As part of my work, I have the chance to arrange masterclasses between professional artists and college students. A masterclass, in the traditional sense, is when students perform before a professional musician and then receive feedback. These classes can be so impactful that musicians list masterclasses they've participated in their professional bios. A member of... Continue Reading →
Her first name was not really hard to pronounce, but her classmates still stumbled over "Gabriela," which is not a name heard often in this area. Her last name (not revealed here for privacy reasons) was much tougher to say. She laughed and said, "just call me Gabby." It was her first year in college... Continue Reading →
I generally think of myself as a patient person. I'm content waiting a little while for my doctor to call me in from the waiting room. I can wait patiently for some performer I've brought to campus to come down to the hotel lobby. I understand that some reports I want to see might take... Continue Reading →
My first memories of Veteran’s Day are the school assemblies. On Nov. 11 we would gather at 11 a.m. in the gym and watch some military people walk in quietly and then hear comments from a veteran of an old war. I didn’t particularly like the events as I found a gym full of students... Continue Reading →
By David Olgers “Sometimes things don’t go the way that we planned, and that’s okay sometimes.” That’s a phrase that can be hard to accept sometimes, but it’s one that I’ve been trying to tell myself more over the past years. I’ve had a tendency to want to have a plan for everything. Here’s what... Continue Reading →
People, in general, like structure. We build our lives around the structure of the family, the workplace, and even our faith. As a Catholic, I belong to a highly organized religious structure, and most Protestant churches also have clear structures within their denominations or even in individual churches. Typically, we know who is in charge.... Continue Reading →
Last week I wrote about how to deal with the fact that some people do not like us. It is just as important for us to turn this around and look at people we do not like (admit it, you don't like some people). I've had struggles with coworkers on campus that I "didn't like"... Continue Reading →
Given the choice in life, I prefer it when people like me. I like it when people say nice things about me behind my back, say "what a great guy" I am, and generally think I make the world a better place. This seems rather obvious, but it is important to note especially since I'm... Continue Reading →
Over the past year, we heard President Scogin speak often about hope. He loves that our college is named "Hope" and he encouraged us to embrace hope as we worked through the pandemic. And, now, here we are again. It is time for Hope College and it is time for hope. The word "hope" carries... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, our Hope College graduation ceremony had a challenging start to it. First, Hope Reynolds, a graduating senior, told her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer and all she has gone through in the past year. It was a tough story to hear and her journey is not over. But she was certainly inspirational. Then,... Continue Reading →
by James B. Delaney My father, Chief Warrant Officer 4 James Delaney, was a pioneer serving as one of the first African-American helicopter pilots in the United States Army. He served his country for over 30 years, taking our family throughout the United States and Europe. Yes, I am an Army Brat. My dad passed... Continue Reading →
The quality of our presence is the most positive element that we can contribute to the world.Thich Nhat Hanh I was struck by this quote from Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk. The quality of our presence is the most positive element that we can contribute to the world. It is one of those simple... Continue Reading →
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." In 1858, a young politician quoted this phrase from Matthew 12:25 in his acceptance speech of the Republican Party in the race for the U.S. Senate. The famous "house divided" speech made the then relatively unknown Abraham Lincoln a national figure as he spoke out against slavery. "I... Continue Reading →
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!Psalm 150 I’m a “sigher” as my wife would say. When I’m presented with something I don’t like or am unclear about, I stop and let out a sigh. She finds it to be one of my less enduring qualities. And, yet, I’m finding more and more support for what... Continue Reading →
Soon to arrive in my office is a gift my daughter gave me many years ago. Best known as “Newton’s Cradle,” it used to be a popular office item. The version most of us know was created in the late 1960s, but the concept was explored in the late 1600s by physicists. Actually, Newton had... Continue Reading →
I've watched with both pride and concern as my college-aged son has immersed himself in the Black Lives Matter movement, ranging from large, loud protests to riding through downtown Grand Rapids in a skateboard protest. My concerns, given the violence that has rocked some of these protests, is obvious. My pride comes from seeing my... Continue Reading →
By Mike Howes Over the last 5 months, vacations and outings have been few and far between for many of us. Back in June, our family took a trip to Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. We met Kelly’s sister’s family there, as well as her parents. We felt pretty safe making the trip, as... Continue Reading →
For this week's rumination I'm stealing from a nun! Okay, not really. I'm sure Dante has a special circle in hell for people who steal from nuns. However, I'm providing the article below that was published online by my favorite nun (and, yes, I have a favorite nun). Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble has appeared on... Continue Reading →
When John Furniss was 16 years old he tried to commit suicide. He survived. His sight did not. Clearly a troubled young man he later turned to meth as a way to cope, becoming addicted in the process. After run-ins with the law, he turned to his parents for help. With their support, he became... Continue Reading →
Sometimes the familiar is suddenly unfamiliar. Take Jesus's parable of the sower -- we all know it. The farmer throws some seed out and some fall on the path and the birds eat it. Some fall on rocky soil, takes root, and grows but the soil is thin and the plants soon die. Other seed... Continue Reading →
Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself? It was too tired. Why do melons have weddings? Because they cantaloupe. We know them, we roll our eyes at them, but secretly, we all love them -- the classic dad jokes. Not sure how they got coined with that term, as they’re told by people outside... Continue Reading →
William Merritt Chase (American, 1849-1916). The Mirror, ca. 1900. Cincinnati Art Museum I recently read an article that challenges us to "not let this opportunity for insight and growth pass by without taking advantage of it. God speaks to us through the events and people in our lives, even (or perhaps especially) through difficult situations... Continue Reading →
“Our works do not ennoble us; but we must ennoble our works.”Meister Eckhart Unfortunately, our best artistic picture of Eckhart is of one dour looking guy! Lately I've been spending some time with Meister Eckhart, a 13th century German priest and mystic. Eckhart was rather controversial, as are most mystics, and he even had to... Continue Reading →
There was a humorous office exchange a few weeks ago when a couple of our millennials (I won't mention Odille and Brenna by name) couldn't find a piece of paper in their house in order to make a sign. Actually, this is a good thing as we move to a paperless society which is not... Continue Reading →
"Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."(Matthew 6:6) The daffodil symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. We live in a world that encourages self-promotion in our work and personal lives (e.g. social media). We are, in fact, encouraged to be our own cheerleaders in our careers so we can continue to move... Continue Reading →
Once upon a time in a nearby kingdom there were people who went out and saw other people. They shook hands, smiled at friends, and sometimes even embraced. They spent time talking with a warm cup of coffee in their hands as they shared memories of the weekend, touched shoulders as they searched for a... Continue Reading →
I'm sure many of you have come across this poem recently penned by Laura Kelly Fanucci. She was up in the middle of the night feeding her 3-week old baby when she turned away from the bad news on her newsfeed and wrote this on her phone. She published it on her Instagram and it... Continue Reading →
By Brenna "Big Red" Digison “Noise, color, body contact” for all. This is the way the New York Times recently described my favorite sport: Roller Derby. What is Roller Derby?Roller derby is played by approximately 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide, most inside the United States. Roller Derby is a game that pits two teams of 15... Continue Reading →
If you want to write a better email you'll find no shortage of ideas online. I think most writers have written on this topic, so why am I adding my voice to the noise? Because emails for big corporations are very different from what we write when we know most of the people we are... Continue Reading →
I used to teach a preparation class for Baptism at my parish and I loved being an early part of this time of celebration. I find the Baptism of a child to be a chance for parents, godparents, and other family members to renew their own Baptismal vows and start their life in Christ anew.... Continue Reading →
One of the lessons I learned in my liberal arts education at Hope College was how to look at a poem or picture or movie from different perspectives. In English class, we would read a poem and take it first at face value and then delve into it deeper from our own points of view.... Continue Reading →
Disclaimer: Is this information taken directly from an official medical article? No. Did I source every claim I made? I did not. On my off time I read health books, scroll through medical journals, and read story after story of various ways people have healed. I’ve studied eastern medicine, western medicine, herbalism, and beyond. I... Continue Reading →
Odille's post from last week is a tough one to follow up, so instead I'm going to try and add to what she wrote. I saw a counselor when I was in my mid-20s for a couple of years who really helped me sort out how I ended up being who I was at that... Continue Reading →
By Odille ParkerWe started the year with a great rumination from Derek about New Year Non-Resolutions, and I’m all about it. Rather than trying to think of a resolution I know I won’t stick to, I like to look back at the previous year and pinpoint two to three things I did that both improved... Continue Reading →
I'm not big on New Year resolutions since I'm not likely to keep them. However, I do make resolutions at other times and usually do well with them. That happens because I have some motivation to change my behavior. I also find it helpful to change a behavior because I have a larger goal, such... Continue Reading →
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." Proverbs 28:13 Okay, we've all made mistakes. Sometimes they are minor and sometimes they have a big impact. But either way, we blew it. The question is, why do we have such a hard time admitting when we... Continue Reading →
Ah, the holiday season. Or...the end of the semester crunch. That present costs how much? "Of course, honey, I would love to spend a week with your parents over my short holiday." And a Christmas shutdown that is not quite a shutdown (a two-day basketball tournament!). And snacks with more calories in a single serving... Continue Reading →
In high school I had the hair and the girl, but no musical talent. When I was in high school I took a career test which asked many questions about me and then told me what career I should follow. It said I should be a musician. Clearly, they didn't ask the simple question of... Continue Reading →
Often, you hear people talk about making their house a home, but what exactly does that mean? Why are we differentiating the two? Turning to our trusty dictionary, “home” is defined in various ways. It can be a noun, adjective, adverb, or verb -- talk about a powerhouse. However, this one spoke to me the... Continue Reading →
You know the feeling. "We have to solve this NOW!" "I need an answer right away." "If we don't change this the world as we know it will end." Urgency is a great trait for getting tasks accomplished and can help our office move along. Our office excels at solving problems quickly and in a... Continue Reading →
Today is Veteran's Day. It was on this day in 1918 that the Allied forces signed an armistice with Germany to end the "war that will end all wars."How we wish they had been right. But, alas, they were not and we have been at war on a regular basis since WWII. Whatever our views... Continue Reading →
When we think of Paul writing to his communities in the New Testament we know he calls for a radical change of heart. But in his letter to the Philippians, he actually changes his language. In Greek, he uses the word "metanoia" (change of mindset) as opposed to "metacardai" (change of heart). In other words, he does... Continue Reading →
First, a PSA:Whew! Last week's dosha revelations have kept us involved and serve as a good reminder that ANYONE can offer up one of these ruminations. Just let me know. Share! Now, back to your regularly scheduled rumination:Last week was, well, a week. A long one. On Wednesday, Heather R. and I sat in a meeting and... Continue Reading →
Bravata Banterings here, subbing in for Emerson. Take two, and on a bit of a time delay). For over a decade I've had Panchakarma on my bucket list. (Pancha huh?) I was juuuust about to remove it from the list forever, when a friend called and said, "I want to do Panchakarma and you're the only other... Continue Reading →
I read a poem this past week which was so clear and simple, I wanted to share it with you. Yes, you have to read a poem but it is an easy one to read!Small Kindnessesby Danusha LamérisI've been thinking about the way, when you walkdown a crowded aisle, people pull in their legsto let you... Continue Reading →
Recently, several of us had to deal with the fact that Zeeland West High School was going to hold a dance in the Haworth that greatly exceeded the fire code. The decision was remarkably simple -- they could not hold the dance at Haworth? Why? Because we made the decision based on our values (e.g.... Continue Reading →
With Derek out this week, you're stuck with a substitute for Monday Rumination. In other words, prep up for some Bravata Bantering! (I apologize in advance that this one is a little lengthy). The upcoming topic for “A Simple Year” is one that I’ve been wanting to share with the office for awhile, so the open Monday slot comes in perfect timing. ... Continue Reading →
Well, I went pretty heavy on you last week. Humility! And believe it or not, I have more I can write on that. But, this is a good time to remember to laugh. As some of you may have caught on, I value a sense of humor. I think the worst insult I can give... Continue Reading →
Monday Ruminations 