Da Bears

I admit I've been a little hard on the Chicago Bears lately. It may have been justified, however, as they didn't even win a pre-season game (not that that counts for much). Their first game left a lot to be desired (e.g., whether or not we had any resemblance of an offense). As it turns out, not only can we execute offensive plays for positive yardage, we can win games doing so. I was as surprised as anyone. I ran errands Sunday afternoon only to come home to flip on the TV and see the bears WINNING late in the 3rd quarter against the much talked about (but rarely good) Dallas Cowboys. The Dallas offense was suppose to be lethal. Their defense was talked about us "superbowl caliber." Neither were true. Instead, the Bears put together (finally!) a complete game to win - on the road mind you. They say teams improve the most between game 1 and game 2 in a season. Gauging from the Bears most recent performance that couldn't be more true. We'll see where this new found success leads. After all, the Bears play the Packers at home next Monday evening on Monday night football. You can bet people will be hyped up about the game. I am just hoping the Bears can win with consistency. At the very least, we know they have it in them.

I leave for the great Northwest on Saturday. Packing has begun! It will be no small feat getting ourselves and our gear out there. That's part of the fun, right?

I managed to make great progress on my PhD personal statement this weekend. I've sent it off today for feedback and editing. I am excited about it. It took a few weeks to get it in the form and style (not withstanding the content) I wanted it to be in, but the pieces have come together. I hope to have the statement finalized by October, recommendations gathered in November, and all materials submitted by December 1st. Things aren't due, technically, until after the holidays but I'd rather just sit back, relax, and hope for good news.

Stay tuned for commentary and pictures from the great Northwest!

Peace always.

Hit that Line ... Every Yard for ISU!

I'm sitting in my office this wonderful Friday morning with my window open taking in the crisp autumn air. I love it! I know some are dreading the slide into fall and winter, but I am one who looks forward to this season every year - autumn weather, changing leaves, football season, holidays, new school beginning, and more. It's here; I am enjoying!

Jeb and I saw Avator at the Navy Pier IMAX last weekend. I absolutely loved it. As you might suspect, I was inclined to analyze the movie from a theological perspective after it finished. I was most struck by the incarnational nature of the world espoused in the movie. If we all - truly - felt connected to everyone and everything what an amazing world that would be. More than anything, I was moved by the "creature people's" connection to and intentionality around living a tradition in line with their best selves - and their best hopes for a future united together in shared prosperity. I am sure much is out there (already) with regards to the connections in theology in the movie. If I have time, I may see what's out there this week. If you haven't seen the movie, plan to do that sometime soon.

I didn't have class this week due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday. In true Ryan fashion, I spend this extra time gathering outside resources and reading up on the history and evolution of the Christian Trinity. I know, doesn't that get you going!? I will admit, I find the relationship between the immanent and the economic trinity fascinating. How we came to see the Trinity - both in its internal relationships and what it means practically - is interesting. How does one reconcile Christian monotheism with Christ's divinity? More to come, I'm sure.

I've been busy preparing for Jeb and I's trip to the Northwest, too. We've committed to not staying in hotels on this trip. Rather, I've booked a few rooms at hostels, and Jeb is taking care of booking some camping. We are renting a car and driving from Seattle to San Francisco in a week, stopping along the way to catch the sights and sounds of the great US Northwest. We've determined we'll do Seattle for a day, drive to Olympus National Park, Mt. Rainer, then go ocean side for a couple days, ending up in San Francisco for the final couple days. Our hostel in Seattle is across the street from Pike's place, and her hostel in San Francisco is near the bay, walkable distance to Chinatown, Little Italy, Fisherman's Wharf and more. I'm excited. If you are thinking about traveling to the Northwest and don't mind staying in a hostel I would recommend checking out Green Tortoise - safe, clean, comfortable, and inexpensive.

One small note - Iowa State plays Iowa tomorrow in football. Go Cyclones!

O we will fight, fight, fight for Iowa State,
And may her colors ever fly.
Yes, we will fight with might for Iowa State,
With a will to do or die,
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Loyal sons forever true,
And we will fight the battle through.
And when we hit that line we'll hit it hard
ev'ry yard for I.S.U.

Peace always.