I Love My Son!

What is Love? Baby don't hurt me....no more.

I have a fondness for SNL's skit with Will Ferrel and Chris Kattan. Dancing around trying to find someone who will dance with them too. During my freshman year my buddy Eric and I performed our own rendition and took 2nd place in our High School talent show. Sometimes I find my self wandering our church and that song is playing in my head, if you see a little head bob you can be sure of it. But I like that question What is Love? Is it tangible, is it demonstrated, do you feel it, do you know it? Recently I've come to terms that my son does not know how much my wife and I love him. We would literally do anything for this kid. I'm also starting to think anyone in our church's nursery would do anything for him as well as they constantly tell me stories about how fun he is to watch and play with. Even the other girls in the toddler room recently were chasing him around trying to kiss him, he of course is like his father (In Jr. High).

But I've always equated love with this campy teen movie I saw with my mom as a kid. Where a boy who's always been in love with this girl, during a robbery, jumps in front of a bullet to save her life. He ends up dying, but don't worry he comes back from the dead, as a zombie. (Yeah I know weird movie). But is that all love is. I have to be ready for those I love to be shot at and jump in front of a bullet for them. Scripture say's "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 Jn 3:16 So laying it down is the key part. I wonder why God couldn't have allowed Jesus to die an old man perhaps pass away in his sleep but he's tortured, beaten to a bloody pulp. Is this to make me feel bad? A reminder that every time I sin I pierce the skin of Jesus?I believe it's to show us how much God Loves us. That he would go to unfathomable lengths even seek us out to the point of the worse death ever.

This is hard to fathom especially when I'm told to Love. I'll be completely honest I don't always want to love. I'm pretty sure I'm selfish 90% of the day. I am constantly looking for ways to put my self ahead. The times you see me love I can assure you it is not me but Christ who is in me. And for His Amazing Grace I am so thankful. I couldn't do it on my own. As I get older I hope that less of me exists and more of Christ is revealed but sometimes it seems like a long journey that I would need all of eternity to accomplish. A song that has been challenging me since 7th grade is Jars of Clay's World's Apart, a song asking God to take our world apart, this one line gets me everytime,

"and serve the ones that I despise
speak the words I can't deny
watch the world I used to love
fall to dust and thrown away"

For me to know what true love is I have to serve the ones I despise. Am I capable of that I even struggle serving those people who I enjoy hanging out with. When we allow the Holy Spirit to move us this action becomes a reality. Love takes the form of action how we listen, how we sacrifice for people. So Love actually can be tangible. Hopefully when we demonstrate it people can feel and know it. I want to be made perfect in His Love no longer asking how much do people love me rather How much do I love those I despise.

"If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." -1 Jn 4:20-21

The Elephant in the room.

Why is talking about the most important things left unsaid? I have agonized the meaning in scripture that refers to "All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." 1 Cor. 6:18b It appears sexual sin is a greater issue then we give it credit. And of course it naturally becomes the one thing no one really wants to discuss.

I spoke at our College Group at church this past week and found myself wanting them all to know that we can hide our secret struggles, but it still continues to eat away at our relationship with God. Whether male or female, there is a tendency to believe only guys struggle with this temptation but more often than not there are many women who struggling but on an emotional level.

But with all this said there needs to be the grace on the other end. Many never want to open up about their struggles due to the fact they expect to be thrown to the curb by other people. How are we then suppose to act when someone confesses, hopefully with open arms.

I found this article and am hoping it blesses others as we take a hold of our rightful place in God's Kingdom.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2011/winter/breakingpoint.html

"The essence of chastity is not the suppression of lust, but the total orientation of one's life towards a goal. Without such a goal, chastity is bound to become ridiculous. Chastity is the sine qua non of lucidity and concentration."
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer

.....

I can write the saddest poem of all tonight. I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.   On nights like this, I held her in my arms. I kissed her so many times under the infinite sky.   She loved me, sometimes I loved her. How could I not have loved her large, still eyes?   I can write the saddest poem of all tonight. To think I don't have her. To feel that I've lost her.    -Pablo Neruda 

Forgive me for I have sinned...

I believe I've gotten to a place that looks at Christianity religiously. The funny thing is I've often preached against allowing Christianity being a religion rather allow it to be a relationship with Christ. Yet I have even deceived myself in the process allowing my rituals and do's and don'ts to become almost phariseetical. Perhaps originally I was in pursuit of Christ but over time I've sought how I look in the church rather than how Christ looks in my life. This of course is not good.

Recently I've been enamored by a couple books that brought this to my attention the main one being The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. (If you like a good read pick it up he also happens to be one of my favorite preachers). In this book he points out not only the sin of the Son who squandered his inheritance but he points out to who Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and then the Oldest son wouldn't partake in the celebration of his returned brother. Frustrated that he was faithful and received no praise for this. Sadly the story ends on this note where the faithful son doesn't have a chance to make amends. (Book is much more detailed and I generalized much it).

So we have two people here those who return to Christ late in the game and those who are faithful and are expecting more. Why would any of us ask for more than salvation itself? Or refuse anyone forgiveness? Perhaps we're all waiting for that, Jesus pat on the back of Job well done. Ultimately I know I have made actions that will only return an earthly reward, but I want to be a follower in Christ despite who's watching I want to serve him in humility in order others may know his Name. Yet I believe in some way every Christian walk runs into an area of pride in their Christian service, like a look at how "Holy" I am! This must be avoided at all cost. In my case I have to be reminded of the audience in which Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees or in other words the religious, and as a follower in Jesus I must keep watch of the coldness of tradition and seek out the warmness of meeting needs.

Oscars

Haven't written in awhile just been thinking about Oscars and have enjoyed some films this year. Current assumptions for Oscar Nods would be The Fighter, Black Swan, Social Network, and possibly True Grit. Now I would say my desire for Best pic would be a tie between Social Network and The Fighter. Best Actress- Natalie Portman, Best Actor- Tie between Jesse Eisenberg and Jeff Bridges, Supporting Actress- Amy Adams, Supporting Actor- Christian Bale. Now I haven't seen all the movies I would like to see like a King's Speech and 127 Hours but I enjoyed these performances and this would be the route I go. But I don't know if True Grit will get the recognition it deserved because it felt different then your normal Western. What are some of your possible pics for the Oscars?

Eclipse

My wife has attended 2 of the 3 Midnight Showings of Star Wars the least I could do is go see Eclipse with her. Now that sounds like something I could say and get away with the fact that I have actually read all 4 Twilight books, but the truth is my wife asked me to read them I said I would and in between my text books over the past two years I've read all 4 books. I've enjoyed the story. I get that girls are wanting to be sought after it all makes sense to me. But I also know that with all this hype no man will ever match up to the man each girl so desires whether this be Team Edward or Team Jacob.
Now the vampire and werewolf stuff aside there is actually a pretty good love story of choice which is the right person for me and even a lesson on some good old traditional values about abstinence. Yeah finally a movie that encourages Abstinence but don't get me wrong there is a lot of kissing before Edward puts the breaks on his physically inclined lady friend. To be perfectly honest my wife and I had a discussion that consisted of whether or not we would allow our teen to watch Eclipse and the truth is it depends. First on who they are as a person. I can see the fantasizing that young boys have for some model can be a detriment to their future relationships the same way that a girl can fantasize about the emotional connection with a man. Both although different can have a significant effect on how we look at our relationships. Now don't miss out what I'm saying. It was a good movie but I think if I had a teen I would watch this film with them. Then after all the hype I would ask them questions. Like why do you think Edward has values about sex after marriage? Now some parents would shy from this but I see this as a great moment to open some discussion. Most shows on tv are worse any ways.
There also seemed to be a lot of violence now I am usually comfortable with violence but there were more than one decapitations. What ever that's worth to you. Overall I really enjoyed this film. I still enjoyed New Moon a little more due to the directors choices, but it was still very enjoyable. Side Note, My favorite book was Eclipse which I don't know why it wasn't my favorite film but it was still worth seeing it with all the fans. You have to enjoy a movie when the audience is in to it too. They laugh louder and even clap at times that really are fun and exciting. So far my reviews have been given a lot of praises this summer but I am easily pleased 4.5 out of 5.

If I ever approach a movie that may be questionable in its content I go to http://www.pluggedin.com/movies.aspx which does an excellent job at letting me know why it got the rating it received.

Toy Story 3

So I want to preface my review with this, prior to seeing this film I dropped off my son with my mom. As she pulled out a box of toys I use to play with (Ninja Turtles so Terminator figures) she suggested I let my son play with them I was all for this as I could easily see my legacy of action figures have a chance to be enjoyed by my spawn. Now the whole premise of this film is Andy the owner of Woody and Buzz Lightyear to name a few, prepares to go to college. Now the problem the toys feel forgotten. So the film had a strong emotional tug at my heart due to the thought of my son playing with my toys I haven't touched in easily 15 years. So I can honestly say if you have a heart this movie will move you. As more and more cartoons make an attempt to reach adults as well as children they step up their game in allowing the story to have multiple levels whether emotionally or even psychologically. This movie dealt with themes of death, revenge, justice, and abandonment issues. I enjoyed every moment of it.
Now last summer Up was easily my favorite movie of the summer. I don't think Toy Story 3 has that title yet (hoping Predators pans out) I am still intrigued at the quality of films Pixar has put out Incredible's, Wall-E, and the rest to come. I would say Toy Story 3 can wait as a rental but it is a Must See. 4 out of 5.

Knight & Day

When I first saw this trailer I knew immediately I wanted to see this film. The Story is all about a woman's world colliding with a CIA operative. Let the hilarity ensue. I felt this movie had some laugh out loud moments where I could keep laughing if I didn't restrain myself due to wanting others to enjoy the film. It was just fun through and through. I saw an interview that claimed Tom Cruise does most of his stunts which always adds something to me in a film. I even enjoyed Cameron Diaz performance where sometimes she misses the mark, in my book she did fairly good going up with Cruise himself. Chemistry was pretty good between the two when ever it didn't feel like it connected I would justify it by the two characters have really only known each other for a couple of days. All and all a pretty good film that will get you laughing out loud for one moment where Cruise constantly drugs Diaz for her own protection. 4 out of 5, this would have received an extra .5 but there was a little cheesiness.

Karate Kid

If we had any doubts that Jaden Smith was the product of Will Smith all your doubts would be set aside from this film. Jaden does an excellent job in this classic remake. I thought the pacing was a little slow but thought to myself well the pay off will just have to be bigger and it was. Through the well choreographed fighting to the emotional character choices by Jackie Chan it all came together. I easily can say this is Jackie Chan's best acting in any film he's done to date. We know Chan can fight but he also proves his depth to his acting. I believe this heartfelt movie should be seen by the whole family.
Now if you're trying to save some money you can also rent it as I don't think much will be lost to the small screen, as it is so story driven. But it is a must see even if it's only to compare it to the orignal, p.s. it matches up to the original really closely. 4.5 out of 5.

A-Team

This is one of those films that could have gone either way, been really well done or a sad knock off of the original. I completely loved this movie. This movie let me know that Summer of 2010 had finally arrived. The action wasn't to overwhelming they made sure to move the story along and kept you guessing the whole time. I felt like it was a perfect blend of action, story, and comedy.
The only lacking thing was perhaps Quinton Rampage's performance. He turned Mr. T's iconic character "B.A." into a whinny little punk. Although my take could be effected do to his loss from Rashad Evans. Now Rampage's performance wasn't the worse it just seemed to not be as strong as Mr. T's. I will point out an excellent performance by Sharlto Copley as Murdock. Copley is one of those actor's you don't even recognize from one film to the next. He had the leading role in District 9 and in A-Team it was neat to see him as someone completely different, I believed him the whole time. I would easily say 4.5 out of 5. A Must See Summer Blockbuster now you must like Action and plenty of Green Screen!

Killers

Now My wife and I had our first outing in town without the boy child and naturally we went to the movies. This summer seems to have a couple movies that seem a little reminiscent of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. This film and Knight and Day being the two that stand out.
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this film. I loved the chemistry between Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. When it comes to any two people on screen you want there to be this believability between the couple. They have just that. There seems to also be a couple other stand out characters from Tom Selleck and Catherine O'Hara mainly known from Home Alone as Kevin's mom. But I prefer her from her Mockumentary fame with Christopher Guest and the slew of other comedians. Although small characters there are a few that are pretty funny people. Now as much as I liked it I usually save romantic comedies for rentals but this film did have some stuff blow up so I felt compelled to watch it on the big screen. Overall it wouldn't Kill you to wait for this at Red Box. I give it a 3 and 1/2 out of 5.

Graduation...

Well as I sit on the eve of Graduation from Ozark Christian College. I wrestle with so many different emotions Joy for the continuing of full-time ministry sadness to leave an institution that has challenged me in my walk with God every day I walked onto her campus. But overall I am thankful for the people I've met. I've been blessed with so many amazing professors like Mark Scott, Andrew Kirschner, Brian Brubaker (the list should contain every prof. I was in contact with). Then there's the churches I served at Christ Church of Oronogo, Humansville Christian Church, First Christian Church of Lamar and Commerce and even took a chance on a great church in Memphis that challenged me to rely on my wife more. So many people so many blessings. I love the God I serve and hope that I will continue to love and adore who he is and how he used a church from Clovis, Ca to pay for my education. What a blessing and encouragement. Praise the Lord.

Iron Man 2

Well we were able to have a nice date night. Including Red Onion Cafe and followed with a movie with 5 of my favorite people.

Now this is easily one of those movies that you automatically know is going to be a solid film with few issues. Now as a fan of comics (I'm more of a DC guy) I know some of the history of Tony Stark. In this rendition you have to allow Comic Book movies to be movies and Comics be comics. So I've read a few people had issues that Mickey Rourke's character was never called by his comic book name (Whiplash). But I don't know if you need that for this film. Batman Dark Night did an excellent job with Two Face but he wasn't walking around telling people, "My new name is, TWO FACE!" Sometimes these things that work with your comic book audience doesn't work with you film audience. I'm fine with them not calling him by his Whiplash name.

Now when ever I see these new Superhero movies of course we like to identify with these Characters. And since Tony Stark is Marvel's version of Batman (if you ask me) rich and uses wealth to fight crime. You have to find his human element in the whole thing. And the underlying story is Tony Stark having daddy issues. Which overall worked pretty well. If more movies would allow you to connect with these distant characters by human emotion you'll see audiences drawn to well done Superhero movies. I loved this film. I still believe Robert Downey Jr. is one of the best actors out there. Is it because he's had a life of drugs and addictions who knows? The guy is just a solid actor. Earlier this year I wanted to see more of his work and watched Chaplin as he played Charlie Chaplin, the film itself is a little slow at times but when there's a solid actor you will watch them do anything. Robert Downey Jr. is that type of actor. He completely understands the Psyche of Tony Stark.

Now my final review is this, if you're looking for a movie that outshines Iron Man 1 well I don't think it does that but it completely meets the same excitement and freshness of the first one. I thought it was just as good as the first. Which I loved the first one. Originally I expected this movie to be my favorite film of Summer 2010 but I'm thinking there's still some excellent potential with this Summer. (I'll share in another blog about movies I'm expecting to be one's I don't want to miss.) I give Iron Man 2 a Must See in Theaters (if you liked the first one).

Date Night

Now I probably haven't laughed as hard since Pineapple Express and I loved that film. As many film involving any Second City Alums you have the idea that filming the movie itself was probably even funnier than the film. Which in this case is okay as the on screen chemistry helps the humor along. The film seems to be self explanatory as 40 something couple decides to have a long overdue Date Night, then a moment of mistaken identity causes the Night to take a hilarious turn. Surprise cameos from Mark Wahlberg, Ray Liotta, and Common adds a little something to keep those you wouldn't expect in a comedy to help the humor along. When it comes to the comedies involving mistaken identity ala Three Amigos and Tropic Thunder I think this one is just a step under Three Amigos and quite a bit above Tropic Thunder. Go see this movie on a Date Night!

Clash of the Titans

It appears the past few years the goal to make the Blockbuster Movie of the Summer to come out earlier and earlier than the last. When I was a kid movies in July would be the pinnacle of the summer (Independence Day). Now movies like Iron Man hit theaters early May to begin the Summers Blockbuster Hits. I believe Clash of the Titans was making an attempt to kick this year off with a Big Epic Movie of 2010 sadly Medusa turned this one into stone. My wife and went to see it with the highly advertised 3D experience, then the projectors bulb wouldn't work. Causing us to have to wait a few more days to see the film. But we were given a couple extra tickets for a free movie. This of course became the best part of the whole movie, that we were given a free movie ticket. Not a good sign. The whole film consisted of hollow acting and a weak story attempting to get your heroes from point A to point B with little interest. The strongest character in the film had to be Hades, but even with his unique take on this mythical character it was really disappointing. The whole film was advertised everywhere as 3D and I discovered after seeing the film that it wasn't even made with 3D in mind. Not all movies should be in 3D. So if you decide to resurrect this film like the Kraken then watch it in 2D, but I'd rather pass seeing it again.

My boy...

So as of late Malachi has been hilarious to listen to in the morning. He wakes up and laughs and giggles while laying in his crib. I mean there is nothing happening and he is chatting away the whole time. I wonder if he is surrounded by heavenly hosts unbeknownst to anyone else. I would like to think that he is completely aware of God's presence in his life and finds the joy every morning to have his baby talk.

Heb 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Some of my sons firsts...

Profile of the Lukewarm

Francis Chan's 4th chapter in Crazy Love opens the door to a portion of every Christian's walk. A moment when we can still very easily be attending church and doing the Christian duty but at the same time not truly sacrificing anything for Christ. Our love for God should be at a level that causes us to actually want to be more like Him (The Father) and less like us.

How has your lukewarm lifestyle benefited the Kingdom?

How could 2010 benefit from your life being a passionate love offering to God?

Who could be saved because of you finally giving it all to Christ?

Preaching at Northside Christian Church!

http://vimeo.com/8425716

Just copy the above url and you can hear my sermon from this past week.