American Christians have gotten lazy. Lazy about their faith.
This country was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs and generations of Christians have followed suit. The problem now is that we've allowed our faith to become our culture.
Why is this a problem?
Cultures change. Faith should not.
An American bishop recently said Catholics should stop treating their faith as a family tradition and, instead, treat it as a belief system. The same could be said for all of the other Christian denominations.
The cultural revolution in the 60's is a prime example of how quickly our societal beliefs can change. The sexual revolution has led to a dramatic increase in unwanted pregnancies, divorce, single parenthood, broken homes, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and a massive influx of fatherless prisoners in our penal system.
Our faith's beliefs should remain solid, etched in hard stone, immovable, at the core of our very being.
When we allow Christianity to become our culture, it is up for grabs, to be pulled and pushed and swayed and redefined by whoever is in power.
Our faith should remain founded on eternal truths defined by the Creator that never change, no matter the political party, the economic situation or whatever perverse cravings whet the appetites of the day.
We need to reclaim Christianity as our faith and leave the cultural changes where they belong, in the public square and out of our churches.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I'm tired...
I'm tired of arrogance fueled by ignorance.
I'm tired of self-righteousness stoked by insecurity.
I'm tired of the self-serving masquerading as the self-less.
I'm tired of the ill-informed demanding changes from the well-informed.
I'm tired of hypocrisy and stupidity and lunacy.
I'm tired... of being tired.
I'm tired of self-righteousness stoked by insecurity.
I'm tired of the self-serving masquerading as the self-less.
I'm tired of the ill-informed demanding changes from the well-informed.
I'm tired of hypocrisy and stupidity and lunacy.
I'm tired... of being tired.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
NCIS - Why am I so late to the party?
Having burned out on Law and Order, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Law and Order: Criminal Intent, I was looking for another quality show to watch during our family Prime Time... which is after dinner, but before any serious movie watching would occur or computer editing would start up.
When USA Network started showing NCIS, I decided to take a gander. Now, I'm totally hooked. I'm a NCIS groupie.
Donald P. Bellisario, the creator of Magnum PI, Quantum Leap and JAG, has made another excellent series in NCIS.
NCIS, now in its sixth season, follows a team of investigators from the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. They are led by the hard nosed Gibbs (Mark Harmon), an ex-marine who pushes his team hard. The members of his team include an ex-mossad agent, Ziva (Cote de Pablo), a charming womanizer (Michael Weatherly) and a computer geek (Sean Murray). Assisting them is the a forensics expert Abby (Pauley Perrette) and a coroner Ducky (David McCullum).
The show has really come into its own with a quick pace, interweaving plot lines, is exceptionally written and well performed. One of the things that they do so well in the show is to take a few moments in each episode to expand the personalities of the characters, giving them dimension and realism.
I've realized with NCIS, and also Firefly, that a sure fire sign that you're watching excellent writing is when you would love to spend time with the characters in real life. Both Firefly and NCIS create a wonderful sense of team using such divergent, yet complimenting characters that, after spending some time with them as a viewer, you feel like you are also part of the team.
I once read that 80% of directing is casting the right people and the NCIS cast is right on the money. Each of the actors is truly wonderful as their respective personalities in the team dynamic. I don't know how they really work on the set, but it looks like the cast and crew are having a lot of fun.
Now, I've added all of the previous NCIS episodes on my Netflix queue so we can start from the beginning and catch up.
If you're looking for a can't miss show, check out NCIS. After a few episodes, you'll be hooked too!
When USA Network started showing NCIS, I decided to take a gander. Now, I'm totally hooked. I'm a NCIS groupie.
Donald P. Bellisario, the creator of Magnum PI, Quantum Leap and JAG, has made another excellent series in NCIS.NCIS, now in its sixth season, follows a team of investigators from the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. They are led by the hard nosed Gibbs (Mark Harmon), an ex-marine who pushes his team hard. The members of his team include an ex-mossad agent, Ziva (Cote de Pablo), a charming womanizer (Michael Weatherly) and a computer geek (Sean Murray). Assisting them is the a forensics expert Abby (Pauley Perrette) and a coroner Ducky (David McCullum).
The show has really come into its own with a quick pace, interweaving plot lines, is exceptionally written and well performed. One of the things that they do so well in the show is to take a few moments in each episode to expand the personalities of the characters, giving them dimension and realism.
I've realized with NCIS, and also Firefly, that a sure fire sign that you're watching excellent writing is when you would love to spend time with the characters in real life. Both Firefly and NCIS create a wonderful sense of team using such divergent, yet complimenting characters that, after spending some time with them as a viewer, you feel like you are also part of the team.I once read that 80% of directing is casting the right people and the NCIS cast is right on the money. Each of the actors is truly wonderful as their respective personalities in the team dynamic. I don't know how they really work on the set, but it looks like the cast and crew are having a lot of fun.
Now, I've added all of the previous NCIS episodes on my Netflix queue so we can start from the beginning and catch up.
If you're looking for a can't miss show, check out NCIS. After a few episodes, you'll be hooked too!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Visit with an Angel
One of the things I loved most about acting was the feeling that I was tangibly using my faith to touch people. Before every performance I would pray that my work would somehow enlighten the Holy Spirit in each audience member and, through that light, they would see the path they need to take to spend eternity in God's presence.
That was my standard, heartfelt prayer before every performance.
When I moved from on stage to behind the camera in television, I felt a sense of loss from not saying that prayer, of slowly losing the ability to put God in my work. However, the creative aspects of the industry kept me distracted.
Only after I left television and was stuck doing monotonous office work in the "real" world did the loss of converting my faith into daily action become substantial... almost painful. I missed living that daily prayer through my performances.
I felt lost.
I was struggling on how to take managing second level technical support on the phone and converting that into something as real as my acting performances.
This loss made me question how the Lord could take me from the passion of acting... a passion that he had instilled in my very bones... and place me into a mind-numbing office job?
How can helping people connect to the internet equate to the satisfaction that comes from giving an audience your best performance? How can assisting the same people who consistently mess up their internet connection compete with the energy you get from an audience during a performance?
But, most importantly, how can helping people troubleshoot their computers be an expression of faith? The arts, by their very nature, are intended to touch people, reach them in areas of their hearts and psyche that they rarely explore. How can punching a time clock even come close to that?
This loss, this realization was quite depressing.
At the time I was working the second shift (4 p.m. - 1 a.m.). The team covering second shift was small and scattered through the large and mostly empty building. The phone calls were intermittent and I had a lot of time to think... to wonder and to bemoan my current existence.
My indulgence in self pity was distracted every night by one of the two janitors that would come by and empty the garbage. I always made a point to say "hi" and to thank them for doing their job. Their work, I figured, was just as valuable as mine in the grand scheme of things... more so, actually.
One night the struggle of not knowing how to convert my faith into a tangible display through my work was weighing heavily upon me.
I felt rudderless, adrift.
I felt like I was being punished or, worse, spiritually forgotten.
Suddenly, my trance was broken by the enthusiastic humming of a janitor as he approached my cube. I had never seen this janitor before. He was a small, thick black man, constantly bent over as if suffering from back problems. He had what appeared to be a worn appearance that comes from a long life of manual labor. He had wide spaces in his uneven teeth, but they did not impede his infectious smile. He had a simple inner joy, vibrant almost, that seemed to radiate from him as he hummed and bobbed his head to his own internal rhythm while moving from one cube to the next. As he approached my cube I held out my garbage can, as I always did, and handed it to him.
I offered a sincere "thank you."
He stopped his humming, looked up to me with his joy filled eyes and said "I'm just praising the Lord with my work!" He smiled, handed me the garbage can and continued down the aisle.
The answer seemed odd at the time, but stuck with me all night. A call came in and, while on the phone, his humming faded. When I was done with the call I looked around, but he was gone. The next day I was looked for him again, but he didn't show. When one of the regular janitors made the rounds I asked if the humming janitor was working that night.
They didn't know who I was talking about.
As a matter of fact, no one knew who I was talking about. No one else remembered seeing him.
On the drive home that following night I realized that, if a simple janitor can find joy in the Lord by emptying garbage, then I too can use my job, any job, as an expression of my faith.
It was a lesson that has remained with me ever since.
It wasn't until a few years later, upon recalling this event to someone at church, that it occurred to me that my humming visitor that night was probably an angel brought to me to help me through a difficult spiritual time.
It was a visit I will never forget.
That was my standard, heartfelt prayer before every performance.
When I moved from on stage to behind the camera in television, I felt a sense of loss from not saying that prayer, of slowly losing the ability to put God in my work. However, the creative aspects of the industry kept me distracted.
Only after I left television and was stuck doing monotonous office work in the "real" world did the loss of converting my faith into daily action become substantial... almost painful. I missed living that daily prayer through my performances.
I felt lost.
I was struggling on how to take managing second level technical support on the phone and converting that into something as real as my acting performances.
This loss made me question how the Lord could take me from the passion of acting... a passion that he had instilled in my very bones... and place me into a mind-numbing office job?
How can helping people connect to the internet equate to the satisfaction that comes from giving an audience your best performance? How can assisting the same people who consistently mess up their internet connection compete with the energy you get from an audience during a performance?
But, most importantly, how can helping people troubleshoot their computers be an expression of faith? The arts, by their very nature, are intended to touch people, reach them in areas of their hearts and psyche that they rarely explore. How can punching a time clock even come close to that?
This loss, this realization was quite depressing.
At the time I was working the second shift (4 p.m. - 1 a.m.). The team covering second shift was small and scattered through the large and mostly empty building. The phone calls were intermittent and I had a lot of time to think... to wonder and to bemoan my current existence.
My indulgence in self pity was distracted every night by one of the two janitors that would come by and empty the garbage. I always made a point to say "hi" and to thank them for doing their job. Their work, I figured, was just as valuable as mine in the grand scheme of things... more so, actually.
One night the struggle of not knowing how to convert my faith into a tangible display through my work was weighing heavily upon me.
I felt rudderless, adrift.
I felt like I was being punished or, worse, spiritually forgotten.
Suddenly, my trance was broken by the enthusiastic humming of a janitor as he approached my cube. I had never seen this janitor before. He was a small, thick black man, constantly bent over as if suffering from back problems. He had what appeared to be a worn appearance that comes from a long life of manual labor. He had wide spaces in his uneven teeth, but they did not impede his infectious smile. He had a simple inner joy, vibrant almost, that seemed to radiate from him as he hummed and bobbed his head to his own internal rhythm while moving from one cube to the next. As he approached my cube I held out my garbage can, as I always did, and handed it to him.I offered a sincere "thank you."
He stopped his humming, looked up to me with his joy filled eyes and said "I'm just praising the Lord with my work!" He smiled, handed me the garbage can and continued down the aisle.
The answer seemed odd at the time, but stuck with me all night. A call came in and, while on the phone, his humming faded. When I was done with the call I looked around, but he was gone. The next day I was looked for him again, but he didn't show. When one of the regular janitors made the rounds I asked if the humming janitor was working that night.
They didn't know who I was talking about.
As a matter of fact, no one knew who I was talking about. No one else remembered seeing him.
On the drive home that following night I realized that, if a simple janitor can find joy in the Lord by emptying garbage, then I too can use my job, any job, as an expression of my faith.
It was a lesson that has remained with me ever since.
It wasn't until a few years later, upon recalling this event to someone at church, that it occurred to me that my humming visitor that night was probably an angel brought to me to help me through a difficult spiritual time.
It was a visit I will never forget.
Monday, January 12, 2009
FOCA - Florida Senator Contact Info
Here's Mel Martinez's contact webpage:
http://martinez.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactForm
And Bill Nelson:
http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
You can look up your House Representative by district with a little Googling.
Don't sit idle... be active, take action!
http://martinez.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactForm
And Bill Nelson:
http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
You can look up your House Representative by district with a little Googling.
Don't sit idle... be active, take action!
Friday, January 09, 2009
FOCA - My Letter to My Senators
Here's a letter I sent to my Senators regarding the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). Feel free to use any or all of it in your communications with your Senators and other Representatives.
I am writing you to urge you to vote AGAINST the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). For me FOCA has three important problems.
1) Our founding fathers stated clearly that we are guaranteed Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Notice that Life comes first and to make the destroying of Life a right is in direct conflict with the founding principles of this country.
2) FOCA strips away the state’s ability to govern itself. It silences and disenfranchises the unique democratic voices of the people in each state to determine how they want their local and state governments to approach such a sensitive issue.
3) Most importantly, enacting the FOCA will leave the Catholic Church with no choice but to close ALL of its Hospitals nationwide, as providing abortions is in direct conflict with its moral teachings.
Besides the catastrophic economic impact such closures would obviously create, there is a more important concern you should consider.
In a time where health care of your constituents is so problematic, are you willing to vote for FOCA at the expense of the health and well-being of your own people? Could a vote for FOCA be in the best interest of your people knowing that such a vote would eliminate multiple, critical non-abortion health care options made available at Catholic hospitals in your state?
Polls show your people, the people who put you into office, do not subscribe to the wide reaching and relatively unfettered abortion that FOCA would federally mandate.
Voting for FOCA is not only in direct opposition to the will of your constituents, but in direct opposition to their well being and critical health care options.
Please reply to my request with the statement that you will vote AGAINST FOCA.
Thank you for your service and for your time on this matter.
Sincerely,
Pete Bauer
Don't know if it will make a difference, but I have to try.
****
Dear Senator,I am writing you to urge you to vote AGAINST the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). For me FOCA has three important problems.
1) Our founding fathers stated clearly that we are guaranteed Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Notice that Life comes first and to make the destroying of Life a right is in direct conflict with the founding principles of this country.
2) FOCA strips away the state’s ability to govern itself. It silences and disenfranchises the unique democratic voices of the people in each state to determine how they want their local and state governments to approach such a sensitive issue.
3) Most importantly, enacting the FOCA will leave the Catholic Church with no choice but to close ALL of its Hospitals nationwide, as providing abortions is in direct conflict with its moral teachings.
Besides the catastrophic economic impact such closures would obviously create, there is a more important concern you should consider.
In a time where health care of your constituents is so problematic, are you willing to vote for FOCA at the expense of the health and well-being of your own people? Could a vote for FOCA be in the best interest of your people knowing that such a vote would eliminate multiple, critical non-abortion health care options made available at Catholic hospitals in your state?
Polls show your people, the people who put you into office, do not subscribe to the wide reaching and relatively unfettered abortion that FOCA would federally mandate.
Voting for FOCA is not only in direct opposition to the will of your constituents, but in direct opposition to their well being and critical health care options.
Please reply to my request with the statement that you will vote AGAINST FOCA.
Thank you for your service and for your time on this matter.
Sincerely,
Pete Bauer
****
Don't know if it will make a difference, but I have to try.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Overcome (2007)
Part of the role as owner of Sonlight Pictures is to watch the competition and gauge the current state of production in Christian films. This means I watch a LOT of Christian movies... as many as I can get my hands on. Unfortunately, most of the films have been lacking in some key areas. Even though I look forward to watching Christian films, it is often prefaced with a tangible sense of apprehension.
My daughter, who considers herself the unofficial co-owner of Sonlight Pictures, watches these films with me. When I told her we were going to watch a film called Overcome about Christian teenagers, her initial, unsolicited response was a worried groan.
Having watched so many bad films with her, I knew where she was coming from. However, it's part of the job.
As with any film, the first 10 minutes are critical and at 30 minutes, something interesting should propel me into watching the rest of the story. With this in mind, we give each film at least 1/2 hour before we decide whether or not we will continue.
So, we plopped in a film called Overcome which is directed by B. J. Alexander and created by a production company called WisenQuest. The story based loosely on the conversion of Paul.
In Overcome, Aaron U. Brown plays the rebellious Colton... one of the popular, yet mean kids at the local high school. He often crosses paths with an up and coming school tennis star named Sara, played by Jaycee Lynn. After a near tragic car accident, Colton is left re-evaluating his life and begins an uphill battle for forgiveness and redemption.
The film is well done. The acting from the leads is very solid, especially Jaycee Lynn. Some of the secondary characters are weak, but not enough to distract from the overall charm of the film.
The film crew had access to a lot of great locations, including a high school, a hospital, tennis courts, ambulances and numerous other locations. This really added to the realism and scope of the project.
As far as Christian films go, this is definitely a notch above. Overcome is worthy checking out.
I look forward to future films by these talented filmmakers.
My daughter, who considers herself the unofficial co-owner of Sonlight Pictures, watches these films with me. When I told her we were going to watch a film called Overcome about Christian teenagers, her initial, unsolicited response was a worried groan.Having watched so many bad films with her, I knew where she was coming from. However, it's part of the job.
As with any film, the first 10 minutes are critical and at 30 minutes, something interesting should propel me into watching the rest of the story. With this in mind, we give each film at least 1/2 hour before we decide whether or not we will continue.
So, we plopped in a film called Overcome which is directed by B. J. Alexander and created by a production company called WisenQuest. The story based loosely on the conversion of Paul.
In Overcome, Aaron U. Brown plays the rebellious Colton... one of the popular, yet mean kids at the local high school. He often crosses paths with an up and coming school tennis star named Sara, played by Jaycee Lynn. After a near tragic car accident, Colton is left re-evaluating his life and begins an uphill battle for forgiveness and redemption.
The film is well done. The acting from the leads is very solid, especially Jaycee Lynn. Some of the secondary characters are weak, but not enough to distract from the overall charm of the film.
The film crew had access to a lot of great locations, including a high school, a hospital, tennis courts, ambulances and numerous other locations. This really added to the realism and scope of the project.
As far as Christian films go, this is definitely a notch above. Overcome is worthy checking out.
I look forward to future films by these talented filmmakers.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
The First Annual Charlie Bauer Memorial New Years Day Sag Nads Competition
Last year, after my father passed away, Brian and Katie pulled out their Georgia Bulldog version of lawn golf, also affectionately known as Sag Nads. Our game last year in North Carolina was a welcomed diversion from the sadness and stress we had been dealing with up to that point.
We laughed quite a bit as we came up with terms for various Sag Nad scores, such as the Young Lad, the Old Man, the Louganis, the Eunuch, the Monastery, the Turkish Prison, the Bath House and the Woody Woodpecker.
About a week before this year's Christmas we were surprised to find in the mail the delivery of our very own Sag Nad game set, courtesy of Brian and Katie.
After Christmas they came down for a visit and we decided to institute an Annual Sag Nads competition to be held on New Years Day in honor of my father... trust me, if you knew my father, he'd love the gesture.
The competition was hot and heavy for a while. Gabe started out strong, but Brian, overcoming the distraction of the Georgia Bulldog bowl game, made it close.
However, the official winner of the first annual event was Gabe Bauer, with a 4-1 record.
The Winner!
Congrats Gabe! May your Nads be forever wrapped around a bar for the winning score!
We laughed quite a bit as we came up with terms for various Sag Nad scores, such as the Young Lad, the Old Man, the Louganis, the Eunuch, the Monastery, the Turkish Prison, the Bath House and the Woody Woodpecker.
About a week before this year's Christmas we were surprised to find in the mail the delivery of our very own Sag Nad game set, courtesy of Brian and Katie.
After Christmas they came down for a visit and we decided to institute an Annual Sag Nads competition to be held on New Years Day in honor of my father... trust me, if you knew my father, he'd love the gesture.
The competition was hot and heavy for a while. Gabe started out strong, but Brian, overcoming the distraction of the Georgia Bulldog bowl game, made it close.
However, the official winner of the first annual event was Gabe Bauer, with a 4-1 record.
The Winner!Congrats Gabe! May your Nads be forever wrapped around a bar for the winning score!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
SISS Vol 2 Available
For those of you who are gluttons for the ultimate punishment, Surviving in Safety Harbor Volume 2 which covers Jan - May 2006 is now available at Cafe Press.
Check it out if you're completely insane.
Check it out if you're completely insane.
Siblings and Spouses and Mom
As you get older you really learn to appreciate the value of time. It is so precious... probably the most valuable thing you have.
Over the years the Bauer clan has exploded exponentially. My brothers and sisters all had children and now their children are having children... the family dynamic went from being large, but manageable to outright genetic mayhem in a few short years.
Because of our increasing and deepening gene pool, the time with the immediate family has become more rare with each passing year. So, this holiday we decided to do something a little different. Dea and I invited all of the available Bauer siblings and their spouses to the house just to sit around and enjoy each others company. No kids, nieces, nephews, grand kids... just immediate family and spouses... oh, and Mom.
One of the greatest blessings bestowed on our family is the true joy we feel when we are together. I believe this stems directly from the infusion of the Holy Spirit into our family through the faith of my parents. There have been numerous times in my life where people, upon spending some quality time with my family, have commented to me just how special our relationships are with each other.
Before I just thought it was my family being my family. Now I realize it is a gift.
So, one by one, siblings and spouses (and Mom) arrived at the house, all bringing a few dishes to share. Unfortunately, Mary and Paul were not in town for Christmas, so they were unable to attend.
After everyone arrived, snacked a bit and indulged with some Johnston family wine, we all sat in an oval in our living room and just started chatting. Before long the laughter was loud and intense. I hadn't laughed that hard in a very long time. We talked about funny family stories, observations about life, the problems in the world, the challenges to our faith and how those challenges are reflected in our daily lives.
The entire event last about four hours and time just sped right by. It was so much fun! Words can scarcely express how wonderful that day was for me, together with my family.
We're all getting older... times like this will grow fewer and far between. The passing of my father last year is the first of an inevitable process of family decline. The more likely scenario is that such gatherings in the future will revolve around funerals.
However, for a single afternoon in Safety Harbor, we were able to fill our hearts with laughter and express our love through familial bonds. We were simply our family being a family.
It was a very special day to me... one that I will cherish for a very long time.
Over the years the Bauer clan has exploded exponentially. My brothers and sisters all had children and now their children are having children... the family dynamic went from being large, but manageable to outright genetic mayhem in a few short years.
Because of our increasing and deepening gene pool, the time with the immediate family has become more rare with each passing year. So, this holiday we decided to do something a little different. Dea and I invited all of the available Bauer siblings and their spouses to the house just to sit around and enjoy each others company. No kids, nieces, nephews, grand kids... just immediate family and spouses... oh, and Mom.
One of the greatest blessings bestowed on our family is the true joy we feel when we are together. I believe this stems directly from the infusion of the Holy Spirit into our family through the faith of my parents. There have been numerous times in my life where people, upon spending some quality time with my family, have commented to me just how special our relationships are with each other.
Before I just thought it was my family being my family. Now I realize it is a gift.
So, one by one, siblings and spouses (and Mom) arrived at the house, all bringing a few dishes to share. Unfortunately, Mary and Paul were not in town for Christmas, so they were unable to attend.
After everyone arrived, snacked a bit and indulged with some Johnston family wine, we all sat in an oval in our living room and just started chatting. Before long the laughter was loud and intense. I hadn't laughed that hard in a very long time. We talked about funny family stories, observations about life, the problems in the world, the challenges to our faith and how those challenges are reflected in our daily lives.The entire event last about four hours and time just sped right by. It was so much fun! Words can scarcely express how wonderful that day was for me, together with my family.
We're all getting older... times like this will grow fewer and far between. The passing of my father last year is the first of an inevitable process of family decline. The more likely scenario is that such gatherings in the future will revolve around funerals.
However, for a single afternoon in Safety Harbor, we were able to fill our hearts with laughter and express our love through familial bonds. We were simply our family being a family.It was a very special day to me... one that I will cherish for a very long time.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Conquering Fears
God sure has a lot of faith in my wife.
After the New Years haze of 2008 was over, my wife said to me and my daughter "I feel like the Lord is going to test me this year."
Boy was she right!
2008 was a tough one on the Mrs. Over the past 12 months the Lord has been doing some heavy work on my wife, forcing her to face fears, overcome lifelong challenges, accept things she doesn't want to accept and improve upon things she doesn't want to improve.
Case and point #1
Sonlight Pictures.
My wife is great with money. Great with it. She can convince a penny to live the life of a quarter. She's amazing.
When I felt called to start Sonlight Pictures, my wife was not really a happy camper. She knew that would put a financial strain on us. But, she faced her fears, put her stock in faith and by May of 08 we officially created Sonlight Pictures, LLC. With Club God and Purgatory, USA in the can, we can look back and see the leap of faith was worth the jump. But, it was not an easy decision to make.
Case and point #2.
Lifeteen Angst.
My wife had been struggling with her responsibilities with the Lifeteen Band. She had faced a few challenges that had effected her confidence within herself and, when performing, confidence is one of the most important tools in your toolbox. Without it, things can get rough in a hurry.
My wife was so upset about it all that she had even considered leaving the band. After an important and Holy Spirit inspired conversation with the band leader, Dea decided to stay with the band, but hoped to overcome these challeges slowly, over time.
The Lord, however, had different plans.
The Sunday after Christmas, about half the band was going to be unavailable. The band leader was going to be in Georgia with her family. Another singer, an avid Oakland Raider fan, was going to be at the Bucs/Oakland game. A few musicians were unavailable too.
The end result was that a 10 person band with five singers was supposed to be a six member band with three singers.
Then Dea found out the drummer/singer was in a minor motorcycle accident and wouldn't be able to go... so the remaining singer was going to have to play the drums. That left Dea all by herself, singing alone.
Yeah, when the Lord wants you to overcome something, He really makes you face it whether you like it or not.
So, we prayed and, as it turned out, things went very well. An ex-bandmate who was in town from college offered to sing with her and the replacement drummer was able to sing and play drums at the same time.
Still, Dea was forced to face her confidence issues head on and she did so with flying colors.
This is just one example of how the Lord has pushed Dea toward self evaluation and self improvement. It has not been a subtle experience, nor a pleasant one at times, but I'm certain it is necessary.
As I've said to my wife, this process is actually very exciting because the Lord must be demanding these changes because He has something very special in store for her.
I can't wait to see what the Big Guy has planned for my beloved.
Keep her in your prayers. The Lord may have even greater challenges in store for 2009.
After the New Years haze of 2008 was over, my wife said to me and my daughter "I feel like the Lord is going to test me this year."
Boy was she right!
2008 was a tough one on the Mrs. Over the past 12 months the Lord has been doing some heavy work on my wife, forcing her to face fears, overcome lifelong challenges, accept things she doesn't want to accept and improve upon things she doesn't want to improve.
Case and point #1
Sonlight Pictures.
My wife is great with money. Great with it. She can convince a penny to live the life of a quarter. She's amazing.
When I felt called to start Sonlight Pictures, my wife was not really a happy camper. She knew that would put a financial strain on us. But, she faced her fears, put her stock in faith and by May of 08 we officially created Sonlight Pictures, LLC. With Club God and Purgatory, USA in the can, we can look back and see the leap of faith was worth the jump. But, it was not an easy decision to make.
Case and point #2.
Lifeteen Angst.
My wife had been struggling with her responsibilities with the Lifeteen Band. She had faced a few challenges that had effected her confidence within herself and, when performing, confidence is one of the most important tools in your toolbox. Without it, things can get rough in a hurry.
My wife was so upset about it all that she had even considered leaving the band. After an important and Holy Spirit inspired conversation with the band leader, Dea decided to stay with the band, but hoped to overcome these challeges slowly, over time.
The Lord, however, had different plans.
The Sunday after Christmas, about half the band was going to be unavailable. The band leader was going to be in Georgia with her family. Another singer, an avid Oakland Raider fan, was going to be at the Bucs/Oakland game. A few musicians were unavailable too.
The end result was that a 10 person band with five singers was supposed to be a six member band with three singers.
Then Dea found out the drummer/singer was in a minor motorcycle accident and wouldn't be able to go... so the remaining singer was going to have to play the drums. That left Dea all by herself, singing alone.
Yeah, when the Lord wants you to overcome something, He really makes you face it whether you like it or not.
So, we prayed and, as it turned out, things went very well. An ex-bandmate who was in town from college offered to sing with her and the replacement drummer was able to sing and play drums at the same time.
Still, Dea was forced to face her confidence issues head on and she did so with flying colors.
This is just one example of how the Lord has pushed Dea toward self evaluation and self improvement. It has not been a subtle experience, nor a pleasant one at times, but I'm certain it is necessary.
As I've said to my wife, this process is actually very exciting because the Lord must be demanding these changes because He has something very special in store for her.
I can't wait to see what the Big Guy has planned for my beloved.
Keep her in your prayers. The Lord may have even greater challenges in store for 2009.
Holiday Updates Soon...
Now that the busy holiday season is over, in the upcoming days I'll be posting some of my favorite times that occurred during the past few weeks.
So, keep checking back.
So, keep checking back.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
A year ago today I was with my mother hours before my father was to pass on his favorite holiday. Tonight we will honor his memory by following his Christmas Eve traditions at our house within our small family.
I love you Dad! I hope you, Joe, Leo, Father Paul and Father Jerry are on the fairway between clouds eight and nine. I hope you look down with an occasional smile at the family you have lead with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Merry Christmas to my entire family, both here and in Heaven!
A year ago today I was with my mother hours before my father was to pass on his favorite holiday. Tonight we will honor his memory by following his Christmas Eve traditions at our house within our small family.
I love you Dad! I hope you, Joe, Leo, Father Paul and Father Jerry are on the fairway between clouds eight and nine. I hope you look down with an occasional smile at the family you have lead with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Merry Christmas to my entire family, both here and in Heaven!
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Genius Club (2006)
Seven geniuses must solve the world's problems in one night or Washington, DC goes up in a nuclear plume.
That's a great premise and is the basis for the film The Genius Club. The execution of that premise, however, does not reach the potential of the idea.
One thing I've noticed lately, especially in low-budget flicks, is that if you're going to shoot police procedures, you'd better get it right. With such great shows like Law & Order and NCIS and various other movies, efficient and believable police procedural processes have been drilled into out collective consciousness over the years.
There are a couple of times where The Genius Club ran into believability issues on how the police and/or secret service handled the task at hand. Sometimes it wasn't the writing, but the acting or the budget limitations that undermined the action. Either way, it showed me just how important accurate and believable police work is in a film, especially since it's become second nature to all of us.
The cast includes a lot of talented actors (Stephen Baldwin, Jack Scalia, Tom Sizemore and Tricia Helfer) who did quite well with their roles, especially Helfer. Helfer, better known as the main, sexy cylon on Battlestar Galactica, is exceptional as a genius dying from cancer. Her performance is real and heartfelt.
The lesser known performers in the story, however, are hit and miss, often missing at critical emotional times.
The biggest issue with The Genius Club is that the answers given to the questions are not very enlightening. I could have come up with most of them and, as my family can attest, I am no genius! With such a premise, I really expected to be blown away.
The film, distributed by Cloud Ten Pictures (which made the Left Behind films), is being marketed as a Christian film, but in reality it barely touches on the existence of God or Jesus. It does some very nice work on the value of forgiveness, but this film is barely a true Christian film... at least in my interpretation of what a Christian film should be (and I'll be the first to admit that it is a completely subjective interpretation).
Finally, I didn't feel that the production value matched its budget. It was obviously shot on video, which isn't the issue, but the lighting was dark and muddy. The audio, at times, was distorted, especially when characters were yelling. So, there were some basic production issues that I think would not normally arise on a film with a reported two million dollar budget.
The film kept my attention and, in many ways, worked. But for the Christian film fan, you may not find this Christian enough. And for the secular film fan, there may be too many production issues to keep you from enjoying the film.
That's a great premise and is the basis for the film The Genius Club. The execution of that premise, however, does not reach the potential of the idea.
One thing I've noticed lately, especially in low-budget flicks, is that if you're going to shoot police procedures, you'd better get it right. With such great shows like Law & Order and NCIS and various other movies, efficient and believable police procedural processes have been drilled into out collective consciousness over the years.There are a couple of times where The Genius Club ran into believability issues on how the police and/or secret service handled the task at hand. Sometimes it wasn't the writing, but the acting or the budget limitations that undermined the action. Either way, it showed me just how important accurate and believable police work is in a film, especially since it's become second nature to all of us.
The cast includes a lot of talented actors (Stephen Baldwin, Jack Scalia, Tom Sizemore and Tricia Helfer) who did quite well with their roles, especially Helfer. Helfer, better known as the main, sexy cylon on Battlestar Galactica, is exceptional as a genius dying from cancer. Her performance is real and heartfelt.
The lesser known performers in the story, however, are hit and miss, often missing at critical emotional times.
The biggest issue with The Genius Club is that the answers given to the questions are not very enlightening. I could have come up with most of them and, as my family can attest, I am no genius! With such a premise, I really expected to be blown away.
The film, distributed by Cloud Ten Pictures (which made the Left Behind films), is being marketed as a Christian film, but in reality it barely touches on the existence of God or Jesus. It does some very nice work on the value of forgiveness, but this film is barely a true Christian film... at least in my interpretation of what a Christian film should be (and I'll be the first to admit that it is a completely subjective interpretation).
Finally, I didn't feel that the production value matched its budget. It was obviously shot on video, which isn't the issue, but the lighting was dark and muddy. The audio, at times, was distorted, especially when characters were yelling. So, there were some basic production issues that I think would not normally arise on a film with a reported two million dollar budget.
The film kept my attention and, in many ways, worked. But for the Christian film fan, you may not find this Christian enough. And for the secular film fan, there may be too many production issues to keep you from enjoying the film.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Crossing the Goal
I'm going to say something I NEVER thought I'd say.
There's a really good, interesting and fast paced show on EWTN. You heard that right!
I love EWTN's content, but the execution is what I call "talk radio for the elderly." This wouldn't be so bad if the media the information was being presented in weren't television. So, when I stumbled across a new half-hour show called Crossing the Goal, I was very impressed.
The show is moderated by Brian Patrick (host of the Son Rise Morning Show on Cincinnati’s Sacred Heart Catholic Radio) and is co-hosted by Peter Herbeck (Vice President and Director of Missions for Renewal Ministries), Curtis Martin (President and Founder of FOCUS - Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and former Saints coach and pro-player Danny Abramowicz.
The first thing that caught my eye was the intent. The show is good for everyone, but is primarily geared toward men, which I found refreshing.
In that vein, the second thing that caught me was the concept. They designed the show to look like a cross between a sports broadcast and an informative, quick and sharp panel discussion. They take the half-hour format and split it into three quick sections.
The first part looks like a sports broadcast, like when the ESPN football analysts talk about their thoughts on the weeks games. However, on Crossing the Goal, they're not talking about sports, they begin the show as a panel discussion about the theological topic at hand.
The heart of the show is really found in Herbeck and Martin's excellent and timely analysis of the content and their ability to communicate it in ways that effects us today.
The second part of the show, called Game Plan, is where Herbeck and Martin really shine as they talk about how to incorporate the subject into our daily lives.
The third part of the show, called Red Zone, is a more informal discussion about the content with everyone involved.
The show is professionally produced, very well conceived and executed, full of great information and has lively, interesting discussion.
If you get a chance, watch or DVR Crossing the Goal. Or you can watch previous episodes online at their website www.crossingthegoal.com. We need to get the word out about this show so that its influence and success will continue to grow.
Really good stuff.
There's a really good, interesting and fast paced show on EWTN. You heard that right!
I love EWTN's content, but the execution is what I call "talk radio for the elderly." This wouldn't be so bad if the media the information was being presented in weren't television. So, when I stumbled across a new half-hour show called Crossing the Goal, I was very impressed.
The show is moderated by Brian Patrick (host of the Son Rise Morning Show on Cincinnati’s Sacred Heart Catholic Radio) and is co-hosted by Peter Herbeck (Vice President and Director of Missions for Renewal Ministries), Curtis Martin (President and Founder of FOCUS - Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and former Saints coach and pro-player Danny Abramowicz.The first thing that caught my eye was the intent. The show is good for everyone, but is primarily geared toward men, which I found refreshing.
In that vein, the second thing that caught me was the concept. They designed the show to look like a cross between a sports broadcast and an informative, quick and sharp panel discussion. They take the half-hour format and split it into three quick sections.
The first part looks like a sports broadcast, like when the ESPN football analysts talk about their thoughts on the weeks games. However, on Crossing the Goal, they're not talking about sports, they begin the show as a panel discussion about the theological topic at hand.
The heart of the show is really found in Herbeck and Martin's excellent and timely analysis of the content and their ability to communicate it in ways that effects us today.The second part of the show, called Game Plan, is where Herbeck and Martin really shine as they talk about how to incorporate the subject into our daily lives.
The third part of the show, called Red Zone, is a more informal discussion about the content with everyone involved.
The show is professionally produced, very well conceived and executed, full of great information and has lively, interesting discussion.If you get a chance, watch or DVR Crossing the Goal. Or you can watch previous episodes online at their website www.crossingthegoal.com. We need to get the word out about this show so that its influence and success will continue to grow.
Really good stuff.
You're a Patient Lot
As I scan the first volume of Surviving in Safety Harbor, I am finding so many mistakes. Not spelling errors (I spell check before I print them), but errors where sentences have an extra "to" or "s" at the end of the word that shouldn't be there. I know I write like I talk and that's just my style, but I don't talk as badly as I type.
So help me out.
If you see spelling and/or grammatical errors, don't be afraid to drop me a note so I can correct it. I know my Mom is already salivating at the chance to correct me even more... she's been doing it my whole life! Thanks Ma :)
The last thing I want is my grandchildren to look at these blog entries and say "Wow, Grampa was an idiot!"
Okay, they'll probably say that anyway, but I'd rather it be because I earned it, not because I typed it.
So help me out.
If you see spelling and/or grammatical errors, don't be afraid to drop me a note so I can correct it. I know my Mom is already salivating at the chance to correct me even more... she's been doing it my whole life! Thanks Ma :)
The last thing I want is my grandchildren to look at these blog entries and say "Wow, Grampa was an idiot!"
Okay, they'll probably say that anyway, but I'd rather it be because I earned it, not because I typed it.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
2005 in Book Form
When I planned on retiring this blog, I thought it would be nice to capture all of the entries (the good, bad and ugly) by putting them into a book form as keepsakes for me and the kids.
Using Cafe Press, which I used to create the Goin' Out to Cally books, I created the first volume of the hard copy of Surviving in Safety Harbor which covers the entries in 2005. Since each book is limited to under 500 pages, I've had to break them into numerous volumes. Volume 1 will include 2005. Volume 2 will be half of 2006. Volume 3 will be the second half of 2006. Volume 4 should be able to fit 2007. And Volume 5 should be able to fit all of 2008.
Below I'm holding a test copy of Volume 1.
(Click for Bigger Pic)
Since, in 20 years, my kids and grand kids won't have any idea what a blog is, I designed the front cover as a blog entry.
The back cover is a mock-up of a web page that is used to enter blog entries.
Not the greatest designs from a mass selling perspective, but since they're for personal use only, I liked this design better.
If you're a masochist, like my brother Paul, you can order a copy online at the Sonlight Pictures store. I can only sell one book at a time, so as soon as my Volume 1 copies arrive I'll be removing it from the storefront and uploading Volume 2... and so on.
Using Cafe Press, which I used to create the Goin' Out to Cally books, I created the first volume of the hard copy of Surviving in Safety Harbor which covers the entries in 2005. Since each book is limited to under 500 pages, I've had to break them into numerous volumes. Volume 1 will include 2005. Volume 2 will be half of 2006. Volume 3 will be the second half of 2006. Volume 4 should be able to fit 2007. And Volume 5 should be able to fit all of 2008.
Below I'm holding a test copy of Volume 1.
(Click for Bigger Pic)Since, in 20 years, my kids and grand kids won't have any idea what a blog is, I designed the front cover as a blog entry.
The back cover is a mock-up of a web page that is used to enter blog entries.
Not the greatest designs from a mass selling perspective, but since they're for personal use only, I liked this design better.
If you're a masochist, like my brother Paul, you can order a copy online at the Sonlight Pictures store. I can only sell one book at a time, so as soon as my Volume 1 copies arrive I'll be removing it from the storefront and uploading Volume 2... and so on.
Okay.
Okay, I've succumbed to the will of the people and I'll keep the blog alive. I'll update it as much as I can.
I'm still amazed people read it so much. Nice, but odd. :)
I'm still amazed people read it so much. Nice, but odd. :)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Blog Entry 949b
I've been very surprised by the response to the end of this blog. Surprised and touched.
The reality is I am just burned out. Completely. Sonlight Pics is another full time job and I have no creative juice left in the tank most days.
Paul, you mentioned being interesting in buying one (why, I have no idea)... you can get one at the Cafe Press Sonlight Pictures store. But you'll have to order soon. I can only upload one book at a time and I'll be replacing the 2005 with the 2006 in the next week or so.
Like my Goin' Out to Cally book I created from the blog entries about that trip, I'll also be creating one called Surviving in Safety Harbor: Tales of Woe about my entries relating to Crohns and Dad's passing, among other things. Those stories won't be included in the yearly books.
So, is this blog really dead? Maybe not dead. In a coma... perhaps. Away on vacation, probably. Dead... we'll see.
The reality is I am just burned out. Completely. Sonlight Pics is another full time job and I have no creative juice left in the tank most days.
- I will still be waxing poetic over at the Sonlight Pic blogs about film and faith.
- The pics I used to post here will be on Facebook.
- Only my rants about life and politics may be lost in the shuffle.
Paul, you mentioned being interesting in buying one (why, I have no idea)... you can get one at the Cafe Press Sonlight Pictures store. But you'll have to order soon. I can only upload one book at a time and I'll be replacing the 2005 with the 2006 in the next week or so.
Like my Goin' Out to Cally book I created from the blog entries about that trip, I'll also be creating one called Surviving in Safety Harbor: Tales of Woe about my entries relating to Crohns and Dad's passing, among other things. Those stories won't be included in the yearly books.
So, is this blog really dead? Maybe not dead. In a coma... perhaps. Away on vacation, probably. Dead... we'll see.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
