My friend Paul and I have an ongoing conversation happening regarding the irony of churches professing the reformed tradition, yet forgetting one of the reformers central mottos... Semper Reformada... Always reforming.
He sent me a quote that he read from N.T. Wright yesterday.
"All this, of course, demands as well that the church itself be continually called to account, since we in our turn easily get it wrong and become part of the problem instead of part of the solution. That is why the church must be semper reformanda as it reads the Bible, especially the Gospels. Fortunately, that's what the Gospels are there for, and that's what they are good at, despite generations of so-called critical methods which sometimes seem to have been designed to prevent the Gospels from being themselves. Part of the underlying aim of this essay is to encourage readings of the Bible which, by highlighting the publicness of God and the gospel, set forward those reforms which will enable the church to play its part in holding the powers to account and thus advancing God's restorative justice."
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
ABC News: Christian Reality TV Arrives on Cable
ABC News: Christian Reality TV Arrives on Cable
Posted using ShareThis
What do you think? Is this a good idea? Why?
Posted using ShareThis
What do you think? Is this a good idea? Why?
Monday, December 08, 2008
Jay-Z
Coldplay just came out with a new EP... I may be a bit bias, but I am finding it informative and entertaining. Jay-Z makes an appearance in the remix of the song Lost. For myself, a person about to graduate from grad school and for all beginning to embark upon a career, Jay-Z provides some prophetic words. (Or not?)
Aha, I gotcha, uh...
With the same sword they knight you, they gon' good night you with
Shit, that's only half if they like you
That ain't even the half what they might do
Don't believe me, ask Michael
See Martin, see Malcolm
See Biggie, see Pac, see success and its outcome
See Jesus, see Judas
See Caesar, see Brutus, see success is like suicide
Suicide, it's a suicide
If you succeed, prepare to be crucified
Media meddles, niggaz sue you, you settle
Every step you take, they remind you you're ghetto
So it's tough being Bobby Brown
To be Bobby then, you have to be Bobby now
And the question is, "Is to have had and lost
Better than not having at all?"
Because I'm...
Oh and I, just waiting ‘til the shine wears off
Oh and I, just waiting ‘til the shine wears off
Aha, I gotcha, uh...
With the same sword they knight you, they gon' good night you with
Shit, that's only half if they like you
That ain't even the half what they might do
Don't believe me, ask Michael
See Martin, see Malcolm
See Biggie, see Pac, see success and its outcome
See Jesus, see Judas
See Caesar, see Brutus, see success is like suicide
Suicide, it's a suicide
If you succeed, prepare to be crucified
Media meddles, niggaz sue you, you settle
Every step you take, they remind you you're ghetto
So it's tough being Bobby Brown
To be Bobby then, you have to be Bobby now
And the question is, "Is to have had and lost
Better than not having at all?"
Because I'm...
Oh and I, just waiting ‘til the shine wears off
Oh and I, just waiting ‘til the shine wears off
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
KIVA
I just got an email from Justin Beck regarding a new website that allows people to give loans that help create business in the two thirds world. Check it out if you get a chance.
www.kiva.org
www.kiva.org
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
From Stephanie
This essay was written by a friend and fellow student at Fuller... She works at Starbucks and called the article Starbucks Church.
"I went to a meeting the other day. It was held in the youth rooms of a church in the neighborhood, and it was a wonderful opportunity to gather and reconnect with all the people who serve in similar ways in other parts of town. It was an ecumenical coming together of sorts - full of reunions and the expected awkward encounters.
We may have entered that church basement representing different communities, but we left knowing that we are truly one. The turning point, you see, was the unveiling of our new mission statement.
Our new mission statement is a living document, meant to direct us, inspire us, and remind us of why we do what we do. It lays out before us the vision. It is a vision which starts out as small as a cup of coffee and moves outward as we seek to connect with one another, with our neighborhood, wider community, and ultimately, with our global community. Our new mission statement challenges all of us to make the decision whether we are simply acting out of compliance or out of commitment fueled by passion for our vision. Our job, we are reminded, is not just a to-do list, but a way of life.
The first fruits of our new mission statement were evident in the videos and testimonies of those who had recently taken steps of service to various communities - walking in the direction of our clearly stated vision. They told stories of building houses in the Gulf Coast, medical clinics in Guatemala, shelters with running water in Costa Rica, advocating for workers all around the world, and setting the example for financial generosity in times of crisis. The world truly is looking to us to set the example, now more than ever.
Recently, 10,000 of our leaders gathered to reconnect with this vision. Bono, as a keynote speaker, inspired all of us to greater compassion and love for our neighbor. During the conference we also donated 50,000 hours of service to the local Katrina ravaged community. We discovered that serving together is truly what connects us. We were reminded that this connection is the core of our mission.
As we start the new year, we will begin with a renewed commitment to love our neighbor, both next door and around the world. We will begin the new year with a commitment to act compassionately and intentionally as we seek to take practical steps that will make this world a better place. We will leave this meeting reminded of why we do what we do. Every single day.
As a Master of Divinity student committed to a life of full time ministry, I came out of this district Starbucks meeting feeling both inspired and unsettled. On one level, it seems that Starbucks is living out the calling of the Church, and doing much better at it! As someone deeply committed to social justice, I am excited to be a part of an organization actually taking steps in raising awareness and encouraging widespread community involvement. I will gladly participate in this awareness raising as I call out beverages in “product red” cups and explain our vision to customers. I will enthusiastically join in with neighborhood service projects. I will proudly be a part of this movement.
As someone deeply committed to the Gospel, I am also left with a feeling of unsettledness. A couple weeks ago the question was posed to me by my pastor: is Christ essential to your life, or just helpful? This question has not escaped my mind and now haunts my reflections on this newfound Starbucks mission. As I reflect on the mission of the church to be engaged in social justice, I wonder in what ways the church should look more like Starbucks, and more importantly, how we should look different. If, in fact, Starbucks has perfected the vision of us justice-loving church types, then we should be unsettled by the fact that they have achieved it without ever explicitly implicating the Gospel in the process. So as we pursue justice and further act out what it means to love our neighbor, let’s ask ourselves how Christ is essential in the process, and not just helpful.
It would be a good conversation to have over a fresh brewed cup of product red® Christmas® blend.
Onward!
Our Starbucks Mission:
To inspire and nurture the human spirit— one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.
Here are the principles of how we live that every day:
Our Coffee
It has always been, and will always be, about quality. We’re passionate about ethically sourcing the finest coffee beans, roasting them with great care, and improving the lives of people who grow them. We care deeply about all of this; our work is never done.
Our Partners
We’re called partners, because it’s not just a job, it’s our passion. Together, we embrace diversity to create a place where each of us can be ourselves. We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard.
Our Customers
When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers— even if just for a few moments. Sure, it starts with the promise of a perfectly made beverage, but our work goes far beyond that. It’s really about human connection.
Our Stores
When our customers feel this sense of belonging, our stores become a haven, a break from the worries outside, a place where you can meet with friends. It’s about enjoyment at the speed of life—sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity.
Our Neighborhood
Every store is part of a community, and we take our responsibility to be good neighbors seriously. We want to be invited in wherever we do business. We can be a force for positive action— bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day. Now we see that our responsibility—and our potential for good—is even larger. The world is looking to Starbucks to set the new standard, yet again. We will lead.
Our Shareholders
We know that as we deliver in each of these areas, we enjoy the kind of success that rewards our shareholders. We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks—and everyone it touches—can endure and thrive.
Onward.'
"I went to a meeting the other day. It was held in the youth rooms of a church in the neighborhood, and it was a wonderful opportunity to gather and reconnect with all the people who serve in similar ways in other parts of town. It was an ecumenical coming together of sorts - full of reunions and the expected awkward encounters.
We may have entered that church basement representing different communities, but we left knowing that we are truly one. The turning point, you see, was the unveiling of our new mission statement.
Our new mission statement is a living document, meant to direct us, inspire us, and remind us of why we do what we do. It lays out before us the vision. It is a vision which starts out as small as a cup of coffee and moves outward as we seek to connect with one another, with our neighborhood, wider community, and ultimately, with our global community. Our new mission statement challenges all of us to make the decision whether we are simply acting out of compliance or out of commitment fueled by passion for our vision. Our job, we are reminded, is not just a to-do list, but a way of life.
The first fruits of our new mission statement were evident in the videos and testimonies of those who had recently taken steps of service to various communities - walking in the direction of our clearly stated vision. They told stories of building houses in the Gulf Coast, medical clinics in Guatemala, shelters with running water in Costa Rica, advocating for workers all around the world, and setting the example for financial generosity in times of crisis. The world truly is looking to us to set the example, now more than ever.
Recently, 10,000 of our leaders gathered to reconnect with this vision. Bono, as a keynote speaker, inspired all of us to greater compassion and love for our neighbor. During the conference we also donated 50,000 hours of service to the local Katrina ravaged community. We discovered that serving together is truly what connects us. We were reminded that this connection is the core of our mission.
As we start the new year, we will begin with a renewed commitment to love our neighbor, both next door and around the world. We will begin the new year with a commitment to act compassionately and intentionally as we seek to take practical steps that will make this world a better place. We will leave this meeting reminded of why we do what we do. Every single day.
As a Master of Divinity student committed to a life of full time ministry, I came out of this district Starbucks meeting feeling both inspired and unsettled. On one level, it seems that Starbucks is living out the calling of the Church, and doing much better at it! As someone deeply committed to social justice, I am excited to be a part of an organization actually taking steps in raising awareness and encouraging widespread community involvement. I will gladly participate in this awareness raising as I call out beverages in “product red” cups and explain our vision to customers. I will enthusiastically join in with neighborhood service projects. I will proudly be a part of this movement.
As someone deeply committed to the Gospel, I am also left with a feeling of unsettledness. A couple weeks ago the question was posed to me by my pastor: is Christ essential to your life, or just helpful? This question has not escaped my mind and now haunts my reflections on this newfound Starbucks mission. As I reflect on the mission of the church to be engaged in social justice, I wonder in what ways the church should look more like Starbucks, and more importantly, how we should look different. If, in fact, Starbucks has perfected the vision of us justice-loving church types, then we should be unsettled by the fact that they have achieved it without ever explicitly implicating the Gospel in the process. So as we pursue justice and further act out what it means to love our neighbor, let’s ask ourselves how Christ is essential in the process, and not just helpful.
It would be a good conversation to have over a fresh brewed cup of product red® Christmas® blend.
Onward!
Our Starbucks Mission:
To inspire and nurture the human spirit— one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.
Here are the principles of how we live that every day:
Our Coffee
It has always been, and will always be, about quality. We’re passionate about ethically sourcing the finest coffee beans, roasting them with great care, and improving the lives of people who grow them. We care deeply about all of this; our work is never done.
Our Partners
We’re called partners, because it’s not just a job, it’s our passion. Together, we embrace diversity to create a place where each of us can be ourselves. We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard.
Our Customers
When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers— even if just for a few moments. Sure, it starts with the promise of a perfectly made beverage, but our work goes far beyond that. It’s really about human connection.
Our Stores
When our customers feel this sense of belonging, our stores become a haven, a break from the worries outside, a place where you can meet with friends. It’s about enjoyment at the speed of life—sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity.
Our Neighborhood
Every store is part of a community, and we take our responsibility to be good neighbors seriously. We want to be invited in wherever we do business. We can be a force for positive action— bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day. Now we see that our responsibility—and our potential for good—is even larger. The world is looking to Starbucks to set the new standard, yet again. We will lead.
Our Shareholders
We know that as we deliver in each of these areas, we enjoy the kind of success that rewards our shareholders. We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks—and everyone it touches—can endure and thrive.
Onward.'
Sunday, November 23, 2008
New Images
Here are some images of the latest in our lives in Pasadena.
We went to Pebble Beach to visit Grandma and Neal with our friends the Masts'.
We saw two of our favorite bands Sigur Ros and Glen Hansard.
We went to another game at the Rose Bowl with the MsCormick's.
Mary and Kyle came to visit.
We went to San Diego for a church planting assessment.
Whitney and I spent an extra couple of days playing in San Diego after the assessment.
Graduation is only a couple of weeks away. It is remarkable how fast this time at Fuller has gone. I will keep in touch on this blog as to Whitney and I's next moves.
We went to Pebble Beach to visit Grandma and Neal with our friends the Masts'.
We saw two of our favorite bands Sigur Ros and Glen Hansard.
We went to another game at the Rose Bowl with the MsCormick's.
Mary and Kyle came to visit.
We went to San Diego for a church planting assessment.
Whitney and I spent an extra couple of days playing in San Diego after the assessment.
Graduation is only a couple of weeks away. It is remarkable how fast this time at Fuller has gone. I will keep in touch on this blog as to Whitney and I's next moves.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
African American Baptists
Here is a film that I produced for a class called the Church and Mission. We had two assignments that we had to do for the class within a team setting. The first assignment was to create a wiki, which is still emerging, but you can view at
http://ftsmc500.wetpaint.com/?mail=1134
The other assignment that we had to do was to create a youtube video. Here is the youtube video that we created exploring some of the beginning post-colonial trends in African American Baptists.
http://ftsmc500.wetpaint.com/?mail=1134
The other assignment that we had to do was to create a youtube video. Here is the youtube video that we created exploring some of the beginning post-colonial trends in African American Baptists.
Monday, November 17, 2008
StoryBuilding
So I have been imagining how much fun it would be to create stories with people using the internet as the medium to provide this opportunity for community creative writing. I would love to launch a big fancy website to do this, but I do not know how to launch big and fancy websites. Instead, while bored in class today, I created this website.
http://storybuilder.wetpaint.com/
Check it out (the instructions are on the page) if you are interested in participating in story creation with other people. This is an experiment and we'll see how it turns out.
http://storybuilder.wetpaint.com/
Check it out (the instructions are on the page) if you are interested in participating in story creation with other people. This is an experiment and we'll see how it turns out.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Posture
You are like this hummingbird.
"Supposed" to be flapping wings at a chaotic pace to stay afloat.
However, instead you stand quietly,
full of confidence
in the midst of the chaos of the "wing flapping world" that surrounds.
"Supposed" to be flapping wings at a chaotic pace to stay afloat.
However, instead you stand quietly,
full of confidence
in the midst of the chaos of the "wing flapping world" that surrounds.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Implications of Empire
A friend recently shared a N.T. Wright lecture with me via podcast. I was struck by his reflections, as has been increasingly common in my life with Wright's work. With the current Empire of the West, led by the waning efforts of the American economy, we find importance in the Gospel of John. In John 18:38 we encounter the representative of the Empire of Rome asking Jesus a question. Pilate, the representative, asks, "What is truth?" Do you remember Jesus' response? I certainly did not. And I did not remember because the writer of John does not include Jesus' response. Instead, the writer goes on to tell the story of Jesus' journey to the cross, as if the writer highlights that Truth is not best articulated through words of information, but rather through the atoning actions of the one who ushers in the Kingdom of God. So as the emerging post-modern West continues to struggle over the question of Truth, maybe the actions of Christ over the course of the final three chapters of the book of John, can become part of the conversation.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Canonization Part 2
Along with the previous post regarding canonization goes the following image. I have found this image extremely helpful in placing different books of the Hebrew Bible in their correct place with the canon and history. (Click on the image to enlarge it. You could also save this image as your desktop to memorize it!)
Canonization
The process of the canonization of the Bible has recently been intriguing to me. I have especially found the canonization of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) interesting due to a class that I am currently taking. The following quote compares the canon that Protestant Christians landed upon to the canon within Jusaism. The picture that follows the quote provides a visual representation of the differences. The subject is multi-layered and confusing, but well worth a close look.
“Another arrangement of the biblical books, apparently current in the ancient Jewish community of Alexandria, is preserved in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the [Hebrew] Bible. In this three-part division, the historical books are grouped together (Genesis through Kings with Ruth added after Judges, followed by Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther); the poetic books follow (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs); and the prophetic books (here including Daniel) conclude the canon. This generic grouping fails to keep the Torah in a class by itself and identifies prophecy as the climax of the Bible. These two features may account for the acceptance of this division in the Christian world, since Christianity abrogated Torah law and saw its own gospel as the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecies.”
Baruch J. Schwartz, “Bible,” in R.J. Z. Werblowksy and G. Wigoder (eds.), The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion (New York: Oxford University Press, 1997), p. 121.
“Another arrangement of the biblical books, apparently current in the ancient Jewish community of Alexandria, is preserved in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the [Hebrew] Bible. In this three-part division, the historical books are grouped together (Genesis through Kings with Ruth added after Judges, followed by Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther); the poetic books follow (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs); and the prophetic books (here including Daniel) conclude the canon. This generic grouping fails to keep the Torah in a class by itself and identifies prophecy as the climax of the Bible. These two features may account for the acceptance of this division in the Christian world, since Christianity abrogated Torah law and saw its own gospel as the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecies.”
Baruch J. Schwartz, “Bible,” in R.J. Z. Werblowksy and G. Wigoder (eds.), The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion (New York: Oxford University Press, 1997), p. 121.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Latest Images
Here are some images of the latest in our lives.
We always enjoy our time with Ryan and Jodi down in Seal Beach.
We went to Puerto Vallarta with Justin and Dawn.
We still love Korean BBQ in K-Town at Manna.
Here are images from a part that GPC threw for us to say thanks for our time that we spent with the church. (However, since that time we have committed to staying on to develop Young Adult Ministry for the church. We are very excited!)
We went inside of the Rose Bowl for the first time.
I start classes on Monday. This means that I will be finished with my work here at Fuller in a mere 10 weeks. Craziness! In many ways it feels as if we just arrived. Whitney and I plan on spending a large portion of time over the next three months working through processes of decision making for what life after Fuller might look like. It will be a unique time in life as we continue in our prayer of "having wisdom in the unfolding of life". We are excited as we continue to learn that education is just the beginning, not the ending! Gitty up...
We always enjoy our time with Ryan and Jodi down in Seal Beach.
We went to Puerto Vallarta with Justin and Dawn.
We still love Korean BBQ in K-Town at Manna.
Here are images from a part that GPC threw for us to say thanks for our time that we spent with the church. (However, since that time we have committed to staying on to develop Young Adult Ministry for the church. We are very excited!)
We went inside of the Rose Bowl for the first time.
I start classes on Monday. This means that I will be finished with my work here at Fuller in a mere 10 weeks. Craziness! In many ways it feels as if we just arrived. Whitney and I plan on spending a large portion of time over the next three months working through processes of decision making for what life after Fuller might look like. It will be a unique time in life as we continue in our prayer of "having wisdom in the unfolding of life". We are excited as we continue to learn that education is just the beginning, not the ending! Gitty up...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Books
I have been fortunate to have had the past five weeks to set apart as a time to read and reflect as I have been on summer vacation. As a result, I would highly recommend all of the following books to all whom might be willing to engage with their thoughts.
The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom
(A buiness book about the importance and power of decentralizing leadership.)
The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch
(A book about reactivating the missional church.)
The Shaping of Things to Come by Alan Hirsch
(A prerequisite for the Forgotten Ways.)
Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell
(An overview of the new exodus perspective.)
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(A look at discipleship in the midst of suffering.)
The Shack by William P. Young
(A creative and fun perspective upon the trinity.)
Reasons to Believe by John Marks
(An atheists perspective upon Evangelical Christianity.)
Reasons to Believe by N.T. Wright and Marcus Borg
(Two contrasting views upon the historical Jesus.)
Emerging Churches by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger
(A report upon some developments throughout the US and the UK regarding the emerging church.)
The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom
(A buiness book about the importance and power of decentralizing leadership.)
The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch
(A book about reactivating the missional church.)
The Shaping of Things to Come by Alan Hirsch
(A prerequisite for the Forgotten Ways.)
Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell
(An overview of the new exodus perspective.)
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(A look at discipleship in the midst of suffering.)
The Shack by William P. Young
(A creative and fun perspective upon the trinity.)
Reasons to Believe by John Marks
(An atheists perspective upon Evangelical Christianity.)
Reasons to Believe by N.T. Wright and Marcus Borg
(Two contrasting views upon the historical Jesus.)
Emerging Churches by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger
(A report upon some developments throughout the US and the UK regarding the emerging church.)
Judges and the Detroit Tigers
The book of Judges is found in the Hebrew Bible and is one of the most disturbing books in the whole of God's story. The Detroit Tigers are a MLB team in the AL Central and had the most disappointing season in its teams history. The book of Judges and the 2008 Detroit Tigers share a similar story. Here are five similarities...
1.)
Judges begins with two separate introductions, both signaling toward the dark that is to come in the following chapters. (Judges 1:1-3:6)
The Tigers began this year 0 and 7, including being swept by both the KC Royals and the Chicago White Sox, signaling the disaster of a season that was upon us.
2.)
The LORD promises that he will raise up judges to save the people from oppression. (Judges 2:18)
Different Tigers throughout the season seemed as if they might save the team from humiliation. (Remember Thames' streak? Granderson's return? Galarraga's consistency?)
3.)
The negative foreshadowing that is presented in Judges 1:1 to 3:6 does not seem as if it will be correct as the first few judges that come into leadership are "not that bad", and even appear to be heroic from time to time. (Othniel, Deborah, Barak, Midian)
The 0 and 7 start was forgotten as the Tigers clawed their way to a 52 and 49 record, and even appeared to be in the hunt as they welcomed the White Sox into Comerica Park on Friday, July 25th for a weekend series with the division leaders.
4.)
When the judges died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, however, their practices were even more evil and stubborn than before. (Judges 2:19)
When Thames' streak ended, Ganderson's return soon went south, and Galarraga's arm grew tired, the Tiger's record dipped lower and lower than ever expected
5.)
The intentional foreshadowing in the beginning chapters of Judges turns out to be true as the people of Israel end up killing and raping their own.
The foreshadowing of the 0 and 7 start ends up to be true as the Tigers and their $137,290,196 payroll are officially in LAST PLACE, being overtaking by none other than the... KC Royals.
Just as I am thankful for stories after Judges, namely the birth of Samuel and the progression of the story of God's people toward David, and then of course to David's second son, Jesus, I too am thankful for the hope that 2009 might bring for motown baseball. While despair is near for Tiger fans right now, maybe we can take heart in the post-Judges world of the Biblical narrative!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Greg Laswell: How The Day Sounds
Oh who would have ever known this?
Could be this easy
I was a long, long way off
Then just like that it was over
Everything I knew of love
I was a long, long way off
And I think I like how the day sounds
Like how the day sounds through this new song
Thank you for opening the window
The sky is clear as my mind is now
I was a long, long way off
Join me in welcoming the sun in
It's much brighter than the night I hid in
I was a long, long way off
And I think I like how the day sounds
Like how the day sounds through this new song
And I think I like how the day sounds
Like how the day sounds through this new song
From a long way down.
Yeah, it's well worth the time that its taken to get here now
Yeah, it's well worth the time that its taken to get here now
Ba da dum...
So go ahead and bang a gong
Nothing can drown out the sound and the whisper of my love
And I think I like how the day sounds
Like how the day sounds through this new song
And I think I like how the day sounds
Like how the day sounds through this new song
Through this new song
Through this new song
And the blinds have all been drawn
I know where I belong, where I belong,
Where I belong
And the blinds have all been drawn
I know where I belong
Where I belong
And I think I like how the day sounds
Like how the day sounds through this new song
And I think I like how the day sounds
Like how the day sounds through this new song
Oh, won't you sing along
Oh, my love won't you sing along
Oh, won't you sing along
Oh, my love won't you sing along
Oh, won't you sing along
Oh, my love won't you sing along
Oh, won't you sing along
Oh, my love won't you sing along
Friday, June 20, 2008
Two films... Two Extremes.
I have seen a couple films over the past week that were on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. The first film, Whitney and I saw in the theater and frankly, we were reminded why it can be so depressing to spend over eleven dollars a ticket on a film in the box office. We decided to see M. Night Shyamalan's new film, The Happening, on Tuesday night. Even in the midst of a lowly 2 and a half stars on Google, we took the advice from some friends, and belief in M. Night Shyamalan's previous work (The Village, The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs) and walked down to the theater. This was a mistake. Now looking at Rotten Tomatoes (a HORRIBLE 19% rating) and laughing through a movie that was not supposed to be funny, I hope that you will never waste two hours of your life on this film... (Or at least wait until you can put in on your Netflix queue!) The premise of the film was brilliant, but as far as the execution of how it came together, especially in the acting, the movie fell apart. After Shyamalan's Lady in the Water, 2006, and now this debacle, I am beginning to wonder if he was lost his touch???
On the other end of the spectrum, Whitney and I saw Lars and the Real Girl last night. Wow! So original, so thought provoking, so creative... This was, as the New York Times reported, the near perfect film with flawless acting. Seeing these two films side by side reminded me of two things. The first is the importance of acting, and second is the unimportance of the potential within original idea. Shyamalan's idea was brilliantly creative, true to our time, and attention grabbing. (The earth balancing back against humans for all that we have done to the planet through the natural processes of plants.) Lars and the Real Girl was about a man's relationship with a plastic sex doll. (Hardly a wealth of potential!) The potential in original ideas did not compare, however the acting of the cast of Lars and the Real Girl brought the film to life, while the acting of the cast in The Happening killed the original idea from the beginning.
I hope that you spend some time with Lars and the Real Girl. A surprise film and one of the top ten films from 2007.
On the other end of the spectrum, Whitney and I saw Lars and the Real Girl last night. Wow! So original, so thought provoking, so creative... This was, as the New York Times reported, the near perfect film with flawless acting. Seeing these two films side by side reminded me of two things. The first is the importance of acting, and second is the unimportance of the potential within original idea. Shyamalan's idea was brilliantly creative, true to our time, and attention grabbing. (The earth balancing back against humans for all that we have done to the planet through the natural processes of plants.) Lars and the Real Girl was about a man's relationship with a plastic sex doll. (Hardly a wealth of potential!) The potential in original ideas did not compare, however the acting of the cast of Lars and the Real Girl brought the film to life, while the acting of the cast in The Happening killed the original idea from the beginning.
I hope that you spend some time with Lars and the Real Girl. A surprise film and one of the top ten films from 2007.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Whitney's Show
Another big step has occurred for Whitney and her art. Recently Whitney Warnes Photography has become a reality as she has been shooting photography for people. Some of her clients have been Fuller Theological Seminary for their magazines and website, head shots for individuals, and art for local musicians. Another step in Whitney's career includes displaying her art for the public. This has now become a reality as Whitney's art is now being shown at Coffee by the Books, a local coffee shop connected to Fuller's book store. Here are some images of the process in displaying her art... From setting the pictures on the wall to the show, the following is a collage of what is being displayed right now at Coffee by the Books.
Here are some pics setting up for the display.
Some of the pictures came crashing down after everything was all set up. We had to buy more frames and continue to work to get set up for the big night.
Here is the setup before the show began. After a week of anticipating, the display looked perfect just prior to the show. (Thanks to Grandma and Neil for their contribution ot the show in providing the flowers!)
Here is Whitney just prior to the beginning of the show. Everything looked perfect!
Here are some images of people enjoying Whitney's art.
Whitney's art continues to be on display in the local coffee shop. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by to support Whitney in her gifts.
Here are some pics setting up for the display.
Some of the pictures came crashing down after everything was all set up. We had to buy more frames and continue to work to get set up for the big night.
Here is the setup before the show began. After a week of anticipating, the display looked perfect just prior to the show. (Thanks to Grandma and Neil for their contribution ot the show in providing the flowers!)
Here is Whitney just prior to the beginning of the show. Everything looked perfect!
Here are some images of people enjoying Whitney's art.
Whitney's art continues to be on display in the local coffee shop. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by to support Whitney in her gifts.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Surprised?
1 Peter and James both begin with the most peculiar of introductions.
1 Peter
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
James
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
So from the very beginning we learn that part of being of person belonging to God includes becoming a chosen exile... A scattered people. It begins in Genesis 3, does it not? Adam and Eve being exiled from Eden. Abraham is chosen by God to scatter. As is Joseph and a host of others throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. Then we come to Christ. Exiled from the presence of God to take on flesh. Exiled from his home town. Exiled away form God once again on the cross. The tradition of being a chosen stranger runs deep throughout the Bible.
So much for prosperity Gospel. (At least prosperity as some define what it means to be prosperous.)
To finish with words from 1 Peter...
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
James
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
So from the very beginning we learn that part of being of person belonging to God includes becoming a chosen exile... A scattered people. It begins in Genesis 3, does it not? Adam and Eve being exiled from Eden. Abraham is chosen by God to scatter. As is Joseph and a host of others throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. Then we come to Christ. Exiled from the presence of God to take on flesh. Exiled from his home town. Exiled away form God once again on the cross. The tradition of being a chosen stranger runs deep throughout the Bible.
So much for prosperity Gospel. (At least prosperity as some define what it means to be prosperous.)
To finish with words from 1 Peter...
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
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