanalyze me. What if there are only like 100 faces? Maybe 1000 faces? The number isn't as important as the idea I am thinking about.

What if there were a set number of faces in the world, and everyone is just a slight variation of one of those faces? Could that be? This is the stuff I think about when I am alone with my brain.

I know this is a weird little post. I'm a little bored. I shouldn't be though. I've got plenty of work to do.

And church to go to.

peace out,
hersch

mmmmmm..... don't make fun of me Conan O'Brien...

How did it happen? I mean seriously.

I'm living in a dorm room with no T.V. and still I am addicted to 2, count 'em 2 T.V. shows.

What in the world...

T.V. show number 1 is "The Office." Simply my favorite show of all time. Not quite as good as "Seinfeld" yet. Yet. Steve Carell could tell me the world is about to blow up and make it funny. And let's not forget about Jim and Pam. I feel like such a loser rooting for a T.V. romance. Go ahead, make fun of me.

But probably my favorite character is still Dwight. Or Dwigt. Those who watch will get that. This leads me into my second television addiction. It just so happens to be Dwight's favorite show as well. Those who watch will know what that is.

"Battlestar Galactica." I can hear you laughing. I really can.

Before tonight, I would have laughed at myself. I still do. I simply cannot understand this one.

I was bored tonight. I walked by the common room and noticed that from 9-11, the T.V. was reserved for one of the guys to watch the season Premiere of BSG. I chuckled. When 9 rolled around however, I found myself strangly drawn to the common room, out of both boredom, and surprisingly, curiosity. What I found was a great television season premiere.

This was the 3rd season in, and I had never seen one episode. Yet I was immediately drawn into the story by some good acting, and a good story. The writing is cheesy. As are the effects. And I wish they would stop using the word "frack" in the place of the f-word. Just write a better script where you don't have to say such a rediculously obvious replacement word.

But I was drawn into the story of man versus robot(what's a robit?). I was. I won't make any excuses. It's a nerd's show and I guess I am more nerdy than I thought. Or bored. But in any case, I want to watch it next week. We'll see what a week's wait will do to this addiction. Will it feed it or kill it. I don't know which I want.

I can still hear you laughing at me. It's ok. I'm right there with ya.

I know that clip isn't really funny. It's more for reference than anything else.

Here's one more for comedic purposes.

peace out seacrest,
hersch

So...

I had a post I was writing and as I was wrapping it up and rereading it, I felt it crossed the line from slightly distasteful to unpublishable.

Here's my question:

Why?

What makes me ashamed to put something on here?

Is there really a line? I know I felt I crossed it.

Here's the thing. I don't want to get into a theological debate about cussing or decency or whatever. I simply want to know is should there ever be a point where we are embarrased by something we do or say in front of our friends? Because if they judge us, are they really our friends? If we judge them, are we really loving them?

There are maybe two people I feel I could say anything, and I mean anything around. What does that say about my relationships? Are we being honest with each other? Are my friends and I perhaps venturing into bad territory when we will say things around each other that might include words with four letters or ideas that might be shunned by our social groups?

Are we dishonest enough in our relationships where we can't say how we truly feel? Are there too many walls around our friendships? Can we really even call some of our friendships friendships?

Hmm.

peace out,
hersch

The best song for the road I've ever heard. OR A disaster in my mind. OR Is there anyone there named Victor?

So I am driving into Illinois for the first time in 5 weeks. I just ended speaking at a youth retreat in Owensboro Kentucky and I am smelling from not having showers for two days, tired from sleeping on an air mattress for two days, and I have to go to the bathroom really, really bad.

All sorts of things are coming in and out of my mind.

I am thinking about going to Africa. My dream really-and perhaps my calling. We'll see.

I am thinking about the sadness and joy I equally feel in knowing that Eric and Katie are moving to Fairfield. I am happy that they will be going to a supportive place, but sad that I can't take off any weekend I want anymore to head down and visit them and simply laugh and enjoy thier friendship. Soon they won't just be in Fairfield, but far far away in foreign lands.

I am thinking about when Jim will finally be reunited with the Dunder-Mifflin Scranton team again via branch absorption.

I am thinking about God's will in general for us Christians in America, and how screwed up our view of it may actually be.
Or at least my view of it.

I am thinking about how good it was to hang out with Victor and Samantha for the weekend at the retreat...an unexpected surprise.

And I am listening to "Illinois" by Sufjan Stevens in honor of my return to God's country. And I am realizing that "Chicago" is the best road song I've ever heard, and that the line "I've made alot of mistakes..." is the most honest line sung in my car.

And I am anxious to see family and friends, if only for a few hours.

peace out,
hersch

so......

2 papers down, 1 test to go...

Then I'm out for the weekend.

Then perhaps an update....

peace out,
hersch

Just a brief suggestion...

In my attempt to not study, I decided to go to Joseph-Beth Booksellers and find some sort of distraction from pyschological theories and economic structures of historic Jerusalem. I'm not sure what to call what I have found.

Night by Elie Wiesel.

This book is one man's memoir from surviving the Holocaust.

Let me share a brief passage from the original Yiddish version, changed in it's translation.

"And now scarcely ten years after Buchenwald, I realize that the world forgets quickly. Today, Germany is a sovereign state. the German Army has been resuscitated. Ilse Koch, the notorious sadistic monster of Buchenwald, was allowed to have children and live happily ever after...War criminals stroll through the streets of Hamburg and Munich. The past seems to have been erased, relegated to oblivion.

Today there are anti-semites in Germany, France, and even the United States who tell the world that the 'story' of six million assasinated Jews is nothing but a hoax, and many people not knowing any better, may well believe them, if not today then tomorrow or the day after...

I am not so naive as to believe that this slim volume will change the course of history or shake the conscience of the world.

Books no longer have the power they once did.

Those who kept silent yesterday will remain silent tomorrow.(emphasis added)"

My brief suggestion is this: Read this book. That is all. Be forewarned that it is not for the faint of heart.

As for me, I should probably get to work--though it feels strangly unimportant tonight.

peace out,
hersch

Im out....

Not forever, but I have 2 papers due next week and two tests so I will be out of the office until all that is done.

Until then, I will leave you with my favorite T.V. show...




So close Michael, so close.

peace out,
hersch

I'm sure what he's doing is fine...

I just thought this headline was hilairous. Maybe I didn't get enough sleep last night.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060919/ap_en_mu/people_diddy

changes come...

So I realized I liked my old template better. So I changed it. Deal.

peace out,
hersch

hmmm....

Shaker Town of Pleasant Hill, near Mt. Zion UMC


So one of the guys down the hall invited me to church with him today. It was Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Awesomeness.

First, this church is out in the middle of nowhere, which in eastern Kentucky terms means Heaven. The church is a small white country church with no running water on top of a hill surrounded by rolling green pastures, old stone walls, and horses. It must have been built by someone who liked Norman Rockwell.

The church service itself was very traditional. We did liturgy and sang only hymns. What was funny though is that this congregation isn't an old, stuck-in-its-ways congregation. It is alive. There are all sorts of people there, but mostly college and seminary students. In a church that has no running water and seats maybe 75, there were about 100 people, mostly students. They were not only worshipping, but they also had a very apparent bonded community. These were people who cared about each other. They were a church family. Not just because they all attended on sundays together either. They invest in each other's lives through small groups, through community service projects like adopt a highway, a trip to Zimbabwe, and one guy even stood up and said his roof was leaking and he needed help fixing it and more than 10 guys volunteered. Wow.

And they also made my friend Joe and I feel welcome. Both of us intend to go back. Why? Because we felt loved.
(Suddenly, music starts playing. It is an organ. It is playing the familiar hymn, "We Are One In the Spirit.")

So there are two pastors, working for free. One is a professor at the seminary and one at the college. They do it because they want to help people come to Christ. That HAS to be another factor of why this church is doing so well.(That they do it for Christ, not that they do it for free. They do it for free because they get paid for their professorships(word?))

We are One in The Spirit,
We are One in The Lord.
We are One in The Spirit,
We are One in The Lord.
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.

So I have been invited to another church by another friend and will go with them this week, but I think perhaps Mt. Zion may be the place for me. We shall see.

And they'll know we are Christians by our love,
By our Love,
Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.

That's all.

peace out,
hersch

thoughts from Chapel...

In my life I have sown seeds of lust, laziness, bitterness, and loneliness. I have planted these seeds from my youth through the present. I continue to reap the consequences because I have failed to pull up these "weeds" by the roots. Perhaps I have failed to allow God to pull them.

So how do I do that?

How does one pull roots of lust from their life? Or bitterness? Or any of those?

I have this beautiful picture in my head. I am my Grandfather's garden. The time has come again for him to plant all his favorite vegetables; tomatoes, corn, lettuce, peppers, etc. But first he must ready the ground. He gets out his old beat up tiller and cranks it up. He takes the machine and begins to rip through my hard soil. The blades break up the ground and rip through all the grass and weeds that have grown in throughout the year. The blades tear through the roots left there from years gone by to clear the way for the new life about to spring forth. He plants row after row of vegetables.

Day after day, week after week he comes and cleans each row of unwanted weeds by pulling them up, root and all. By the end of the season, he is left with only the best vegetables for eating.

How does my relationship with God become more like that?




My soul is in need of tilling.

peace out,
hersch

***UPDATED VIDEO!!!***There's no Sufjan me...is there any Sufjan you?

For the people without taste, it's pronounced soof-yawn.

Last night I had the oppurtunity to go watch Sufjan Stevens at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with my good freind Jessica.

The concert opened with the band, My Brightest Diamond. To be honest, the first song was pretty sketchy and I thought it was probably a good time to go find something to drink, but Jessica said to give them another shot and they turned out to be really really good. Not what I was expecting at all. I don't know how to describe it other than Enya meets Byork meets Over the Rhine. Really mellow, atmospheric stuff. Really good.

In between sets, we noticed some bald headed guy a few rows in front of us talking to some people and enjoying the concert as well.


Derek Webb. Watch your toes, I'm dropping names.

Finally Sufjan and the Illinoismakers came out. They were wearing jeans, a jacket from a High School marching band, and wings. Thats right. Wings.

What can I say about the music that no one has said before. The man is a genius. Freaking genius.

It was a good little day trip. It was good to hang out with friends who I haven't seen in a while.

Here's a little taste of the show from last night. Sorry it's not longer, maybe someday I could put a whole song.
That's all for now.

peace out,
hersch

yep...

I think...

I'm pretty sure I am done with the whole MEGACHURCH thing...I mean...come on...

I tried it. I went expecting that I probably wouldn't like it and that that was probably a bad attitude to have, so I resolved to at least pray to the Holy Spirit to help me worship in spite of my poor attitude.

I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but during the morning service, something just felt off. Something was missing. As I was walking out to my car after church was over, it hit me what it was. Jesus.

Was He even mentioned? He had to have been right? Nope.

I did learn how to be a good father and how cool this church is that had pizza for 900 college students. AWESOME DUDE!

So I tried it again tonight. A different praise band, different speaker, different attitude. I was totally determined to dislike this church now. I just couldn't dislike it without giving it it's fair shot.

Was Jesus there this time? Well, I think they tried to hide Him again behind yet another sermon about being a father.(Is that really supposed to be my number one goal--to be a good father?)(do I have any kids even?) Jesus did make Himself known though, He had to try really hard but He broke through. Thank Him for that-I almost walked out.

Now I am probably being a little too hard and I have been a little lonely this week so I am extra cynical. I think I can see why people DO like megachurches though. It's like McDonalds. You drive up, go in and you order your dose of family friendly sermon, 3.5 songs semi-related to following Jesus(but cool enough to not say His name), then you leave and have no commitment to make. I mean, who would notice you in a crowd of 8000 people. No one to hassel you about helping out at a dinner, or to work at VBS, or whatever.

I'm sorry. This is too cynical, but perhaps a little true? Maybe. Jesus can and does work through these churches. I'm not saying He doesn't. I am saying that I don't think my place is there. That's just me.

peace out,
hersch

so...

I spent about half and hour writing this really long and deep post about the ocean and God and life. Then somehow, blogger lost it.

So now you get this. A quote from the funniest character on T.V. since Kramer on Seinfeld: Dwight Schrute from The Office.

Dwight: I'm a deer hunter. I go all the time with my dad. One thing about deer, they have very good vision. One thing about me...I am better at hiding than they are at vision.

I love Dwight so plan on a random quote from him from time to time.

That's all.

peace out,
hersch

procrastination=my desintation....

Is it a bad sign that I am procrastinating on homework on the first day of classes? Yikes.

I mean, I only have to read 200 pages by next Tuesday. No biggie.

In the meantime, I have become enthralled with the work of Howard Shore and James Horner on the scores of Lord of the Rings and Braveheart respectivly. Amazing music.

I like listening to this type of music while I am reading because it doesn't have any of those catchy "lyrics" to distract me. Though sometimes I have caught myself in Minas Tirith or Stirling. Not horrible places to be.

So I said I would update more frequently if I got bored. I should have put bored and/or procrastination.

Anyways.

peace out,
hersch

on the verge...

So seminary starts tomorrow...

So much stuff to think about.
"How will I pay for this?"
"How can anyone know God's will for sure?"
"Does God even have a specific plan?"
"How many stupid questions can I put in this little section?"

Seriously. It is a bit overhwelming to be where I am. I am surrounded by giants. Some of my peers(as if I could call these people peers) have given up everything to follow God here. They have left their families back in Africa or East Asia or whereever else you want to name---all in pursuit of God's will for thier lives.

And yet God has brought me here as well. Wow. I don't know what else I can say besides that at this point.

I am so thankful.

I guess you could call this a resurgence of wHizzle dIzzle? Don't expect it to be updated as much as previously updated. Unless I am bored. Which I doubt. I have 17 books for 3 classes. Does anyone know CPR?

Anyways, thats it for now folks.

peace out,
hersch

hmmm...

I'm not sure what this is...

-hersch