I grew up in the Golden Age of cartoons. "Rainbow Brite", "Duck Tales", "Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers", "G.I. Joe", "Transformers", Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", "Darkwing Duck", "Strawberry Shortcake", "Pound Puppies", "My Little Pony" - the list goes on and on.
My favorite cartoon was "Gummi Bears" and here is the inspiring theme song for you to enjoy.
My mother thinks it sounds eerily like modern praise music.
Friday, June 08, 2007
They Fight For What's Right In Whatever They Do
Thursday, June 07, 2007
The Music Glutton
I believe that the Ruffles potato chip may be the world’s most perfect food. It’s not made from the finest ingredients or cooked by a master chef or served elegantly, but I could eat an entire bag in one sitting. The following list is the musical equivalent of a bag of Ruffles. They’re not the most beautiful, thoughtful, or creative songs ever written but I could listen to each of them ten times in a row.
Back In Black: I’ll admit it. I love AC/DC. I love the sheer ridiculousness of their lyrics ("TNT, I’m dynamite. TNT, and I’ll win the fight!") and the fact that they don’t take themselves seriously (they’d never dream of writing lyrics like “there’s a hole in the world tonight, don’t let there be a hole in the world tomorrow.” Thanks a lot, Eagles.) "Back in Black" is my favorite AC/DC song and it always makes me want to put on dark shades and a long black leather jacket and walk very slowly towards something.
Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most: I’ve said before that I adore tragic love songs and this is one of the greats. This ballad by Fran Landesman and Tommy Wolf is sweeter than “The Man That Got Away”, subtler than “Crazy” and absolutely heartbreaking when sung by jazz chanteuse Jane Monheit. Lyrics like “All alone, the party is over. Old man winter was a gracious host. But when you keep praying for snow to hide the clover, spring can really hang you up the most” keep me coming back to this song of lost love again and again.
Good Vibrations: As much as I like the Beatles, my loyalty lies with the Beach Boys. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed "Good Vibrations" at number 6 on their list of the "500 Best Songs of All Time" and I'd have to agree that it's brilliant.
Hoedown: Aaron Copland pretty much invented what we now think of as "American music" and his pieces evoke this country at its most idealized - brave, optimistic, adventerous, joyful, and free. Although his "Appalachian Spring" is one of my favorite pieces of music, I can listen to "Hoedown" every day. This rollicking square dance (of "Beef: It's What's For Dinner" fame) makes me want to explore new frontiers, conquer obstacles in my path, and eat lots of red meat.
Tear My Stillhouse Down: This song by folk singer Gillian Welch took me by complete surprise the first time I heard it. The opening lines of “Put no stone at my head, no flowers on my tomb, no gold plated sign in a marble pillared room” made me think it was going to be another great folk funeral song. I sat back and was prepared to be edified when I heard the next lyric, “There’s one thing I ask when they lay me in the ground, when I die tear my stillhouse down.” Never before have I so completely misjudged a song – it turns out the whole thing is about the evils of moonshine. It’s quickly become one of the most frequently played songs in my car (I listened to it twice in a row today) and it’s probably the best musical polemic against brewing your own whisky I’ve ever heard.
O Fortuna: If I was to list the most amazing events of my life so far, singing "Carmina Burana" with the Biola Chorale and Orchestra would definitely be in the top ten. I like both my rock and my classical music loud and driving and "O Fortuna" (which bookends Carl Orff's masterpiece) always makes my heart race. From the foreboding first chord to the triumphant finish, it's a two minute thrill ride of a piece.
You Get What You Give: The New Radicals were your classic one hit wonder, but I could listen to that one hit ten times a day. Although it came out in the late nineties, it has an awesome seventies vibe and even The Edge told TIME that he wished he’d written it.
Intergalactic: The first year of college will make you do some crazy things. Like belt out all the lyrics to “A Pirate’s Life for Me” while riding Pirates of the Caribbean (my sincere apologies to anyone who was unfortunate enough to be stuck on that ride with my roommates and me during our freshman year.) Or think that a peanut butter and honey sandwich with a side of animal crackers drenched in peanut butter and honey is a nutritious dinner. Or change your major twice in one semester. Or have Beastie Boys dance parties in your dorm room. “Intergalactic” always takes me back to my freshman year when we’d blow off steam by turning off the lights, jumping all over the room and yelling out “another dimension, another dimension.”
Liz On Top Of The World: This track from Dario Marianelli's gorgeous "Pride and Prejudice" score has the ability to make me sob every single time I hear it. In just a few minutes it manages to express the emotion of longing better than almost any music I've heard.
September: I sometimes regret the fact that I didn't get to live through the seventies. After all, this is the decade that gave us “Annie Hall,” “Kashmir,” and Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live. It also gave us Earth, Wind, and Fire and “September” never fails to put me in a good mood. I’m a sucker for big horn sections and songs involving my birth month so thankfully the old school R&B station plays it almost daily.
So that's my list. Let me know what's in your musical bag of Ruffles.
Back In Black: I’ll admit it. I love AC/DC. I love the sheer ridiculousness of their lyrics ("TNT, I’m dynamite. TNT, and I’ll win the fight!") and the fact that they don’t take themselves seriously (they’d never dream of writing lyrics like “there’s a hole in the world tonight, don’t let there be a hole in the world tomorrow.” Thanks a lot, Eagles.) "Back in Black" is my favorite AC/DC song and it always makes me want to put on dark shades and a long black leather jacket and walk very slowly towards something.
Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most: I’ve said before that I adore tragic love songs and this is one of the greats. This ballad by Fran Landesman and Tommy Wolf is sweeter than “The Man That Got Away”, subtler than “Crazy” and absolutely heartbreaking when sung by jazz chanteuse Jane Monheit. Lyrics like “All alone, the party is over. Old man winter was a gracious host. But when you keep praying for snow to hide the clover, spring can really hang you up the most” keep me coming back to this song of lost love again and again.
Good Vibrations: As much as I like the Beatles, my loyalty lies with the Beach Boys. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed "Good Vibrations" at number 6 on their list of the "500 Best Songs of All Time" and I'd have to agree that it's brilliant.
Hoedown: Aaron Copland pretty much invented what we now think of as "American music" and his pieces evoke this country at its most idealized - brave, optimistic, adventerous, joyful, and free. Although his "Appalachian Spring" is one of my favorite pieces of music, I can listen to "Hoedown" every day. This rollicking square dance (of "Beef: It's What's For Dinner" fame) makes me want to explore new frontiers, conquer obstacles in my path, and eat lots of red meat.
Tear My Stillhouse Down: This song by folk singer Gillian Welch took me by complete surprise the first time I heard it. The opening lines of “Put no stone at my head, no flowers on my tomb, no gold plated sign in a marble pillared room” made me think it was going to be another great folk funeral song. I sat back and was prepared to be edified when I heard the next lyric, “There’s one thing I ask when they lay me in the ground, when I die tear my stillhouse down.” Never before have I so completely misjudged a song – it turns out the whole thing is about the evils of moonshine. It’s quickly become one of the most frequently played songs in my car (I listened to it twice in a row today) and it’s probably the best musical polemic against brewing your own whisky I’ve ever heard.
O Fortuna: If I was to list the most amazing events of my life so far, singing "Carmina Burana" with the Biola Chorale and Orchestra would definitely be in the top ten. I like both my rock and my classical music loud and driving and "O Fortuna" (which bookends Carl Orff's masterpiece) always makes my heart race. From the foreboding first chord to the triumphant finish, it's a two minute thrill ride of a piece.
You Get What You Give: The New Radicals were your classic one hit wonder, but I could listen to that one hit ten times a day. Although it came out in the late nineties, it has an awesome seventies vibe and even The Edge told TIME that he wished he’d written it.
Intergalactic: The first year of college will make you do some crazy things. Like belt out all the lyrics to “A Pirate’s Life for Me” while riding Pirates of the Caribbean (my sincere apologies to anyone who was unfortunate enough to be stuck on that ride with my roommates and me during our freshman year.) Or think that a peanut butter and honey sandwich with a side of animal crackers drenched in peanut butter and honey is a nutritious dinner. Or change your major twice in one semester. Or have Beastie Boys dance parties in your dorm room. “Intergalactic” always takes me back to my freshman year when we’d blow off steam by turning off the lights, jumping all over the room and yelling out “another dimension, another dimension.”
Liz On Top Of The World: This track from Dario Marianelli's gorgeous "Pride and Prejudice" score has the ability to make me sob every single time I hear it. In just a few minutes it manages to express the emotion of longing better than almost any music I've heard.
September: I sometimes regret the fact that I didn't get to live through the seventies. After all, this is the decade that gave us “Annie Hall,” “Kashmir,” and Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live. It also gave us Earth, Wind, and Fire and “September” never fails to put me in a good mood. I’m a sucker for big horn sections and songs involving my birth month so thankfully the old school R&B station plays it almost daily.
So that's my list. Let me know what's in your musical bag of Ruffles.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Swell Saturday: Road Trip Edition
School is almost out and the season of road trips is nearly upon us. Whether you're visiting your parents, planning a trip to Disneyland with your kids, driving cross country with your best friend, or just going to Target, here are some of the Bruce family's favorite car games to help make your trip a bit sweller.
Rhyme Out: The only thing more satisfying than gloating is gloating through song. Therein lies the genius of "Rhyme Out", one of the Bruce siblings' all time favorite car games. While watching "Sesame Street" one morning, I was enthralled by a segment where Big Bird and Maria traded rhymes until one of them ran out of words. The winner then sang, "I rhymed you out, that's what the game's about! You ran out of time to think of a rhyme, it's rhyme out, rhyme out." A game that involved singing and vocabulary: what a winning combination! My brother and I started playing this constantly and I think it helped my verbal score on the SATs more than Latin, vocabulary cards, and Princeton Review practice tests put together.
GHOST: The rules are simple enough. The players spell out a word with each person adding one letter at a time. If you end the word, you receive a "G." If you do it again, you get an "H", then an "O" and so on. If you end the word five times, you become a "Ghost" and can no longer win the game. To add insult to injury, no one can talk to a Ghost or they'll receive a letter. I used to think this game was fun until I was soundly beaten by every other person in the car on a trip back from Santa Cruz last summer. Now I believe that "GHOST" is cruel and potentially damaging to your psyche. Not only did I have to live with the fact that everyone else's spelling and vocabulary skills were ten times better than mine, I spent the rest of the game trying to engage people in conversation only to be passionately ignored. As you can probably imagine, these wounds cut deep. But I'm slowly healing by plotting my revenge and memorizing the dictionary.
Create a Chord: My family loves The Eagles and we're determined to one day perform "Seven Bridges Road" in perfect harmony (just like the Von Trapps!) I think our Create a Chord game will help us achieve our goal. One person sings a note, a second person adds another note and so on until we create a chord. We then pat ourselves on the back and talk about how lovely that chord was before we try to sing an even better one. My brother and I have a sick version of this game where we try to sing the most revolting chord we can think of. Unfortunately for everyone else in the car, this may be my most loved road trip pastime of all. The great thing about Create a Chord is that you can play it by yourself too! I harmonize to the radio all the time (I mean, The Fray's "Cable Car" is just begging for someone to sing a fourth above the last note of the song.)
Got You Last: As a child I was dazzled by stories of my mother's youth and one of her most intriguing tales involved a game that she and her four sisters played called "You're It, I Quit." This was a rather sadistic exercise which consisted of tagging someone and then saying you quit before they could tag you back. Inspired, I began my own version of this game by tagging my brother, yelling "got you last" and running away before he could tag me. This evolved into a more sophisticated road trip version in which we attempted to tag each other twice but make it feel like just one tag. That way the other person would only tag back once, never knowing that they had just lost the game by not tagging back twice. Because of this game, there were four or five years where Jeff and I could not shake hands, hug, or even accidentally brush up against each other in the hall without tagging the other person back.
Rhyme Out: The only thing more satisfying than gloating is gloating through song. Therein lies the genius of "Rhyme Out", one of the Bruce siblings' all time favorite car games. While watching "Sesame Street" one morning, I was enthralled by a segment where Big Bird and Maria traded rhymes until one of them ran out of words. The winner then sang, "I rhymed you out, that's what the game's about! You ran out of time to think of a rhyme, it's rhyme out, rhyme out." A game that involved singing and vocabulary: what a winning combination! My brother and I started playing this constantly and I think it helped my verbal score on the SATs more than Latin, vocabulary cards, and Princeton Review practice tests put together.
GHOST: The rules are simple enough. The players spell out a word with each person adding one letter at a time. If you end the word, you receive a "G." If you do it again, you get an "H", then an "O" and so on. If you end the word five times, you become a "Ghost" and can no longer win the game. To add insult to injury, no one can talk to a Ghost or they'll receive a letter. I used to think this game was fun until I was soundly beaten by every other person in the car on a trip back from Santa Cruz last summer. Now I believe that "GHOST" is cruel and potentially damaging to your psyche. Not only did I have to live with the fact that everyone else's spelling and vocabulary skills were ten times better than mine, I spent the rest of the game trying to engage people in conversation only to be passionately ignored. As you can probably imagine, these wounds cut deep. But I'm slowly healing by plotting my revenge and memorizing the dictionary.
Create a Chord: My family loves The Eagles and we're determined to one day perform "Seven Bridges Road" in perfect harmony (just like the Von Trapps!) I think our Create a Chord game will help us achieve our goal. One person sings a note, a second person adds another note and so on until we create a chord. We then pat ourselves on the back and talk about how lovely that chord was before we try to sing an even better one. My brother and I have a sick version of this game where we try to sing the most revolting chord we can think of. Unfortunately for everyone else in the car, this may be my most loved road trip pastime of all. The great thing about Create a Chord is that you can play it by yourself too! I harmonize to the radio all the time (I mean, The Fray's "Cable Car" is just begging for someone to sing a fourth above the last note of the song.)
Got You Last: As a child I was dazzled by stories of my mother's youth and one of her most intriguing tales involved a game that she and her four sisters played called "You're It, I Quit." This was a rather sadistic exercise which consisted of tagging someone and then saying you quit before they could tag you back. Inspired, I began my own version of this game by tagging my brother, yelling "got you last" and running away before he could tag me. This evolved into a more sophisticated road trip version in which we attempted to tag each other twice but make it feel like just one tag. That way the other person would only tag back once, never knowing that they had just lost the game by not tagging back twice. Because of this game, there were four or five years where Jeff and I could not shake hands, hug, or even accidentally brush up against each other in the hall without tagging the other person back.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Obscure Bible Facts Challenge: Love and Marriage Edition
As many of you know, my wonderful brother is marrying the amazing, astounding and beautiful Kashelle on Saturday. In honor of their impending nuptials, I've written a little quiz on love and marriage in the Bible. Enjoy!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
I'm Feeling Snarky About The Arky
There are many movies I'm looking forward to seeing this summer. "Evan Almighty" is not one of them. My reasons for avoiding this film include:
1. I hate movies with animals. (Well, all right. I love two animal movies: "Best in Show" and "Old Yeller," who truly was the best doggone dog in the west.)
2. I hate movies that are rated PG. (Although there are some glowing exceptions, the PG rating seems to be a haven for slapped together plots, booger jokes, poorly executed slapstick and A-list actors slumming it. But that's just my opinion.)
3. I hate movies that remake God in our image and then pass it off as family fare. (To be fair, I haven't seen this film and maybe it presents a perfectly biblical picture of God. But I'm not holding my breath.)
All this to say, I hadn't really given "Evan Almighty" much thought until yesterday evening when I picked up my mail and found a flier from Youth Specialties. It featured a picture of a scene from the aforementioned film and the caption: "All God asked Evan to do was build an ark. He's asking you to change to world." This was followed by a quick blurb about something called Ark Almighty.
Intrigued, I did a little research and discovered that Ark Almighty is an "Evan Almighty" inspired program for churches. Ark stands for "Acts of Random Kindness" and the program takes many of its cues from Steve Sjogren's book, "Conspiracy of Kindness." Ark Almighty functions sort of like Craigslist and matches up needs in your congregation and community to the talents and skills of members of your church. Partners for this program include the Willow Creek Association, Youth Specialties, Outreach Inc., and the International Bible Society. To learn more about it, click here.
When your church signs up, you receive a four week curriculum designed by Youth Specialties, an instructional DVD starring "Evan Almighty" star John Goodman, t-shirts, hats, a banner and more. And you can disperse promotional materials throughout your neighborhood that tie in with the film.
So I'm in a bit of a quandry. I don't have a staunch conviction about whether or not I agree with this program. And I have staunch convictions about EVERYTHING including ice cream (Coldstone over Baskin Robbins), clothing (natural over synthetic fibers), 19th century American writers (Melville over Emerson) and so on.
On the one hand, there are some things I really like about the Ark Almighty concept:
1. I like the idea of churches being outward focused and caring for the people in their communities.
2. I like the idea of a system for uncovering the needs in your community.
3. I like that people could see the church's good works and glorify God.
On the other hand, there are some things that really bother me about the concept:
1. I'm all about partnering with secular organizations, but I'm uneasy about partnering with a movie distribution company that is primarily interested in making money.
2. I don't like giving the Christian stamp of approval (which Ark Almighty absolutely does - you can even watch an "Evan Almighty" preview on the website) to a movie that could be disrespectful to God. Or just be lousy.
3. I don't like the church functioning as a free marketing tool for Universal Pictures.
What do you all think? Is Ark Almighty an example of becoming all things to all men? Is it an unholy union between the church and Hollywood? Does the good outweigh the bad? Am I being difficult just because I hate animal movies? I'd love to hear your staunch convictions on the subject, although developing opinions are welcome as well.
1. I hate movies with animals. (Well, all right. I love two animal movies: "Best in Show" and "Old Yeller," who truly was the best doggone dog in the west.)
2. I hate movies that are rated PG. (Although there are some glowing exceptions, the PG rating seems to be a haven for slapped together plots, booger jokes, poorly executed slapstick and A-list actors slumming it. But that's just my opinion.)
3. I hate movies that remake God in our image and then pass it off as family fare. (To be fair, I haven't seen this film and maybe it presents a perfectly biblical picture of God. But I'm not holding my breath.)
All this to say, I hadn't really given "Evan Almighty" much thought until yesterday evening when I picked up my mail and found a flier from Youth Specialties. It featured a picture of a scene from the aforementioned film and the caption: "All God asked Evan to do was build an ark. He's asking you to change to world." This was followed by a quick blurb about something called Ark Almighty.
Intrigued, I did a little research and discovered that Ark Almighty is an "Evan Almighty" inspired program for churches. Ark stands for "Acts of Random Kindness" and the program takes many of its cues from Steve Sjogren's book, "Conspiracy of Kindness." Ark Almighty functions sort of like Craigslist and matches up needs in your congregation and community to the talents and skills of members of your church. Partners for this program include the Willow Creek Association, Youth Specialties, Outreach Inc., and the International Bible Society. To learn more about it, click here.
When your church signs up, you receive a four week curriculum designed by Youth Specialties, an instructional DVD starring "Evan Almighty" star John Goodman, t-shirts, hats, a banner and more. And you can disperse promotional materials throughout your neighborhood that tie in with the film.
So I'm in a bit of a quandry. I don't have a staunch conviction about whether or not I agree with this program. And I have staunch convictions about EVERYTHING including ice cream (Coldstone over Baskin Robbins), clothing (natural over synthetic fibers), 19th century American writers (Melville over Emerson) and so on.
On the one hand, there are some things I really like about the Ark Almighty concept:
1. I like the idea of churches being outward focused and caring for the people in their communities.
2. I like the idea of a system for uncovering the needs in your community.
3. I like that people could see the church's good works and glorify God.
On the other hand, there are some things that really bother me about the concept:
1. I'm all about partnering with secular organizations, but I'm uneasy about partnering with a movie distribution company that is primarily interested in making money.
2. I don't like giving the Christian stamp of approval (which Ark Almighty absolutely does - you can even watch an "Evan Almighty" preview on the website) to a movie that could be disrespectful to God. Or just be lousy.
3. I don't like the church functioning as a free marketing tool for Universal Pictures.
What do you all think? Is Ark Almighty an example of becoming all things to all men? Is it an unholy union between the church and Hollywood? Does the good outweigh the bad? Am I being difficult just because I hate animal movies? I'd love to hear your staunch convictions on the subject, although developing opinions are welcome as well.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Anselm: He's So Hot Right Now
In honor of the theologian, I will now write the introduction to a quote from “Why God Became Man” (or Cur Deus Homo for all you Latin lovers out there) in the style of Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109).
Jenny: I enjoyed reading the major works of Anselm in college and he really deepened my understanding of the atonement.
Boso: You are absolutely correct, Jenny. Anselm was a brilliant thinker and you are also brilliant for recognizing this.
Jenny: You can see Anselm’s influence in the works of theologians such as John Piper.
Boso: I completely agree! What an astute observation!
Jenny: I thought I would post point thirteen of Anselm’s classic, “Why God Became Man” as I appreciate his take on the nature of sin.
Boso: You have undeniably chosen a wonderful quote. What a brilliant addition to your already fantastic blog!
Jenny: Thank you, Boso. I hope that everyone enjoys the quote.
Boso: It is unfathomable that they would not.
"13. That there is nothing in the universal order more intolerable than that a creature should take away from the Creator the honour due to him, and not repay what he takes away.
Anselm: There is nothing more intolerable in the universal order than that a creature should take away honour from the creator and not repay what he takes away.
Boso: Nothing is more self-evident than this.
Anselm: There is nothing, furthermore, which is more unjust to tolerate than the most intolerable thing in the universal order.
Boso: That, too, is very clear.
Anselm: I think, therefore, that you will not say that God ought to tolerate something which it is the greatest injustice in the universe to tolerate, namely: that a creature should not give back to God what he takes away.
Boso: No, on the contrary, I see that this needs to be utterly denied.
Anselm: Likewise, if there is nothing greater and nothing better than God, then there is nothing, in the government of the universe, which the supreme justice, which is none other than God himself, preserves more justly than God’s honour.
Boso: This too is perfectly plain.
Anselm: There is nothing, therefore, which God preserves more justly than the honour of his dignity.
Boso: I must grant this to be so.
Anselm: Does it seem to you that he is preserving his honor intact if he allows it to be taken from himself on such terms that, on the one had, it is not repaid him, and, on the other, he does not punish the person who takes it?
Boso: I dare not say so.
Anselm: It is a necessary consequence, therefore, that either the honour which has been taken away should be repaid, or punishment should follow. Otherwise, either God will not be just to himself, or he will be without the power to enforce either of the two options; and it is an abominable sin even to consider this possibility."
Jenny: I enjoyed reading the major works of Anselm in college and he really deepened my understanding of the atonement.
Boso: You are absolutely correct, Jenny. Anselm was a brilliant thinker and you are also brilliant for recognizing this.
Jenny: You can see Anselm’s influence in the works of theologians such as John Piper.
Boso: I completely agree! What an astute observation!
Jenny: I thought I would post point thirteen of Anselm’s classic, “Why God Became Man” as I appreciate his take on the nature of sin.
Boso: You have undeniably chosen a wonderful quote. What a brilliant addition to your already fantastic blog!
Jenny: Thank you, Boso. I hope that everyone enjoys the quote.
Boso: It is unfathomable that they would not.
"13. That there is nothing in the universal order more intolerable than that a creature should take away from the Creator the honour due to him, and not repay what he takes away.
Anselm: There is nothing more intolerable in the universal order than that a creature should take away honour from the creator and not repay what he takes away.
Boso: Nothing is more self-evident than this.
Anselm: There is nothing, furthermore, which is more unjust to tolerate than the most intolerable thing in the universal order.
Boso: That, too, is very clear.
Anselm: I think, therefore, that you will not say that God ought to tolerate something which it is the greatest injustice in the universe to tolerate, namely: that a creature should not give back to God what he takes away.
Boso: No, on the contrary, I see that this needs to be utterly denied.
Anselm: Likewise, if there is nothing greater and nothing better than God, then there is nothing, in the government of the universe, which the supreme justice, which is none other than God himself, preserves more justly than God’s honour.
Boso: This too is perfectly plain.
Anselm: There is nothing, therefore, which God preserves more justly than the honour of his dignity.
Boso: I must grant this to be so.
Anselm: Does it seem to you that he is preserving his honor intact if he allows it to be taken from himself on such terms that, on the one had, it is not repaid him, and, on the other, he does not punish the person who takes it?
Boso: I dare not say so.
Anselm: It is a necessary consequence, therefore, that either the honour which has been taken away should be repaid, or punishment should follow. Otherwise, either God will not be just to himself, or he will be without the power to enforce either of the two options; and it is an abominable sin even to consider this possibility."
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The Surefire Antidote For Intellectual Pride . . .
. . . is reading your old college notes. After looking over my book notes from four years at Biola University, I began to wonder why they chose to award me a Bachelor of Arts. So in the interest of personal growth, I’ve decided to post some of my most cringe worthy thoughts as an undergraduate. Enjoy!
Thoughts on Edmund Spenser’s The Fairie Queen
Spenser: “When those accursed messengers of hell, that feigning dreame, and that faire-forged Spright came to their wicked master, and gan tell their booteless paines, and ill succeeding night.”
Me: “What is going on?”
Spenser: “The Sprite then gan more boldly him to wake. . .”
Me: “Are they trying to wake the Knight?”
Spenser: “He bad awake black Plutoes grisly Dame, and cursed heaven, and spake reproachful shame.”
Me: “Wait, is he a bad hermit?”
Spenser: “That I must rue his undeserved wrong: help thou my weak wit, and sharpen my dull tongue.”
Me: “So Homeric!”
Thoughts on Virgil’s The Aenead
Virgil: “It was only a picture, but sighing deeply he let his thoughts feed on it, and his face was wet with a stream of tears.”
Me: “Why are these men always so emotional?”
Thoughts on Homer’s The Odyssey
Homer: “His trustiest weapon women’s twisted wiles.”
Me: “Mortal women are either good or bad.”
Homer: “Under the echoing porch he tethered these, then turned on Odysseus once again with cutting insults, “Still alive? Still hounding your betters, begging round the house?”
Me: “What is this guy’s problem?"
Thoughts on The Works of John Donne
Donne: “When I am dead, and the doctors know not why. . .”
Me: “It is really all that healthy to dwell on things like this?”
Donne: “May he dream treason, and believe, that he meant to perform it, and confess and die.”
Me: “He’s pretty creative in his revenge fantasies.”
Donne: “Twice or thrice had I loved thee, before I knew thy face or name”
Me: “This seems a bit sappy – I like him when he’s being witty.”
Thoughts on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle: “For we should not seek the same degree of exactness in all sorts of arguments alike, any more than in the products of different crafts.”
Me: “Why does he keep bringing up crafts?”
Thoughts on Plato’s Phaedo
Plato: “I think that a man who has truly spent his life in philosophy is probably right to be of good cheer in the face of death.”
Me: “What is so wonderful about philosophy?”
Plato: “Yes, by Zeus, Phaedo, and they were right, I think he made these things wonderfully clear to anyone of even small intelligence.”
Me: “It’s not clear to me.”
Thoughts on Edmund Spenser’s The Fairie Queen
Spenser: “When those accursed messengers of hell, that feigning dreame, and that faire-forged Spright came to their wicked master, and gan tell their booteless paines, and ill succeeding night.”
Me: “What is going on?”
Spenser: “The Sprite then gan more boldly him to wake. . .”
Me: “Are they trying to wake the Knight?”
Spenser: “He bad awake black Plutoes grisly Dame, and cursed heaven, and spake reproachful shame.”
Me: “Wait, is he a bad hermit?”
Spenser: “That I must rue his undeserved wrong: help thou my weak wit, and sharpen my dull tongue.”
Me: “So Homeric!”
Thoughts on Virgil’s The Aenead
Virgil: “It was only a picture, but sighing deeply he let his thoughts feed on it, and his face was wet with a stream of tears.”
Me: “Why are these men always so emotional?”
Thoughts on Homer’s The Odyssey
Homer: “His trustiest weapon women’s twisted wiles.”
Me: “Mortal women are either good or bad.”
Homer: “Under the echoing porch he tethered these, then turned on Odysseus once again with cutting insults, “Still alive? Still hounding your betters, begging round the house?”
Me: “What is this guy’s problem?"
Thoughts on The Works of John Donne
Donne: “When I am dead, and the doctors know not why. . .”
Me: “It is really all that healthy to dwell on things like this?”
Donne: “May he dream treason, and believe, that he meant to perform it, and confess and die.”
Me: “He’s pretty creative in his revenge fantasies.”
Donne: “Twice or thrice had I loved thee, before I knew thy face or name”
Me: “This seems a bit sappy – I like him when he’s being witty.”
Thoughts on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle: “For we should not seek the same degree of exactness in all sorts of arguments alike, any more than in the products of different crafts.”
Me: “Why does he keep bringing up crafts?”
Thoughts on Plato’s Phaedo
Plato: “I think that a man who has truly spent his life in philosophy is probably right to be of good cheer in the face of death.”
Me: “What is so wonderful about philosophy?”
Plato: “Yes, by Zeus, Phaedo, and they were right, I think he made these things wonderfully clear to anyone of even small intelligence.”
Me: “It’s not clear to me.”
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Mother Of All Swell Saturdays
Being that tomorrow is Mother's Day, I thought I'd devote this Swell Saturday to the swellest woman I know - my wonderful mother. In addition to being exceptionally good looking, unfailingly charming, incredibly godly, a fantastic conversationalist, an amazing seamstress, a caring and thoughtful friend, a lover of God's Word and the baker of the best chocolate chip cookies in the history of the world, my mother is also exceedingly wise. So in honor of her, I'd like to share forty pearls of wisdom that I've learned from my mom.
1. Weeping may endure for the night but a shout of joy comes in the morning.
2. A British accent makes every situation funnier.
3. If you're feeling depressed ask, "How's my time with God been lately?"
4. Always under bake your cookies and double the chocolate chips for best results.
5. Ask thoughtful follow up questions.
6. Make the call now!
7. Always prepare more than enough food.
8. Read your Bible in the morning.
9. Strive for excellence.
10. Clean house, happy house.
11. Utilize odd numbers when you decorate.
12. Fold French corners when you make your bed.
13. Don't buy it unless the plaids match.
14. A great haircut is worth every cent.
15. Be nice to your brother.
16. Discipleship is a vital part of ministry.
17. Pursue a hobby.
18. Practice good grooming every day.
19. Invest in people more than programs.
20. Shave daily.
21. Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.
22. Treat people to lunch.
23. Don't worry about what others think about you. (I don't care what they say!)
24. Remember God's faithfulness.
25. Listen to classical music.
26. Plan ahead.
27. Stay politically informed.
28. Do thoughtful, unexpected acts for others.
29. Make your home a beautiful and unique place.
30. Remain curious.
31. Speak like a lady.
32. Pray about your worries.
33. Your relationship with God should influence every decision you make.
34. Make events special for people.
35. Join the Biola Chorale.
36. Don't show all your cards at once.
37. Use creativity in teaching.
38. Sing whenever you can.
39. Think critically.
40. Always fold your towels so the tag does not show.
I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!
1. Weeping may endure for the night but a shout of joy comes in the morning.
2. A British accent makes every situation funnier.
3. If you're feeling depressed ask, "How's my time with God been lately?"
4. Always under bake your cookies and double the chocolate chips for best results.
5. Ask thoughtful follow up questions.
6. Make the call now!
7. Always prepare more than enough food.
8. Read your Bible in the morning.
9. Strive for excellence.
10. Clean house, happy house.
11. Utilize odd numbers when you decorate.
12. Fold French corners when you make your bed.
13. Don't buy it unless the plaids match.
14. A great haircut is worth every cent.
15. Be nice to your brother.
16. Discipleship is a vital part of ministry.
17. Pursue a hobby.
18. Practice good grooming every day.
19. Invest in people more than programs.
20. Shave daily.
21. Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.
22. Treat people to lunch.
23. Don't worry about what others think about you. (I don't care what they say!)
24. Remember God's faithfulness.
25. Listen to classical music.
26. Plan ahead.
27. Stay politically informed.
28. Do thoughtful, unexpected acts for others.
29. Make your home a beautiful and unique place.
30. Remain curious.
31. Speak like a lady.
32. Pray about your worries.
33. Your relationship with God should influence every decision you make.
34. Make events special for people.
35. Join the Biola Chorale.
36. Don't show all your cards at once.
37. Use creativity in teaching.
38. Sing whenever you can.
39. Think critically.
40. Always fold your towels so the tag does not show.
I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Swell Saturday Strikes Again!
It’s time once again to wade into the shallow end of the pool for another installment of Swell Saturday! Here are this week’s winners:
Lean Cuisine: There’s a scene in uber chick flick “The Wedding Planner” when Jennifer Lopez’s character comes home to her empty apartment after a long day of work, microwaves her dinner and eats it while watching “Antiques Road Show.” This is all supposed to convey a sense of sadness and isolation, but when you think about it, doesn’t that sound like an awesome evening? You have the pleasure of a quiet night to yourself after a stressful day, you get to watch your favorite show and dinner only took you three minutes to prepare! Too long have microwaveable dinners been synonymous with loneliness and desperation! I think it’s time they get the respect they deserve. Cooking a gourmet meal is fine and dandy but sometimes your full and meaningful life doesn’t allow you the time or energy. Lean Cuisine always comes to the rescue with yummy (and often preservative free!) pastas and pizzas that cost two bucks and are ready in under five minutes. That leaves me with lots of extra time for a life of excitement and purpose. Or at least extra time for “Antiques Road Show.”
1001 Free Fonts: Some girls collect shoes. Others collect bags. I collect fonts. Pizza Dude, Anatevka Caps, Chocolate Box, A Yummy Apology, Bachelor Pad – I love them all. I currently have a sweet little collection of about three hundred and constantly feel the need to add more. But unlike shoes or bags, my obsession costs me nothing thanks to 1001 Free Fonts. I can download as many fonts as I want for absolutely free. When I’m working on a church event flier and need one font that will appeal simultaneously to older single women with a penchant for foreign films, teenage male soccer players, and couples who hate gardening, I know I’ll find it at 1001 Free Fonts.
Awesome God: One of my favorite things to do as a child was put on dress up clothes, play Christian kids’ music, and sing in front of my full length mirror. (I’ll admit that staring at oneself for hours was probably not the ideal way to digest the meaning of those songs, but there you go.) At age five or six, I was particularly troubled by the refrain of the song “Love Never Fails” from “The Music Machine.” It went “love never fails, love never fails, there ain’t nothing love can’t do, aren’t you glad that God loves you.” After listening to this chorus I promptly told my dad, “I know something that love can’t do. Not love.” I just purchased a fantastic children’s CD called “Awesome God” that is bound to help kids ponder deeper issues than what love can or cannot do. Each song is wonderfully God-centered and teaches great theological concepts. Consider the lyrics to “Mighty Mighty Savior”: “Sin is too strong, for me to conquer on my own. I need someone to help me. I am too weak, I cannot change my evil heart, I need someone to cleanse me.” Or the chorus to “Sovereign One”: “Sovereign One, You work all things to Your plan. Sovereign One, You hold all things in Your hands.” I listened to “Three in One” (which sounds strangely like Everclear) almost ten times today and I think it may be my favorite song ever about the Trinity. “Awesome God” is produced by Sovereign Grace Ministries and it definitely deserves a place on the shelf next to “Singsational Servants” and “Bullfrogs and Butterflies.”
Lean Cuisine: There’s a scene in uber chick flick “The Wedding Planner” when Jennifer Lopez’s character comes home to her empty apartment after a long day of work, microwaves her dinner and eats it while watching “Antiques Road Show.” This is all supposed to convey a sense of sadness and isolation, but when you think about it, doesn’t that sound like an awesome evening? You have the pleasure of a quiet night to yourself after a stressful day, you get to watch your favorite show and dinner only took you three minutes to prepare! Too long have microwaveable dinners been synonymous with loneliness and desperation! I think it’s time they get the respect they deserve. Cooking a gourmet meal is fine and dandy but sometimes your full and meaningful life doesn’t allow you the time or energy. Lean Cuisine always comes to the rescue with yummy (and often preservative free!) pastas and pizzas that cost two bucks and are ready in under five minutes. That leaves me with lots of extra time for a life of excitement and purpose. Or at least extra time for “Antiques Road Show.”
1001 Free Fonts: Some girls collect shoes. Others collect bags. I collect fonts. Pizza Dude, Anatevka Caps, Chocolate Box, A Yummy Apology, Bachelor Pad – I love them all. I currently have a sweet little collection of about three hundred and constantly feel the need to add more. But unlike shoes or bags, my obsession costs me nothing thanks to 1001 Free Fonts. I can download as many fonts as I want for absolutely free. When I’m working on a church event flier and need one font that will appeal simultaneously to older single women with a penchant for foreign films, teenage male soccer players, and couples who hate gardening, I know I’ll find it at 1001 Free Fonts.
Awesome God: One of my favorite things to do as a child was put on dress up clothes, play Christian kids’ music, and sing in front of my full length mirror. (I’ll admit that staring at oneself for hours was probably not the ideal way to digest the meaning of those songs, but there you go.) At age five or six, I was particularly troubled by the refrain of the song “Love Never Fails” from “The Music Machine.” It went “love never fails, love never fails, there ain’t nothing love can’t do, aren’t you glad that God loves you.” After listening to this chorus I promptly told my dad, “I know something that love can’t do. Not love.” I just purchased a fantastic children’s CD called “Awesome God” that is bound to help kids ponder deeper issues than what love can or cannot do. Each song is wonderfully God-centered and teaches great theological concepts. Consider the lyrics to “Mighty Mighty Savior”: “Sin is too strong, for me to conquer on my own. I need someone to help me. I am too weak, I cannot change my evil heart, I need someone to cleanse me.” Or the chorus to “Sovereign One”: “Sovereign One, You work all things to Your plan. Sovereign One, You hold all things in Your hands.” I listened to “Three in One” (which sounds strangely like Everclear) almost ten times today and I think it may be my favorite song ever about the Trinity. “Awesome God” is produced by Sovereign Grace Ministries and it definitely deserves a place on the shelf next to “Singsational Servants” and “Bullfrogs and Butterflies.”
Friday, May 04, 2007
Hooray For Hollywood!
May 4th is a momentous day. It is a day I’ve eagerly awaited since the beginning of this year. It is a day of great hope and expectation. It is the opening day of Spider Man 3, which ushers in the most wonderful time of the year: Summer Movie Season!
No longer will our viewing choices be limited to trite romantic comedies that studios waited two years to release, cheap slasher flicks, and films involving time travel and Sandra Bullock. For the next four months, movie theatres will be filled with new multimillion dollar epics, smart indies, and brilliant sleeper hits every weekend! I can already taste the popcorn.
With eleven major sequels (Spiderman 3, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Shrek the Third, Twenty Eight Weeks Later, Ocean’s Thirteen, Live Free or Die Hard, Evan Almighty, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Rush Hour 3) plus a host of other long anticipated movies (including Transformers and The Simpsons Movie), some say that this may be the biggest summer in movie history! That may be a bit of a stretch, but then again – THE SIMPSONS MOVIE.
Here are the five movies I'm looking foward to the most. Happy viewing!
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End – Opens May 25th
When I was a little kid, I dreamed of being kidnapped by pirates and I still love a good pirate yarn. I thought the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie was fantastic, I loathed last summer’s sequel, and I’m hoping that this final installment will redeem the trilogy (just like Revenge of the Sith totally redeemed the Star Wars prequels . . . oh, wait.) I think the inspired casting of Keith Richards as Jack Sparrow’s father is a good sign.
Ocean’s 13 – Opens June 8th
This series isn’t so much about plot and dialogue as it is watching cool kids get paid millions to goof off in exotic locations. But when the cool kids are George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Carl Reiner, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, and Al Pacino and they’re directed by Steven Soderbergh, I’ll pay nine bucks to see it.
The Simpsons Movie – Opens July 27th
Let’s just say that my expectations for this movie are very high. If they are not met, it could make for a very long and sad rest of the summer.
The Bourne Ultimatum – Opens August 3rd
Unlike your typical bullet proof action hero, I always felt that Jason Bourne was a vulnerable kid who could actually get hurt, which made me root for him all the more. I’m hoping that this film is as good as the first two.
Becoming Jane – Opens August 3rd
1. It’s about a young Jane Austen.
2. It stars Anne Hathaway.
3. There will be lots of beautiful clothes.
No longer will our viewing choices be limited to trite romantic comedies that studios waited two years to release, cheap slasher flicks, and films involving time travel and Sandra Bullock. For the next four months, movie theatres will be filled with new multimillion dollar epics, smart indies, and brilliant sleeper hits every weekend! I can already taste the popcorn.
With eleven major sequels (Spiderman 3, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Shrek the Third, Twenty Eight Weeks Later, Ocean’s Thirteen, Live Free or Die Hard, Evan Almighty, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Rush Hour 3) plus a host of other long anticipated movies (including Transformers and The Simpsons Movie), some say that this may be the biggest summer in movie history! That may be a bit of a stretch, but then again – THE SIMPSONS MOVIE.
Here are the five movies I'm looking foward to the most. Happy viewing!
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End – Opens May 25th
When I was a little kid, I dreamed of being kidnapped by pirates and I still love a good pirate yarn. I thought the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie was fantastic, I loathed last summer’s sequel, and I’m hoping that this final installment will redeem the trilogy (just like Revenge of the Sith totally redeemed the Star Wars prequels . . . oh, wait.) I think the inspired casting of Keith Richards as Jack Sparrow’s father is a good sign.
Ocean’s 13 – Opens June 8th
This series isn’t so much about plot and dialogue as it is watching cool kids get paid millions to goof off in exotic locations. But when the cool kids are George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Carl Reiner, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, and Al Pacino and they’re directed by Steven Soderbergh, I’ll pay nine bucks to see it.
The Simpsons Movie – Opens July 27th
Let’s just say that my expectations for this movie are very high. If they are not met, it could make for a very long and sad rest of the summer.
The Bourne Ultimatum – Opens August 3rd
Unlike your typical bullet proof action hero, I always felt that Jason Bourne was a vulnerable kid who could actually get hurt, which made me root for him all the more. I’m hoping that this film is as good as the first two.
Becoming Jane – Opens August 3rd
1. It’s about a young Jane Austen.
2. It stars Anne Hathaway.
3. There will be lots of beautiful clothes.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
It's May, It's May, It's Time For Wesley Wednesday!
One of my favorite things to discuss with kids is how Jesus will one day create a new heaven and earth. The younger ones never fail to be amazed at the idea of a perfect world and the older kids often ask, "How do we know that we won't rebel in the new world just like Adam and Eve?" which is fun to chew on.
I recently told my kindergarten through third graders how the new world will be free from death and how we can swim with sharks without fear. This prompted a question from Alexandra who asked, "Will we be able to pet the sharks?"
"How Glorious Is The Life Above" is a wonderful Wesley hymn that will whet your appetite for the new world even more than the prospect of petting sharks. Enjoy!
How glorious is the life above
Which in this ordinance we taste,
That fullness of celestial love,
That joy which shall for ever last!
That heavenly life in Christ concealed
These earthen vessels could not bear;
The part which now we find revealed
No tongue of angels can declare.
The light of life eternal darts
Into our souls a dazzling ray;
A drop of Heaven o’erflows our hearts,
And deluges the house of clay.
Sure pledge of ecstasies unknown
Shall this divine communion be:
The ray shall rise into a sun,
The drop shall swell into a sea.
I recently told my kindergarten through third graders how the new world will be free from death and how we can swim with sharks without fear. This prompted a question from Alexandra who asked, "Will we be able to pet the sharks?"
"How Glorious Is The Life Above" is a wonderful Wesley hymn that will whet your appetite for the new world even more than the prospect of petting sharks. Enjoy!
How glorious is the life above
Which in this ordinance we taste,
That fullness of celestial love,
That joy which shall for ever last!
That heavenly life in Christ concealed
These earthen vessels could not bear;
The part which now we find revealed
No tongue of angels can declare.
The light of life eternal darts
Into our souls a dazzling ray;
A drop of Heaven o’erflows our hearts,
And deluges the house of clay.
Sure pledge of ecstasies unknown
Shall this divine communion be:
The ray shall rise into a sun,
The drop shall swell into a sea.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Singled Out
I had the privilege of attending the "Children Desiring God" conference in Minnesota last week and not only got to hear John Piper, Wayne Grudem, and C.J. Mahaney talk about how to teach the gospel to kids, but also attended Bethlehem Baptist Church on Sunday and was blessed by Piper's amazing sermon on the theology of singleness. It actually made me cry. However, "When Harry Met Sally" also made me cry, so maybe that's not saying a whole lot.
In any case, I'm singling out "Single in Christ: A Name Better than Sons or Daughters" as a wonderful sermon. Read it and let me know what you think!
In any case, I'm singling out "Single in Christ: A Name Better than Sons or Daughters" as a wonderful sermon. Read it and let me know what you think!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Introducing: Swell Saturday!
I love alliteration (or should I say, adore alliteration.) Thus Wesley Wednesdays now has a new sibling: Swell Saturdays. Each Saturday I’ll attempt to write about different things that I found particularly swell that week. Here are this week's winners:
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones: This might be the best children’s Bible I’ve ever seen. Lloyd Jones begins by explaining that the Bible tells one big story and that Jesus is the hero of that story. She then artfully connects each individual story to the overall plot of the Bible, so kids begin to see God's Word as a cohesive whole rather than a book of random tales. Her storytelling skills are fantastic, her theology is solid, and the illustrations are gorgeous (the forbidden fruit looks nothing like an apple and the people look like they could actually be from the Middle East!)
Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”: This is an unlikely choice for Swell Saturday. Not only do I generally dislike country music, but I was a huge Bo Bice fan during the fourth season of American Idol and was crushed by his defeat at the hands of Carrie Underwood. Yet I absolutely love her new single. I’ve never been cheated on, been involved in an even remotely tragic relationship, or harbored any resentment towards men, but for some reason I’m always drawn to bitter songs about ill fated love affairs (“The Man That Got Away,” “I Wish I Could Forget You,” “But Not For Me,” etc.) and Underwood’s sassy ode to revenge on an unfaithful boyfriend is no exception. Whenever it comes on the radio, I’ll always turn the volume way up and belt out the lyrics, “I took a Louisville Slugger to both headlights and slashed a hole in all four tires and maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats” at the top of my lungs.
PBS Late Night Documentaries: I’ve had a difficult time getting to bed at a decent hour and I blame PBS for airing such fascinating documentaries at 11:00 p.m. I’ll be just about ready to head to bed when I flip through the channels and see, “Once considered to be the Mediterranean of California, the Salton Sea is now one of the greatest ecological disasters of our generation. Discover this beautifully awful and awfully beautiful place tonight on Truly California.” How can I resist that? These documentaries are short, snappy, and absolutely gripping. So far I’ve learned all about the development of organic farming in the United States and the saga of the Imperial Valley’s Salton Sea. Leave it to the network that taught me how to count in Spanish when I was in preschool to now teach me about the benefits of community agriculture.
The Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements Series: I have a love/hate relationship with the stairmaster in my apartment building’s workout room. I love that I can burn a ton of calories in only thirty minutes and that I don’t have to pay for a gym. I hate that it involves thirty minutes of painful and boring exercise in a tiny stuffy room with no television or music. I’m tempted to quit about every five minutes, but reading the Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements while I’m exercising helps me persevere and finish my workout. This awesome series features short books about various cults such as Mormonism, Mind Sciences, and “Jesus Only” churches. Each book is written completely in outline form, perfect for someone who is trying to simultaneously read and gasp for air. The books do a great job of explaining the differences between each cult and Christianity and provide good scriptural and philosophical arguments against the cults’ claims. I highly recommend the series, even to people who choose not to read it on the Stairmaster 3000.
Tuscan Three Cheese Kettle Chips: In my opinion, Kettle Chips are to potato chips what Haagen Dazs is to ice cream. And my new favorite variety is the Tuscan Three Cheese. As the bag says, it’s a “Mediterranean Vacation In A Bag.” Plus, the very chic celery colored bag coordinates perfectly with my kitchen. A Mediterranean vacation and color coordination – who could ask for more?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Video Killed the Sunday School Star
I’m a hypocrite. There I was on a Saturday night, exhausted from a weekend of kids’ theatre performances and no curriculum prepared for Sunday morning. I had two choices: stay up all night and write a thoughtful introduction to Proverbs or show up fifteen minutes before the 9:00 a.m. service and pop in a video. Although one of my favorite soapboxes is the peril of using movies in Sunday school, fatigue won out over righteous indignation and our elementary schoolers spent that Sunday watching the “Jesus” film for kids (which is basically a shorter version of the “Jesus” film with spliced in scenes of kids saying things like, “Who are all these people?” and “What’s going on now?”)
The kids’ reaction to the video was amazing. Their eyes glazed over and they stared at the screen, quietly munching their popcorn. They didn’t throw clay at the walls or grab my shoes or punch their siblings or attempt to crawl out of the room every five seconds when they thought I wasn’t looking. They were remarkably well behaved. I left church that afternoon with conflicting emotions – frustrated that I chose to go against my convictions and show a video and thrilled that my classes were so delightfully calm after a crazy weekend.
Using video as a teaching tool is a growing children’s ministry trend and I can definitely see the appeal. The kids are quiet, they’re entertained, they pay attention, and they probably remember a good chunk of what they see. Some proponents of this method argue that they’re simply adapting their teaching style to meet the needs of a generation raised on video games and Sponge Bob.
However, I think relying on multimedia to teach kids the Bible can be dangerous. Not only does it reinforce kids’ already incredibly short attention spans (if they can’t learn to sit and listen to a ten minute story, how will they be able to sit and read their Bibles for ten minutes?), I believe it also makes the Bible seem less credible. If a child’s primary biblical instruction is packaged like a Saturday morning cartoon, I wonder if that child will grow up thinking that the Bible is simply a book of fun stories. Plus, I think there is educational benefit in kids interacting with biblical concepts through discussion, art, and games as opposed to passively receiving information through a video.
This leads me to my question. When should the church change its methods to keep up with cultural trends and when should it ignore those trends? For instance, I think that church websites are a great idea. We’re an increasingly web based society and I believe that the ability to download sermons, check out a church calendar, and read a statement of faith online can be a wonderful evangelistic tool and a practical help to a congregation. On the other hand, I don’t want to follow our culture and show videos in Sunday school (except on occasions when the children’s director did not budget her time well and has no lesson prepared.) What should be the church's criteria for embracing or ignoring cultural trends?
I’d love to hear your opinions on this issue. In the meantime, I’d better finish up my lesson on the Psalms so my kids don’t end up watching my old copy of “The Flying House” on Sunday.
The kids’ reaction to the video was amazing. Their eyes glazed over and they stared at the screen, quietly munching their popcorn. They didn’t throw clay at the walls or grab my shoes or punch their siblings or attempt to crawl out of the room every five seconds when they thought I wasn’t looking. They were remarkably well behaved. I left church that afternoon with conflicting emotions – frustrated that I chose to go against my convictions and show a video and thrilled that my classes were so delightfully calm after a crazy weekend.
Using video as a teaching tool is a growing children’s ministry trend and I can definitely see the appeal. The kids are quiet, they’re entertained, they pay attention, and they probably remember a good chunk of what they see. Some proponents of this method argue that they’re simply adapting their teaching style to meet the needs of a generation raised on video games and Sponge Bob.
However, I think relying on multimedia to teach kids the Bible can be dangerous. Not only does it reinforce kids’ already incredibly short attention spans (if they can’t learn to sit and listen to a ten minute story, how will they be able to sit and read their Bibles for ten minutes?), I believe it also makes the Bible seem less credible. If a child’s primary biblical instruction is packaged like a Saturday morning cartoon, I wonder if that child will grow up thinking that the Bible is simply a book of fun stories. Plus, I think there is educational benefit in kids interacting with biblical concepts through discussion, art, and games as opposed to passively receiving information through a video.
This leads me to my question. When should the church change its methods to keep up with cultural trends and when should it ignore those trends? For instance, I think that church websites are a great idea. We’re an increasingly web based society and I believe that the ability to download sermons, check out a church calendar, and read a statement of faith online can be a wonderful evangelistic tool and a practical help to a congregation. On the other hand, I don’t want to follow our culture and show videos in Sunday school (except on occasions when the children’s director did not budget her time well and has no lesson prepared.) What should be the church's criteria for embracing or ignoring cultural trends?
I’d love to hear your opinions on this issue. In the meantime, I’d better finish up my lesson on the Psalms so my kids don’t end up watching my old copy of “The Flying House” on Sunday.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Wesley Wednesday: Awesome Welsh Towns Edition
Welcome back to Wesley Wednesday! This week's installment features, "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise," a beautiful Easter hymn that our kids' choir sang on Sunday (they only sang four of the ten verses, but they did get a standing ovation.)
This hymn's tune was composed by a man named Robert Williams (1782-1818), a blind basket maker from Anglesey County in North Wales. The name of the tune is "Llanfair" and is apparently named after Williams’ home town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandtysiliogogogoch. In English, the name means “church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel near the rapid whirlpool of the Church of St. Tysillio by the red cave.” I challenge you to find a more awesome name for a town than that. Enjoy another great Wesley hymn!
Hail the day that sees Him rise, Alleluia!
To His throne above the skies, Alleluia!
Christ, awhile to mortals given, Alleluia!
Reascends His native heaven, Alleluia!
There the glorious triumph waits, Alleluia!
Lift your heads, eternal gates, Alleluia!
Christ hath conquered death and sin, Alleluia!
Take the King of glory in, Alleluia!
Circled round with angel powers, Alleluia!
Their triumphant Lord, and ours, Alleluia!
Conqueror over death and sin, Alleluia!
“Take the King of glory in! Alleluia!”
Him though highest Heav’n receives, Alleluia!
Still He loves the earth He leaves, Alleluia!
Though returning to His throne, Alleluia!
Still He calls mankind His own, Alleluia!
See! He lifts His hands above, Alleluia!
See! He shows the prints of love, Alleluia!
Hark! His gracious lips bestow, Alleluia!
Blessings on His church below, Alleluia!
Still for us His death He pleads, Alleluia!
Prevalent He intercedes, Alleluia!
Near Himself prepares our place, Alleluia!
Harbinger of human race, Alleluia!
Master, (will we ever say), Alleluia!
Taken from our head to day, Alleluia!
See Thy faithful servants, see, Alleluia!
Ever gazing up to Thee, Alleluia!
Grant, though parted from our sight, Alleluia!
Far above yon azure height, Alleluia!
Grant our hearts may thither rise, Alleluia!
Seeking Thee beyond the skies, Alleluia!
Ever upward let us move, Alleluia!
Wafted on the wings of love, Alleluia!
Looking when our Lord shall come, Alleluia!
Longing, gasping after home, Alleluia!
There we shall with Thee remain, Alleluia!
Partners of Thy endless reign, Alleluia!
There Thy face unclouded see, Alleluia!
Find our heaven of heavens in Thee, Alleluia!
This hymn's tune was composed by a man named Robert Williams (1782-1818), a blind basket maker from Anglesey County in North Wales. The name of the tune is "Llanfair" and is apparently named after Williams’ home town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandtysiliogogogoch. In English, the name means “church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel near the rapid whirlpool of the Church of St. Tysillio by the red cave.” I challenge you to find a more awesome name for a town than that. Enjoy another great Wesley hymn!
Hail the day that sees Him rise, Alleluia!
To His throne above the skies, Alleluia!
Christ, awhile to mortals given, Alleluia!
Reascends His native heaven, Alleluia!
There the glorious triumph waits, Alleluia!
Lift your heads, eternal gates, Alleluia!
Christ hath conquered death and sin, Alleluia!
Take the King of glory in, Alleluia!
Circled round with angel powers, Alleluia!
Their triumphant Lord, and ours, Alleluia!
Conqueror over death and sin, Alleluia!
“Take the King of glory in! Alleluia!”
Him though highest Heav’n receives, Alleluia!
Still He loves the earth He leaves, Alleluia!
Though returning to His throne, Alleluia!
Still He calls mankind His own, Alleluia!
See! He lifts His hands above, Alleluia!
See! He shows the prints of love, Alleluia!
Hark! His gracious lips bestow, Alleluia!
Blessings on His church below, Alleluia!
Still for us His death He pleads, Alleluia!
Prevalent He intercedes, Alleluia!
Near Himself prepares our place, Alleluia!
Harbinger of human race, Alleluia!
Master, (will we ever say), Alleluia!
Taken from our head to day, Alleluia!
See Thy faithful servants, see, Alleluia!
Ever gazing up to Thee, Alleluia!
Grant, though parted from our sight, Alleluia!
Far above yon azure height, Alleluia!
Grant our hearts may thither rise, Alleluia!
Seeking Thee beyond the skies, Alleluia!
Ever upward let us move, Alleluia!
Wafted on the wings of love, Alleluia!
Looking when our Lord shall come, Alleluia!
Longing, gasping after home, Alleluia!
There we shall with Thee remain, Alleluia!
Partners of Thy endless reign, Alleluia!
There Thy face unclouded see, Alleluia!
Find our heaven of heavens in Thee, Alleluia!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The G Stands For Gilbert
Sheesh. How many cheerful and witty Christian writers known primarily by their initials did England turn out during the 20th century? G.K. Chesterton lived from 1874-1936 and was a journalist, theologian, philosopher, playwright, and mystery writer. Here’s a nifty quote from his brilliant work “Orthodoxy.”
“A child kicks his legs rhythmically through excess, not absence, of life. Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun and every evening “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we. The repetition in nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore.”
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A Public Service Announcement
I think this is my favorite public service announcement since Zach Braff's warning against smothering on "Scrubs." Enjoy this video from thechurchyouknow.com
Friday, March 23, 2007
Happy National Puppy Day!
Did you know that March 23rd is National Puppy Day? I know what you're thinking: "It's National Puppy Day already? Oh no, I didn't even get Jenny a present!"
Never fear. I have found the perfect gift. You could also give it to me for Arbor Day, Flag Day, Guy Fawkes Day, etc. Check out the BEST SOCKS EVER at the Concordia Publishing House site.
Never fear. I have found the perfect gift. You could also give it to me for Arbor Day, Flag Day, Guy Fawkes Day, etc. Check out the BEST SOCKS EVER at the Concordia Publishing House site.
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Battle of the Pascals: Adam: 1 - Blaise: 0
Since I have a group of junior high girls over to my place for dinner on Thursday nights, I thought it might be good to write inspiring quotes on my adorable Ikea chalkboard in the entryway. Hopefully, these great thoughts would stimulate their preteen brains and encourage conversation.
The last quote definitely stimulated their preteen brains. My quote from Blaise Pascal inspired one of my girls to think of her favorite movie star crush and write "ADAM PASCAL IS HOT!" next to Blaise's brilliant quote.
Apparently, Blaise's critique of the human condition is no match for Adam's raspy tenor and boyish charm.
Maybe I need to start quoting cuter people. I wonder if Hugh Jackman has said anything interesting about determinism.
The last quote definitely stimulated their preteen brains. My quote from Blaise Pascal inspired one of my girls to think of her favorite movie star crush and write "ADAM PASCAL IS HOT!" next to Blaise's brilliant quote.
Apparently, Blaise's critique of the human condition is no match for Adam's raspy tenor and boyish charm.
Maybe I need to start quoting cuter people. I wonder if Hugh Jackman has said anything interesting about determinism.
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