meanderings of a restless wanderer

Next weekend is our Ministry Appreciation Dinner.  This years theme is a murder mystery and it’s going to be awesome!  The setting is a 1927 silent movie premier…of course that means we had to make a silent movie.  Here, are a few pictures from the Movie starring Jenny Platt, Devon Delozier, and stunt double Christina Walker.  After we premier the film I will make sure to post here on my blog for the world to see.

If you know me…but at all…you know that I like thrillers. Well, I think I found the next one that I am excited about.

Woo Hoo! It’s that time of year again - when we escape the heat by placing ourselves into a dark room with lots of strangers while feasting on concessions that cost more than a dinner at the Blue Bayou…that’s right my friends - it’s the Summer Movie Season. Below you will find the movies that I am looking forward to, as well as my box office predictions and my top 5 (those films that words just can not express my anticipation).

What movies are you most excited to see?

MY TOP 5

1. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2. The Dark Knight

3. Prince Caspian

4. Iron Man

5. Wall-E

MY BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS

1. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2. The Dark Knight

3. Prince Caspian

4. Wall-E

5. Iron Man

MY SUMMER MOVIE CALENDAR

May 2nd - Iron Man

May 16th - Prince Caspian

May 22nd - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

June 13th - The Happening

June 13th - The Incredible Hulk

June 20th - The Love Guru

June 27th - Wall-E

June 27th - Wanted

July 2nd - Hancock

July 18th - The Dark Knight

July 18th - Mamma Mia

July 25th - X-Files 2

August 1st - The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

August 15th - Tropic Thunder

Every once in a while I will watch a film that moves me…that truly makes me ponder my life and the world that surrounds me. Sometimes it is because of the sheer poetry of the film, other times it is because of the simple truths that it presents, while still others because it taps into a part of my soul that I had forgotten existed. As I watched “Into the Wild” my soul was stirred by all three of those things.

As I watched the story of this young man unfold before me like some story from Thoreau - I couldn’t help but be conflicted. On the one hand it was a journey that Christopher McCandless had to take. One of self discovery, one of growing up and being the very person his soul craved to be. On the other hand many of his actions were selfish…which ultimately he realized.

Now, maybe it’s because I never had a tree house when I was a kid…or maybe I didn’t go camping enough - but to be honest I am a little jealous of Christopher McCandless. For two years he lived an adventure that many of us wish we could live. Soaking up the freedom that surrounded him as he experienced a life that was separated from the things that cause so much pain and stress to the majority of us.

I’m a nature guy. I crave to be in it. I feel God speaks and shows His mystery through it. There is something wild about our making…that I believe causes our souls to cry out for adventure. As we grow up we push it down - trying to ignore it - calling it childish - foolish even…and still deep within, it beckons us to live in dangerous wonder…because He calls us to live in dangerous wonder.

As I continue on in this journey - I see the adventure that it is. I don’t want to stand in the shallows, I want to dive into the heart of the raging river. I want to gasp for breath as I let myself go in His divine story - breaking free from all of those things that entangle…as I am swept away in the great mystery that I am apart of…and what makes it even more exhilarating is that I know I am not alone.

As time continues in its inevitability may my soul continue to hear the call of the wild - and may I always have the courage and trust to allow Him to sweep me away in the greatest of adventures.

Until next time…

OK! It’s time for me to get to know some of you better. The premise is simple…which one do you prefer? Don’t worry there are only a few questions that will honestly make me judge you. So have fun…just choose an answer from each set and post it as a comment.

1. Lost or 24
2. Indiana Jones or Star Wars
3. Oprah or Ellen
4. Six Flags or Disneyland
5. Starbucks or Coffee Bean
6. Football or Basketball
7. Barnes and Noble or Borders
8. Angels or Dodgers
9. Cold Stone or Golden Spoon
10. Mac or PC
11. Jennifer Garner or Jennifer Aniston
12. Lucille’s BBQ or Claim Jumper
13. Donuts or Bagels
14. Tom Cruise or Tom Hanks
15. Dogs or cats

And last but certainly not least…

16. Journey or Styx?

lamp.

…and also for all fans of television and movies.

 As of this morning two studios have cut deals with the writers.  What does this mean exactly…well, first off it pressures writers and producers (even more so then when the directors signed a deal) to resolve this quickly.  Secondly, it really begins a domino effect.  Third, all of the crappy reality TV (ie moment of truth) will no longer be the only thing to watch. Fourth, and most importantly if ABC/Disney signs a deal within the next two weeks (which is now highly possible) us Lost fans will have our full season.

Let hope and rejoicing fill the air!