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.
Friday, October 7, 2011
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!")
Saturday, September 24, 2011
PASTOR DECIDES TO STOP GIVING
What about that for a headline? I don't think I have ever seen it; but it would certainly get attention...atleast it would get mine. I think we take it for granted that pastors would give, consistently and generously, at all times. I have never heard a message geared toward pastors giving financially, along with everyone else. I think it is assumed. However, just this last week, the thought crossed my mind: do I really have to give...joyfully, voluntarily, sacrificially (as I preach to everyone else)? My mind starts to build a case for justifying not to give, just once: the Bible doesn't direct pastors to give; it seems to emphasize that the giving by others cares for the pastors; finances are tight; I could the money for so many other good causes; an appliance broke and we had to use money to fix it; and there were a few more thoughts I have forgotten.
My point is this: I am just like everyone else - no more holy - not a robot. I am tempted, like everyone else, not to follow through with living sacrificially, for the glory of God, at all times. And when it comes to financial giving, I have the same challenges others face. And I am faced with the same temptations, including when it comes to withholding my giving from what God requires.
Thankfully, God's Spirit won't let me give in to the lies; and I have decided to continue giving. it doesn't mean I will never be tempted again in this area; but for now, I have come to my senses. I must continue to rely on what I know to be true: my responsibility is to give as God has asked; and it is His responsibility to meet all my needs (He has never let me down). Tomorrow, as I place my envelope in the contribution box, I will choose to give joyfully, and see it as a great opportunity to worship.
My point is this: I am just like everyone else - no more holy - not a robot. I am tempted, like everyone else, not to follow through with living sacrificially, for the glory of God, at all times. And when it comes to financial giving, I have the same challenges others face. And I am faced with the same temptations, including when it comes to withholding my giving from what God requires.
Thankfully, God's Spirit won't let me give in to the lies; and I have decided to continue giving. it doesn't mean I will never be tempted again in this area; but for now, I have come to my senses. I must continue to rely on what I know to be true: my responsibility is to give as God has asked; and it is His responsibility to meet all my needs (He has never let me down). Tomorrow, as I place my envelope in the contribution box, I will choose to give joyfully, and see it as a great opportunity to worship.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
LOVE
I have heard the words very often, from I Corinthians 13. It is known as the love chapter, and I am very familiar with it. However, it was just over the past couple of weeks, that this chapter impacted me in a fresh way. Our family decided to memorize I Corinthians 13, learning 1 verse 5 days a week; so in just over a couple weeks, we had the entire chapter put to memory. We reviewed it as a family and each had a chance to say the entire chapter (only 13 verses). Listening to it over and over again, learning it myself, saying it over and over again; and really concentrating on the words, made me think more about the message of this chapter than I had for many, many years. It is something I think about in some way, almost every day. As I write it here, let' consider the words, the truth and their intended impact on us:
I Corinthians 13
1- If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 - If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 - If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 - It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 - Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 - It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, alwys perseveres
8 - Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 - For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 - But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11 - When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12 - Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
I Corinthians 13
1- If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 - If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 - If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 - It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 - Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 - It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, alwys perseveres
8 - Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 - For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 - But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11 - When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12 - Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Friday, September 9, 2011
NINE ELEVEN
That's all you have to say and people know what you are talking about. This morning, I grabbed a tee shirt out of my drawer, and it said America on it. Normally, I wouldn't think twice about what the shirt said, but this weekend, it's different...isn't it? The likelihood is, that if you watch news channels, or the history channel, this weekend, you are going to be watching hours of reflection from an event 10 years ago that touched us all...in some way.
How did it touch my life? That morning, I was working at the church and the custodian came to tell me that planes crashed into the world trade center towers. I called Teresa and told her to turn on the TV. I remember going to some appointment that day or soon after and hearing the president talk about it on the radio. I remember these deep, intense feelings of patriotism rising to engulf my entire being. Did you feel the same way? We were looking for en enemy to fight, to show American resolve and to somehow bring to justice those that took American lives in their acts of cowardice.
But, over these past 10 years, I have had much more time to reflect, biblically, on what happened on 9/11. I am not one of those that believes that every disaster or tragedy is a specific act of God's judgment on America for a particular sin or political view. I believe in a sovereign God who ALWAYS does what is right, and what brings Him glory. If there is something to blame, the blame goes to the sinful nature of man, that brings death as a consequence. It is the only explanation, really, for why people would do the terribly things they did that day. It is only a loving, merciful God that would rescue any of us, or keep us from being wiped off the planet. And, in the big picture of things, God's desire is not to keep us here as long as possible, keep us safe, and help us accomplish the American Dream (whatever that is).
Whatever happens in our lives, including 9/11 level events, it gives us an opportunity to focus on our God, who is the Creator of all life; and most importantly, offers eternal life to all who will go to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. 9/11 affected all kinds of people all kinds of different ways. I can't pretend to know what it was like for those who lost loved ones that day. But, I do know that all of life's events allow us to grow, to reflect on our short, uncertain lives, and to place our complete trust in the only one who really knows the reason for all things - and has everything in control - the one and only true God! May He receive attention and glory, this weekend, for the protection He has given us, for the great blessings we still enjoy; and most of all, for who He is.
How did it touch my life? That morning, I was working at the church and the custodian came to tell me that planes crashed into the world trade center towers. I called Teresa and told her to turn on the TV. I remember going to some appointment that day or soon after and hearing the president talk about it on the radio. I remember these deep, intense feelings of patriotism rising to engulf my entire being. Did you feel the same way? We were looking for en enemy to fight, to show American resolve and to somehow bring to justice those that took American lives in their acts of cowardice.
But, over these past 10 years, I have had much more time to reflect, biblically, on what happened on 9/11. I am not one of those that believes that every disaster or tragedy is a specific act of God's judgment on America for a particular sin or political view. I believe in a sovereign God who ALWAYS does what is right, and what brings Him glory. If there is something to blame, the blame goes to the sinful nature of man, that brings death as a consequence. It is the only explanation, really, for why people would do the terribly things they did that day. It is only a loving, merciful God that would rescue any of us, or keep us from being wiped off the planet. And, in the big picture of things, God's desire is not to keep us here as long as possible, keep us safe, and help us accomplish the American Dream (whatever that is).
Whatever happens in our lives, including 9/11 level events, it gives us an opportunity to focus on our God, who is the Creator of all life; and most importantly, offers eternal life to all who will go to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. 9/11 affected all kinds of people all kinds of different ways. I can't pretend to know what it was like for those who lost loved ones that day. But, I do know that all of life's events allow us to grow, to reflect on our short, uncertain lives, and to place our complete trust in the only one who really knows the reason for all things - and has everything in control - the one and only true God! May He receive attention and glory, this weekend, for the protection He has given us, for the great blessings we still enjoy; and most of all, for who He is.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
FIELD DAY!
alternate title: Feeling Old Day!
At this time of year, just at the beginning of the school year, our children would often have a field day, where classes were suspended, and they would do a variety of activities together as a school. Since we have all 5 of our kids home for school this year, we decided to have our own field day: Friday, September 2nd. The structure of our field day was built on each family member choosing 1 activity for all of us to participate in.
Our first 2 activities were a unique soccer game and ultimate frisbee. It was hot and muggy out, which is what I am going to blame my pure exhaustion on. It can't be because I'm out of shape, or old, can it? It was our first ultimate frisbee game together as a family; but it really worked well. I might even be able to say that all 7 of us enjoyed it (that is a rare thing)!
But, what made me feel the oldest, was the obstacle course. This was also pretty fun, as each family member put together one obstacle for everyone to participate in. However, this is where my aging was revealed. My goal was to beat my teenage son's time. I had a great start. But, once I got to the obstacle of spinning my body around a bat 5 times, everything went a little blurry. I could hardly stand up, let alone run to the next obstacle. We have video evidence (which means my kids must have expected I would have a problem) but don't expect to see it anytime soon, or ever. The only thing that makes me feel better is that my young wife had more problems with that obstacle than I did. Perhaps I can secretly get that video to you. It is funny (at least in my humble opinion)!
After all the heart pumping, sweating work we did earlier in the day, the last few activities were more the speed for us older folks. We went to our favorite pizza place, favorite ice cream place, watched the sunset at the beach (make my wife happy); and played hide and seek at the church. These are things I can do, without heavy breathing. It was a full day, but a good one.
So, that was Field Day, or Feeling Old Day; but either way, it was a fun family day!
At this time of year, just at the beginning of the school year, our children would often have a field day, where classes were suspended, and they would do a variety of activities together as a school. Since we have all 5 of our kids home for school this year, we decided to have our own field day: Friday, September 2nd. The structure of our field day was built on each family member choosing 1 activity for all of us to participate in.
Our first 2 activities were a unique soccer game and ultimate frisbee. It was hot and muggy out, which is what I am going to blame my pure exhaustion on. It can't be because I'm out of shape, or old, can it? It was our first ultimate frisbee game together as a family; but it really worked well. I might even be able to say that all 7 of us enjoyed it (that is a rare thing)!
But, what made me feel the oldest, was the obstacle course. This was also pretty fun, as each family member put together one obstacle for everyone to participate in. However, this is where my aging was revealed. My goal was to beat my teenage son's time. I had a great start. But, once I got to the obstacle of spinning my body around a bat 5 times, everything went a little blurry. I could hardly stand up, let alone run to the next obstacle. We have video evidence (which means my kids must have expected I would have a problem) but don't expect to see it anytime soon, or ever. The only thing that makes me feel better is that my young wife had more problems with that obstacle than I did. Perhaps I can secretly get that video to you. It is funny (at least in my humble opinion)!
After all the heart pumping, sweating work we did earlier in the day, the last few activities were more the speed for us older folks. We went to our favorite pizza place, favorite ice cream place, watched the sunset at the beach (make my wife happy); and played hide and seek at the church. These are things I can do, without heavy breathing. It was a full day, but a good one.
So, that was Field Day, or Feeling Old Day; but either way, it was a fun family day!
Friday, August 26, 2011
What were my parents thinking?
I'm sure when I was younger, that this question came to head; but the older I get, the more I realize their wisdom, and I rarely ask this question anymore. But today was one of those days that caused me to ask this question. Now that I am a parent, especially of teenagers, I am much more aware of everything my parents went through!
Today, I took my two 16 year old children to take their temporary license exams. And they both passed. uh-oh - now what do I do? I guess we start driving. So, there was an abandoned parking lot we found to drive around in, far, far away from civilization (well - maybe not too far). They did a great job for their first time. We will see how this goes.
But, I realized how much more nervious I am about them driving than I ever was about driving myself. And that leads me to my title question. In Iowa, you can get your temporary license at age 14...yes, 14! And that is exactly what I did. If I remember right, on my birthday, I took the exam and was driving around Iowa. And don't give me any of those predictable comments about how easy it must be to drive on the open dusty roads next to all cornfields; or how my temporary license was for a tractor. I'm a city boy, my friend! Any way, What were my parents thinking, letting me drive at 14? I'm feeling a little insane about mine driving at 16 and 4 months!
I guess their getting older (glad I'm not). It is a part of the ritual. I will try to make the best of it. And, I also realized another benefit today. We took care of 2 things at once. My son got his temporary license; but if he ever gets arrested, it can double as his mug shot! If you don't believe me, ask him to see it.
Today, I took my two 16 year old children to take their temporary license exams. And they both passed. uh-oh - now what do I do? I guess we start driving. So, there was an abandoned parking lot we found to drive around in, far, far away from civilization (well - maybe not too far). They did a great job for their first time. We will see how this goes.
But, I realized how much more nervious I am about them driving than I ever was about driving myself. And that leads me to my title question. In Iowa, you can get your temporary license at age 14...yes, 14! And that is exactly what I did. If I remember right, on my birthday, I took the exam and was driving around Iowa. And don't give me any of those predictable comments about how easy it must be to drive on the open dusty roads next to all cornfields; or how my temporary license was for a tractor. I'm a city boy, my friend! Any way, What were my parents thinking, letting me drive at 14? I'm feeling a little insane about mine driving at 16 and 4 months!
I guess their getting older (glad I'm not). It is a part of the ritual. I will try to make the best of it. And, I also realized another benefit today. We took care of 2 things at once. My son got his temporary license; but if he ever gets arrested, it can double as his mug shot! If you don't believe me, ask him to see it.
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