I've noticed a theme in movies that actually works in real life. It seems that a lot of movies have a character who thinks they want one thing, only to find something even more meaningful instead. And, even though they lose, we count them as winners.
Take Rocky for example. (Spoiler Alert) He loses in the first movie! But, it's OK, because he has Adrian. Kylie has been watching Enchanted, and the same thing happens (although, you could see it coming from a mile away).
What do we really want? We think about what we want, but I'm not sure it's what we really, really want (cue Spice Girls music). We think we want money, but we really want security. We think we want excitement but we really want something meaningful.
This Sunday, I'm talking a bit about this. How we must lose these things in order to get gain what we really want. The questions is, is it worth the trade-off?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A Recommendation
I sent this out in my weekly update for the church, but I thought I'd repost it here.
"I know you don't like comic book movies, but you have GOT to see The Dark Knight!" "I know you don't like spicy food, but you should taste this chile relleno!" "I know you hate Coldplay, but listen to their new single, it's great." Have you ever recommended something to someone who doesn't natually like it? What compels us to do this?
Occasionally, we'll encounter something so remarkable that it overcomes any skepticism about it. As we grow and develop as a church, I imagine people saying, "I know 'church' isn't for you, but you've got to check out Resonate Community."
In order to do that, we need to know people well enough to understand their hesitancy about church/faith/spirituality. We also need to be remarkable. What makes a church remarkable is remarkable people. People who love and serve one other and their community, expecting nothing in return. People who are growing in their faith (in a way that's relevant and meaningful). People who aren't content to just live their lives, but engage in the lives of those around them as well.
I encourage you to do something remarkable this week. Take the leap, try something new! Make a difference in the lives of others, and you'll find that you've made a difference in your life as well.
"I know you don't like comic book movies, but you have GOT to see The Dark Knight!" "I know you don't like spicy food, but you should taste this chile relleno!" "I know you hate Coldplay, but listen to their new single, it's great." Have you ever recommended something to someone who doesn't natually like it? What compels us to do this?
Occasionally, we'll encounter something so remarkable that it overcomes any skepticism about it. As we grow and develop as a church, I imagine people saying, "I know 'church' isn't for you, but you've got to check out Resonate Community."
In order to do that, we need to know people well enough to understand their hesitancy about church/faith/spirituality. We also need to be remarkable. What makes a church remarkable is remarkable people. People who love and serve one other and their community, expecting nothing in return. People who are growing in their faith (in a way that's relevant and meaningful). People who aren't content to just live their lives, but engage in the lives of those around them as well.
I encourage you to do something remarkable this week. Take the leap, try something new! Make a difference in the lives of others, and you'll find that you've made a difference in your life as well.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Critic
Kylie and I watched "Ratatouille" the other night, and I was struck by the conclusion of the hard-nosed critic that has a change of heart:
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talents, new creations. The new needs friends."
Sometimes it feels like we have our fair share of critics in this life. Maybe it's ourselves. I'd rather be a creator than a critic.
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talents, new creations. The new needs friends."
Sometimes it feels like we have our fair share of critics in this life. Maybe it's ourselves. I'd rather be a creator than a critic.
Simple Wonder
Kylie loves IHOP. After a busy Saturday, we decided to spend Sunday morning at IHOP and then do a little shopping. She thought it was the best thing ever.
She had two cups of coffee (mostly milk, but still special enough). And the concept of flavored syrup was a new one for her.
Anyway, it's cool to see the simple wonder that she has.
She had two cups of coffee (mostly milk, but still special enough). And the concept of flavored syrup was a new one for her.
Anyway, it's cool to see the simple wonder that she has.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Who We Live For
I talked today about how Jacob wrestled God. Understanding the story in the context of Jacob reconciling with Esau, it become very powerful. It is here that Jacob ceases his selfish pursuit, and finally recognizes why he was striving so much in the first place: he needed to hear from God that he's more than his name ("supplanter").
I think Coldplay's new song goes hand in hand with this thought. The way we live when we strive after power and control in our lives only corrupt us. And in the end, we can lose everything.
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sweep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing:
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, pillars of sand
I hear Jerusalem bells a' ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you know there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world
It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in.
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries Wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?
I hear Jerusalem bells a' ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
but that was when I ruled the world
Hear Jerusalem bells a' ringings
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Back From Vacation
We took our first big family vacation this past week, to Crystal Beach near Galveston. We got to swim, ride some SeaDoos, and that's about it. It was great. No internet, spotty phone service, no local TV channels.
I read Stephen King's "The Talisman". Thought it was great, couldn't put it down. We played Rock Band and spades. I cooked ceviche for the first time, turned out pretty good. I also made Bananas Foster with ice cream and sopapillas.
Other than that, not much to share. We are having another gathering tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
I read Stephen King's "The Talisman". Thought it was great, couldn't put it down. We played Rock Band and spades. I cooked ceviche for the first time, turned out pretty good. I also made Bananas Foster with ice cream and sopapillas.
Other than that, not much to share. We are having another gathering tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
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