Where does this movie title come from? The movie itself reveals it: Many teams and fans, when the 4th quarter of a football game comes, will hold up 4 fingers to be a motivational reminder that they must play their best football as the game is coming to an end. It is about finishing well. In this case, the players and fans are holding up 5 fingers, in honor of a player's brother, who wore #5 when playing football, but had died in a car accident. The 4th quarter was now known as the 5th quarter.
The movie interested me for a few different reasons: It was about football, it received good reviews from sources I trust; and one of the things I appreciate the most: it was based on a true story. What also made the movie interesting, is that it had a strong message about organ donation, which is not something I remember seeing before. It also lent me an opportunity to talk to my newly driving teenage son about reckless driving; and even getting in a car with a reckless driver.
From my perspective, it was well done and well acted. Even though Wake Forest is not a team I have ever paid attention to, I found myself cheering for them, as they fed on the emotion stemming from a tragedy, and had an unlikely, incredible season in 2006. The story featured the real life experience of linebacker Jon Abbate. It is a compelling story.
So, let me recommend, if you like emotional dramas involving families, or if you are a football fan, that you find time to watch: 5th Quarter. It was one of those movies, where I found myself being inspired to evaluate the challenges of my life; and to make the best of the challenges and blessings God has given me. ENJOY!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
I LOST 21 POUNDS AND HAVE A BIGGER BUTT
Do you wonder how that could happen? It doesn't normally, I suppose, but it happened to me.
About a month ago, I heard about a contest being put on by Fit Me Up, a fitness group that is run by members of our church: Paul and Amber Theodore. We are honored to be the host site for many of their classes. They work with children and adults alike, to help them with fitness, but not just the physical. They are desiring to help people completely, in mind and body, as they also live out their relationship with Jesus in front of them. It is the total package. As they say on their website: "It's more than just fitness: it's a way of life." Let me encourage you to look them up:
www.fitmeupfitness.com
So, back to my bigger butt. The night before the 3 week contest began, my wife was really encouraging me to enter. It was a 3 week contest, to see who could lose the highest percentage of body weight in that amount of time. The idea, I think, was to motivate us to eat and exercise well, and then continue that lifestyle. Don't know if this had anything to do with the 21 days, but I hear it takes 21 days to learn a new habit. The timing was pretty good because I had decided I needed to do something, as I was not feeling good and definitely gaining weight.
I wasn't going to do the contest, but Teresa thought I could win and really wanted me to do it. The last thing I wanted was to not join the contest, then find out later that I would have won. So, I did it. Weighed in at 210 pounds, almost 50 pounds more than when I married my sweetheart some years ago. I think she was hoping I might lose some weight as well. Fit Me Up helped me stay with the plan to get things in order. So, with God's help, I disciplined myself for 3 weeks and did the best I could. I didn't really expect to win, but I knew this would help me in an important area. So, in the 3 weeks, I lost 21 pounds. I pray I won't put it all back on in the next 3 weeks!
So, how did I lose 21 pounds but get a bigger butt? Well, I ended up winning the contest. That means I take the prize money, put it in my wallet, and then in my back pocket, gives me a heavier, bigger butt...Got it?
About a month ago, I heard about a contest being put on by Fit Me Up, a fitness group that is run by members of our church: Paul and Amber Theodore. We are honored to be the host site for many of their classes. They work with children and adults alike, to help them with fitness, but not just the physical. They are desiring to help people completely, in mind and body, as they also live out their relationship with Jesus in front of them. It is the total package. As they say on their website: "It's more than just fitness: it's a way of life." Let me encourage you to look them up:
www.fitmeupfitness.com
So, back to my bigger butt. The night before the 3 week contest began, my wife was really encouraging me to enter. It was a 3 week contest, to see who could lose the highest percentage of body weight in that amount of time. The idea, I think, was to motivate us to eat and exercise well, and then continue that lifestyle. Don't know if this had anything to do with the 21 days, but I hear it takes 21 days to learn a new habit. The timing was pretty good because I had decided I needed to do something, as I was not feeling good and definitely gaining weight.
I wasn't going to do the contest, but Teresa thought I could win and really wanted me to do it. The last thing I wanted was to not join the contest, then find out later that I would have won. So, I did it. Weighed in at 210 pounds, almost 50 pounds more than when I married my sweetheart some years ago. I think she was hoping I might lose some weight as well. Fit Me Up helped me stay with the plan to get things in order. So, with God's help, I disciplined myself for 3 weeks and did the best I could. I didn't really expect to win, but I knew this would help me in an important area. So, in the 3 weeks, I lost 21 pounds. I pray I won't put it all back on in the next 3 weeks!
So, how did I lose 21 pounds but get a bigger butt? Well, I ended up winning the contest. That means I take the prize money, put it in my wallet, and then in my back pocket, gives me a heavier, bigger butt...Got it?
Friday, October 14, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
Since I am now married to a mom, I get a closer view of what moms go through. And they go through a lot. Unfortunately, the children for whom they labor and love don't seem to appreciate it very much, or know how to show that appreciation...until they are grown. It is not that children don't, deep down, appreciate mom; but it seems to go against natural tendency for the children to really "get it" until they are older. That has continually reminded me that I probably took all mom did for granted, in my growing up years. For the past several years, however, I have been forever grateful for mom, who she is and all she has done. But, much of my praise has been within my own heart; when what I really need to do is tell her.
So, mom, let me just say that you are incredible. You have given your life to God, to love dad, and to love us, sacrificially. You still do that today, even though we now have our own families. I cannot say enough how special you and all that you mean to me. I am sorry I did not do a good enough job over the years telling you so. At least I don't remember doing so...enough. Your faithfulness and loyalty is unparalleled; and I have never doubted your love for me. You taught me many things growing up; but the most important things you taught me was just by your life: humbly serving those around you.
Have a wonderful birthday mom - you deserve it!
Greg
So, mom, let me just say that you are incredible. You have given your life to God, to love dad, and to love us, sacrificially. You still do that today, even though we now have our own families. I cannot say enough how special you and all that you mean to me. I am sorry I did not do a good enough job over the years telling you so. At least I don't remember doing so...enough. Your faithfulness and loyalty is unparalleled; and I have never doubted your love for me. You taught me many things growing up; but the most important things you taught me was just by your life: humbly serving those around you.
Have a wonderful birthday mom - you deserve it!
Greg
Friday, October 7, 2011
COURAGEOUS
Christian movies scare me a little bit; because many times, they do more harm than good, in my opinion. If it is obviously meant to have a Christian message, it is important that it is well done. It doesn't have to have well known actors or tons of money or incredible special effects. But, it needs to be well done. I'm no movie critic, but I have seen enough Christian movies to know if it is good or not; at least good enough to represent Christ well to those who see it.
Courageous is the latest work from Sherwood Pictures, which also produced Fireproof and Facing the Giants. These movies also were decidedly Christian, made with little money and some very inexperienced actors. However, they surprisingly did well at the box office and there are many supporters who eagerly wait for their next production. I had seen and really enjoyed the previously mentioned movies, so I was cautiously optimistic about Courageous.
I went with 5 other men, all fathers, from our church and watched it together. Although it is rated PG-13, there is no inappropriate material that would embarrass followers of Jesus. The only question may be to what age of children you would allow to watch the movie. The worst part were the previews they showed for R rated movies before the one we came to watch. I could tell some of the themes and issues in the movies will be inappropriate, by what I heard, but I kept my eyes closed in case there were inappropriate images as well. I cannot speak to that.
Whereas Fireproof focused on fireman learning the importance and commitment of marriage, Courageous focused on policemen learning the importance and commitment of fathering and leading their families. It was excellent! The comedy was clean and well done. The action was realistic, as testified to by current and former law enforcement officers I have talked to, that have seen the movie. The drama was captivating, as many character issues were raises and played out in a variety of circumstances.
Anyone who believes in the importance of family and faith will appreciate and enjoy this movie. What I appreciated most, however, was how they were able to present the true message of the gospel, in the context of a well made movie with a good plot. As in the movies preceding it, Courageous found a way to give us an enjoyable movie experience; but keep the message of the gospel in tact. Good for them!
So, I would like to encourage all adults and perhaps even their teenagers, to go see Courageous. Support the movie in the theaters so it will be more likely that other movies like it will be made, and more theaters will make these available for audiences. And allow it to be an opportunity of discussion among those who see it with you; and perhaps even a specific challenge to your own spiritual growth.
Courageous is the latest work from Sherwood Pictures, which also produced Fireproof and Facing the Giants. These movies also were decidedly Christian, made with little money and some very inexperienced actors. However, they surprisingly did well at the box office and there are many supporters who eagerly wait for their next production. I had seen and really enjoyed the previously mentioned movies, so I was cautiously optimistic about Courageous.
I went with 5 other men, all fathers, from our church and watched it together. Although it is rated PG-13, there is no inappropriate material that would embarrass followers of Jesus. The only question may be to what age of children you would allow to watch the movie. The worst part were the previews they showed for R rated movies before the one we came to watch. I could tell some of the themes and issues in the movies will be inappropriate, by what I heard, but I kept my eyes closed in case there were inappropriate images as well. I cannot speak to that.
Whereas Fireproof focused on fireman learning the importance and commitment of marriage, Courageous focused on policemen learning the importance and commitment of fathering and leading their families. It was excellent! The comedy was clean and well done. The action was realistic, as testified to by current and former law enforcement officers I have talked to, that have seen the movie. The drama was captivating, as many character issues were raises and played out in a variety of circumstances.
Anyone who believes in the importance of family and faith will appreciate and enjoy this movie. What I appreciated most, however, was how they were able to present the true message of the gospel, in the context of a well made movie with a good plot. As in the movies preceding it, Courageous found a way to give us an enjoyable movie experience; but keep the message of the gospel in tact. Good for them!
So, I would like to encourage all adults and perhaps even their teenagers, to go see Courageous. Support the movie in the theaters so it will be more likely that other movies like it will be made, and more theaters will make these available for audiences. And allow it to be an opportunity of discussion among those who see it with you; and perhaps even a specific challenge to your own spiritual growth.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
First Job
Just the other day, my eldest daughter secured her first "real" job. She has done plenty of work in the past, including: the important work at home, doing chores, watching kids, etc.; serving at our church, serving God in many ways, including working with kids; volunteering at a Christian camp for a few weeks (Skyview Ranch - Millersburg, Oh); and other things I am forgetting. But, you probably know what I mean: this job is a paying job, where she interviewed for it, is training for it, and will be working it until she moves onto something else. It is a big deal!
I am realizing, as a parent, as my children grow to different stages of life, that there is a huge difference experiencing the stages myself and experiencing them as a parent. My first paying job was at age 11 (I think), as I began a paper route. I worked that until I left for college, even going back to the same work when I was in between pastoral ministries. I eventually worked other jobs in high school as well, including: Hardees restaurant; Sears portrait gallery telemarketer; and probably something else I am forgetting. Work is a good thing, an important thing; but it is also a sign of moving forward in life. And for teenagers, it is a whole new stage.
The making money part is nice; but there is also the tough lesson of taxes that hits every teenager pretty much the same way when they see their first paycheck: "What in the world is going on here? Where is my money? Who stole my money?" It is a great teaching opportunity, but I can't help but laugh a little (inside of course), as the response is sure to come. Beside the money issue, learning to work hard, be on time, communicate with employers and fellow workers, being responsible, all the way around, are just some of the great learning opportunities that come with the first jobs of a high schooler.
So, my sweet daughter, congratulations on landing your first "real" job; and may God bless as you learn some important lessons along the way. One more thing: there is nothing like being a parent and having the experience I had a few days ago. Her employer told me how sweet my daughter is, how glad they are to have her, and ended her comments with: "This was a good hire". What else does a proud dad want to hear? (well, maybe this: "oh, by the way, since your daughter is so sweet and everything, we have decided to give her dad free food anytime he wants!")
I am realizing, as a parent, as my children grow to different stages of life, that there is a huge difference experiencing the stages myself and experiencing them as a parent. My first paying job was at age 11 (I think), as I began a paper route. I worked that until I left for college, even going back to the same work when I was in between pastoral ministries. I eventually worked other jobs in high school as well, including: Hardees restaurant; Sears portrait gallery telemarketer; and probably something else I am forgetting. Work is a good thing, an important thing; but it is also a sign of moving forward in life. And for teenagers, it is a whole new stage.
The making money part is nice; but there is also the tough lesson of taxes that hits every teenager pretty much the same way when they see their first paycheck: "What in the world is going on here? Where is my money? Who stole my money?" It is a great teaching opportunity, but I can't help but laugh a little (inside of course), as the response is sure to come. Beside the money issue, learning to work hard, be on time, communicate with employers and fellow workers, being responsible, all the way around, are just some of the great learning opportunities that come with the first jobs of a high schooler.
So, my sweet daughter, congratulations on landing your first "real" job; and may God bless as you learn some important lessons along the way. One more thing: there is nothing like being a parent and having the experience I had a few days ago. Her employer told me how sweet my daughter is, how glad they are to have her, and ended her comments with: "This was a good hire". What else does a proud dad want to hear? (well, maybe this: "oh, by the way, since your daughter is so sweet and everything, we have decided to give her dad free food anytime he wants!")
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
