Superman Returns

Just saw "Superman Returns". Wow! I was blown away by the spiritual messages all throughout the movie. Rebirth, redemption, the world needing a savior, sacrifice, resurrection, - are just the ones that I can think of right now. Again, Hollywood has given us a great parable of the Christian message.
I would highly recommend this movie! Take a friend. Go out for coffee and discuss some of the themes. If you are preacher - go see the movie; jot down the themes; go to Google images and type in "superman returns"; find the pictures that fit the themes you are preaching on - and see the young people get excited about the revelance of the gospel!
Two thumbs up!

Earl Is Coming

I've heard the rumors for weeks and now it is official - Earl Scruggs is coming to Salt Lake City, Thursday night, July 27! Oh, baby! Here's the best part - it's free!! He is a part of the twighlight concert series at the Galavin Center in downtown Salt Lake. Show stars at 7 p.m., I'll be there at 7 a.m. to stake out my place.
Scruggs developed the three finger style of playing the five string banjo. In fact, today it is refered to as "Scruggs style" picking. He is best known for the "Beverly Hillibillies" theme and "Foggy Mountian Breakdown" (theme of "Bonnie & Clyde" movie). For years he was part of one of the most famous teams in bluegrass history - Flatt & Scruggs.
He is now about 82 years old and can still pick the fire out of that thing. He is the best banjo player that has ever lived. He is the "master". He is the standard by which every banjo player judges themselves.
If you live anywhere near Salt Lake, be there on July 27th. It will be a night to remember. If you hear a wild man down on the front row, it'll be me.

Jazzed about the NBA draft!

I was really surprised that Ronnie Brewer, a shooting guard from the University of Arkansas, was still available as the 14th pick in last night's NBA draft. He was said to be going as high as 7th. Being a Razorback fan, I'm really Jazzed about getting Brewer. He will really add some much needed athleticism for the Jazz.

Still enjoying "Pour Your Heart Into It" by Howard Schultz. The book is the story of Starbucks. I'm not a coffee drinker but this is a great story.

One of my favorite movies just came out on DVD. "End of the Spear" is a powerful and moving true story of the first missionaries making contact with the natives of Ecuador in the 1950's. You will be inspried when, at the end of the movie, they show the real people depicted in the movie. Rent this movie!!! True stories are still more powerful than anything Hollywood can think up.

Just watched "Mormons and Mobsters". While stll doing a little preaching, the movie is pretty funny. If you are not acquainted with LDS culture, youwill not get a lot of the humor. If you are, you should enjoy the DVD.

We're gearing up for our Vacation Bible School. Our theme is "The Amazing Race" -based on the movie "Cars". We never do the pre-canned VBS kits. We go for writing our own stuff.

Pour Your Heart Into It

Got"mapped" for my radiation treatmens this past week. Had to wear this mesh mask for about 40 minutes as they did a CT scan of the cancerous skin. With my ear taped forward, the mask got tighter and tighter. I'd rather have all my teeth pulled. Oh, well. I start the treatments next Tuesday. I'll go every day for 4 weeks.
Tommorow the sermon is "A Sheep Looks at the 23rd Psalm". This was my "tryout" sermon at Southside in the fall of '92. Several who have not heart it asked me preach it again. So, the pressure is on!
Been reading an awesome book on business called "Pour Your Heart Into It" by Howard Schultz. I try to read a book on leadership/"business"/a growing church's story - about once a month or so. One of my all time favorites is "The E-Myth". Best book on "church" I've every read. (Just subsitute the word church for business and the concepts translate really well).
The book covers the story of how Starbucks got started. Here are some major points from the Prologue: "Care more than others think wise; Risk more than others think safe; Dream more than others think practical; Expect more than others think possible."
I'll tell you more about it later. I've been captivated by the vision of Schultz. Wow! Do yourself a big favor. Get the book and start reading.

A new post!

Can't believe I haven't blogged in a looooooong time. Let me catch you up - Saw "Cars" and thought it was awesome! Love "Mater". Actually, he reminds me of some of my kin folk back in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. Great anamation.
Went to see "Lake House" with my oldest daughter yesterday. It's okay. For the same kind of plot (writing to someone in a different time period), check out "Love Letters" on DVD. Much better movie! Love Letters is my all time favorite Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. (A GREAT date movie, even if you're staying in!)
Right now, I'm reading "The Postcard" by Beverly Lewis. Good book. My wife has read all the Beverly Lewis books on the Amish, so I'm reading them as well. I'm also reading "The Rule of Four". I was told it was the thinking man's DaVinci Code. Not yet. The pace is slow. If it doesn't pick up soon, I'm not picking it up again!
Got a sermon for you to check out! Last year at the Tulsa Workshop 2005, Leonard Sweet did a session "Seeing with 20/20 Vision". Fantastic! Just call the Garnett Church of Christ in Tulsa, OK and ask them to send you the sermon. Only $5.00. You'll be glad you did!
Hope you had a great Father's Day yesterday. The Salt Lake Trib ran my article on "Daddy, I Love you" in Saturday's Faith Section. A copy of the article will be on our church's web site (www.southsidechurchutah.org) this afternoon.
Has anyone seen "Praire Home Companion" movie? I'm waiting for a review before I go see it!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Reading a good book right now - "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo (who also wrote "Winn Dixie"). I really enjoy reading children's books. I love the simplicity. I love the imgination of the writers - I guess children are more open to wonderful and fanciful tales. I love the themes - friendship, love, dreams, etc. I love Charlotte's Web, Harry Potter series, Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo, Eragon, Where the Red Fern Grows, - to name just a few.Anyway, do you have a favorite children's book?