Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Another post about Lost
Something caught my eye on a blog I read alot and thought I would share it with you. The guy I got it from copied it from a blog he reads alot. Which makes me think that these two guys must be pretty cool because they both agree with me that LOST very well may be the best show on TV. Here's why Tim Stevens and Scott McClellan think so...
The story is key—Although the show has occasionally involved explosions, car chases, gunplay, and fist fights, those things are not what Lost is about. Instead, viewers are watching a huge narrative play itself out. The episodes and seasons are mini-narratives that comprise the overarching story of the island and its inhabitants. And that overarching story, so far, has been unlike anything we’ve ever seen on TV.
Nobody’s perfect—As the Losties’ backstories have been revealed, and as we’ve watched them interact on the island for 90 days, one thing is clear: there are no perfect people in the Lost universe. Isn’t that refreshing? In most episodic television, the characters are too good and things work out too well. Any character flaws are only skin deep, which allows them to patched up in a 30-minute episode. Real life just isn’t that way, which is part of why Lost resonates with its viewers.
Anything is possible—Redemption for sinners, polar bears in the jungle, and cancer in remission are just a few of the unlikely realities on Lost island. It’s really cool to watch a show that takes place in a world where conventional wisdom doesn’t always apply. In fact, rational science can’t explain everything that takes place on the show, which leads us into …
The supernatural—A lot of shows on TV dismiss the supernatural entirely (especially those courtroom dramas we love so much). Some other shows embrace the supernatural, but in a laughable way (think Touched By an Angel, Joan of Arcadia, The Ghost Whisperer, etc.). Lost’s acknowledgment of supernatural phenomena is creepy, suspenseful, and brilliant. Plus, it reminds us that for all its boasting, Big Science isn’t an omniscient monopoly.
Layers—Sure, Lost is pretty wide (it has characters and storylines out the wazzoo), but it’s also deep. Every character and event has multiple layers to it. That makes for pretty engaging entertainment, but it also might help us to stop reducing everything and everyone to a soundbyte. As it turns out, soundbytes rarely tell the whole story.
Mystery—When did the human race become so obsessed with overturning every rock and solving every mystery? Sure, it’s good to discover cures for diseases and new species of wildlife, but we need to learn to live with and appreciate the mysteries of life. Why do things happen the way the do? How do things happen the way they do? We don’t know, and nowhere is that more evident than Lost message boards.
Everything and everyone is connected—We tend to believe that people float in and out of our lives without consequence, but in reality, we’re all connected. Did you know that millionaire Hurley owned the box factory Locke worked in? Did you know Locke did some work (I think it was a home inspection) for Sayid’s long-lost love, Nadia? Lost often reminds us that we are all connected, and that the people around us are important in our personal stories and the bigger story we all find ourselves in.
So, what do you think? Am I overrating this silly little program? Did I leave out an important part of Lost’s greatness? Chime in.
The story is key—Although the show has occasionally involved explosions, car chases, gunplay, and fist fights, those things are not what Lost is about. Instead, viewers are watching a huge narrative play itself out. The episodes and seasons are mini-narratives that comprise the overarching story of the island and its inhabitants. And that overarching story, so far, has been unlike anything we’ve ever seen on TV.
Nobody’s perfect—As the Losties’ backstories have been revealed, and as we’ve watched them interact on the island for 90 days, one thing is clear: there are no perfect people in the Lost universe. Isn’t that refreshing? In most episodic television, the characters are too good and things work out too well. Any character flaws are only skin deep, which allows them to patched up in a 30-minute episode. Real life just isn’t that way, which is part of why Lost resonates with its viewers.
Anything is possible—Redemption for sinners, polar bears in the jungle, and cancer in remission are just a few of the unlikely realities on Lost island. It’s really cool to watch a show that takes place in a world where conventional wisdom doesn’t always apply. In fact, rational science can’t explain everything that takes place on the show, which leads us into …
The supernatural—A lot of shows on TV dismiss the supernatural entirely (especially those courtroom dramas we love so much). Some other shows embrace the supernatural, but in a laughable way (think Touched By an Angel, Joan of Arcadia, The Ghost Whisperer, etc.). Lost’s acknowledgment of supernatural phenomena is creepy, suspenseful, and brilliant. Plus, it reminds us that for all its boasting, Big Science isn’t an omniscient monopoly.
Layers—Sure, Lost is pretty wide (it has characters and storylines out the wazzoo), but it’s also deep. Every character and event has multiple layers to it. That makes for pretty engaging entertainment, but it also might help us to stop reducing everything and everyone to a soundbyte. As it turns out, soundbytes rarely tell the whole story.
Mystery—When did the human race become so obsessed with overturning every rock and solving every mystery? Sure, it’s good to discover cures for diseases and new species of wildlife, but we need to learn to live with and appreciate the mysteries of life. Why do things happen the way the do? How do things happen the way they do? We don’t know, and nowhere is that more evident than Lost message boards.
Everything and everyone is connected—We tend to believe that people float in and out of our lives without consequence, but in reality, we’re all connected. Did you know that millionaire Hurley owned the box factory Locke worked in? Did you know Locke did some work (I think it was a home inspection) for Sayid’s long-lost love, Nadia? Lost often reminds us that we are all connected, and that the people around us are important in our personal stories and the bigger story we all find ourselves in.
So, what do you think? Am I overrating this silly little program? Did I leave out an important part of Lost’s greatness? Chime in.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
I forgot
Every Tuesday at 4:00 I meet with two other guys to read and study the Scripture. We've been meeting for quite some time now and have slowly made our way through the pastoral letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. We are now trudging through the account of the early church in the book of Acts. As we read through chapter 8, I was reminded of something that I forgot to bring out in my message this past week.
Some of you may recall the encouragement that was given to be cautious of FAKE healers. For those readers not able to be here in attendance, allow me to recap.
1. Be cautious of those who are constantly casting out demons of ashma, blindness, cnacer, diabetes, and post nasal drip.
2. Be cautious of those who promise healing for every disease.
3. Be cautious of those who make miracles the main ministry.
4. Be cautious of those who use healing as a money maker.
5. Be cautious of those who make light of medical treatment.
It's the fourth caution that I was reminded of during my small group study. Check this!
9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
That's serious business!!! I love that part that when Peter suggest that perhaps Simon should pray and perhaps the Lord will forgive you.
Some of you may recall the encouragement that was given to be cautious of FAKE healers. For those readers not able to be here in attendance, allow me to recap.
1. Be cautious of those who are constantly casting out demons of ashma, blindness, cnacer, diabetes, and post nasal drip.
2. Be cautious of those who promise healing for every disease.
3. Be cautious of those who make miracles the main ministry.
4. Be cautious of those who use healing as a money maker.
5. Be cautious of those who make light of medical treatment.
It's the fourth caution that I was reminded of during my small group study. Check this!
9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
That's serious business!!! I love that part that when Peter suggest that perhaps Simon should pray and perhaps the Lord will forgive you.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Union Dearest Union
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tigers on the Prowl - Babies on the half-tip
I love college hoops. And this year is going to be madness!!! Please post your favorite teams.
Friday, January 18, 2008
5 for 50
This past Sunday I wrapped up the message with a challenge. For those who desire more information I would suggest purchasing a copy of Tom Davis' book The Red Letters. Then prayfully consider adjusting your life around these 5 statements of purpose.
Give 5 minutes a day to pray for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Give 5 hours a week to fast for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Give 5 dollars a month to the Five for 50 Fund and support worthy causes.
Give 5 days a year to travel overseas and help alleviate poverty and suffering.
Give 5 people an opportunity to join you on your journey.
I have also provided serveral links below for futher investigation.
www.5for50.com
Tom Davis' Blog
Clean Water
Compassion International
One
Give 5 minutes a day to pray for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Give 5 hours a week to fast for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Give 5 dollars a month to the Five for 50 Fund and support worthy causes.
Give 5 days a year to travel overseas and help alleviate poverty and suffering.
Give 5 people an opportunity to join you on your journey.
I have also provided serveral links below for futher investigation.
www.5for50.com
Tom Davis' Blog
Clean Water
Compassion International
One
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Who likes Derek Webb?
i repent, i repent of my pursuit of america's dream
i repent, i repent of living like i deserve anything
of my house, my fence, my kids, my wife
in our suburb where we're safe and white
i am wrong and of these things i repent
i repent, i repent of parading my liberty
i repent. i repent of paying for what i get for free
and for the way i believe that i am living right
by trading sins for others that are easier to hide
i am wrong and of these things i repent
i repent judging by a law that even i can't keep
of wearing righteousness like a disguise
to see through the planks in my own eyes
i repent, i repent of trading truth for false unity
i repent, i repent of confusing peace and idolatry
by caring more of what they think than what i know of what we need
by domesticating you until you look just like me
i am wrong and of these things i repent
Derek Webb I Repent Lyrics
i repent, i repent of living like i deserve anything
of my house, my fence, my kids, my wife
in our suburb where we're safe and white
i am wrong and of these things i repent
i repent, i repent of parading my liberty
i repent. i repent of paying for what i get for free
and for the way i believe that i am living right
by trading sins for others that are easier to hide
i am wrong and of these things i repent
i repent judging by a law that even i can't keep
of wearing righteousness like a disguise
to see through the planks in my own eyes
i repent, i repent of trading truth for false unity
i repent, i repent of confusing peace and idolatry
by caring more of what they think than what i know of what we need
by domesticating you until you look just like me
i am wrong and of these things i repent
Derek Webb I Repent Lyrics
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
mac disciple
If you are going to make a computer purchase this Christmas, I pose this question. Why would you buy a PC? The cute apple commericals are spot on. If you don't believe Justin Long then listen to this guy.
It feels great to finally make a competent financial decision on a quailty product. That's twice in two years.
It feels great to finally make a competent financial decision on a quailty product. That's twice in two years.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Stats
Wes Roberts quotes in his book “Support Your Local Pastor” from a survey taken at the CareGivers Forum at Fuller Seminary
90% work more than forty six hours per week, and often more than sixty.
80% believe that pastoral ministry is affecting their family negatively.
33% say that “Being in ministry is clearly a hazard to my family.”
75% have reported a significant crisis due to stress at least once every five years in their ministry.
50% feel unable to meet the needs of the job.
90% feel they were not adequately trained to cope with ministry demands placed upon them.
40% report having a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.
37% have been involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with someone in the church.
70% have a lower self-image after they’ve pastured than when they started.
90% work more than forty six hours per week, and often more than sixty.
80% believe that pastoral ministry is affecting their family negatively.
33% say that “Being in ministry is clearly a hazard to my family.”
75% have reported a significant crisis due to stress at least once every five years in their ministry.
50% feel unable to meet the needs of the job.
90% feel they were not adequately trained to cope with ministry demands placed upon them.
40% report having a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.
37% have been involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with someone in the church.
70% have a lower self-image after they’ve pastured than when they started.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Switchers
We own an iMac now!!! Our PC that Justin and Heather gave us a few years back finally crashed last week. So Melissa and I headed over to North Park Center to the Apple store. Not realizing that the Southlake store is much closer, we fought the Ugh boot wearing crowds in one classy mall. As soon as we walked into the Apple store we knew it was going to be an iChristmas this year. Wall to wall people picking up iphones, and ipods, and anything else i they could get there hands on. All the guys in the store were really helpful and knowledgeable, in spite of everything being so crazy and crowded. After a few demonstrations of what you can do on the new Leopard OS our decision was final. My brother -in-law John and my other brother -in-law Mike are huge Mac disciples, and were overjoyed to hear of our purchase.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Out of Town
Sorry to all my faithful blog readers. I have been out of the country and unable to blog for a few weeks. Where was I? On a boat in the middle of the Caribbean! Absolute paradise!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Hey GrandPa, What's for supper?
Friday night menu
Whole Fried Catfish
greens
jalepeno hushpuppies
mac and cheese
white beans
pickled green tomatoes
Saturday night supper
Fried eggplant (picked out of Pop's garden)
Blackeyed peas
cream corn
cornbread
pickled okra
Monday lunch
Chicken and dressing with giblet gravy
cabbage
buttered squash
cornbread
bannanut bread with cream cheese
Tuesday lunch
Pulled pork BBQ sandwich
cole slaw
baked beans
and yes sweet tea with every meal!!!
Whole Fried Catfish
greens
jalepeno hushpuppies
mac and cheese
white beans
pickled green tomatoes
Saturday night supper
Fried eggplant (picked out of Pop's garden)
Blackeyed peas
cream corn
cornbread
pickled okra
Monday lunch
Chicken and dressing with giblet gravy
cabbage
buttered squash
cornbread
bannanut bread with cream cheese
Tuesday lunch
Pulled pork BBQ sandwich
cole slaw
baked beans
and yes sweet tea with every meal!!!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Out of the Office
I spent most of the day on the road yesterday driving from Fort Worth to Memphis. Staying with the folks for a few days. I love to come up and help them out. I can do a little bit of work and it's greatly appreciated, which is in direct contrast to my regular working enviroment. It seems that I can spend days and hours and months working with little or no appreciation in my current postion, right now. I sound like a little whiny baby!
Today got up early and had a little breakfast. A couple of eggs and the little hammy things that Mom knows I like. Then off to the small engine repair shop to purchase a new belt for the lawn mower and a chainsaw. Yep, life will be good for the next couple of days. Then spent most of the morning cutting down low hanging branches and hauling limbs. At noon we stopped for a ham sandwich and a pickle, ah the simple life. No sushi today. But tommorrow evening we are supposed to meet Bear and Bootsie (life long friends of the family) for all you can eat catfish. I love being home!
Gotta go, I'm about to miss Jeopardy!
Today got up early and had a little breakfast. A couple of eggs and the little hammy things that Mom knows I like. Then off to the small engine repair shop to purchase a new belt for the lawn mower and a chainsaw. Yep, life will be good for the next couple of days. Then spent most of the morning cutting down low hanging branches and hauling limbs. At noon we stopped for a ham sandwich and a pickle, ah the simple life. No sushi today. But tommorrow evening we are supposed to meet Bear and Bootsie (life long friends of the family) for all you can eat catfish. I love being home!
Gotta go, I'm about to miss Jeopardy!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
3:10
Went last night to see 3:10 to Yuma with Brandon. Everything I heard, and everything I read, compared this remake to the new classic Unforgiven, which is one of my favorite westerns of all time-- Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Gene Hackman-- come on people! Others include Open Range, Tombstone, Pale Rider, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Young Guns, and True Grit.This film really does live up to the hype; it featured outstanding performances by Crowe and Bale. Russell Crowe delivers as the likeable but vicious killer Ben Wade and Christian Bale plays Dan Evans, the man we all wish we could be. I really like Ben Foster in this, too; he plays the sadistic outlaw Charlie Price in 3:10 and was in Alpha Dog, Hostage and the season premier of My Name is Earl. He is an up and coming young actor who I think you'll hear more and more about in the next few years.
Two thumbs up for Yuma!!! Let me know what you think.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
4 and 0 Baby!!!
What a great day, watching the Cowboys win again! Even though I was unable to be in the Stadium today, like other more fortunate people. I was able to enjoy the victory with a small group of friends after scoring a touchdown with today's message. Am I right, ladies?
Thanks Clay, for working out the song to kick off the series. I thought it went over well.
Everyone, let me know what you think about the boys and "Take it to the Limit"!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Troy Gramling @ Innovate 07
Troy Gramling, Pastor of Flamingo Roadhttp://www.flamingoroad.org in Fort Lauderdale, spoke this weekend at Innovate 07 a church leadership conference sponsored by Ganger Community Church. I was not able to attend the conference in person, but I was able to catch several sessions due to My Naked Pastor.com. That's right, I said it! My Naked Pastor.com is the brainchild of Troy and his creative team that takes you into the fishbowl 24/7. Full access to Troy's life as a pastor is available for the world to see. This is beyond authenticity. Check it out @ http://www.mynakedpastor.com .
Troy spoke about Innovated Transformation on Friday as the camera that follows his every move was placed on stage for one of the best seats in the house. Oh yeah, he provided his notes for us on his blog http://www.troygramling.com . They went something like this....
Innovation can sometimes feel like being naked in a public place.
-INNOVATION TRANSFORMATION-
EARS –
Traditional Ears listen to everyone.
Innovative Ears LIMIT who they listen to.
People have equal value but NOT equal priority.
If you listen to everyone you won’t hear anyone.
How do I determine who I listen to…
Do they BELIEVE in me?
Do they LOVE me?
Do they have MORE WISDOM than me?
EYES –
Traditional Eyes broaden my focus and narrow my influence
Innovative Eyes narrow my focus while broadening my influence
Protecting the Vision
Producing the Product
Pushing Out the Values
HANDS –
Traditional hands work on today’s task
Innovative hands are executing for tomorrow
Today’s success or failure is the result of yesterday’s execution
FEET –
Traditional Feet make the next step a big step to prove you love God.
Innovative Feet make the next step small because the goal is to love God.
Always thinking: What is the NEXT step?
BRAIN (OR THINKING) –
Traditional thinking – God blesses a method.
Innovative thinking – God blesses a person.
Do you know who YOU are?
No they went something just like that. Great job, Troy! Encouraging, Vulnerable, and Honest. You brought it home with your closing story about Adrian.
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