I have found myself going to Redbox more frequently over the past few weeks. One reason is that it is convenient, cheap in these tough economic times and becoming a great opportunity to people watch. This can be entertainment in itself. If you haven't done it, it is a great opportunity to view to social dynamics of entertainment decision making in the process. The engaging discussions, arguments, choices that are made, the debate over which movie to get and why. I have found the interactions between parents and children to be the most provocative. This past Saturday, I watched a family of five try to pick out one movie out of a possible fifty plus choices. Each kid chose a movie that was either rated R or PG-13 and the parents said little if anything. Each kid gave their justification for why their choice was the best, and each were on the verge of throwing a fit if they didn't get their way. What is a parent to do? They have the credit card and ultimately have the final decision on the matter. Whatever the parents choice, only one kid was going to be happy in the end. In this case, the parent made their own choice and disregarded their kids choices altogether. That's democracy for you!
Would you say something if you saw a parent pick a rated R movie for their family or would you turn the other way and say nothing? The parent in this case picked a rated R movie (horror) for her kids (all of whom were in elementary school). I do not know if she let the kids watch the movie, but I can only assume that she did so.
I remember having nightmares as a kid when I watch movies that were beyond my age level. Even today, I am very careful about the things that I fill my head with and do not watch rated R movies anymore. God calls us to have pure minds and pure hearts, otherwise we fill our lives with the garbage of the world.
The next time that you go to Redbox, ask yourself the question, "what am I filling my life with by watching this movie?" Here's another thing to think about the next time you watch a movie. Who is the Christlike character in the film? What is the films socially redeeming value? Who has the "saved" or repentance moment in the film?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Soaring
This week Kerstin found a passage in the book Deepening your Conversation with God: Learning to Love to Pray (by Ben Patterson) about praying for strength. I thought that I would share some of it with you.
"A week later Dan came home from college -- to wash clothes and eat, as usual -- and we were talking in the kitchen. Okay, I thought, now ask him what he would like prayer for.
I asked, and he answered, "You can pray that I will pray more."
I'm glad I wrote that down in my journal, for not only can I share it with readers, but I am encouraged to keep praying not to give up. That's how Jesus said to pray -- not give up. So often I feel like giving up. There's only one thing I can do when I feel that way: pray that I won't! That is, I must pray that I won't give up praying when I feel like giving up on praying. The very thing I feel week to do will be strengthened in the doing.
In fact, I think there is a kind of "aeronautics" to persistent prayer. Isaiah 41:31 declares, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." I've watched eagles soar in the canyons of the Rocky Mountains. It's a beautiful sight to see them perched atop a cliff, then folding their wings to their sides, throwing themselves into the canyon and plummeting toward the bottom until at just the right moment they spread their wings and are shot back into heaven, gliding on thermal drafts that come up from the canyon floor. I have a friend who is a fighter pilot who told me that eagles have sensors in their nostrils that enable them to know not only the precise moment the thermals are ready, but also in their fall the precise moment they've reached the right speed to spread their wings and be thrust upward.
There is a lesson about persistent prayer -- abandon yourself to God's promises the way an eagle falls into a canyon. My tendency is to scramble up the rocks of life's canyons and just sit there and stew. But in persistent prayer, I can completely throw myself on God's mercy and pray until God acts and I am borne aloft on his power. In the meantime, I am coming to know him better and my strength is renewed."
Is there a place in your life where you feel like you are falling into a canyon and need to be lifted up? My prayer is that we will all be like eagles and soar with God's strength and power.
"A week later Dan came home from college -- to wash clothes and eat, as usual -- and we were talking in the kitchen. Okay, I thought, now ask him what he would like prayer for.
I asked, and he answered, "You can pray that I will pray more."
I'm glad I wrote that down in my journal, for not only can I share it with readers, but I am encouraged to keep praying not to give up. That's how Jesus said to pray -- not give up. So often I feel like giving up. There's only one thing I can do when I feel that way: pray that I won't! That is, I must pray that I won't give up praying when I feel like giving up on praying. The very thing I feel week to do will be strengthened in the doing.
In fact, I think there is a kind of "aeronautics" to persistent prayer. Isaiah 41:31 declares, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." I've watched eagles soar in the canyons of the Rocky Mountains. It's a beautiful sight to see them perched atop a cliff, then folding their wings to their sides, throwing themselves into the canyon and plummeting toward the bottom until at just the right moment they spread their wings and are shot back into heaven, gliding on thermal drafts that come up from the canyon floor. I have a friend who is a fighter pilot who told me that eagles have sensors in their nostrils that enable them to know not only the precise moment the thermals are ready, but also in their fall the precise moment they've reached the right speed to spread their wings and be thrust upward.
There is a lesson about persistent prayer -- abandon yourself to God's promises the way an eagle falls into a canyon. My tendency is to scramble up the rocks of life's canyons and just sit there and stew. But in persistent prayer, I can completely throw myself on God's mercy and pray until God acts and I am borne aloft on his power. In the meantime, I am coming to know him better and my strength is renewed."
Is there a place in your life where you feel like you are falling into a canyon and need to be lifted up? My prayer is that we will all be like eagles and soar with God's strength and power.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Getting Outside
Lake Lowell SunsetI love all of the sunshine that we have been getting lately. The clear blue skies. The hint of Spring in the air as the green buds on the trees start to bud out. The brown grass is turning a brilliant shade of emerald green.
My wife has been trying to convince me all week to get outside and go take some photographs. I have been reluctant to do so since it has been so cold outside, even though the sun is out, and the cold wind has been blowing. The wind chill factor makes it feel 20 degrees cooler. As a photographer, even with gloves on, my hands feel like they start to cramp up around the lens and the body of the camera. When shooting landscape and wildlife photography, I like my hands to be as flexible as possible and to feel loose and free around the camera. With gloves on it feels very restricting.
Yesterday I agreed to layer up and go out in the evening to take some photographs around Lake Lowell. I wanted to go to the visitors center, but they closed their gates at 4 pm and by the time that I got there it was close to 7 pm. I ended up hiking down the road to the visitors center and walking around the nature trail. It was amazing to see all of the wildlife that was out just before sunset. There were bird calls all around me. Quail running across the lawn and fluttering into the brush. Deer strolling by the lakeside. Rabbitts were out of the brush and sitting in the open. I had a great time out at Lake Lowell and I am planning future trips out there again.
Get out there and explore this beautiful world that God is sharing with us. Remember to be prepared to get a little cold and bundle up.
Sage Grass
Oak SunsetFriday, March 6, 2009
Is it Winter or Spring?
I am confused by this Idaho weather. Four days ago it was 65 degrees, was very pleasant outside, and the grass on the lawn was turning from grey-brown to a nice shade of green. I'm not complaining, but it strikes me as a bit odd for it to change to a high of 40 and a chance of snow and hail. I moved to Idaho from a climate of perpetual drizzle rain in the Spring. It would rain, like in the Hollywood movies, in continual sheets of water and would not let up for weeks (if not months). But this is a nice change from that pattern. I was told that when I moved here that I would experience "true seasons." They were not kidding. I didn't expect the weather to play tricks on me and go in reverse for a few days.
As much as we complain about being stuck inside and not getting out in the winter, it is nice to sit inside and read a good book on a cold Winter day. This has been a great winter of new experiences that has left me more sentimental than I initially realized. I look forward to this season of change and the possibilities that life has to offer. I watch the trees, looking at the tips for new growth (called the apical meristems) that turn from brown to green. This is also the season of Lent in the Christian calender, where we are preparing for the sacrifice of Christ, so that he can be resurrected after three days of death. I think that sometimes we forget that we are continually being re-born again and becoming refreshed in Christ on a continual basis. This is our season of change.
A caterpillar has to change in order to become a butterfly. The caterpillar builds up the energy to prepare for its metamorphosis by eating a large amounts of leaves before it goes into it cocoon (I feel like this around Christmas). Once it is in its cocoon, the body of the caterpillar gradually makes its change, by slowly developing legs, wings and reducing it's body size (so that it can fly). Once it is ready to emerge, it must use up as much energy as it has in order to break free of its cocoon. If it doesn't have enough energy it will die and stay trapped in the cocoon. If it is able to break free, the butterfly emerges from its prison and is able to become all that God has it to be. The butterfly, once free, must also wait for it's wings to become open and to become functional, otherwise it will clearly fall out of the sky. If we try to help a stuck butterfly, it will also die because we are not allowing the process to naturally occur. So it is best to leave the butterfly alone.
Where are you on your journey this Spring? Are you still stuck inside this Winter? Or, are you like the butterfly and willing to break free and fly?
As much as we complain about being stuck inside and not getting out in the winter, it is nice to sit inside and read a good book on a cold Winter day. This has been a great winter of new experiences that has left me more sentimental than I initially realized. I look forward to this season of change and the possibilities that life has to offer. I watch the trees, looking at the tips for new growth (called the apical meristems) that turn from brown to green. This is also the season of Lent in the Christian calender, where we are preparing for the sacrifice of Christ, so that he can be resurrected after three days of death. I think that sometimes we forget that we are continually being re-born again and becoming refreshed in Christ on a continual basis. This is our season of change.
A caterpillar has to change in order to become a butterfly. The caterpillar builds up the energy to prepare for its metamorphosis by eating a large amounts of leaves before it goes into it cocoon (I feel like this around Christmas). Once it is in its cocoon, the body of the caterpillar gradually makes its change, by slowly developing legs, wings and reducing it's body size (so that it can fly). Once it is ready to emerge, it must use up as much energy as it has in order to break free of its cocoon. If it doesn't have enough energy it will die and stay trapped in the cocoon. If it is able to break free, the butterfly emerges from its prison and is able to become all that God has it to be. The butterfly, once free, must also wait for it's wings to become open and to become functional, otherwise it will clearly fall out of the sky. If we try to help a stuck butterfly, it will also die because we are not allowing the process to naturally occur. So it is best to leave the butterfly alone.
Where are you on your journey this Spring? Are you still stuck inside this Winter? Or, are you like the butterfly and willing to break free and fly?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Quick Prayer
Today, as I was searching for a devotional to start the day, I came across one in Daily Word for Couples: Enriching Our Love in a Relationship of Heart and Soul, and I thought that I would share it with you as well.
Our Prayer
Dear God,
We know that the greatest strength is not limited to the physical realm. Neither is the most stalwart courage built up by the reasoning mind. The mighty strength of a spiritual being and the resolute courage of an overcomer reside within us.
Even though we may feel as if we are in a vulnerable position or condition, we have the strength and courage of Your spirit within us. Your pervading presence is our sanctuary of peace and order wherever we are, wherever we go.
You are with us as we prepare to lie down in our bed at home or in a bed during a stop in our travels away from home. You are with us as we walk, drive, or ride to each destination, whether we are in familiar or unfamiliar territory.
Thank You, God, for strength and courage!
"God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
Wherever you are in life - be it on the road, running to Winco or Costco. We are all on this journey together, each with our own path, but leading toward the same final eternal destination.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Having Fun
I feel like I am rediscovering myself once again. Since the move to Idaho, from California, I have felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I have been trusting God more and more each day to lead me in the direction that He is leading me. By fully trusting God to direct my life and embracing the life the I have been freely give, this opens up whole new possibilities for exploration and self discovery.
I used to worry every single day. Where is the money going to come from? How are we going to pay the bills? How are we going to pay for grad school? And I was making myself sick!! I was not sleeping at night, and would toss and turn all night long. I would wake up more tired than when I would go to bed. I had become an insomniac. I finally send enough is enough. I asked God, "what do I need to do?" I kept hearing "Give it to me." Against my own stubbornness, that's what I did, and things began to fall into place. Things are not perfect, but feel so much better about life than I ever did before.
I also have to praise God for bringing my nieces into my life. Oh what a joy to play with them once again. When I was in California, I was this faceless person on the phone and had no real contact with them. Now that I am here, I can be a kid again and just play. This has really helped me to see the joy in life. For this, I thank God for bringing Amanda, Hanna and Jenna into my life once again.
I am also rediscovering what it is like to be a college student again. This week I started as a graduate student at Northwest Nazarene University, in the Teacher Preparation Program. I had applied to San Jose State University two years ago, trying to get into the Marine Biology MA program and did not get in because my GPA was off by 0.05. I went back to Humboldt State, pulled up my GPA, and waited to apply later. I did not think that I would get into grad school, but God helped me get into NNU. This was definitely a praise God moment in my life.
This is why I am having fun!!
I used to worry every single day. Where is the money going to come from? How are we going to pay the bills? How are we going to pay for grad school? And I was making myself sick!! I was not sleeping at night, and would toss and turn all night long. I would wake up more tired than when I would go to bed. I had become an insomniac. I finally send enough is enough. I asked God, "what do I need to do?" I kept hearing "Give it to me." Against my own stubbornness, that's what I did, and things began to fall into place. Things are not perfect, but feel so much better about life than I ever did before.
I also have to praise God for bringing my nieces into my life. Oh what a joy to play with them once again. When I was in California, I was this faceless person on the phone and had no real contact with them. Now that I am here, I can be a kid again and just play. This has really helped me to see the joy in life. For this, I thank God for bringing Amanda, Hanna and Jenna into my life once again.
I am also rediscovering what it is like to be a college student again. This week I started as a graduate student at Northwest Nazarene University, in the Teacher Preparation Program. I had applied to San Jose State University two years ago, trying to get into the Marine Biology MA program and did not get in because my GPA was off by 0.05. I went back to Humboldt State, pulled up my GPA, and waited to apply later. I did not think that I would get into grad school, but God helped me get into NNU. This was definitely a praise God moment in my life.
This is why I am having fun!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Marked
Have you ever been identified in a crowd? With hundreds of people around, maybe at a mall or large public event, and someone starts screaming your name as loud as they possibly can. The natural reaction is to look around and ask "who is calling my name?" The next thing, at least for me, is to start rattling off all of the possibilities of who it could be. The list goes on and on, until the voice catches up with the face. And bang. . . there they are staring you in the face. There you are standing there in exhilaration, with the realization that you have re-united with a deal old friend. There are hugs or warm embraces in the crowd of hundreds.
The question that comes to mind is, "how did they find me in that crowd?" I, as a child, would become separated from my parents and wander off to explore the zoo or fair on my own. I would quickly become separated and blend in with the hundreds of people. Oblivious to the fact that my parents were calling my name and worried sick that I was hurt or in danger. What is a parent to do? I, in the mean time was enjoying my day, and was not concerned that my parents were gone. They would find me. They always did. I learned, albeit not quickly, that if I was lost I needed to be found. I learned to go to Lost and Found, because that where they gave out the free treats. And there I would be when my parents found me, sitting with a sucker and smile.
The title for this blog, Phocid, which means ear less seal. As Christians, when we choose to accept Christ as or Lord and Savior in our hearts, we become marked or 'sealed.' This means that we have found our father and that we are no longer lost from knowing his love for us. Through this connection we can truly understand the love that Our Lord has for us. Our father will always be with us and calling our name. If we happen to wander from that connection, God will be calling our name and finding ways of getting our attention. God always finds interesting ways of getting our attention.
During this Christmas season, rejoice in the memories of family and friends, laugh with the kids as they open their toys, and continually remind yourself of the reason for the season. Also, it is OK to get lost in the spirit of the season. Watch the old Christmas movies: Holiday Hotel, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story and Its A Wonderful Life. Try to avoid the "new" Christmas movies that are brightly wrapping a big hunk of coal.
Have you ever got lost and needed to be found?
The question that comes to mind is, "how did they find me in that crowd?" I, as a child, would become separated from my parents and wander off to explore the zoo or fair on my own. I would quickly become separated and blend in with the hundreds of people. Oblivious to the fact that my parents were calling my name and worried sick that I was hurt or in danger. What is a parent to do? I, in the mean time was enjoying my day, and was not concerned that my parents were gone. They would find me. They always did. I learned, albeit not quickly, that if I was lost I needed to be found. I learned to go to Lost and Found, because that where they gave out the free treats. And there I would be when my parents found me, sitting with a sucker and smile.
The title for this blog, Phocid, which means ear less seal. As Christians, when we choose to accept Christ as or Lord and Savior in our hearts, we become marked or 'sealed.' This means that we have found our father and that we are no longer lost from knowing his love for us. Through this connection we can truly understand the love that Our Lord has for us. Our father will always be with us and calling our name. If we happen to wander from that connection, God will be calling our name and finding ways of getting our attention. God always finds interesting ways of getting our attention.
During this Christmas season, rejoice in the memories of family and friends, laugh with the kids as they open their toys, and continually remind yourself of the reason for the season. Also, it is OK to get lost in the spirit of the season. Watch the old Christmas movies: Holiday Hotel, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story and Its A Wonderful Life. Try to avoid the "new" Christmas movies that are brightly wrapping a big hunk of coal.
Have you ever got lost and needed to be found?
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