Just some stuff I've been thinking about today:
1. I took the family to see the movie "Bedtime Stories." I am not an Adam Sandler fan, I dont think he's all that funny and I hate to hear him make all of his ridiculous voices that neither compliment his humor or add to my enjoyment. I score Sandler right down there with Bette Midler when it comes to personal enjoyment. That being said, I had a great time at this movie and I enjoyed it (with a few exceptions directly pertaining to aforementioned actor). Here's why I enjoyed it:
*My kids loved it and laughed throughout.
*I liked the storyline (though predictable)
*No Profanity/nudity/violence.
*It was a good family day.
*I had a bunch of gift cards so I didn't feel like I was getting assaulted by the theater.
But here's what I really enjoyed the most. This movie engaged the imagination of my kids. Mine as well. And I think that is a quality that is lacking in so much of American life. Nobody has an imagination anymore. Im thinking about that 1978 song "Flowers are Red" by Harry Chapin. You look that one up for yourself. The point I'm trying to make is that we force kids to color inside the lines in acceptable colors...Hey Everybody!!!!! We have enough green grass and red flowers. Wouldn't the world be cool if we gave our kids the super pack of crayons and said "go make the world amazing." I dont know, maybe I'm weird.
2. The second thing on my mind the day after a new president has been inaugurated: What's Changed? President Obama campaigned on the promise of CHANGE, but I woke up in exactly the same world today that I went to bed in yesterday. He doesn't have what it takes to bring real change. No man does. That's why I will continue to put my hope in the only One who can bring true CHANGE...Jesus Christ. I hope you'll do the same.
3. I read a couple of interesting blog posts this week that help me deal with the whole presidential thing mentioned above. Pastor Scott over at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com on Monday and Tuesday of this week posted 2 prayers. One for our outgoing President and one for our incoming new President. Very insightful. You ought to go read them today.
Other than that, Deer Season is over. Waterfowling seasons are quickly coming to an end. Looks like its about time to get back to civilized life. Farewell caveman Jeff until the next hunter/gatherer season opens up.
He Has Made Me Glad!
jeff
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Silent Sermon
I got the following in one of those forwarded emails that we all get. Somehow it managed to get through my filters and I'm glad it did. I was blessed by this and I share it today in the hopes that if you're one "these" people, maybe you'll find your way back to worship this Sunday.
Jeff
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him.It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.
The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.
The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow,once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.'
Jeff
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him.It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.
The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.
The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow,once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.'
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