Sticks And Stones

We've been hearing a lot about bullying over the past number of months and while I believe it's a problem, I've often dismissed it as something I don;t need to worry about.

I don't beat-up kids for their lunch money.

I don't use derogatory terms when talking with people.

I try to be kind to the people I come across every day.

I'm not a bully... At least I don't think I am.

I saw this video today and I felt convicted. Maybe I am a bully.

I will jokingly call someone a "knob".

I will give people "fun" nicknames that they might not feel are complimentary.

I will give someone a shot in the arm, or mess up their hair to say hi.

I will tease Tim Maassarany for being a fan of the Leafs.

Sure I'm smiling and joking when I do it, but that doesn't excuse me from being a bully. It may be good-natured but no doubt it can still hurt the victim.

That video served as a bit of a wake-up call for me. I need to be careful when I joke and play that it isn't being taken the wrong way.

Spring Surprise

Now that the snow has melted I can see my lawn... or what used to be my lawn.

An All-Star Cover Tune

Now this is fun! Mercy Me, Jars Of Clay, TFK, The Afters, Lecrae... Yeah it's an all-star lineup.

Adjustments

Crystal and I use gift cards very differently. I spend them, she hoards them. If you were to open her purse at any point in time there would likely be 15+ unused gift cards in there.

Yesterday we decided to use one of them. We had some gift certificates to the downtown theatre in Barrie. We had thought of going in the past, but they usually didn't have anything we wanted to see. When we checked on Friday, we discovered TWO movies we wanted to see, but how do we decide?

We heard about the seats in theatre one being the best seats anywhere in Central Ontario, so we decided we'd see whatever was playing in theatre one. Sunday, after cghurch, Crystal called the theatre and the choice was made... The Adjustment Bureau.

***SPOILERS TO FOLLOW***


I really enjoyed it. The film is about a group of people/agents (the Adjustment Bureau) whose job is to make sure you stay "on plan". Can't find your keys? Could be the work of the agents, making sure you miss that train and stay on the plan the "chairman" has for your life.

It's an interesting idea. The film is loaded with spiritual ideas, fate vs free will, God's plan for your life, etc. I think it's a film that would be a great discussion starter, regardless of your spiritual knowledge, religious views or thoughts on God.

So go to the theatre (downtown Barrie has La-Z-Boys in theatre one), take a friend from work or school, and go for a coffee afterwards to discuss and digest.

Painting The Nursery

Love Wins?

There has been a lot of discussion about the trailer for Rob Bell's newest book. Most of the discussion is not favourable. Watch the video, and we'll continue after the jump.

So? What did you think?

I understand why some people are upset. He asks some hard questions, and presents some uncomfortable thoughts. I'll admit I cringed a little when he talks about Jesus rescuing us from God.

But after watching the video again I don't think that's what this book is about. I think it's about us adding extra requirements to the Christian faith, and how as a result of these extra items on the "checklist of faith" we miss the point. I doubt a christian publishing company would put out a book that claims there is no hell, or that everyone gets to heaven; ideas that go against what we read in the Bible.

Keep in mind the purpose of this video is to make people talk, and to sell more books. In that case: mission accomplished.

I think we should wait before we crucify Rob Bell... at least until March 29th and we read the book.

Thoughts?