I saw The Ringer Monday night with my wife and some friends of ours. Strange movie. It was good, but I would not suggest paying theater prices to see it. Wait for it to hit Blockbuster or Netflix.
I say it was strange because you really did not know if it was okay to laugh. The premise is that Stevie, played by Johnny Knoxville, needs some money quick to pay for a surgery his lawn guy needs (this is the very brief version -- it is much more complicated in the movie). So, he pretends that he is mentally challenged and joins the Special Olympics, thinking that he can win. In the process he ends up falling in love with a Special Olympics volunteer. A vast majority of the actors in the movie were mentally or physically challenged in some way. So, when they said something funny or did something funny, there was this awkward silence in the theater while people decided if it was okay to laugh. About halfway through, we all warmed up and could enjoy the movie a little more.
By the way, the movie was made with the blessing of the Special Olympics.
A few weeks ago, I saw The Chronicles of Narnia with some friends (including Reader MD McMullin). All I can say is that it was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. There were a few scenes where the "green screen" was apparent, but overall I thought the effects looked phenomenal. What gets to me is that some people will watch the movie and never pick up on the (what I consider obvious) religious theme of the movie.
More later -- time to go home.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Set your clocks back 1 second
Be sure to set your clocks back 1 second on New Years Eve. "Time marches on, but Earth is falling behind. The solution again this year is to add a "leap second" as 2005 ticks away, so Earth can catch up with the atomic clocks that have defined time since their unerring accuracy trumped the heavens three decades ago.
This will be the first leap second in seven years, and its arrival will be closely watched by physicists and astronomers enmeshed in a prolonged debate over the future of time in a world increasingly dominated by technology."
This will be the first leap second in seven years, and its arrival will be closely watched by physicists and astronomers enmeshed in a prolonged debate over the future of time in a world increasingly dominated by technology."
Good News
Good news -- after the whole reaction to my old bp medicine, the new and improved bp medication has kicked in and I am off my soapbox and in a much better mood. It's funny how up and down blood pressure can affect your mood, but it obviously does. So, look forward to much "nicer" posts in the future.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
The Osteens
Okay, so we established the fact that I have no mercy in this afternoon's post. Since we are sharing, I will tell you something else about me -- I strongly dislike (notice I did not use the 4 letter "h" word) the Osteens. So, I found this article to be highly humorous. The fact that it made the front page of the Houston paper is ridiculous. But the story itself is priceless. Some Christians, especially pastors (but not any of mine), can get this holier than thou attitude which I think is very apparent in the Osteens. If you live in Houston, and have heard the stories, you know what I mean.
Check out the article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3537525.html
Check out the article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3537525.html
Heaven. Where is it and how do we get there?
Well, Barbara Wa-Wa has a special on ABC tonight called "Heaven, Where is it and how do we get there?" I was kinda interested in the program, but should have known better since it was (1) hosted by Barbara and (2) on ABC (only second to CNN in democratic bias). I was reading TV Guide this weekend and saw an article about the program where Babs was quoted as saying, "Obviously, there is more than one way to get to Heaven." That's all I needed to hear. She had her mind made up before a single interview.
**People who think highly of me stop reading now**
**Wow, everyone is still reading**
As some who know me well will attest, I have no mercy whatsoever. I know it is not a good trait to have, and I know I should work on it. I am a lawyer -- what can I say. But I can honestly say I am glad I won't have to spend eternity with Babs. See, I told you it is a bad trait. While I should be praying for her soul, I am thanking God that she is going to hell. I know it makes me a bad person. Maybe Mike should do a lesson on mercy soon.
**People who think highly of me stop reading now**
**Wow, everyone is still reading**
As some who know me well will attest, I have no mercy whatsoever. I know it is not a good trait to have, and I know I should work on it. I am a lawyer -- what can I say. But I can honestly say I am glad I won't have to spend eternity with Babs. See, I told you it is a bad trait. While I should be praying for her soul, I am thanking God that she is going to hell. I know it makes me a bad person. Maybe Mike should do a lesson on mercy soon.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Surprising Survey Results
The following is from the Associated Press. I don't think I really put much trust in these results, especially given the fact that we can't put the Ten Commandments in the courthouse, pray in school, etc. If only all 94% of those that believed in God also believed in the wrath of God, maybe then God would be welcome again in our society.
**********
A new Gallup survey released today finds that four decades after the "God Is Dead" controversy was first noted, Americans retain a strong belief in a higher power. Some 94% think God exists.
Only 5% feel God "does not exist" -- and even most of them "are not sure" of that. Exactly 1% are certain there is no God.
But how strongly do the believers believe? Nearly 8 in 10, in fact, say they are "convinced" God exists, although Gallup does not ask them why that is.
Conservatives are more likely to be convinced than liberals (87% vs. 61%), women a little more likely than men (82% vs. 73%), and residents of the South more than those in the East (88% vs. 70%).
Surprisingly, some 61% of those who seldom or never attend church are nevertheless convinced that God exists.
**********
A new Gallup survey released today finds that four decades after the "God Is Dead" controversy was first noted, Americans retain a strong belief in a higher power. Some 94% think God exists.
Only 5% feel God "does not exist" -- and even most of them "are not sure" of that. Exactly 1% are certain there is no God.
But how strongly do the believers believe? Nearly 8 in 10, in fact, say they are "convinced" God exists, although Gallup does not ask them why that is.
Conservatives are more likely to be convinced than liberals (87% vs. 61%), women a little more likely than men (82% vs. 73%), and residents of the South more than those in the East (88% vs. 70%).
Surprisingly, some 61% of those who seldom or never attend church are nevertheless convinced that God exists.
Monday, December 12, 2005
The Polar Express
My best friend Robert has a blog over on MSN. He is a very talented writer (but don't take my word for it as Reading Rainbow would say) and is about to start seminary up in Boston. I thought I would share one of his recent posts regarding The Polar Express. Enjoy.
*****************************************************************************
What struck me the first time I saw this movie was the strong spiritual undertone throughout the entire film. It was not only amazing, but moving as well. A year later, I was still in awe over this aspect. What a life lesson this movie provides! Whether you celebrate the Christ of Christmas or are simply a “Happy Holiday’er” who enjoys Santa and decking the halls…this is a movie you need to see.
First allow me to say that I hope you finish reading this blog if you haven’t seen the movie yet. I will try not to ruin anything, but I feel what I have to say is more important than you knowing the end of a film.
Quickly, the movie is about a young boy who is struggling with his belief of Santa Claus. To believe or not to believe…that is indeed the question. He has collected worldly evidence that supports that Santa is not real (newspaper clipping of store Santa’s on strike, a picture of Santa with his fake beard being pulled down, a textbook stating that the North Pole is “devoid of life”, etc.). The world he lives in seems to support his idea of Santa not being real.
He lays down on Christmas Eve a shattered and broken child. A few moments later, the Polar Express arrives to pick him up. The Polar Express is a very magical train which is en route to the North Pole, more specifically, to Santa’s workshop. Along the way the boy witnesses many magical and spectacular things and meets numerous people. Yet he still struggles with his belief. He must see Santa in order to believe. Once they arrive to the very large North Pole, he sees Santa’s entire village complete with an express transportation system, millions of elves, a huge toy factory, and even flying reindeer.
Despite all that he sees around him, he can not believe because he has not seen Santa. He can’t even hear the bells ringing on the sleigh. The big man finally comes out of his home and the crowd goes into a frenzy. Our little boy can’t see Santa though. He can’t, that is, until he chooses to believe. It is in this moment that he can hear the bells. And it is in this moment that Santa comes to him.
Maybe you can identify with this child. You want to know God, you want to believe…but you can’t. You want proof. You won’t believe until you see God with your own two eyes. So often, people overlook the evidence of God around them.
“Well mister preachy guy…what about all the bad things? Where is God in all that?” Great question! Allow me to answer: We live in a fallen world of full of sin (I will talk more about this later in the month). It’s a world where people choose to do evil instead of good. Just like we choose to believe or not believe. God gave us free will to choose Him. He truly wants your love…not forced worship.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled lesson: There is so much around us that we should see as evidence of God. I think often people are looking for huge miracles or for a conquering king who will rid us of all things wicked. You know, that’s what happened the first time Jesus came to us. People were looking for some one to over throw the Roman government and set up an everlasting kingdom. They missed the baby who was born who would grow into a man who later died for the sins of the world. They missed it then, and people still miss it today. They miss how He touches the lives of millions, they miss the profound affect He has on the hurt, the lonely and the lost.
They miss it because they don’t see it. We live in a world that demands proof. To borrow a line from the movie “…sometimes seeing is believing. And sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” Looking in the Bible in the book of John (chapter 20, verse 29) Jesus says to Thomas (who doubted who was raised from the dead) “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.’”
Let me ask you, would seeing Him really make you believe? Or, once you saw Him, would you ask “Well how do I know you are really Him?” Believing is not something anyone else can make you do. It comes from within you. You choose to believe.
Maybe you still have questions. There is nothing wrong with having questions…just don’t let your questions keep you from The Answer.
The first true Christmas gift came when God sent his one and only son to earth. Our sins (and yes, we all have sin…whether is be a white lie or storing nuclear arms in you closet) separate us from God. The punishment for sin is death (Hell...thus the separation). In order to fix this problem, God gave us His son. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and then became sin for us. He took the sins of all who ever lived, are living and will live and died because of them. As I said above, we all deserve punishment and separation from God for the things we’ve done. But Christ took that punishment for us. Jesus defeated sin, he defeated death and provided a way to God.
But, you must choose to believe. And this Christmas, I truly hope you would.
”One thing about trains: It doesn’t matter where they are going. What matters is deciding to get on.”
Copyright 2005 In His Image Productions
*****************************************************************************
What struck me the first time I saw this movie was the strong spiritual undertone throughout the entire film. It was not only amazing, but moving as well. A year later, I was still in awe over this aspect. What a life lesson this movie provides! Whether you celebrate the Christ of Christmas or are simply a “Happy Holiday’er” who enjoys Santa and decking the halls…this is a movie you need to see.
First allow me to say that I hope you finish reading this blog if you haven’t seen the movie yet. I will try not to ruin anything, but I feel what I have to say is more important than you knowing the end of a film.
Quickly, the movie is about a young boy who is struggling with his belief of Santa Claus. To believe or not to believe…that is indeed the question. He has collected worldly evidence that supports that Santa is not real (newspaper clipping of store Santa’s on strike, a picture of Santa with his fake beard being pulled down, a textbook stating that the North Pole is “devoid of life”, etc.). The world he lives in seems to support his idea of Santa not being real.
He lays down on Christmas Eve a shattered and broken child. A few moments later, the Polar Express arrives to pick him up. The Polar Express is a very magical train which is en route to the North Pole, more specifically, to Santa’s workshop. Along the way the boy witnesses many magical and spectacular things and meets numerous people. Yet he still struggles with his belief. He must see Santa in order to believe. Once they arrive to the very large North Pole, he sees Santa’s entire village complete with an express transportation system, millions of elves, a huge toy factory, and even flying reindeer.
Despite all that he sees around him, he can not believe because he has not seen Santa. He can’t even hear the bells ringing on the sleigh. The big man finally comes out of his home and the crowd goes into a frenzy. Our little boy can’t see Santa though. He can’t, that is, until he chooses to believe. It is in this moment that he can hear the bells. And it is in this moment that Santa comes to him.
Maybe you can identify with this child. You want to know God, you want to believe…but you can’t. You want proof. You won’t believe until you see God with your own two eyes. So often, people overlook the evidence of God around them.
“Well mister preachy guy…what about all the bad things? Where is God in all that?” Great question! Allow me to answer: We live in a fallen world of full of sin (I will talk more about this later in the month). It’s a world where people choose to do evil instead of good. Just like we choose to believe or not believe. God gave us free will to choose Him. He truly wants your love…not forced worship.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled lesson: There is so much around us that we should see as evidence of God. I think often people are looking for huge miracles or for a conquering king who will rid us of all things wicked. You know, that’s what happened the first time Jesus came to us. People were looking for some one to over throw the Roman government and set up an everlasting kingdom. They missed the baby who was born who would grow into a man who later died for the sins of the world. They missed it then, and people still miss it today. They miss how He touches the lives of millions, they miss the profound affect He has on the hurt, the lonely and the lost.
They miss it because they don’t see it. We live in a world that demands proof. To borrow a line from the movie “…sometimes seeing is believing. And sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” Looking in the Bible in the book of John (chapter 20, verse 29) Jesus says to Thomas (who doubted who was raised from the dead) “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.’”
Let me ask you, would seeing Him really make you believe? Or, once you saw Him, would you ask “Well how do I know you are really Him?” Believing is not something anyone else can make you do. It comes from within you. You choose to believe.
Maybe you still have questions. There is nothing wrong with having questions…just don’t let your questions keep you from The Answer.
The first true Christmas gift came when God sent his one and only son to earth. Our sins (and yes, we all have sin…whether is be a white lie or storing nuclear arms in you closet) separate us from God. The punishment for sin is death (Hell...thus the separation). In order to fix this problem, God gave us His son. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and then became sin for us. He took the sins of all who ever lived, are living and will live and died because of them. As I said above, we all deserve punishment and separation from God for the things we’ve done. But Christ took that punishment for us. Jesus defeated sin, he defeated death and provided a way to God.
But, you must choose to believe. And this Christmas, I truly hope you would.
”One thing about trains: It doesn’t matter where they are going. What matters is deciding to get on.”
Copyright 2005 In His Image Productions
Back in the swing of things
It's been a while, but I am back in the full swing of things. For those who don't know me (or just did not know), I had a severe reaction to some new medicine the doctor put me on and I was out of service for several days. Then I had multiple fires to put out at work, Christmas parties, etc. It's just been crazy and I am ready to start over in 2006. The past month, I have really felt like people have been (1) taking advantage of me and (2) walking all over me. I really have been too nice about it, I think.
Speaking of 2006 (and I was a few sentences ago), I have already decided on my New Year's Resolution. I resolve to get over my need to be liked and just tell it like it is. If someone tells me, just as an example, that I have no work ethic, I will not say, "Yes sir. Thank you sir. May I have another?" I am going to defend myself. Can you tell I am venting???
Anyway, all that to say I am back and tired of being walked on. So, watch out. :)
Speaking of 2006 (and I was a few sentences ago), I have already decided on my New Year's Resolution. I resolve to get over my need to be liked and just tell it like it is. If someone tells me, just as an example, that I have no work ethic, I will not say, "Yes sir. Thank you sir. May I have another?" I am going to defend myself. Can you tell I am venting???
Anyway, all that to say I am back and tired of being walked on. So, watch out. :)
Monday, November 28, 2005
Beyond the Gates of Splendor
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I "Netflicked" a documentary called Beyond the Gates of Splendor. The story is about the 5 missionaries (including Jim Elliot) that were killed by the Wadoni tribe in the jungles of Ecuador in 1956. I highly recommend the movie to anyone interested in the story behind the killings and the eventual redemption of those that killed the missionaries. The movie is presented as a documentary and has a lot of home video footage and photos of the missionaries. This January, a feature length movie will be released (End of the Spear) that presents the same story in a more theatrical re-telling. Anyway, just thought I would share.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Back Home
Well, we are back home from our Thanksgiving trip to the in-laws. It was not as bad as I thought it would be, but it could have been better. I won't dwell on it too much.
There has been something bothering me that I thought I would share. Last Sunday morning I helped in my church's children's department. One of the kids came up to me during prayer time and asked that I pray about something in particular (that I won't share here). Basically he was afraid his mom would go "to the devil" because of something she did.
Now, what she did was not a "sin" and is not something I believe she would go to hell for (though other denominations would probably disagree with me). I think some relative is probably making this kid believe something about his mom that is simply not true -- contorting scripture to make this kid think that his mom is bad and going to hell. I did not really know how to explain to this kid in the short amount of time that I had that his mom did not sin, so I said a simple prayer with him asking God to give him understanding.
So here comes my problem that has been bothering me all week. I know this kids mother. Should I say anything to her about her son's prayer request? I am sure she could help explain things to her son and help ease his fears about it. But, it was a private prayer request shared with me only and I do not want to lose this kid's trust. I don't want him to think that I will go off and tell his parents everytime he wants to pray about something.
Writing all this down has made me realize the solution. I think I will just talk to this kid in church again and try to explain that his mom did not sin. That way I don't lose his trust and my mind will be at ease that he is not sitting at home scared that his mom will go to hell.
Thanks for listening though...
There has been something bothering me that I thought I would share. Last Sunday morning I helped in my church's children's department. One of the kids came up to me during prayer time and asked that I pray about something in particular (that I won't share here). Basically he was afraid his mom would go "to the devil" because of something she did.
Now, what she did was not a "sin" and is not something I believe she would go to hell for (though other denominations would probably disagree with me). I think some relative is probably making this kid believe something about his mom that is simply not true -- contorting scripture to make this kid think that his mom is bad and going to hell. I did not really know how to explain to this kid in the short amount of time that I had that his mom did not sin, so I said a simple prayer with him asking God to give him understanding.
So here comes my problem that has been bothering me all week. I know this kids mother. Should I say anything to her about her son's prayer request? I am sure she could help explain things to her son and help ease his fears about it. But, it was a private prayer request shared with me only and I do not want to lose this kid's trust. I don't want him to think that I will go off and tell his parents everytime he wants to pray about something.
Writing all this down has made me realize the solution. I think I will just talk to this kid in church again and try to explain that his mom did not sin. That way I don't lose his trust and my mind will be at ease that he is not sitting at home scared that his mom will go to hell.
Thanks for listening though...
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. My family is off to College Station, Texas, to visit my wife's family. And, of course to watch Texas A&M get slaughtered by t.u. I am sure I will have a nice trip report when we get back.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Use your will power!
I got a mailing today from, of all places, one of our local hospitals giving out legal advice on wills. Is this really something that our hospitals should be concerned about? I guess so. Regardless, the information was good, so I thought I would plagerize a little and share the 5 "Don'ts" of Will Drafting with some side comments from myself:
1. Don't put it off until later. We are not promised tomorrow as my pastor always says (but when he says it, it actually sounds like God himself is saying it).
2. Don't do it by yourself. If I could only count the number of times someone has come into my office to probate the will of a loved one that was obviously done on Quicken Legal Pro and was obviously done wrong. Saving a few bucks by writing your own will may cost your relatives more bucks down the road. Seek out a qualified attorney and have your estate plans done right.
3. Don't rely on it solely. There are other documents that you may need in addition to a will. A qualified attorney can help you draft trusts, powers of attorney, medical directives, and other beneficiary documents that you may need.
4. Don't put it away and forget about it. Wills can expire. They are not meant to last forever. Children are born. New laws effecting estates are passed. Keep your will current. Its a good idea to change your will every 5 to 10 years.
5. Don't put it where no one can find it. Don't put it in the tupperware container under the bed. Put it in a fire-proof box or a safety deposit box and let the executor know where it is.
1. Don't put it off until later. We are not promised tomorrow as my pastor always says (but when he says it, it actually sounds like God himself is saying it).
2. Don't do it by yourself. If I could only count the number of times someone has come into my office to probate the will of a loved one that was obviously done on Quicken Legal Pro and was obviously done wrong. Saving a few bucks by writing your own will may cost your relatives more bucks down the road. Seek out a qualified attorney and have your estate plans done right.
3. Don't rely on it solely. There are other documents that you may need in addition to a will. A qualified attorney can help you draft trusts, powers of attorney, medical directives, and other beneficiary documents that you may need.
4. Don't put it away and forget about it. Wills can expire. They are not meant to last forever. Children are born. New laws effecting estates are passed. Keep your will current. Its a good idea to change your will every 5 to 10 years.
5. Don't put it where no one can find it. Don't put it in the tupperware container under the bed. Put it in a fire-proof box or a safety deposit box and let the executor know where it is.
Smelly Jurors
Story I found this morning about a smelly juror causing a mistrial in England. The things we attorneys will put up with in the name of justice. Click on the title of this post for the full story.
Monday, November 21, 2005
A Pentecostal through and through?
I found this poll on another friend's blog. Thought it was pretty interesting. Apparently, I am pentacostal/methodist. Not sure how those two merge.
You scored as Charismatic/Pentecostal. You are a charismatic or pentecostal believer. You believe in the primacy of spiritual gifts and the importance of renewal of the body of Christ. You are likely to be suspicious of or even hostile to older non-charismatic churches and revival is high on your list of priorities. You are a firm believer that God's Spirit is as active today as in biblical times and you are likely to devote less time to academic study of the Bible and theology.
What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com |
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