Movie quotes and faith

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Blind

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018

I was just listening to a song by Styx called “Snowblind,” about the dangers of cocaine. One of the refrains says, “Mirror, mirror on the wall/The face you show me scares me so…” That describes my morning look into the mirror!

Reality has set in for me. Well, it has for quite awhile but there are some things I cannot deny. Long hair to no hair. Dark beard/goatee to gray. Joints which creak. 🙂 Joints that don’t want to work anymore, or at least very crankily. There is other visible evidence which I cannot deny. The mirror just does not lie.

While reading Caleb’s new book (I talk about it here) I ran across a great story! It comes from the movie Creed, where Rocky is training Adonis, Apollo Creed’s son. (Watch the first 100 Rocky’s to know who he is. Actually the first 4).

During one scene, Rocky and Adonis are standing in front of a mirror in the gym during their training session. Rocky teaches Adonis a brilliant lesson about self-perception. Pointing at Adonis in the mirror,  Rocky says, “You see this guy here staring back at you?”

“Yeah,” Adonis answers.

“That’s your toughest opponent. Every time you get into the ring, that’s who you’re going against. I believe that in boxing, and I do believe that in life.”

Who knew? Rocky the boxing philosopher! I agree with him actually.  I have tough times, seemingly on a daily basis (although that would be an exaggeration), but no battle I face is bigger than the one I have with the dude looking back at me in the mirror.  It is not a physical battle (although it is looking like 65), but an inside job. Who am I? Do I have what it takes to serve Jesus? Am I His or just playing a game? Am I ready for today’s battle?

P.S. My heart breaks as I watch pictures of the video and know there are thousands prisoner to a “false paradise.”

Posted in Christian living, Grace, Jesus, Just Wondering, Movie quotes and faith, Opinion, Sin, Story | 9 Responses »

WrapUp

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

I’m anticipating being back to work by today (Thursday) but just in case, I wanted this post to be ready to go. {Note: I am not at the office. I need to be careful in what I do and where I go}.

It is easy to dismiss my story because well…you have heard it before. But like you, every event in my life makes up my story. I read recently that my life is not an autobiography being written by me, but a biography written by God. There is a scene near the end of Back to the Future 3 where Jennifer opens the paper from the future that said Marty was fired and it was blank. When she asks him about it Doc Brown says, “That’s because your future hasn’t been written yet. Nobody’s has.  Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one…both of you!” I like the concept because the choices I make will affect my future. I do disagree with the premise of the movie quote though because God is the Author of my future and according to Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord when he delights in his way.” Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” My story will always include two bike accidents-one where my life and health were almost taken by a cowardly driver (11/7/16) and one where God spared my life (2/17/17) after I did an “endo,” breaking my collarbone, 3 ribs and splitting my helmet in 3 places while doing a face plant and who knows what else.

You have also read two other stories this week. A tragic one by David, the head of 3FeetPlease where he and his family lost their best friend. You also heard from Floyd, who lost a childhood friend to a cycling accident and almost lost his wife. Those are their stories.

You have a story also. Some of it has been written. Every hurt, every scene of agony, every incident of happiness, joy and laughter…all of life makes up your story. Tell it with the realization that your story is not done. There is more coming!

So I close out this Safety Week thanking David and Floyd for their stories. I thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I’ll be drawing names at the end of the week to see who wins the bears and also who won one of the two shirts. I’ll be contacting you for your size and physical address so David can send your shirt to you and so I can send you your bear (if you won).

Thanks again for joining me this week. And remember: 3 Feet Please.

 

Posted in Cycling, Movie quotes and faith, Opinion, Story | 12 Responses »

Restart

Sunday, March 26th, 2017

I wore this T-shirt today (Sunday). Someone from the church picked it up for me since they know I absolutely love this movie. (And yes, I wear T-shirts to preach in on Sunday morning. I serve a church where wearing a tie usually means a funeral or a wedding).

Unless I miss my guess most of us have had a time or two or three where we have wished we could turn back the clock or travel back in time for a “do over.” I’m reminded of a song Jo likes to listen-“Dear Younger Me” by MercyMe. Well, as we all know we can’t hop in our DeLorean and travel back in time and change the course of history…our history. Sadly, we can’t get a “do over.”

But, in reality, life isn’t about “do overs.” Life is about what is ahead. Jo and I have been talking a lot lately about forgetting the past and looking ahead. We can’t change it but we can make a difference in the days to come. Craig Groeschel, in his new book Divine Direction says:

It’s not too late to change the story that you’ll tell one day. You can start something new. No matter how desperate, uncertain, afraid, or stuck you may feel right now, your story isn’t over. Page 28

At the end of Back to the Future 3, Marty and Jennifer are talking to Doc who has come back to 1985 in a train. When Jennifer shows Doc the picture and says something about their future, Doc says, “Nobody’s future has been written yet. So make it a good one…both of you.” He is both right and wrong. Our future is known by God. He orders our steps according to Proverbs. But since none of us know our future, we need to make it the best one we can. And to quote Craig again:

There is no better time to start writing your future story than right now. Page 46

That’s pretty good and solid advice. Taking a DeLorean seems easier. Just change it before it happens. But that is not going to happen. So start today and make it a good one…following the Father’s plan and steps.

Posted in Christian living, Grace, Movie quotes and faith, Opinion, Pick me Up, Story | 12 Responses »

Future

Tuesday, October 20th, 2015

timeclock

“Cubs win World Series. Beat Miami?”  (Scene from Back to the Future 2)

“Cubs Win! Cubs Win!” (Harry Carey after a rare Cubs win)

Oh… if only Harry Carey’s dream could come true….if you are a Cubs fan. (Which I’m not).

I guess one would have to be born under a rock to not know that October 21, 2015 is the date highlighted in the movie Back to the Future 2. One of the predictions is the Cubs finally win the World Series. ‘Course I don’t know if that will happen. They will have to get past the Mets and then either the Jays or Royals.

There are several other interesting factoids about the movie which people have focused on. Like technology featured here. Or other predictions here. It has been fun for a Back-to-the-futurite like me to see what all has come down the pike. Nike says they have power laces coming. Some companies (Tesla for one) are even touting their “breakthrough into hoverboard technology.”

After spending time with my dad this past week, the future is more of a reality than it had been. Retirement. Social (in)Security. Aging. Dementia. Creaking joints. Bulky knee. (Already lost the hair). 🙂

Truth is nobody knows the future. Spielberg et al came close on some things. But there has only been ONE who has hit it right on the money. And one day in the future He is returning when His Father says, “Now.” And He is not going to need a Delorean.

Posted in Christian living, Church, God, Jesus, Little Bit of Fun, Movie quotes and faith, Opinion | 14 Responses »

Caught

Monday, May 11th, 2015

“Caught in a rundown” (Baseball term)

“Caught with your hand in the cookie jar”  (Whew! Not me! I never eat chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal scotchies)

“Caught in a lie” (Fits in with what I previously said about cookies)

I got caught today. No not in sin. In this.

Yep, you got it. I decided to go for a ride today. The weatherman predicted it would rain about 1:00. The radar said 2:00. With the film clip in my head I decided to trust the radar.

I was about 9 miles out when little drops began to fall. I decided it was time to head home quicker than I planned. The weather helped make the decision for me, and mine fortuitous. No sooner had I decided to head home than the sky unloaded. My goal was the church building which was about 3 miles. Figured if I made it there Jo could come get me. I made it there as Ryan, our youth pastor, was pulling away. So he turned around and took me home. I still got pretty wet. I have always said, “To start out in the rain is foolish; to get caught is a hazard of the sport.”

Should have heeded my own words.

Sort of like sin. We can be be-bopping along and not have “bad weather” in sight. Then it hits. Sometimes there are darkening skies. Sometimes the wind blows. Then comes the curiosity. The utter disregard for the “signs” of trouble ahead. Then comes the downpour. Fortunately, I had an escape plan. I got a bit wet (okay a lot) but I knew I had a place to get to for safety. I hope you can make the parallel without much help from me.

It has been awhile since I have been caught in the rain. Just when you least expect it…. What kind of escape plan do you have?

Oh…I should have listened to the weatherman. It started raining at 1:00 right on the tick. 🙁

 

Posted in Christian living, Cycling, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous, Movie quotes and faith, Sin | 10 Responses »

RUKiddingMe?

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

Okay…so some people ought to just keep their cotton pickin’ mouths shut. I very seldom comment here about someone’s freedom of speech. I have it (to an extent). You have it (to an extent). Tragically, it is quickly disappearing. When a follower of Christ says something that is not PC, he is branded a “homophobe,” a “hate-monger,” or something inflammatory.

But even I have to speak up about something. Wednesday night Jo told me about an article she read where the radio hosts were ripping on the Disney movie, Frozen. I’m going to perfectly honest: I have not seen it. When it was in our local theaters (and may still be there for all I know), I did not see it. Jo, and our oldest daughter Tami, did. They both loved it. Not one hint was said to me about what I am about to link for you.

Here, please read this.

As I said at the outset, we have the freedom of speech. But AT LEAST know what you are talking about! Please read the last line in the third paragraph if you haven’t already done so. In case you have already closed your browser to the article it says, “Neither Swanson nor Vaughn has seen the movie.” (Highlight mine)

RUKiddingMe? Making a judgment on something you have not seen? What would they think of someone criticizing the Bible for mistakes, but has never read or researched it?

I’m sorry but this kind of nonsense has got to stop! Talk about making followers of Christ look stupid! It is the same type of nonsense leveled against Noah by conservatives. It is also the same type of nonsense leveled against Son of God for saying Satan resembles Obama by liberals.

It is time to stop this kind of madness.Exit soapbox. 🙂

What are your thoughts?

 

Posted in Movie quotes and faith, Opinion | 17 Responses »

Quitting

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

LET IT BE KNOWN TO ALL (IN CASE YOU DON’T ALREADY KNOW)

I LOVE WATCHING LORD OF THE RINGS

What’s funny is I had never read a word of Tolkien’s books. I read the Chronicles of Narnia and fell in love with the characters and stories. But Lord of the Rings? No interest whatsoever. When Fellowship of the Ring came out and Tami started talking about it and how her friend was in love with Legolas, my first thought was “Who in the world is Legolas?” (One of the LEGO family of people maybe?). Then Two Towers came on the big screen. No desire to watch. Finally, The Return of the King played. Still missed it. Granted, these are not Jo’s types of movies so there was no real “hankering” to see them. Then one day I was visiting someone and he had Fellowship sitting on a table. I asked him if I might borrow it. I watched it that night and the next day was at his house picking up the second one. He didn’t have a copy of “King” so I had to settle for waiting.  Christmas came shortly after that and I received the Director’s Cuts as gifts. Holy mackerel I hit pay dirt! I couldn’t wait to watch them all, especially King since I had not seen it. Since then I have watched them numerous times. The movies are loaded with memorable quotes. I’d like to give you a couple of those quotes to think about:

Arwen as she kneels beside the fading Frodo on the banks of the Anduin: “What grace has been given to me, let it pass to him.  Let him be spared. Save him.”

******************

Saruman: “Embrace the power of the ring, or embrace your own destruction.”

Gandalf: “There is only one Lord of the ring- only one-and he does not share power.”

Link: Go to 1:10

******************

Frodo; “I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.”

Gandalf: “So do all who live to see such times. It’s not for them to decide. All we have to do is to decide what to do with the time that is given us.”

Link: Go to 1:00.  For complete text, just click on Show more.

******************

You know?  I could insult your intelligence by making application for each of them.  But I believe you are capable of doing that.  I’d like to ask a couple of simple questions: Which one is your favorite and what does it say to you?  Is there another quote from LOTR which you like better? Which of the trilogy is your favorite? Why? 

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Movie quotes and faith, Story | 24 Responses »

Regrets

Sunday, December 29th, 2013

There is probably not a person reading this blog who cannot look back on 2013 and say, “I have some regrets.”  My Australian blogging friend, Rodney, wrote an excellent post on regrets.  Check it out please.  I know I have some regrets.

I regret I didn’t deepen my relationship to Jesus more than I did.

I regret I fell and failed more than I should have.

I regret I wasn’t more diligent in saving money and preparing better for retirement than I did.

I regret the times I said what I shouldn’t have said and didn’t say what I should have.

I regret I allowed the enemy to warp my thinking from time to time.

I regret I ate too many things I shouldn’t have and not enough of what I should have.

I regret I lost a friend this year for reasons I still do not know.

I regret when I missed passing along a much-needed word of encouragement.

I regret when I didn’t love my wife as I should.

I regret when I allowed what people thought influence my attitude instead of the other way around.

We could all do and say the same thing.  But really…in the long run…what good does it do?  The past is the past. We learn from it and move on.  I am sure you will hear it so often in the next couple of days you will literally feel like puking choking: “The past is history.  2014 is a clean slate.” So I will add my voice to it.

  • You make 2014 your new history. Rewrite your future.  This movie clip says it all.   Then again, it doesn’t.  While we do not know our future, we have a God who does.  Psalm 37:23 puts it well: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” 

Don’t mull over and beat yourself up with regrets.  Move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Make your steps count.

LIVE THE ADVENTURE!!!

What do you plan on doing differently in 2014?

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Movie quotes and faith, Opinion, Pick me Up | 17 Responses »

PolarExpress

Tuesday, December 17th, 2013

Several weeks ago Owen Valley Health Campus sponsored a night at the Tivoli and showed Polar Express.  Several years ago I posted some thoughts about the movie and thought I would submit it to you again since I have so many new readers.  Here it is (with some changes).

Polar Express, based on a  book by Chris Van Allsburg, tells us the story of one boy’s journey from doubt to faith. He lies in bed on Christmas Eve, hoping to hear sleigh bells, but his doubt grows. Later, he is awakened not by sleigh bells but by a train in his front yard.  He walks out front and the conductor (Tom Hanks’ voice) greets him with a question: “Well, are you coming?”  Boarding the train (Polar Express) soon turns out to be the smartest decision he makes.

He finds many other children on the train.  A sensitive black girl.  A loud, obnoxious, selfish know-it-all.  A lost little boy who appears to believe all the things people have whispered in his ear.  The train is an adventure ride as he meets the children, the mysterious man on the roof, the conductor, and others.  The boy travels to the North Pole, where Santa will give away the first gift of Christmas.  During the trip, the young boy continues struggling with doubt.  Two messages stand out in the movie (among others).

Lesson #1: “It doesn’t matter where you’re going; what matters is deciding to get on.”

How many times have you allowed fear or hesitancy or the whispers of others in your ear, stop you from getting on the train?  We run away instead of run to.  When that happens we often grow cynical and bitter and “curse”  our lot in life.

Lesson #2: “The most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”

Talk about a lesson in faith!!  Does that not remind you of Hebrews 11:1?  I daresay that probably all of us, at one time or another, have questioned what we believe in..even though we cannot see Him.

The choice we make is whether to get on the train or not.  He has drawn me to Himself but the choice is mine to get on board or not.  The ironic thing is that neither I, nor you, have any clue whatsoever what getting on board holds for us.   Faith and hope cannot be seen in tangible ways.   It is a great time to hang on and let go.  🙂  He won’t let go of you…that is a promise!!

Have you ever seen the movie?  Any comments about my thoughts or would you like to add your own?  Feel free to do so. If you haven’t seen it, I think you should.  Just try not to groan when the singer at the great event looks and sounds like Stephen Tyler from Aerosmith.  😛

Posted in Christmas, Movie quotes and faith, Story | 17 Responses »

Movie

Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

We all have favorite movies.  We all have a favorite genre of movies.  Movie-makers count on that!  🙂

Jo knows if we are ever in a contest and they ask “What is your husband’s favorite movie?” she is to say “Back to the Future.”  The more correct answer would be the Back to the Future Trilogy.  I suspect I am one of those rare people who likes #2.  While my first time through was sort of confusing, subsequent views brought home a not-to-be-forgotten truth:  Take away laws and all that ensues is chaos, because there is no right and wrong.

I have other movies I like.  Lord of the Rings Trilogy (which I did not see or care to see when it was released in the theaters).   Field of Dreams.  For the Love of the Game.  (I love baseball). Guardian. Open Range. Wyatt Earp.   (Yes, I like Kevin Costner.  I even like his obscure  bicycling movie “American Flyers.“)  Gladiator.  3:10 to Yuma.  Cinderella Man. Robin Hood.  (And yes, I like Russell Crowe) Tombstone.  The current crop of Superhero movies (Captain America, Iron Man, Avengers, etc)  My one ode to a chic flick is “Titanic.”  (Have I lost my ManCard with that one?)

I say all that because Thursday night the Owen County Library has a free movie night once a month at the Tivoli.  This Thursday is my absolute favorite “Christmas” movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  I remember hearing about it from my brother, Rob.  He was visiting and talking to someone about this black & white movie he saw one afternoon.  He was sort of blah and turned the TV on and this movie was on about a man who wanted to leave town really bad but life’s circumstances always sabotaged his plans.  Eventually, he thought it would have been better if had never lived.  An angel (Clarence), who has a chance to earn his wings, comes to earth to help him realize “See George, you really have had a wonderful life.”  One day I watched it for myself and I was hooked.  Now one of my Thanksgiving Day traditions is watching “Wonderful Life” and “The Santa Clause.”   Unless something comes up, I will begin my Thanksgiving viewing early.  Jo & I will be attending a Thanksgiving dinner at the Owen Valley Health Campus and then making our way to the theater.

The movie is a constant reminder telling me I matter.  I leave footprints every day.  I influence people-good or bad- in my interactions with them. The real question is this: what kind of impression am I leaving with them?

Have  you see “Wonderful Life?”  What are your Top 5 movies of all time?  Finally, are you aware of your influence?

Posted in Blast from the Past, Little Bit of Fun, Miscellaneous, Movie quotes and faith | 26 Responses »

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