I have had the good fortune to work with some folks at Disney, to help promote the new film Prince Caspian. It was especially cool to attend a special screening of the movie in Colorado Springs on Tuesday, a few days before the theatrical release.
My contact at Disney asked if I could send any thoughts about the movie the next day. Here's the gist of my notes...
On to the film. I will "review" it from a few different perspectives.
As a moviegoer who loves fantasy and great stories—
** Incredible! The screenplay, directing, and landscapes were much richer and more interesting than the first Narnia film. Prince Caspian is a film I will watch many times.
** Except: It was strange plotting that Peter's pride was never dealt with. His castle raid led to the deaths of many Narnians, and I was surprised that neither Aslan nor anyone "reprimanded" him for his selfish strategy. Perhaps a scene was cut that would've addressed this better?
As a member of Focus on the Family's Narnia campaign team—
** Many true messages and moments of spiritual insight. A powerful metaphor for where modern culture is, and calling for return to the good that once characterized it.
** Except: The level of violence concerned me. It really pushed the PG rating, in my opinion. I expect Focus may get backlash from some parents, who take their 5, 6 or 7 year-olds and find it too intense (if families read the Plugged In review, they will be warned). I'm not sure my mom will like the film for this reason, though she loved the first Narnia film.
As a fan of C.S. Lewis—
** Wow, Reepicheep was awesome. The characters were accurate to Lewis' vision, the Narnian creatures richly detailed, and the visuals stunning. It was wonderful to see his story come alive.
** Except: The film is a significant departure from the novel. The story structure, with its added set pieces, gives you a different impression than the novel—like Narnia is a warring culture, which is debatable. Peter and Caspian's rivalry was interesting, though the Caspian/Susan relationship is something (as Edmund said) I don't understand. : ]
There you have it. Ultimately, a very fun time at the movies for me, and families with older kids.
Two links to leave you with: ChristianityToday.com Interview >> Star Ben Barnes says the Telmarine accent he created is inspired by the Spainard Intigo Montoya in The Princess Bride LookingCloser.org >> Film critic Jeffrey Overstreet is collecting reviews and articles that show how the movie Prince Caspian "botches the meaning" of C.S. Lewis' novel
Your thoughts on the film? -Josh
p.s. the marketer in me forces me to mention... if you want to enjoy a version of Prince Caspian that's much closer to C.S. Lewis' novel, check out Radio Theatre's Prince Caspian audio drama. (click "Show Video" at that link). ok, the commercial's over.
Awesome story - you gotta read this
Category: Blogging
So there’s this church in Charlotte, NC called Kinetic Church. Like many start-up churches, they meet in a school over the weekend--so all their lighting, band equipment, etc. is stored in a trailer.
Back in early March 08, that trailer was stolen. Everything the church owned: gone. Just this week, the church put up billboards all around the city:
So... you might think this church is all upset at the thief. But really they’re just trying to get him (and presumably the rest of the city), to visit their website.
And at that site, the criminal is asked to view this YouTube video:
Hey folks, I've recently been in dialogue with a few different bloggers about Mike Huckabee vs. other candidates. Since the discussion below occurred publicly on the blog Revolutionary Error (as well as via e-mail), there should be no issue re-posting it here.
I invite the blogger Ben to reply further, or others who can add more facts to this. Gotta love how free speech goes into high gear around elections...
I have to say, I cheered a little inside when Giulliani dropped. I didn't know Robertson supported him, but all the more reason to fear his election.
A vote from Dobson is going to repel me a bit too. Though Huckabee's record as governor is certainly impressive and (maybe I shouldn't even say this) Huckabee is very likable. I love his fair tax idea, but I'm concerned that he does not feel the need to consult congress in order to take military action in Iran.
Why do you say McCain has little respect for free speech? I'm definitely more ok with his illegal immigrant solution than with Huckabee's. Paying a fine is not amnesty. It's a large part of how we handle legal discipline. I feel safer with McCain's stance on Iran too.
I'm not ok with Huckabee opposing background checks for guns or his support for a constitutional gay marriage ban.
At this point, I'd say I'm an Obama fan - mostly for his ideas of a "new way" to do politics. I think our society is at a point where we need to grow and progress or suffer from doing things "the old way." In principle, I think I'm for smaller government and am financially conservative, but I just don't trust the Republican candidates to handle what I would consider huge moral issues - the war, green tech, and not being controlled by lobbyists and corporations.
Obama FTW
My response:
Thanks for e-mailing! As tonight's results show (Huckabee wins Kansas & Louisiana), this race is far from over.
> Why do you say McCain has little respect for free speech? The McCain-Feingold bill ties the hands of citizens who want to speak into the political process. Its intent was to prohibit special interests from influencing which candidates can get ahead... but if Washington has power, citizens should influence ever part of it. The solution (to increasing power in D.C.) is to reduce Washington's power, not to shut down citizens from getting organized.
> his illegal immigrant solution [looks sound] U.S. Border Control, the lobby for securing U.S. borders, rates McCain at just 18% (open border stance) after reviewing his record. More details here. Politicians say a lot of things on the campaign trail, of course we must look at voting records to know how they'll act when in office.
Huckabee opposing new background checks for guns is related to his fierce support of the Second Amendment. Gun control keeps inching towards eliminating the American right to bear arms. Look at the UK, where it's illegal to own a gun: the only ones who own them are, you guessed it, criminals. And gun violence is rampant there.
Those positions don't look like a new way to do politics. They look like someone who was voted 2007's Most Liberal Senator, only a few spots "ahead" of Senator Clinton. Take note also that Senator Obama has long been based in Chicago, a city so politically corrupt that no Democrat or Republican can advance without bribes, back room deals, and/or other shady tactics. In Chicago, Change usually refers to hush money.
And now... we conservatives are faced with a decision
Category: News and Politics
And now... we conservatives are faced with a decision.
The talk of Pat Robertson endorsing Rudy Giuliani now means nothing (not that it ever did!)
Neither does anyone care about the wide evangelical support that Mitt Romney won over.
We now have, on the left, Senator John McCain whom Dr. James Dobson says "is not a conservative, and in fact, has gone out of his way to stick his thumb in the eyes of those who are. He has sounded at times more like a member of the other party." John McCain promotes amnesty for illegal immigrants, he called Samuel Alito "too conservative" (a good indication of the judges he would appoint), he supports embryonic stem-cell research, and he has little regard for freedom of speech.
On the right: Governor Mike Huckabee, with 10 years of experience governing, a staunch pro-life record, and a proven force for defending marriage and religious liberties. During those 10 years, he reduced welfare roles by 50%, returned $400 million to taxpayers, and was named "One of America's Best Governors" by TIME Magazine.
Governor Huckabee's platform calls for secure borders, supporting the military, and reining in the rising costs of healthcare and energy through practical, market-driven methods.
And today, there is finally justice as Dr. Dobson endorses Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Conservatives need to back Governor Mike Huckabee for the good of our nation. Or do we have Hillary or Obama fans out there?
The lack of enthusiasm for Huckabee is baffling and, frankly, a betrayal of a man who has faithfully served his country--with conservative principles guiding his every step.
Can conservatives of all stripes unite around what we're FOR, rather than what we're AGAINST? If so, our values just might be represented in the White House come '09.
If we just want to sulk on the sidelines of this political race ("a liberal in the White House is now inevitable"), then forget it. Let the 4 years of disaster begin, as some commentators have put it.
Trauma Care: Thoughts after LASIK Surgery and a Close-to-home Tragedy
Category: Blogging
Trauma isn't the same as physical pain. In two very different events of late, I've found it to be shocking... unsettling... a feeling that pushes me to disconnect from reality. Imagine it's not happening. Keep telling myself it won't last long.
You see, I had LASIK done on my eyes November 9. Then, one month later to the day, a gunman stormed into my home church -- leaving 2 dead and others injured.
Now the real story here is how God's used this for good, and I encourage you to read and spread the testimonies that were lived by many. But the feelings elicited within me were strikingly similar during both events. Thus, I offer as an analogy...
LASIK TRAINING
My pre-op visit the day before surgery didn't bode well. The office was clean, professional... and huge. By the two hour mark (which wasn't the end), I had been shuffled through 10 different test rooms and interacted with at least that many office staff. The doctor and I did speak briefly, though our talk was all about Huckabee's chances in the election. Good subject, but I hoped he was focusing on my eyeballs as he poked with his medical instruments while verbally prodding me about who Texas politicians would get behind.
Finally I was deemed OK for surgery and slotted in for the next morning. The 6am slot.
WOULD YOU CALL IT COMEDY OR TRAUMA?
The first thing they had me do at about 5am when I arrived was put on a hairnet. I'm serious. Then they dilated my eyes and subjected me to bright light (as I say, it's comedy and trauma.) Their path of "processing people" was more efficient than the pre-op: after a back room procedure, another staffer was waiting for the patient hand-off so he could score another medical test. All the action stopped once we reached the end zone: The Dark Room.
So here's where all the million$ flowing through this office went. I'd gotten a glance at it the day before: a freezing cold room the size of an average Subway shop, filled with about ten massive machines. Each resembled a dentist's chair, only with pricey computers attached and metal claws that sported powerful lasers. I didn't think much of it the day before, but now as the room whirred with lights and sounds, as I and 3 others were told to keep our eyes shut and our hairnets on -- well, I didn't know what to think.
The woman beside me was jittery, so despite the sound of a half-dozen lasers cutting away, I reminded her that these pros know what they're doing. A bit of Name it, Claim it theology in action there.
"TRAUMA IS LIFE WITH THE DULL BITS CUT OUT" - ALFRED HITCHCOCK (revised)
The only pain I felt in the next hour was when a metal clamp was placed over my eyes. To "pull back the corneal flap" and apparently drain fluids, I felt a sudden, sharp prick, my vision immediately went dark, and I was bandaged. Then someone held my hand (a little weird) and directed me to a spot where I awaited the final chair.
Even with my eyes out of commission, I noticed they occasionally turned on all the room's lights, then just as quickly shut them off again. I don't know why; inspiration from the world's other leading isolation rooms, perhaps? I do know the surgery ultimately ended, I was given some goofy goggles, and family arrived for me. Hiking with family members, the day after surgery. Ridiculous, I know.
I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, THE PAIN IS GONE
Having gone through that ordeal, I looked forward to seeing the world differently. The change wasn't immediate -- a harrowing nighttime drive from Denver airport to Colorado Springs comes to mind. Is anything more scary than a blind man on icy roads? Yet within a few weeks, sights began to surprise me.
Coming into work, I could actually count the office building's bricks from 60 yards away (great use of time), whereas before it was just a red blur. More remarkably, the vistas and valleys of Colorado opened up to me as never before. Now mountains stretch back further on the horizon... and snow-covered trees glimmer brilliantly, right down to each pine needle. I love it.
Early on, I experienced terrible headaches when using a computer longer than an hour. Considering my job keeps me on one for nearly 8 hours a day, I was motivated to find a solution. The Dallas surgeon's office referred me to a Colorado Springs LASIK doctor. My sight was improving, he said, but I had to use eye drops more frequently.
Returning home over Christmas, the surgeon's office further changed my treatment: eliminate one type of drops, use the other more often. Constant care became the theme.
SUNDAY AT THE TRAUMA UNIT
By now, you may see the parallels. What occurred at YWAM Denver and New Life Church on Sunday, December 9 was traumatizing... even for me, someone who was off the church campus 3 hours before it occurred. (I'd been in the early service that morning.)
A certain worship chorus helped me understand why I was shaken up; it goes, "Blessed are those who dwell in Your house / They are ever praising You."
While I recognize my body as the temple of God, I also know New Life as my church home. After all the prayer times, worship recordings, small group meetings, etc., I feel like I "dwell" in this house of God. What if a man with a gun parked at my home and fired off 30 rounds at my family members? That's essentially what occurred.
"A MOMENT'S INSIGHT IS SOMETIMES WORTH A LIFETIME'S EXPERIENCE" - OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES, JR.
Six weeks later, the place looks very different to me. Since we now know that 12 undercover guards participate in New Life services, I view my fellow worshipers with fresh eyes. Is that lady singing near me packing heat?
I also realize how God indeed provided our new leader. David Perkins' blog mentions how New Lifers see Pastor Brady Boyd in a new light and it rings true. From big things like Pastor Brady's handling of the police and media, to the little things like his fatherly treatment of Jeanne Assam, we became more endeared to his pastor's heart.
Yet most of all, I see people differently -- family, friends, passers-by. Think about the shooter, Matthew Murray: a 24 year-old homeschooled guy, from a Christian family, who trained at YWAM, whose brother is an Oral Roberts U. student, and whose parents called Ted Haggard their "favorite preacher" before his fall. Conversely, look at the Works sisters who were gunned down. They'd gone on short-term missions, also were homeschooled, big fans of Lord of the Rings, and actively part of the Desperation movement.
I see bits of myself there. And I'm not crushed or fearful seeing those similarities. It actually motivates me.
SEE THE LIGHT
Not so long ago, I would've focused entirely on the Miracles aspect of this story. Truly these testimonies (among many others) have been under-reported or entirely unreported:
>> New Life's Special Needs group had long planned a Christmas party for Dec. 9, but canceled it due to bad weather. These folks would've been in the exact hallway of the shooting when it occurred.
>> 100's of Colorado Springs residents took advantage of the free crisis counseling offered the days following the shooting, given in conjunction with Woodmen Valley Chapel and Focus on the Family.
>> Without an ad campaign or giving drive, this tragedy enabled the Gospel to be preached to millions of people worldwide via CNN, Good Morning America and other mainstream outlets.
>> Colorado elected officials, including the Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Colorado Springs mayor and dozens of police/firemen/first responders, joined a packed auditorium of worshipers 3 days after the shooting. There were tears, yet also much rejoicing for God's hand on us. "I've never been to a remembrance service like that!" more than one of the officials said afterward.
AND JESUS SAID, "TAKE CARE OF MY SHEEP" - JOHN 21:16
True stories of God working should be broadcast, and repeated, and Him given the glory. Yet what excites me right now is that New Life desires change just as I do. We've been nudged in a certain direction by these events. We want to become better at bringing in and caring for the Matthews of the world - because we had many chances.
"We have an absolute commitment to pastoral care," Pastor Brady said shortly after the shooting. Already steps are being taken to build community more, such as Sunday nights becoming a gathering for small groups rather than a service. To really effect change, each of us must pray and think through how we can be the church... daily.
Like the eye drops after surgery, our healing will continue only with intentional, constant care over a long period of time. Like, until Jesus returns.
It's no secret that I have been an ardent supporter of Mike Huckabee. Why? He's a Christian conservative with great ideas and he communicates them well. Proof:
I agree with the vast, vast majority of these ideas -- especially on the Sanctity of Human Life -- cheering and sometimes laughing along with the rest. Ron Paul, I admit, has some great ideas; unfortunately, he comes off as abrasive and a "grumpy old man" whenever he tries to share them. Huckabee has a positive message about what America represents, what it can be, and how to get us there.
However, I do have a few questions that haven't yet been answered. Some Ron Paul supporters I know have pretty much stumped me. If you can comment with answers below, that's great. - "Energy independence" is a buzzword that McCain, Obama and others are using in addition to Huckabee. However, I don't think candidates are really thinking through those ideas. Go read this article on 5 Myths about Energy Independence... is no one in touch with reality? - The FairTax that Huckabee advocates has one big problem: it would create the biggest welfare system in American history. As originally conceived in The FairTax Book (written by a congressman and a radio talk show host), the FairTax would create a "prebate" where every US household would get a check sent to them at the beginning of every month for neccessities. That's a little scary. Check out the proposal at this link. - You should also be aware that Mike Huckabee made the list of "Top 10 Most Corrupt Politicians in 2007" list created by Judicial Watch, a conservative group that promotes ethics and morality in the government.
If you have links or info on these or other points, I'm all ears. Just comment below.
Bottom line - There is no "perfect candidate" just as there is no perfect person, I guess. - As Sean Hannity has said, I can't wait 'til we have a final Republican ticket. The ideas on that side of the aisle are going to conflict very clearly with the Democrat side (higher taxes, bigger government, anti-family social agenda). - I am disappointed with Sean Hannity, supposedly an unbiased commentator, for publicly endorsing Mitt Romney. That only pushes me more to the Huckabee camp.
For Christmas, I got a new NASB Bible (thanks Jacob!) and was checking out Proverbs today. The chapter spoke a lot to me, so thought I'd share here too... basically it's 5 points drawn from verses that stuck out to me.
CHANGES for the new year Proverbs 18 (NASB) verse 1- Seek wisdom, rather than separating myself verse 8- Whisper words of life, rather than shouting strife verse 10- Run to Jesus for safety and strength verses 11 & 12- Humbly give, rather than hoarding wealth verse 24- Stick close to my Best Friend, rather than coming to ruin in a crowd
Video and links: Tragic shootings at New Life Church and YWAM-Denver on 12/9/07
Category: Blogging
As many New Lifers could tell you, there are a lot of threads to follow in the complex, tragic and (in some ways) hopeful story of the recent shootings. I have posted the most relevant links below... feel free to comment with further blogs or stories you see online.
The message this morning at New Life: "A Heart for Christmas"
Category: Blogging
In light of the tragedy unfolding right now at New Life, perhaps God would tell us something from the message that was delivered this morning. Dr. Jack Hayford was the visiting speaker on Sunday, December 9. (I went to the early service; the incident with the shooter occurred 30 minutes after the second service ended --around 1pm--from what I understand.)
Pastor Brady was very excited that Pastor Jack had come, one of the first guest speakers since Pastor Brady began as Sr. Pastor in August. Jack Hayford had been present at New Life Church's building dedication about 10 years ago, again at the World Prayer Center dedication in 1998, then again in January 2005 when the current sanctuary was dedicated.
"It's always a happy experience coming to New Life," Pastor Jack opened. "It has been a privilege to partner in the church's transition over the past year. It is a huge delight seeing Brady Boyd and his family take this role. With my message today, the Holy Spirit has already placed this theme in our laps through the worship and the prophetic word given by Brady... it's something that will speak to us all."
A HEART FOR CHRISTMAS // from Matthew 2 There are many who have accepted Christ, but they need an encounter with Him to have a soft heart. That's the most treasured thing God looks for in us, a soft heart.
Now a "hard heart" sounds like someone who has an attitude, who's obstinate, in rebellion -- that's not what I'm referring to. Those people wouldn't even be interested in gathering with believers. There's a hardness of heart that isn't about resistance, it's more like cracked, dry ground after a long time without rain. That is the condition God wants to change. And keep in mind, to be soft-hearted doesn't mean you become soft-headed.
-- The Magi didn't find Jesus at the center of exaltation. Always in the church, there is a capacity to know the songs and words, but not experience God at the heart level. These three kings looked past the outward, to the precious weakness God revealed to them.
-- The Magi experienced a supernatural manifestation of God's leading. They followed the star because their hearts were earnestly looking. Is your heart soft to the point you know when the Holy Spirit is speaking? The heart for Christmas is a set-up for the joy of life.
-- They fell before Him and worshiped Him. These two action verbs come one right after the other, then followed by two other statements ("opened their treasures" and "presented gifts to Him"). The Magi weren't overcome in the sense of falling in the Spirit, but this was a remarkable act: they bowed to a Baby.
It wasn't calculated. The Baby wouldn't notice or acknowledge it. They were overcome with their own brokenness in the presence of this Child. Probably there was a prepared portion of their gifts -- yet by "opening their treasures", they gave more to Him than they'd originally planned.
God freshly softened the hearts of these three kings. Will you allow Him to soften yours?
Pastor Jack ended by leading us in "O Come Let Us Adore Him" with a verse that he spontaneously added, "Soften Our Hearts This Christmas."
