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.

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.

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.