If you did not get a chance to read my first post, on life's great deceptions, I would encourage you to do so. Because, I firmly believe that many of us live under the false notion that we will always have more time. That post in a way, sets up a lot of what I'm hoping to do with this series of posts.
As we dive in, let me be perfectly clear. Life is filled with many truths but also many deceptions. Most of the deceptions that we see in our society are very subtle deceptions, if lies were big, bold, and glaring the truth of the matter would be that no one in their right mind would believe them. So, that's what our journey is all about, we want to look at some big deceptions our society has led us to believe.
This is absolutely huge. Because our society is fueled with the message that you are the lead in the story. The story we are discussing here in this post is the story of your life and how it has unfolded and will continue to unfold in the future. Your life plays out like a story. There is a goal in your story. Your story has antagonists, difficulties, struggles, hardships, comforts, and of course it has joys as well. But, one thing is true for all of us reading this, you are not the main character or protagonist, God is.
I will fully admit I don't know everything, and there are many, many people in the world that are smarter than I am. But, I have seen in my brief time on this earth that people for the most part live their lives one of two ways, they either live life basing their goals, decisions, words, actions, and time on making themselves great and known or they either live life making someone or something else great and known.
So, my challenge to you in looking at this deception is to really and honestly ask yourself, "How do I want to live? Will life be all about me? Or will life be something more?" Because the reality is I've seen that living all for yourself and trying to make your name is an attractive way to live only in the short term, but in the long run it often leads us feeling empty and unsatisfied. Because, the danger about living all for you is that all your thoughts, goals, words, and actions are often geared to satisfying yourself and having yourself fulfilled. This is not me saying that you should avoid all things and areas of life that will leave you satisfied, what I'm saying is that they cannot be the most important thing in your life. There has to be something greater. Working in the church both now and in the past, growing up in the church, and being around a lot of people I've seen many people live all for themselves, and the sad reality is that they never got what they were looking for: lasting satisfaction. They wanted so badly to be the lead in their story, they did everything to make that happened, and for awhile they were, but at the end it left them empty and unsatisfied.
Probably the best Biblical example of someone so desperate to be the lead in their story comes in Matthew 19:16-22. This is the real life account of the rich, young man approaching Jesus and asking Him what must he do to inherit eternal life. All the physical tasks and commands the man had obeyed, but when Jesus asked the man to do something big, sell everything and give it all to the poor, the man went away sad and broken. Jesus essentially asked the man to resign/give-up being the lead in his story, and the man wasn't able to do so.
So, the question remains how to live? This is not necessarily an easy thing to communicate in a blog form, but we'll try. This won't be a 20 minute fix or anything like that, but I guarantee this will be one of the most worthwhile things you do. What we're saying here is that to live all for God, the first step is to change the way you think and what you view is most important in your life. For everyone how this process unfolds will be different, but there will be a few common threads throughout everyone's journey.
1) You won't be able to do it on your own. If you try just all by yourself to live a life that is focused on others, God, social justice, etc. you will fail every time. Because, the truth is you were never meant to live this life alone. Jesus promised in John 14 that a comforter was coming, the disciples were in awe at Pentecost, when they were able to speak every language, because the Holy Spirit is designed to guide, lead, and direct you. Without being connected to the Holy Spirit, your life transformation, shift in thinking, and your life in general will not work in the long run. You may be able to get by for awhile, and you may even make a difference. But, just as a cell phone, Kindle, or laptop you need to be plugged into to your power source to make it for the long haul or the marathon that is this life. Your relationship with God and the power God gives to you is your power source.
2) Difficulty will be present. Jesus promised us at the end of John 16 that in this world we will have trouble, but please don't stop there. Please don't base your entire theology, thinking, or life on the first part, because Jesus concludes the verse by saying that He has overcome the world. Know this that if trouble, heartache, betrayal, and even death didn't leave the Son of God alone, they will not leave you alone. So, what I would tell you is to prepare now for trouble. Prepare by being grateful every single day. Prepare by making sure your loved ones know how you feel about them. Prepare by being so in love with Jesus that no matter what happens your faith won't be shaken.
3) One of the driving forces in living a life that focuses on lifting God up above everything else, is investing in people. One of the common themes in the gospels is that Jesus lifts up people who are down, gives value to people who the world sees as valueless, and His ministry is not primarily focused on making people happy but a major portion of his ministry is focused on making broken people whole. Things can be replaced and often become obsolete. People forget award winners. Offices will one day be reassigned, and I'm not saying these things should be totally abandoned, but rather make sure that you fully know and understand that they cannot be the most important thing in your life. God is doing something incredible in this world, and being a supporting character in God's story is the most satisfying way to live. Invest in people, prepare for trouble, and never disconnect from your power source.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
On Life's Great Deceptions: You'll Have More Time
I will say I am really excited about what this is all about and the future this series has. My goal from the get go is for people to engage in honest discussion, think deep thoughts about their own lives, and above all move closer to God. This series is designed to be a blessing, a source of wisdom, and a legacy that I'll pass down to my lovely daughter and by the will of God all her siblings. Life can be a very rewarding but also a very trying time. I hope these pieces of wisdom, perspective, and guidance will bless everyone who reads them.
Life's Great Deception Number One: You'll have more Time
One of the most transforming times in my life was when I served as a volunteer Hospice chaplain about three years ago. I will often refer to that experience and lessons learned in this series, but I wanted to draw your attention to that time in my life. I won't use any names or a lot of physical descriptions to describe anyone. But, I think this first idea will help put a lot into perspective.
I hope we as Christians and followers of Jesus Christ will be intentional about encouraging all to use effectively one of the best gifts we've ever been given: time. Now, I will say that the best gift of all is salvation, but one of the best gifts you've been given and you can give people is time.
Let me illustrate this with a great example of how our memories work. I am 27 years old. I can look back at my life and tell you about a few items, toys, new things I bought or was given. But, I could sit here and write for hours about great memories I've had during vacations, at Christmas time, playing sports, dating Lara, spending time with my family, slumber parties, and the list can go on and on. We strive all too often to acquire new things, but in reality what will really satisfy us is quality time with the people we love. Time is a gift, so please don't waste it.
Later on I'm going to expound on this thought, but a HUGE lie that society might not necessarily feed you, but a lie that you almost internally feel is that you'll always have more time. Don't believe you'll always more time to make a relationship right, tell loved ones how you'll feel, get right with God, live out your faith, tell a lost loved one about your relationship with Jesus, etc. Now, I will say often times there is more time, I don't want to cast gloom and doom with this post, but I want you to know that you shouldn't always count on the future, because it can be so unpredictable.
As someone with a lot of life ahead of you, my hope and perspective is that you see every day not as a drudge or burden. But, rather my hope is that you see every day as a gift. Christ came as He said John 10:10, "So that we could have life and life to the fullest." Don't wait to start living life, don't go to bed angry with anyone, and make sure you use this incredible gift.
Let me close by saying this, one of the most effective uses of your time is through prayer, scripture reading, worship, fellowship with other Christian, evangelism, and discipleship. I've never met a single person, in my short life that has said, "I've spent too much time in prayer and discipleship." Spending time with God and getting to know God is time well spent:). Let's strive together to live each and every day effectively and powerfully knowing that time is one of the best gifts we've been given and can give. Because we never really know of the time any of us has left.
Life's Great Deception Number One: You'll have more Time
One of the most transforming times in my life was when I served as a volunteer Hospice chaplain about three years ago. I will often refer to that experience and lessons learned in this series, but I wanted to draw your attention to that time in my life. I won't use any names or a lot of physical descriptions to describe anyone. But, I think this first idea will help put a lot into perspective.
I hope we as Christians and followers of Jesus Christ will be intentional about encouraging all to use effectively one of the best gifts we've ever been given: time. Now, I will say that the best gift of all is salvation, but one of the best gifts you've been given and you can give people is time.
Let me illustrate this with a great example of how our memories work. I am 27 years old. I can look back at my life and tell you about a few items, toys, new things I bought or was given. But, I could sit here and write for hours about great memories I've had during vacations, at Christmas time, playing sports, dating Lara, spending time with my family, slumber parties, and the list can go on and on. We strive all too often to acquire new things, but in reality what will really satisfy us is quality time with the people we love. Time is a gift, so please don't waste it.
Later on I'm going to expound on this thought, but a HUGE lie that society might not necessarily feed you, but a lie that you almost internally feel is that you'll always have more time. Don't believe you'll always more time to make a relationship right, tell loved ones how you'll feel, get right with God, live out your faith, tell a lost loved one about your relationship with Jesus, etc. Now, I will say often times there is more time, I don't want to cast gloom and doom with this post, but I want you to know that you shouldn't always count on the future, because it can be so unpredictable.
As someone with a lot of life ahead of you, my hope and perspective is that you see every day not as a drudge or burden. But, rather my hope is that you see every day as a gift. Christ came as He said John 10:10, "So that we could have life and life to the fullest." Don't wait to start living life, don't go to bed angry with anyone, and make sure you use this incredible gift.
Let me close by saying this, one of the most effective uses of your time is through prayer, scripture reading, worship, fellowship with other Christian, evangelism, and discipleship. I've never met a single person, in my short life that has said, "I've spent too much time in prayer and discipleship." Spending time with God and getting to know God is time well spent:). Let's strive together to live each and every day effectively and powerfully knowing that time is one of the best gifts we've been given and can give. Because we never really know of the time any of us has left.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
on the Debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham
This past Tuesday brought together two great minds of our generation in a monumental debate. Ken Ham is the President and CEO of Answers in Genesis and founder of the Creation Museum debated one of the beloved TV personalities of my generation Bill Nye the Science Guy, or as he's referred to now: Bill Nye. The debate was over topic of Creation vs. Evolution. I hope you get the chance to watch or read about the debate online, because if nothing else I can guarantee you this, you will learn something. Let's dive into some of what happened in the debate.
1) It's not really important who won. I've been all over this great important Internet, and I've seen people who say Bill Nye won the debate, Ken Ham had good answers, and that the debate was a draw. The basic consensus I have, is that yes the debate and questions are interesting, but no one's mind was really changed about their basic beliefs. The debate has raged on for centuries about which is the correct theory: evolution or creation and the reality is both sides have moved little in the last 150 years as National Geographic has pointed out. I want to remind myself above all that we worship a God who is greater than a theory, greater than a scientist, and greater than everything we can see and know. God blows my mind, and I hope God blows yours as well. Both Creation and Evolution need to be looked and which side you fall on you need to accept it with faith, but the good news is you know and have a relationship with the God of your faith. Know that no matter what that won't be changed. Christianity won't be silenced over the outcome of the debate, and both issues need to be accepted with faith.
2) I believe in the Creation of the world by God. But, I will say that there are a lot of men and women who are way smarter than I am who support Evolution to explain humanity's origin. I also know men and women who are way smarter than me who support Creation as well. So, both theories do have merit. I believe the debate was done in good taste, and the overall tone of the debate was done in good taste, and I think everyone who tuned in to the debate learned something new. I think in Sunday's sermon Pastor Rick brought out a very interesting point, how are we caring for the world today? Will our good social mindedness, our desire to live out the command God gave to Adam to subdue the earth, and our desire to pass on a great place to live to the next generation will that drive us into making this world a better place? God is chiefly concerned about the world, I believe God said it was good, and the question I have is what are we doing to make it good?
3) Finally, thoughts are nice and simple. I think it is important to have these debates and discussions. Both Creation and Evolution need to be accepted by faith, but both views on the origin of humanity have consequences to your thinking and lifestyle. Finally, I don't think many minds will be changed by debates or discussion, however, it is important to show people who believe and think differently the same respect you desire to be shown. The final thought I have is that the beginning of the story is important, I believe in the Biblical narrative of Creation, but even the writer of Genesis didn't witness the event, or didn't capture it in its entirety. We may never know until we are face to face with Jesus in eternity. However, the climax of the story is HUGE, Jesus has come, our redemption has been paid, and that is the incredible news and truth of the Gospel. Live life changed by the grace of God every day!
1) It's not really important who won. I've been all over this great important Internet, and I've seen people who say Bill Nye won the debate, Ken Ham had good answers, and that the debate was a draw. The basic consensus I have, is that yes the debate and questions are interesting, but no one's mind was really changed about their basic beliefs. The debate has raged on for centuries about which is the correct theory: evolution or creation and the reality is both sides have moved little in the last 150 years as National Geographic has pointed out. I want to remind myself above all that we worship a God who is greater than a theory, greater than a scientist, and greater than everything we can see and know. God blows my mind, and I hope God blows yours as well. Both Creation and Evolution need to be looked and which side you fall on you need to accept it with faith, but the good news is you know and have a relationship with the God of your faith. Know that no matter what that won't be changed. Christianity won't be silenced over the outcome of the debate, and both issues need to be accepted with faith.
2) I believe in the Creation of the world by God. But, I will say that there are a lot of men and women who are way smarter than I am who support Evolution to explain humanity's origin. I also know men and women who are way smarter than me who support Creation as well. So, both theories do have merit. I believe the debate was done in good taste, and the overall tone of the debate was done in good taste, and I think everyone who tuned in to the debate learned something new. I think in Sunday's sermon Pastor Rick brought out a very interesting point, how are we caring for the world today? Will our good social mindedness, our desire to live out the command God gave to Adam to subdue the earth, and our desire to pass on a great place to live to the next generation will that drive us into making this world a better place? God is chiefly concerned about the world, I believe God said it was good, and the question I have is what are we doing to make it good?
3) Finally, thoughts are nice and simple. I think it is important to have these debates and discussions. Both Creation and Evolution need to be accepted by faith, but both views on the origin of humanity have consequences to your thinking and lifestyle. Finally, I don't think many minds will be changed by debates or discussion, however, it is important to show people who believe and think differently the same respect you desire to be shown. The final thought I have is that the beginning of the story is important, I believe in the Biblical narrative of Creation, but even the writer of Genesis didn't witness the event, or didn't capture it in its entirety. We may never know until we are face to face with Jesus in eternity. However, the climax of the story is HUGE, Jesus has come, our redemption has been paid, and that is the incredible news and truth of the Gospel. Live life changed by the grace of God every day!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
on Freedom
I will admit, I've gotten to the point in this blog where I'm not 100% certain what I've covered in the past, and what still needs to be covered. So, if I covered freedom awhile back, please give this fellow a little bit of grace and love. I will say that this issue is really important, and I think freedom is something that we as the body of Christ need to understand and get correct. Here's what I got for a Christian perspective on freedom.
1) The Bible is concerned with freedom. Now, let me say this it is not the Bible's first priority. I would say that freedom is not the Bible's number one concern, but it is a very important concern for Christians. Let me be perfectly clear here, total freedom is never the goal for anyone at any time. Because our world is a sinful place that is in need of desperate redemption. But, the goal however, is freedom to do good, to choose to say no to sin, to run to Christ, etc. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Now, what Christ has done has freed humanity from the worst oppressor of all: sin. So, what Christ accomplished is that sin in your life no longer has the final word, you are free to walk away from sin, to begin caring about things and people other than yourself. You are not call to be free to such an extent that you are out of control or you are living however you want. You are called to be free from sin and the oppressive hold it can have on many people. The freedom we are discussing here is spiritual and to some extent physical freedom.
My advice: embrace the freedom. Let people know the change that has taken place in your life, live differently, speak more kindly, look for ways to give more, and pray for people that you normally wouldn't even consider praying for.
2) Oppression is never the answer, we must work hard for others to experience the freedom we have experienced. Freedom is something that is meant for all people to enjoy. The sad reality is many people don't know or aren't able to experience physical freedom like the rest of us. Let us take heart and commit to being people of change in our society as we desire to give so that others may be lifted up. Let's educate ourselves on the oppression of hunger, slavery, ignorance, and disease. Let's look for groups that support these causes, and let's be in prayer for those groups in their mission. Let's keep our ears and eyes open for ways we can be supportive and encouraging each other. Above let's never lose sight of the reality that we do all of this because Jesus loves us and we want to show His love to others.
1) The Bible is concerned with freedom. Now, let me say this it is not the Bible's first priority. I would say that freedom is not the Bible's number one concern, but it is a very important concern for Christians. Let me be perfectly clear here, total freedom is never the goal for anyone at any time. Because our world is a sinful place that is in need of desperate redemption. But, the goal however, is freedom to do good, to choose to say no to sin, to run to Christ, etc. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Now, what Christ has done has freed humanity from the worst oppressor of all: sin. So, what Christ accomplished is that sin in your life no longer has the final word, you are free to walk away from sin, to begin caring about things and people other than yourself. You are not call to be free to such an extent that you are out of control or you are living however you want. You are called to be free from sin and the oppressive hold it can have on many people. The freedom we are discussing here is spiritual and to some extent physical freedom.
My advice: embrace the freedom. Let people know the change that has taken place in your life, live differently, speak more kindly, look for ways to give more, and pray for people that you normally wouldn't even consider praying for.
2) Oppression is never the answer, we must work hard for others to experience the freedom we have experienced. Freedom is something that is meant for all people to enjoy. The sad reality is many people don't know or aren't able to experience physical freedom like the rest of us. Let us take heart and commit to being people of change in our society as we desire to give so that others may be lifted up. Let's educate ourselves on the oppression of hunger, slavery, ignorance, and disease. Let's look for groups that support these causes, and let's be in prayer for those groups in their mission. Let's keep our ears and eyes open for ways we can be supportive and encouraging each other. Above let's never lose sight of the reality that we do all of this because Jesus loves us and we want to show His love to others.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
On Jobs (The movie about Steve Jobs)
Movie reviews are fun to blog about, I'm not going to lie. So, I usually am pretty amped to go see a movie or rent a movie to blog about. The new movie Jobs I will admit surprised me a great deal. This movie detailed the life and work of the late technology visionary: Steve Jobs. The movie showed the rise and fall of Apple computers under Jobs' leadership. The movie stars Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs and the rest of the cast are filled with people that you're sitting there saying, "I should know there name, I don't!"
The movie at times does feel slow moving, but the story is what grabbed me, and I will say it is a real, gritty look at both Jobs' troubles and triumphs with Apple Computers. The movie begins in the late 70s and we see a free spirited Jobs who is both brilliant but also hard to work with and uncompromising in his ideals and vision. The film does a great job of showing the early stages of Steve Jobs' and Steve Wozniak's vision with Apple and how the company grew from their garage into the billion dollar company it is today. The film is intentional showing just how power and success do indeed affect people in both positive and negative ways. It is very interesting to see the evolution that happens to Steve Jobs the more he dives into creating the Mac computer and the many other products that Apple computers has created.
It was very interesting to see the amount of time, energy, personal triumph, innovation, and also personal heartache that went into creating the computer we know it as today. I really enjoyed the movie, and I think most of us know the end of the story, so I will just go out and say it: the Mac computer gets invented as well as the Ipod :). The movie at its heart doesn't really excite or thrill the viewer, but one thing it does do is inform the viewer and allow you to dive deep in the human psyche and see just what success can do to a human being. I would recommend the movie especially to young kids in high school and college.
In terms of family friendliness the movie doesn't have a lot of questionable material. There are some incidents of strong language and drug use. I would grade it a 3 out of 5 stars in terms of family friendliness. In terms of overall quality of movie I would give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars in terms of family friendliness.
The movie at times does feel slow moving, but the story is what grabbed me, and I will say it is a real, gritty look at both Jobs' troubles and triumphs with Apple Computers. The movie begins in the late 70s and we see a free spirited Jobs who is both brilliant but also hard to work with and uncompromising in his ideals and vision. The film does a great job of showing the early stages of Steve Jobs' and Steve Wozniak's vision with Apple and how the company grew from their garage into the billion dollar company it is today. The film is intentional showing just how power and success do indeed affect people in both positive and negative ways. It is very interesting to see the evolution that happens to Steve Jobs the more he dives into creating the Mac computer and the many other products that Apple computers has created.
It was very interesting to see the amount of time, energy, personal triumph, innovation, and also personal heartache that went into creating the computer we know it as today. I really enjoyed the movie, and I think most of us know the end of the story, so I will just go out and say it: the Mac computer gets invented as well as the Ipod :). The movie at its heart doesn't really excite or thrill the viewer, but one thing it does do is inform the viewer and allow you to dive deep in the human psyche and see just what success can do to a human being. I would recommend the movie especially to young kids in high school and college.
In terms of family friendliness the movie doesn't have a lot of questionable material. There are some incidents of strong language and drug use. I would grade it a 3 out of 5 stars in terms of family friendliness. In terms of overall quality of movie I would give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars in terms of family friendliness.
Friday, January 17, 2014
On Innocence
This is not the easiest post to write, I must say as I begin, because innocence is a somewhat subjective term and certain people look at innocence and see it as a negative thing. It can be very easy to see worldliness and having all sorts of experience as a good thing. Well, I may be way off in the overall direction of this post, but I believe in the cosmic scale of innocence and worldliness we should seek to tip the scale in the direction of innocence. Here are a few reasons why:
1) Too many people lose innocence too early. Jesus states in Matthew 19 that we should let the little children come to Him for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Children are the most innocent people around. Let's face it their belief in the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, and many others proves that children are innocent and vulnerable. In my opinion that's the way it should be. Children in our society lose their innocence way too early. Children shouldn't have to fear to go to school. Children shouldn't have to fear that their parents' marriage may fall apart or that they'll be abused in this world. But, the reality is that too many people lose their innocence when they shouldn't.
So, the question remains though, now what? How can we as the Body of Christ speak into the sad reality is that our world is filled with brokenness and pain? Well, the unfortunate truth is that in our current world sin will continue to infect all areas, but we as Christians can pray for those who are hurting, be faithful in giving to the church and organizations that support the broken and vulnerable, and we can as the Body of Christ be consistent in living out our faith.
2) Innocence doesn't allow you to buy into the false narrative that something/someone is greater than Jesus.
In the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were completely innocent. They had no idea they were naked, of the existence of evil, death, and the list can go on and on. The serpent convinced them there was something greater than their relationship and innocence with God and everything changed.
Unfortunately, there isn't a way for us to go back to a time of total innocence. But, one thing we can do is to submit everything to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our thoughts, actions, words, conversations, time, and checkbook should all reflect who is Lord of our life. I would encourage you to find others who will hold you accountable for your spirituality, post notes all over reminding yourself that you are a valued Child of God, and I would encourage you to be very aware of the violence and depravity that our culture glorifies. This is a tough journey and together we can go journey on it together.
3) Innocence is what we're all heading for anyway, why not and embrace it now?
In the Kingdom of Heaven sin will officially be destroyed for good. Jesus will be everything. Our thoughts will be Jesus. Our words will reflect the glory of God, our actions will be praising and worshiping God. We will not have a thought or desire for anything or anyone else. If this is going to be the way it is for all eternity: why not begin now?
1) Too many people lose innocence too early. Jesus states in Matthew 19 that we should let the little children come to Him for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Children are the most innocent people around. Let's face it their belief in the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, and many others proves that children are innocent and vulnerable. In my opinion that's the way it should be. Children in our society lose their innocence way too early. Children shouldn't have to fear to go to school. Children shouldn't have to fear that their parents' marriage may fall apart or that they'll be abused in this world. But, the reality is that too many people lose their innocence when they shouldn't.
So, the question remains though, now what? How can we as the Body of Christ speak into the sad reality is that our world is filled with brokenness and pain? Well, the unfortunate truth is that in our current world sin will continue to infect all areas, but we as Christians can pray for those who are hurting, be faithful in giving to the church and organizations that support the broken and vulnerable, and we can as the Body of Christ be consistent in living out our faith.
2) Innocence doesn't allow you to buy into the false narrative that something/someone is greater than Jesus.
In the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were completely innocent. They had no idea they were naked, of the existence of evil, death, and the list can go on and on. The serpent convinced them there was something greater than their relationship and innocence with God and everything changed.
Unfortunately, there isn't a way for us to go back to a time of total innocence. But, one thing we can do is to submit everything to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our thoughts, actions, words, conversations, time, and checkbook should all reflect who is Lord of our life. I would encourage you to find others who will hold you accountable for your spirituality, post notes all over reminding yourself that you are a valued Child of God, and I would encourage you to be very aware of the violence and depravity that our culture glorifies. This is a tough journey and together we can go journey on it together.
3) Innocence is what we're all heading for anyway, why not and embrace it now?
In the Kingdom of Heaven sin will officially be destroyed for good. Jesus will be everything. Our thoughts will be Jesus. Our words will reflect the glory of God, our actions will be praising and worshiping God. We will not have a thought or desire for anything or anyone else. If this is going to be the way it is for all eternity: why not begin now?
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
on Anchorman 2 The Legend of Ron Burgundy
As I begin this movie review, I will begin by saying make sure that you have the right expectations going into the movie. If you think that Anchorman 2 will be a movie that has an Academy award winning story, cast, or musical score then I will say your expectations aren't realistic. However, if you go into Anchorman 2 looking for a humorous, unrealistic story and a few laughs than those expectations are a tad more realistic. I saw Anchorman 2 recently, and here's what I thought.
Anchorman 2 continues the story of newscaster, Ron Burgundy. To pick-up where the first movie left-off Ron marries his love: Veronica Corningstone, moves to New York, has a kid, and the two of them receive a job reporting the nightly news. Well, early in the movie the head news anchor, (I forget his name, but he's played by Harrison Ford, let's just say his career is heading in the right direction). Anyway, the head anchor gives Corningstone the job, fires Burgundy, their marriage falls apart, and Ron moves back to San Diego. A lot happens early on, I will say. Anyway, a producer for a new 24 hours news station finds Ron in San Diego and wants to bring him with his news team to host a segment on GNN the new 24 hour news station. The movie takes off when Ron challenges the prime time, anchor Jack Lime (played by James Marsden), to see who can win a ratings battle. Ron and his crew have the 2-5 AM slot, anyway that gets things going in an exciting manner, and I will say similar hijinks to the first movie abound in the sequel. Without spoiling any major pieces, the movie in terms of intellectual stimulation is below average. But, you will get a laugh or two, and you don't need to see the first one to understand the sequel.
In terms of family friendliness the movie is rated PG-13 for a reason. There are incidents of foul language and crude humor. So, be very cautious if you take your children. I give the movie 2 out of 5 stars in terms of family friendliness. Overall quality of the movie I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars, don't expect an amazing story, but expect to chuckle along the way. If you really like Will Ferrell or Anchorman then it's worth a trip to the theater, but if you're not sure then just make this a Redbox movie.
Anchorman 2 continues the story of newscaster, Ron Burgundy. To pick-up where the first movie left-off Ron marries his love: Veronica Corningstone, moves to New York, has a kid, and the two of them receive a job reporting the nightly news. Well, early in the movie the head news anchor, (I forget his name, but he's played by Harrison Ford, let's just say his career is heading in the right direction). Anyway, the head anchor gives Corningstone the job, fires Burgundy, their marriage falls apart, and Ron moves back to San Diego. A lot happens early on, I will say. Anyway, a producer for a new 24 hours news station finds Ron in San Diego and wants to bring him with his news team to host a segment on GNN the new 24 hour news station. The movie takes off when Ron challenges the prime time, anchor Jack Lime (played by James Marsden), to see who can win a ratings battle. Ron and his crew have the 2-5 AM slot, anyway that gets things going in an exciting manner, and I will say similar hijinks to the first movie abound in the sequel. Without spoiling any major pieces, the movie in terms of intellectual stimulation is below average. But, you will get a laugh or two, and you don't need to see the first one to understand the sequel.
In terms of family friendliness the movie is rated PG-13 for a reason. There are incidents of foul language and crude humor. So, be very cautious if you take your children. I give the movie 2 out of 5 stars in terms of family friendliness. Overall quality of the movie I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars, don't expect an amazing story, but expect to chuckle along the way. If you really like Will Ferrell or Anchorman then it's worth a trip to the theater, but if you're not sure then just make this a Redbox movie.
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