I am hooked on Netflix. Last summer one son gave me a three month gift subscription while I was undergoing chemotherapy. Then when I got home from the hospital another son gave me a Playstation. Now I stream Netflix movies through the Playstation on my big screen TV.
It is so easy and quick to watch great movies with this modern technology. Generally I watch a few movies each week, if not one every night. Below are trailers for my favorite three from the last week.
Showing posts sorted by date for query watch. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query watch. Sort by relevance Show all posts
February 22, 2011
March 30, 2010
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing Grace is one of the most beloved hymns of all time. Perhaps you know the story about John Newton who penned the words. He was a slave ship captain who was converted to Christ and became a pastor. Probably you have not heard this story about the tune. Watch and listen to Wintley Phipps at Carnegie Hall.
January 13, 2010
HORRORS IN NEW YEAR
The New Year is greeted with new problems, new challenges, new defeats, new illnesses, and new tragedies.
Several friends and acqaintances are dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Yesterday the bodies of two men were found behind a shopping center several blocks from our home. It appears the men were homeless, intoxicated, and died due to exposure to the cold.
Yesterday Haiti was rocked by a horrible earthquake.The extent of the devastation is obvious; the number of deaths unknown, though it appears to be in the tens of thousands. I spent a week in Haiti 35 years ago. It was a trip that opened my eyes to the needs of the world. Today I read a prayer that expresses my thoughts .....
A PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF OF HAITI
By Taylor Burton-Edwards
The seas roar, the earth shakes,
buildings crumble, roofs topple
and walls turn to dust.
Have mercy on the people of Haiti, O God.
Nations watch, alarms sound,
traffic halts, utilities stop,
and news is hard to verify.
Give us compassion to weep with those who weep, O God.
People die, families mourn,
mountains split,
infrastructure and superstructure alike are gone.
Make us swift to help and persistent to rebuild,
not just things and structures, but lives, O God:
Through Christ, the solid Rock. Amen.
January 7, 2010
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Today I received a devotional for 2010 that consists of two commitments. These words challenge my heart! Dare I and you pray these prayers? Read the article by Dr. Al VomSteeg below.
But now I have added a second prayer of commitment. It is one that we often read during our ILI conferences so it may be familiar to you. It is the final testimony of an African Christian in Zimbabwe just before he was martyred for his faith. For me it adds to what the Covenant Prayer says but also states more specifically my desire to become more intimate and committed so God can use my life. Read these piercing words and see how they might impact you.
When a new year begins it is common for a person to make “New Year’s Resolutions”. They could include spiritual goals: read the Bible more, pray more. They could be personal health decisions: eat healthier, lose weight, and exercise more. They could relate to home issues: spend more time with family, watch less television and do things together. I think this is a way that we are attempting to evaluate our lives and see where we can make better choices that relate to our whole lives.
When I served as the pastor in the local church, as a part of our the final worship service of year, before serving Holy Communion, I would lead the congregation in the Covenant Prayer that was prayed by John Wesley in England in 1780.
When I served as the pastor in the local church, as a part of our the final worship service of year, before serving Holy Communion, I would lead the congregation in the Covenant Prayer that was prayed by John Wesley in England in 1780.
“Let me be your servant, under your command. I will no longer be my own. I will give up myself to your will in all things, Lord. Make me what you will. I put myself fully into your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you. Let me be full. Let me be empty. Let me have all things. Let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart give it all to your pleasure and disposal."
I prayed this prayer and made it my renewed commitment on the final night of 2009.
But now I have added a second prayer of commitment. It is one that we often read during our ILI conferences so it may be familiar to you. It is the final testimony of an African Christian in Zimbabwe just before he was martyred for his faith. For me it adds to what the Covenant Prayer says but also states more specifically my desire to become more intimate and committed so God can use my life. Read these piercing words and see how they might impact you.
“The Fellowship of the Unashamed”
I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, or back away.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, live by prayer, and labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, spoken up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go ‘till He comes, give ‘till I drop, preach ‘till all know, and work ‘till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner is clear: I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
As we enter this New Year, there is no question in my mind that the way we are going to help make the Kingdom of God more real on earth is by living out these two prayers of commitment. They may say it differently but they seem to echo the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23: If anyone will come after Me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.
October 16, 2009
HEISMAN BUDDIES
I love college football. It has become my favorite sport to watch. Tomorrow I am going to the Wake Forest-Clemson football game. My Demon Deacons will be taking on the Tigers at Death Valley in Clemson. We will be the guests of some Clemson fans. In fact, he is a former Clemson football player.
At the same time tomorrow is the great Texas-Oklahoma game. I lived in Texas for three years and appreciate the huge Red River Rivalry. The two opposing quarterbacks are friends, and both are top Heisman candidates. In the video below they share what is most important in their lives.
At the same time tomorrow is the great Texas-Oklahoma game. I lived in Texas for three years and appreciate the huge Red River Rivalry. The two opposing quarterbacks are friends, and both are top Heisman candidates. In the video below they share what is most important in their lives.
September 21, 2009
TIME IS PRECIOUS
I received an email today with the story below. It makes me value my own special keepsakes of time even more. I’ll explain them after you read the story.
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls,career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.” Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
“Jack, did you hear me?”
“Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,” Jack said.
“Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence,' as he put it,” Mom told him.
“I loved that old house he lived in,” Jack said.
“You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life,” she said.
“He's the one who taught me carpentry,” he said. “I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I'll be there for the funeral,” Jack said.
As busy as he was, Jack kept his word. He caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.
The night before Jack had to return home, he and his mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step, every picture, every piece of furniture held memories. Jack stopped suddenly.
“What's wrong, Jack?” his mom asked.
“The box is gone,” he said.
“What box?” Mom asked.
“There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'it's the thing I value most,'" Jack said.
It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.
“Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him,” Jack said. “I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom.”
It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. “Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days,” the note read.
Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. “Mr. Harold Belser” it read.
Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside, “Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life.”
A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. Inside, he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover and found these words engraved: “Jack, thanks for your time! - Harold Belser.”
“The thing he valued most was my time,” Jack whispered. Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days.
“Why?” Janet, his assistant, asked.
“I need some time to spend with my son,” he said. “Oh, by the way, Janet,thanks for your time!”
Here is the link to two stories about my inherited watches: http://phillellington.blogspot.com/search?q=watch
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls,career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.” Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
“Jack, did you hear me?”
“Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,” Jack said.
“Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence,' as he put it,” Mom told him.
“I loved that old house he lived in,” Jack said.
“You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life,” she said.
“He's the one who taught me carpentry,” he said. “I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I'll be there for the funeral,” Jack said.
As busy as he was, Jack kept his word. He caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.
The night before Jack had to return home, he and his mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step, every picture, every piece of furniture held memories. Jack stopped suddenly.
“What's wrong, Jack?” his mom asked.
“The box is gone,” he said.
“What box?” Mom asked.
“There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'it's the thing I value most,'" Jack said.
It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.
“Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him,” Jack said. “I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom.”
It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. “Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days,” the note read.
Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. “Mr. Harold Belser” it read.
Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside, “Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life.”
A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. Inside, he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover and found these words engraved: “Jack, thanks for your time! - Harold Belser.”
“The thing he valued most was my time,” Jack whispered. Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days.
“Why?” Janet, his assistant, asked.
“I need some time to spend with my son,” he said. “Oh, by the way, Janet,thanks for your time!”
Here is the link to two stories about my inherited watches: http://phillellington.blogspot.com/search?q=watch
September 7, 2009
IF
After posting the poem “Success” yesterday, I was reminded of another poem,
“If”, by Rudyard Kipling. Both poems became very meaningful to me during an especially rough time in my life over 20 years ago.
Today I learned some lines from “If” are inscribed above the entryway to Centre Court at Wimbledon. See a video of Roger Federer reading an excerpt from “If” below.
On TV I just watched Melanie Oudin, a 17-year old from Marietta, Georgia, win a big match at the U.S. Tennis Open. Roger Federer is now playing as I write these words.
Rudyard Kipling (30 December 1865 – 18 January 1936) was a British author and poet who was born in Bombay, India. He wrote The Jungle Book (1894) while living in the United States. Some of his poems, like If (1910) are as well known as his books.
In 1907, Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English language writer to receive the prize, and to date he remains its youngest recipient.
IF
by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream-and not make dreams your master;
If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!
“If”, by Rudyard Kipling. Both poems became very meaningful to me during an especially rough time in my life over 20 years ago.
Today I learned some lines from “If” are inscribed above the entryway to Centre Court at Wimbledon. See a video of Roger Federer reading an excerpt from “If” below.
On TV I just watched Melanie Oudin, a 17-year old from Marietta, Georgia, win a big match at the U.S. Tennis Open. Roger Federer is now playing as I write these words.
Rudyard Kipling (30 December 1865 – 18 January 1936) was a British author and poet who was born in Bombay, India. He wrote The Jungle Book (1894) while living in the United States. Some of his poems, like If (1910) are as well known as his books.
In 1907, Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English language writer to receive the prize, and to date he remains its youngest recipient.
IF
by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream-and not make dreams your master;
If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!
August 26, 2009
90/10 PRINCIPLE
Senator Edward Kennedy has died. News reports note the long list of accomplishments in his 47 years in the U.S. Senate. Commentators have reviewed the Kennedy family legacy. One story stated that some difficulties in Senator Kennedy's life were brought on by himself. Yet he found a way to respond to his mistakes and even the tragedies in his life.
Coincidentally, tonight I saw a video of the “90/10 Principle.” The author, Stephen Covey, explains:
“What is this Principle? Ten percent of life is made up of what happens to you. Ninety percent of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have NO control over 10% of what happens to us.”
Take less than five minutes to watch this video and it might change your life!
Another way I look at getting ready for the day is to think how God gives us two sets of “clothes” to wear every day. The outer layer is called the armor of God. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6) The passage describes each piece of armor in detail.
To illustrate the armor one time I had my son Evan dress up as a Roman soldier, while I explained each piece of equipment and its analogy to spiritual warfare.
The scriptures also describe undergarments to wear. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
http://www.phillellington.blogspot.com/
Coincidentally, tonight I saw a video of the “90/10 Principle.” The author, Stephen Covey, explains:
“What is this Principle? Ten percent of life is made up of what happens to you. Ninety percent of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have NO control over 10% of what happens to us.”
Take less than five minutes to watch this video and it might change your life!
Another way I look at getting ready for the day is to think how God gives us two sets of “clothes” to wear every day. The outer layer is called the armor of God. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6) The passage describes each piece of armor in detail.To illustrate the armor one time I had my son Evan dress up as a Roman soldier, while I explained each piece of equipment and its analogy to spiritual warfare.
The scriptures also describe undergarments to wear. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
http://www.phillellington.blogspot.com/
August 22, 2009
BERLIN GOLD
This week I have enjoyed watching on TV the World Track and Field Championships in Berlin, Germany. A special treat on Friday was to watch Michael Bingham, a 2009 graduate of Wake Forest (my alma mater), compete in the 400 meter finals.
The star of the games is Usain Bolt, the Jamaican who won three gold medals in the Olympics last year. Already at this World Championships he has won two gold medals and obliterated world records in the 100 and 200 meters. He has a great chance to win a third gold medal on the 4x100 relay this weekend.
Friday I watched Bolt’s flamboyant and joyful style at the 200 meter award ceremony. Besides the gold medal he received his second $100,000 check for setting another world record. After the sound system played the national anthem, the crowd sang happy birthday to Bolt for his 23rd birthday.
Before the World Championships began this week, Bolt said he wanted to emulate Jesse Owens. Jesse Owens was an African-American in the 1936 Olympics that were held in the same Berlin stadium. Hitler built the stadium to showcase and promote Aryan racial supremacy. Hitler’s philosophy was shattered before the world when Jesse Owens won four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x100m.
At this World Championships American stars LaShawn Merritt and Allyson Felix dedicated the gold medals they won to the memory of Jesse Owens. The pair both said they were inspired by the spirit of Owens.
The star of the games is Usain Bolt, the Jamaican who won three gold medals in the Olympics last year. Already at this World Championships he has won two gold medals and obliterated world records in the 100 and 200 meters. He has a great chance to win a third gold medal on the 4x100 relay this weekend.
Friday I watched Bolt’s flamboyant and joyful style at the 200 meter award ceremony. Besides the gold medal he received his second $100,000 check for setting another world record. After the sound system played the national anthem, the crowd sang happy birthday to Bolt for his 23rd birthday.
Before the World Championships began this week, Bolt said he wanted to emulate Jesse Owens. Jesse Owens was an African-American in the 1936 Olympics that were held in the same Berlin stadium. Hitler built the stadium to showcase and promote Aryan racial supremacy. Hitler’s philosophy was shattered before the world when Jesse Owens won four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x100m.
At this World Championships American stars LaShawn Merritt and Allyson Felix dedicated the gold medals they won to the memory of Jesse Owens. The pair both said they were inspired by the spirit of Owens. In the early 1970’s I had the opportunity to visit Berlin for a few weeks. One day I set off by myself to find the Olympic Stadium. On that day the stadium seemed to be completely devoid of people. I ran a lap on the track alone in the empty stadium trying to imagine the thrill of that day for Jesse Owens and the shock for Adolf Hitler.
March 14, 2009
$$$ EVAPORATING
It has been sad and difficult to watch financial investments and retirement money "evaporate" in the past year with the poor economic situation. A couple of visuals help me get perspective.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:19-21
February 2, 2009
GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA
On Februrary 1, 2009, George Beverly Shea celebrated his 100th birthday. The beloved gospel singer is known my millions as the soloist on the Billy Graham team.
At the age of 23 he put music to the poem, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” and it became one of his most famous songs. Below he is singing one of the songs he wrote, “The Wonder of It All.”
In 1982 a 20 minute movie was produced about his music and ministry. As I watch the movie, I am so impressed by his personality and humility. Perhaps he is best known for his rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” If you fast forward to the last 4 minutes of the movie, you will hear him discuss and sing the song.
At the age of 23 he put music to the poem, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” and it became one of his most famous songs. Below he is singing one of the songs he wrote, “The Wonder of It All.”
In 1982 a 20 minute movie was produced about his music and ministry. As I watch the movie, I am so impressed by his personality and humility. Perhaps he is best known for his rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” If you fast forward to the last 4 minutes of the movie, you will hear him discuss and sing the song.
January 23, 2009
CHANGE?
The Jon Stewart TV show recently poked fun (or poked holes) in the Obama mantra of "Change." Watch these clips of the Inaugural speech with comparisons to speeches by Obama's predecessor.
Comedy can be a great tool to tell truth and point out hypocrisy. Politicians, like preachers, often repeat the same themes with boring and monotonous regularity.
Comedy can be a great tool to tell truth and point out hypocrisy. Politicians, like preachers, often repeat the same themes with boring and monotonous regularity.
December 29, 2008
DEACON SPORTS
Living in the midst of Georgia Bulldog and Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket fans can sometimes be exasperating with their raucous barking and boastful rambling. They do not have appreciation of the finer and better things in life ... like my Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
The Deacs had a good fall sports season. The soccer team hoped to repeat as national champions, but were defeated in the semi-final game. The football team was ranked as high as 15th in the polls, and finished with a bowl game win over Navy. The basketball team is 12-0 right now, and ranked 6th in the national polls.
Sunday, January 11, at 8 p.m. is a TV schedule challenge for me. Wake Forest will take on the #1 UNC Heels on the hardwood. At the same time "Jack Bauer" will be cranking up the "24" season. I think I can watch a delayed version of "Jack", but I will have to see the basketball game live.
The Deacs had a good fall sports season. The soccer team hoped to repeat as national champions, but were defeated in the semi-final game. The football team was ranked as high as 15th in the polls, and finished with a bowl game win over Navy. The basketball team is 12-0 right now, and ranked 6th in the national polls.
Sunday, January 11, at 8 p.m. is a TV schedule challenge for me. Wake Forest will take on the #1 UNC Heels on the hardwood. At the same time "Jack Bauer" will be cranking up the "24" season. I think I can watch a delayed version of "Jack", but I will have to see the basketball game live.
October 1, 2008
IT'S ABOUT TIME
These are wild and crazy times in which we live. Often the financial news seems like a roller coaster ride. Yet the last several weeks have been more like the Dare Devil Dive, a 10-story freefall. How low will we go?Now there is the gasoline shortage. Last weekend I was the guest minister for ReserveWorship at The Reserve in South Carolina. Friday evening I went by 12 stations without any gas available. When I got up on Saturday to prepare to leave for the 300 mile round trip, I did not know if I could find gas for my empty tank. Thankfully, Saturday morning I found gasoline, even after waiting in a long line.
Cissy had a delightful surprise waiting for me when I got home on Sunday. Last year she took a special watch to the jewelry store to be repaired for me. It was a watch that my father bought in Switzerland after the end of World War II. When Cissy and I were in Lucerne, Switzerland a few years ago it was interesting to try to trace his steps where he bought this watch and a beautiful music box which I also have now.
The photo above looks just like the watch, except the second hand of mine is black. The receipt shows he bought the watch on April 23, 1946. Click on it to see a larger size. My father returned home from the war and I was conceived a few months later. During my childhood and into my adult years my father wore this watch every day. Finally it stopped working and he laid it aside. When he passed away over four years ago I got the watch as a keepsake.
Finally the antique repair parts were found, and the watch looks great and runs with perfect time. When I wear the watch I feel so honored that I am carrying around a precious memory of my father.
On February 8, 2008, I wrote about another timepiece I got after my father's death. The blog entry is called "Modern Antique." You can find the story by using the search box in the upper left corner.
Speaking of time and memories, I am reminded of several songs. One is “Time in a Bottle” recorded in 1972 by Jim Croce. He died at the age of 40 the next year in a plane crash. He recorded the song for his newborn son. Below are the lyrics with a video of him with his son and his song playing in the background (patiently wade through 30 sec. of commercial and click skip ad).
If I could save time in a bottlethe first thing that I'd like to do
is to save everyday till eternity passes away
just to spend them with you
If I could make days last forever
if words could make wishes come true
I'd save everyday like a treasure and then
again I would spend them with you
But there never seems to be enough time
to do the things you wanna do
once you find them
I looked around enough to know
That you're the one I wanna go through time with
If I had a box just for wishes
and dreams that had never come true
the box would be empty except for the memory of how
they were answered by you
But there never seems to be enough time
to do the things you wanna do
once you find them
I looked around enough to know
that your the one I wanna go thru time with
I am reminded also of a song recorded by Chicago in 1969, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” I have always liked the brassy sound of the group, but I confess I used to think the lyrics seemed pointless and the final verse somewhat despairing.
Does anybody really know what time it is
(Care) Does anybody really care (about time)
If so I can't imagine why (Oh no, no)
We've all got time enough to die
Everybody's worrying (I don't) I don't care (about time)
Life is much too short
About time (Oh no, no) I don't care
September 1, 2008
LABOR DAY
This Labor Day weekend Cissy and I have had varied activities. It was great to watch so many of the various college football games on opening weekend. For me the biggest surprise was watching Alabama maul Clemson. All the teams of our family won … Wake Forest, U GA, Georgia Tech, and Auburn. Yeah teams!!!
Saturday evening granddaughter Ansley Mae Cloud celebrated her second birthday. The festivities were held in the barn at her house. Even Dixie the horse stopped by to give her good wishes. As the party was breaking up a copperhead snake was seen scrambling under a car. Shovels were quickly dispatched to its head, and children got a lively quick lesson on poisonous snakes.
Our Sunday morning group discussed “prayerful community” based on James 5:13-18. We noted seven references to a form of the word prayer in those verses. It was mentioned it is hard to develop honest, caring relationships if people do not know each other.
We did an activity with the “bean pot” to test and broaden our knowledge of each other. Each person received five beans. Then each person made a statement about themself and placed a bean in the pot. Each person who could truthfully make the statement also put a bean in the pot. Each person who could not make the same statement had to take a bean from the pot. The object was to share something unique and be the first person to run out of beans.
More importantly, we learned more about each other. For example, one lady has two masters degrees, another one had a brain tumor, one guy had played the violin professionally, someone has been married for almost 40 years (the spouse got to put a bean in the pot too!), mint chocolate chip ice cream was the favorite of one guy (me), and so on it went. Hopefully, as we spend the next three months studying community in the New Testament, we will experience even more sense of community.
Sunday evening we celebrated a great pre-Labor Day picnic at the Plum Nelly Campground in Ellijay. Bill and Deanie Fincher were the awesome hosts for way over 100+ people. Folks brought covered dishes, and the Finchers supplied the delicious home-cooked barbeque. A local band played a wide variety of rock music from the last 40 years.
Today on Labor Day I am fat and happy … and about to head to the YMCA for exercise … before dinner out with friends tonight.
Saturday evening granddaughter Ansley Mae Cloud celebrated her second birthday. The festivities were held in the barn at her house. Even Dixie the horse stopped by to give her good wishes. As the party was breaking up a copperhead snake was seen scrambling under a car. Shovels were quickly dispatched to its head, and children got a lively quick lesson on poisonous snakes.
Our Sunday morning group discussed “prayerful community” based on James 5:13-18. We noted seven references to a form of the word prayer in those verses. It was mentioned it is hard to develop honest, caring relationships if people do not know each other.
We did an activity with the “bean pot” to test and broaden our knowledge of each other. Each person received five beans. Then each person made a statement about themself and placed a bean in the pot. Each person who could truthfully make the statement also put a bean in the pot. Each person who could not make the same statement had to take a bean from the pot. The object was to share something unique and be the first person to run out of beans.
More importantly, we learned more about each other. For example, one lady has two masters degrees, another one had a brain tumor, one guy had played the violin professionally, someone has been married for almost 40 years (the spouse got to put a bean in the pot too!), mint chocolate chip ice cream was the favorite of one guy (me), and so on it went. Hopefully, as we spend the next three months studying community in the New Testament, we will experience even more sense of community.
Sunday evening we celebrated a great pre-Labor Day picnic at the Plum Nelly Campground in Ellijay. Bill and Deanie Fincher were the awesome hosts for way over 100+ people. Folks brought covered dishes, and the Finchers supplied the delicious home-cooked barbeque. A local band played a wide variety of rock music from the last 40 years.
Today on Labor Day I am fat and happy … and about to head to the YMCA for exercise … before dinner out with friends tonight.
August 30, 2008
GO DEACS!
My Wake Forest Deamon Deacons kicked off the new college football season on Thursday night by easily defeating Baylor 41-13. Expectations are high for the #23 preseason ranked Deacs.
Next Saturday Wake Forest will look for its 400th win in the program's history with the home opener against Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN2.
Watch out for the Old Gold and Black!!!
Next Saturday Wake Forest will look for its 400th win in the program's history with the home opener against Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN2.
Watch out for the Old Gold and Black!!!
August 12, 2008
GLOBAL COMMUNITY
As the Olympic Games continue in Beijing, all the world is drawn together by the excitement of sports competition. The beautiful imagery of doves traditionally used in the opening ceremony inspires thoughts and hope for a better and more peaceful world … even with new conflicts starting such as with Georgia and Russia.
Some have more than hope; they even have a plan. The current issue of TIME magazine features a cover story on Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church. A major part of the article deals with his PEACE plan (PEACE — an acronym for promote reconciliation; equip servant leaders; assist the poor; care for the sick; educate the next generation). An excerpt from the feature says:
Five years ago, he concocted what he calls the PEACE plan, a bid to turn every single Christian church on earth into a provider of local health care, literacy and economic development, leadership training and spiritual growth. The enterprise has collected testimonials from Bono, the First Couple, Hillary Clinton, Obama, McCain and Graham, who called it "the greatest, most comprehensive and most biblical vision for world missions I've ever heard or read about."
To read the complete article go to: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1830147,00.html
Last Sunday with my Bible study group I tried to share from the Bible (second chapter of James) about favoritism and discrimination because of riches in the local church, as well as implications for the world community. I did a poor job directing the discussion, and it denigrated to focusing on nationalistic pride.
Here are some words from the lesson commentary I wish I had read to the group:
Jesus said at the outset of his ministry that he came to “bring good news to the poor.” He also spoke to the affluent about the deceitfulness of riches and the cares of this world. He knew that all the needs of the poor could not be met with wealth and that the spiritual poverty of the wealthy would not be solved if they became poor.
I invested some of the best years of my life working in Brazil to share the good news of Christ and help communities build a better life. I have done likewise on short-term trips to Central America.
I am well aware of widely differing philosophies and strategies to have a better world. Below is a poster with words that represent some good ideas. Though I would disagree with the ideology behind some of the statements, I find many of the thoughts worthy to share.
Think of no one as "them"
Don't confuse your comfort with your safety
Talk to strangers
Imagine other cultures through their art, poetry and novels
Listen to music you don't understand
Dance to it
Act locally
Notice the workings of power & privilege in your culture
Question consumption
Know how your lettuce and coffee are grown: wake up and smell the exploitation
Look for fair trade and union labels
Help build economies from the bottom up
Acquire few needs
Learn a second (or third) language
Visit people, places, and cultures - not tourist attractions
Learn people's history
Re-define progress
Know physical and political geography
Play games from other cultures
Watch films with subtitles
Know your heritage
Honor everyone's holidays
Look at the moon and imagine someone else, somewhere else, looking at it too
Read the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Understand the global economy in terms of people, land and water
Know where your bank banks
Never believe you have a right to anyone else's resources
Refuse to wear corporate logos: defy corporate domination
Question military/corporate connections
Don't confuse money with wealth, or time with money
Have a pen/email pal
Honor indigenous cultures
Judge governance by how well it meets all people's needs
Be skeptical about what you read
Eat adventurously
Enjoy vegetables, beans and grains in your diet
Choose curiosity over certainty
Know where your water comes from and where your wastes go
Pledge allegiance to the earth: question nationalism
Think South, Central and North - there are many Americas
Assume that many others share your dreams
Know that no one is silent though many are not heard
Work to change this.
Some have more than hope; they even have a plan. The current issue of TIME magazine features a cover story on Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church. A major part of the article deals with his PEACE plan (PEACE — an acronym for promote reconciliation; equip servant leaders; assist the poor; care for the sick; educate the next generation). An excerpt from the feature says:
Five years ago, he concocted what he calls the PEACE plan, a bid to turn every single Christian church on earth into a provider of local health care, literacy and economic development, leadership training and spiritual growth. The enterprise has collected testimonials from Bono, the First Couple, Hillary Clinton, Obama, McCain and Graham, who called it "the greatest, most comprehensive and most biblical vision for world missions I've ever heard or read about."
To read the complete article go to: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1830147,00.html
Last Sunday with my Bible study group I tried to share from the Bible (second chapter of James) about favoritism and discrimination because of riches in the local church, as well as implications for the world community. I did a poor job directing the discussion, and it denigrated to focusing on nationalistic pride.
Here are some words from the lesson commentary I wish I had read to the group:
Jesus said at the outset of his ministry that he came to “bring good news to the poor.” He also spoke to the affluent about the deceitfulness of riches and the cares of this world. He knew that all the needs of the poor could not be met with wealth and that the spiritual poverty of the wealthy would not be solved if they became poor.
I invested some of the best years of my life working in Brazil to share the good news of Christ and help communities build a better life. I have done likewise on short-term trips to Central America.
I am well aware of widely differing philosophies and strategies to have a better world. Below is a poster with words that represent some good ideas. Though I would disagree with the ideology behind some of the statements, I find many of the thoughts worthy to share.
Think of no one as "them"
Don't confuse your comfort with your safety
Talk to strangers
Imagine other cultures through their art, poetry and novels
Listen to music you don't understand
Dance to it
Act locally
Notice the workings of power & privilege in your culture
Question consumption
Know how your lettuce and coffee are grown: wake up and smell the exploitation
Look for fair trade and union labels
Help build economies from the bottom up
Acquire few needs
Learn a second (or third) language
Visit people, places, and cultures - not tourist attractions
Learn people's history
Re-define progress
Know physical and political geography
Play games from other cultures
Watch films with subtitles
Know your heritage
Honor everyone's holidays
Look at the moon and imagine someone else, somewhere else, looking at it too
Read the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Understand the global economy in terms of people, land and water
Know where your bank banks
Never believe you have a right to anyone else's resources
Refuse to wear corporate logos: defy corporate domination
Question military/corporate connections
Don't confuse money with wealth, or time with money
Have a pen/email pal
Honor indigenous cultures
Judge governance by how well it meets all people's needs
Be skeptical about what you read
Eat adventurously
Enjoy vegetables, beans and grains in your diet
Choose curiosity over certainty
Know where your water comes from and where your wastes go
Pledge allegiance to the earth: question nationalism
Think South, Central and North - there are many Americas
Assume that many others share your dreams
Know that no one is silent though many are not heard
Work to change this.
August 7, 2008
OLYMPICS & CHARIOTS
I am looking forward to watching the Olympics. What a great sports overdose for the next two weeks! Let the Games begin!!!
Besides the sports, there are alot of issues going on with the Games, including environmental pollution, politics, human rights, and religion. Last month at the White House the President told the Olympians they are more than sports competitors. He called them "ambassadors of liberty" who represent America's "regard for human rights and human dignity."
Several days I ago I saw on the White House website that President Bush met recently
with five Chinese freedom activists to discuss his concerns about human rights in China. The Press Secretary wrote:
"The President assured them that he will carry the message of freedom as he travels to Beijing for the games, just as he has regularly made this a priority in all of his meetings with Chinese officials. He told the activists that engagement with Chinese leaders gives him an opportunity to make the United States' position clear - human rights and religious freedom should not be denied to anyone."
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080729-4.html
As I am writing these words, I am watching on TV the news reports of President Bush's speech in Thailand today. He kept his word to the Chinese activitsts. In the speech he clearly and forcefully addressed the human rights and religious freedom issues in China. Rapidly, Chinese officials replied that such matters are their own internal affairs.
On Friday Bush will meet the president of the International Olympic Committee, and then members of the U.S. Olympic Team for a presidential pep talk. I am reminded of a scene from my all-time favorite movie, Chariots of Fire (four Oscars, including Best Picture, in 1982).
The tru
e story is about two British track athletes, Harold Abrahams, a determined Jew at Cambridge, and Eric Liddell (photo on left), a devout Christian from Scotland, who compete in the 1924 Olympics in Paris.
The scene to which I refer is when the Prince of Wales has a conversation with Eric Liddell about his refusal to run a race on Sunday. Fortunately, a creative solution was found. Eric changed from the 100 meters to the 400 meters. Harold won the gold medal for the 100 meters, and Eric won the gold in the 400 meters.
Besides the sports, there are alot of issues going on with the Games, including environmental pollution, politics, human rights, and religion. Last month at the White House the President told the Olympians they are more than sports competitors. He called them "ambassadors of liberty" who represent America's "regard for human rights and human dignity."
Several days I ago I saw on the White House website that President Bush met recently
with five Chinese freedom activists to discuss his concerns about human rights in China. The Press Secretary wrote:"The President assured them that he will carry the message of freedom as he travels to Beijing for the games, just as he has regularly made this a priority in all of his meetings with Chinese officials. He told the activists that engagement with Chinese leaders gives him an opportunity to make the United States' position clear - human rights and religious freedom should not be denied to anyone."
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080729-4.html
As I am writing these words, I am watching on TV the news reports of President Bush's speech in Thailand today. He kept his word to the Chinese activitsts. In the speech he clearly and forcefully addressed the human rights and religious freedom issues in China. Rapidly, Chinese officials replied that such matters are their own internal affairs.
On Friday Bush will meet the president of the International Olympic Committee, and then members of the U.S. Olympic Team for a presidential pep talk. I am reminded of a scene from my all-time favorite movie, Chariots of Fire (four Oscars, including Best Picture, in 1982).
The tru
e story is about two British track athletes, Harold Abrahams, a determined Jew at Cambridge, and Eric Liddell (photo on left), a devout Christian from Scotland, who compete in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. The scene to which I refer is when the Prince of Wales has a conversation with Eric Liddell about his refusal to run a race on Sunday. Fortunately, a creative solution was found. Eric changed from the 100 meters to the 400 meters. Harold won the gold medal for the 100 meters, and Eric won the gold in the 400 meters.
There is an interesting connection with Eric Liddell to this Olympics being held in Beijing. Eric was born in China to missionary parents, and died in China in 1945, as a missionary during the Japanese occupation. Because of his birth and death in the country some of China's Olympic literature lists Eric Liddell as China's first Olympic champion.
When Chariots of Fire was released I was living in Brazil and saw the movie there. The movie struck so many chords with me, as it still does after seeing it perhaps a dozen times or more. When Brooks manufactured a running shoe called "Chariots," I was able to get a courier to bring me several pairs from the States.
When Chariots of Fire was released I was living in Brazil and saw the movie there. The movie struck so many chords with me, as it still does after seeing it perhaps a dozen times or more. When Brooks manufactured a running shoe called "Chariots," I was able to get a courier to bring me several pairs from the States.
If you can stand some inspiratation, watch this wonderful clip of the race when Eric Liddell wins the gold medal.It includes my favorite quote of the movie: "I believe God made me for a purpose. He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure."
June 22, 2008
ANSLEY, little surfer girl
One of the delights at the beach is to watch little kids experiencing it. Ansley will be two years old in a couple of months. From the git-go she had no fear nor reservations about charging into the water and playing with the waves. Below are some of her highlights from the week.
May 12, 2008
ETHAN PLAY DAY
My grandson Ethan and I have some good play days. Our most recent time together a week or so ago followed our typical format
In the morning usually we stop by the aquarium store and see all the awesome fresh and saltwater fishes in stock. At home we eat our favorite lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches.
In the afternoon we work out in the yard and woods, usually with our machetes. The most recent day included some ants getting dissected. Fortunately for the caterpillars they got only a hand inspection on that day. As the weather warms up we get in the creek. Later in the afternoon it is time for refreshments as we watch another episode of Star Wars for the umpteenth time.
Next time when Ethan comes I have a new rope swing to see how high he can fly. I also found some tree branch lopers just his size like he has been wanting. For some small degree of added safety, the machete and lopers stay with me so he does not return home with them to harm his parents shrubbery … or his sisters!
In the morning usually we stop by the aquarium store and see all the awesome fresh and saltwater fishes in stock. At home we eat our favorite lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches.
In the afternoon we work out in the yard and woods, usually with our machetes. The most recent day included some ants getting dissected. Fortunately for the caterpillars they got only a hand inspection on that day. As the weather warms up we get in the creek. Later in the afternoon it is time for refreshments as we watch another episode of Star Wars for the umpteenth time.
Next time when Ethan comes I have a new rope swing to see how high he can fly. I also found some tree branch lopers just his size like he has been wanting. For some small degree of added safety, the machete and lopers stay with me so he does not return home with them to harm his parents shrubbery … or his sisters!
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