Piece of the Puzzle

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Out of the Ashes newsletter

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On July 26, 2023

In Miscellaneous

Ok, so I did a thing and started a newsletter on substack called “Out of the Ashes” focusing on faith, life, and occasional rants on whatever’s on my mind. I’m planning to send out a reflection every Wednesday inspired by the previous Sunday’s sermon. Hopefully, there will be other things happening there too. I’ve also initially copied some old blog entries from here over to substack in order to give people a sample of my writing until the regular reflections start going out.

Subscribe using the form below or go to https://kenarthur.substack.com.

I’m not sure what this all means as far as this site goes. I’ll figure that out as I go.

New Years goals

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On January 7, 2023

In Miscellaneous

So, I don’t want to do resolutions but I do have some goals that I’ve made to begin this new year.

I want to write more. I’m currently looking at putting together some poems in a new printed collection. They don’t sell but I decided it’s not about that. I just like being able to pull a book off the shelf and read my poems. It’s kind of about romanticizing books, I guess. I suppose it’s a little of a vanity thing too. So even if I’m just doing it for myself, I’m going to keep putting my poems in self-published collections. At least for now. I’m also posting my poetry at timidpoet.com. Another project will be to explore writing another book on spirituality. I have some fiction ideas as well but I’m not sure when or if I’ll get to those.

I also want to read more. I’m going to track my reading on goodreads.com where I re-set my “shelves” for a fresh start in 2023. I plan to write a short review of each book I finish this year as well. If you want to see what I’m reading visit https://www.goodreads.com/revkenarthur.

A third goal is to dive deeper into spiritual practices. That connects to the book project I’m thinking about. Maybe I’ll blog more about that as I go along.

I’m sure I will also try to keep up with my main hobbies: working on my family tree and playing more golf this summer. One problem is my list of things I want to work on is kind of long. Often that means I skip around or I just don’t do anything because I can’t decide what I want to work on first. But if I can set better priorities and stick to them it could end up being a productive year.

Want to read my poetry?

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On September 6, 2022

In Miscellaneous

If you want to read my poetry, please visit https://timidpoet.com. 

I previously posted some of my early poems on this blog. I’m not going to go back and delete them from here, but any “new” poems will now be posted on the above website. I’ve been dabbling with poetry now for 6+ years. All of the poems from the first 3 years are now posted and I’ll be posting more soon.

Follow me on Instagram

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On May 28, 2019

In Miscellaneous

Ok, started a new account on Instagram and have been playing around on there… check it out if you want: https://www.instagram.com/kennethwarthur/

why blog?

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On August 24, 2016

In Communication, Miscellaneous

I’ve had this blog for quite a while and not done much with it. Today I’m feeling inspired although I don’t guarantee that’s going to last 🙂

Has blogging gone out of style? That’s often when I pick something up 🙂

Why post on a blog that no one may ever read? Seems a little like asking the universe rhetorical questions. I think I’m ok with that.

Nothing, really

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On March 18, 2009

In Miscellaneous

A quick note, but I don’t really have much to say. Today is a long day in Chicago for me. The last day of classes before Spring break. This is also my last semester. Which is both nice and sad. I’d love to go on taking classes, but I also look forward to whatever is the next phase of my life. Just not sure what that is and I’m not sure I’ll know until I’m there. I know the job market is kinda scary. I’ve finished my Master’s thesis, just have the oral exam left. My class this term on Jungian Dream Interpretation is quite fascinating. It may end up being the most useful class I’ve taken in seminary. What else? Baseball season is right around the corner. Looking forward to that. I guess that’s it for now. Lots going on with classes and pondering the future 🙂 I’m also preaching at my church in a week and a half so I have that to get ready for as well. Lots to keep me busy during break.

Changes

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On January 24, 2009

In Miscellaneous

Once again, I haven’t posted in a while. It’s been a busy time since last semester ended. In December I moved so a lot of time was spent packing, moving, and then unpacking. After a quiet holiday, I had a one week intensive class on the book of Judges. I’m currently finishing up a paper for that class. It was also exciting this week to watch the inauguration of our new President, Barack Obama. Despite the economy and the conflicts going on in the world, it is a hopeful time. It is nice to actually be able to watch the news again after eight years of not even being able to stand to watch Bush Jr. speak. My spring (and final) semester begins the first week of February. Class schedule has changed a bit. My classes will be Global Sensitivity in Ministry, Jungian Dream Interpretation, and Leading Worship. I wanted to do some things a little more spiritual this semester. Hopefully those classes will meet that need. I’ll graduate with a MA in Religious Studies in May. Still not sure what you do with that degree, but it has still been a great experience. I wish I could afford to work on a PhD, but I need to enter the job market again… not looking forward to doing that in this economy. Hopefully there will be some opportunities out there somewhere. Either religious or non-profit related or I could get back into computers. Maybe something that mixes all of them? Who knows what the future might hold…

A summer half over

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On July 19, 2008

In Miscellaneous

I can’t believe it is the second half of July already. I’ll soon be back in classes! I’m looking forward to it. I’m already starting to worry about what happens after school, though, because I really have no clue.

I had big plans for this summer. No job, but I was going to “improve myself.” Mixed results so far 🙂

I was going to work through “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron to improve my creativity. I’m still working on it, but I’m not being very dedicated to it. I have, for the most part, kept up with one of the exercises recommended in the book, “morning pages.” Basically, you take time each morning to write out whatever comes to mind, filling 2-3 pages of a notebook each day. You don’t write about anything particular, just write. It’s interesting to see where it leads sometimes.

I was also going to write some poetry. Nothing so far, but I did buy a book of poetry and have enjoyed reading some poems.

I was also going to learn a new programming language to keep up on my computer skills. Not sure I’ll get to this one although it would theoretically be nice to say I’m doing something with computers in case I need to look for a computer job after school is out in the spring.

I have kept up on an exercise program and I’m very happy with that.

I’ve also got some other writing I want to get to. And I’ve finally gotten out and golfed a few times. But, mostly, I’m wondering where the summer has gone…

One of my classes in the spring rekindled an old interest in photography so I spent some money on a new camera. Now I have to learn to use it.

I’ve got a list of things I want to do, actually. I think that’s part of the problem. I get so many things on my list, I don’t know where to start.

Got to see an old friend who was in town last week. I enjoyed that immensely and am looking forward to visiting him and his partner next month when I go on vacation.

I’m also talking with a seminary friend about starting a journal to provide a resource for religious leaders working with the LGBTQ community. I think it might happen so I’ll probably write more on it later. Could be a lot of fun as well as a valuable tool if it takes off.

That’s about it for now. What will the second half of the summer hold?

Semester over

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On May 31, 2008

In Books & Movies, Miscellaneous

School is over until September. I took a one week summer class which I still have to write a paper for (on atonement theories), but other than that, my summer is mine 🙂

I’ve got some projects I’m thinking about, including learning c++. Who knows how things will shape up?

I saw The Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian this week. I’d highly recommend it. I think if you liked the first one, you’ll like this one too.

Not much else to write about. I haven’t really kept the blog updated as much as I thought I would. Hopefully I can do better 🙂

The future

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On April 14, 2008

In Miscellaneous

It’s been a while since I posted. School has been busy. I’ve given up trying to catch up with reading. Just have to fake it.

This week I have to sign up for classes for the fall so I’ve also been trying to decide my future. Or at least try to get myself pointed in the right direction.

MDiv or MA degree? Do I really want to pursue ordination?
Kalamazoo or Chicago? Chicago is a nice place to visit, but…
If MDiv, then the school’s contextual ed program or something else? The school’s program would require moving to Chicago…
If MA, then where exactly am I headed? Is it worth the money if the only reason I have to continue is that I like the academics? Money definitely has to be a consideration…

I like worship planning and preaching (although I think I like writing the sermon more than giving it – but at least by giving it, you know someone has heard you)… but there is so much more to ministry that doesn’t particularly get me excited. The schedule of classes I’d have with the MA degree is much more appealing than what I’d have with the MDiv.

Hmmm… but how can one be sure you’re doing the right thing????

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