Monday Brief

Highlight of the week:

Two Starbucks stories, both from yesterday.

1. Having a Starbucks customer ask me about my TWLOHA and One bracelets, then tipping generously because I am a "giving person" and will "probably give it to people who deserve it more than [the customer]." It was a surreal experience, and one that made me feel good about myself for a few minutes, but it also encouraged me to keep promoting these organizations and keeping the discussion open.

2. When a coworker asked about TWLOHA yesterday, I gave her a brief synopsis of what it means, and finished with the words "suicide and depression" right as a customer walked into the store. His face expressed concern and he said something to the effect of "wow, what a morbid Starbucks" and I backtracked and gave him a glimpse of TWLOHA as well. I apologized for the confusion and told him he walked in at just the wrong time, but he smiled and said "thanks for the explanation, and no, I think I walked in at just the RIGHT time." He tipped kindly as well. I love talking about TWLOHA, and the need for this conversation and support. 

Books of the Completed and Started Varieties:

Unfortunately there has been little movement on this front, mostly due to work schedule and the forced Saturday Sabbath in which I did, literally, nothing. I am loving Leithart's Solomon Among the Postmoderns and am working slowly through Webb and Schmemann as I feel inclined, but it has been a slow reading week generally speaking.

Music I’m digging:

Did you know that I only like about 4 "Christmas songs?" Here's the list;

• White Heart - Little Drummer Boy
• Otis Redding - White Christmas
• Mick Jagger & Joss Stone - Lonely Without You (This Christmas)
• Lady GaGa - Christmas Tree

You'll note that two of these are not really "Christmas" songs at all, except that they mention Christmas things in them. Then again, many "Christmas" songs are innuendo pop songs themed around Christmas, so I want to hear zero complaints from the "Christmas music" lovers out there.

Something That Blew My Mind:

The lingering middle finger that many show our city. How is it that people like Newt Gingrich can get away with saying this: "The other side is not going to improve anything. And if we are not careful the other side is going to turn the whole country into Detroit. Then we will all be uneducated, we will all be poor, and we will all live in dangerous places." Regardless of your partisan affiliations, this is not acceptable. A full blog/open letter will be forthcoming.

Ministry Update:

Blessings for our adopted family are pouring in this holiday season, but if you would like to help out, there is still time. We are accepting donations through this weekend and will be purchasing groceries and basic-needs items just before Christmas. It is a real joy to be able to bless a neighbor and community member at any time, but it feels extra special this time of year.

Looking Forward To:

Holiday visits. My brother will be in town this weekend for a concert, followed by a trip from my whole family on Christmas day. It is always a real blessing to see my family and this time will be no exception. Considering that we have not had a full "family Christmas" since at least 2004, it is a big deal for all of us.