Yesterday's NFL football was full of mixed emotions -- from watching in disbelief as the Steelers dug Denver into a hole they could not get out of to seeing the underrated Seahawks deal the Panthers a crushing blow. The first game made me sad, the second one made me smile.
Seattle is in the Super Bowl! Sounds like a made-up headline. It's been a long time coming, and no team is more deserving. It turned out the Broncos were too good to be true, at least past the division championship. They're down, but not out; next year will be their year of reckoning, and Jake Plummer's numerous critics will at long last eat their words.
And now we all get to watch a Super Bowl match-up we never expected: Steelers vs. Seahawks. No matter the outcome, it will be one fun game to see. Go Seattle!
Could it be? They were only on a break!
Ihearttexas sent me this link today, and boy do I hope it's true. "Friends" will be back! I realize in the grand scheme of life and the universe, this really isn't news. But you know what? I like the show. It makes me feel good. There ... I said it. I'm not ashamed. Of course other things make me feel much better than "Friends," but it's a bit of nostalgia for me with great humor mixed in. And I'm glad the six pals will live on, if only for four more hours.
Maybe he's born with it ... maybe it's Maybelline
Being a woman is exhausting enough without trying every trick in the book to lengthen, thicken and darken one's eyelashes, only to look over at your male co-worker and see he has about 3 yards of lash to spare. This seems to happen quite a lot. Perhaps my eyelashes are just very short? Or perhaps we've had it wrong all along, and boys should be accentuating their own optical dust shields? Maybe this is why Brandon Flowers and Billy Joe look better in eye liner than I do...
I'm game
In a show of solidarity with my sister-types, I too shall throw in some predictions for tonight's Golden Globe Awards. Anything in it for the most accurate, girlies?
* Best Motion Picture - Drama
"Brokeback Mountain" ... This seems like a no-brainer, which is why I feel a little uneasy picking it; there's always the chance of a major upset (It would be "Good night, and Good Luck" by the way).
* Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
Felicity Huffman - "Transamerica" ... Another no-brainer; she's got all the buzz she needs to take home the trophy.
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Heath Ledger - "Brokeback Mountain" ... Philip Seymour Hoffman has a good shot and probably should win, but I still think the hype about Ledger's performance will pay off.
* Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy
"Walk The Line" ... Duh (tell me again how "Pride and Prejudice" is a musical or comedy?).
* Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Reese Witherspoon - "Walk The Line" ... See above.
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy
Joaquin Phoenix - "Walk The Line" ... This movie is the "Brokeback Mountain" of its category (Johnny Depp would be the upset).
* Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Rachel Weisz - "The Constant Gardener" ... Call me crazy; it's just a hunch.
* Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Paul Giamatti - "Cinderella Man" ... He'll inch out my second pick, Matt Dillon (can't believe David Strathairn wasn't nominated!).
* Best Foreign Language Film
"Kung Fu Hustle" ... it's the only one I know anything about :)
* Best Director - Motion Picture
Ang Lee - "Brokeback Mountain" ... "Match Point" doesn't have enough "it," "Munich" is too controversial, "King Kong" won't win anything, "Constant Gardener" director doesn't yet have the reputation and George Clooney will have to wait for his day in the sun.
* Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
"Crash" ... OK, this is partially my "good vibes" as ihearttexas would say; it's the film's best shot at an award and I hope it gets some props.
* Best Original Score - Motion Picture
"The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" ... Another hunch (and another good vibe).
* Best Original Song - Motion Picture
"There's Nothing Like a Show on Broadway" - "The Producers" ... Why not?
* Best Television Series - Drama
"Grey's Anatomy" ... I just don't think "Commander in Chief" will be able to back it up, and "Grey's" has oodles of support from viewers and critics.
* Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama
Kyra Sedgwick - "The Closer" ... She'll edge out Geena; people will riot, but Sedgwick has been getting consist rave reviews for quite awhile.
* Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama
Hugh Laurie - "House" ... Another hunch; he's a proven, experienced actor and people love to hate him on that show.
* Best Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
"My Name Is Earl" ... This show gets more buzz than a bumble bee, and this is where it will pay off.
* Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
Mary-Louise Parker - "Weeds" ... Felicity won't win two tonight, and though Marcia Cross SHOULD take the Globe home, Parker will benefit from the "Desparate" split vote.
* Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
Steve Carell - "The Office" ... I almost went with Jason Lee, but for some reason I think Carell is more likeable to the voters.
* Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television
"Lackawanna Blues" ... Everyone seemed to like it.
* Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
S. Epatha Merkerson - "Lackawanna Blues" ... See above.
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Ed Harris - "Empire Falls" ... Just a guess, but I think it's a probable.
* Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Candice Bergen - "Boston Legal" ... She's good on the show, plus people have a soft spot for her.
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Paul Newman - "Empire Falls" ... Oldie but a goodie.
* Best Motion Picture - Drama
"Brokeback Mountain" ... This seems like a no-brainer, which is why I feel a little uneasy picking it; there's always the chance of a major upset (It would be "Good night, and Good Luck" by the way).
* Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
Felicity Huffman - "Transamerica" ... Another no-brainer; she's got all the buzz she needs to take home the trophy.
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Heath Ledger - "Brokeback Mountain" ... Philip Seymour Hoffman has a good shot and probably should win, but I still think the hype about Ledger's performance will pay off.
* Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy
"Walk The Line" ... Duh (tell me again how "Pride and Prejudice" is a musical or comedy?).
* Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Reese Witherspoon - "Walk The Line" ... See above.
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy
Joaquin Phoenix - "Walk The Line" ... This movie is the "Brokeback Mountain" of its category (Johnny Depp would be the upset).
* Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Rachel Weisz - "The Constant Gardener" ... Call me crazy; it's just a hunch.
* Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Paul Giamatti - "Cinderella Man" ... He'll inch out my second pick, Matt Dillon (can't believe David Strathairn wasn't nominated!).
* Best Foreign Language Film
"Kung Fu Hustle" ... it's the only one I know anything about :)
* Best Director - Motion Picture
Ang Lee - "Brokeback Mountain" ... "Match Point" doesn't have enough "it," "Munich" is too controversial, "King Kong" won't win anything, "Constant Gardener" director doesn't yet have the reputation and George Clooney will have to wait for his day in the sun.
* Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
"Crash" ... OK, this is partially my "good vibes" as ihearttexas would say; it's the film's best shot at an award and I hope it gets some props.
* Best Original Score - Motion Picture
"The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" ... Another hunch (and another good vibe).
* Best Original Song - Motion Picture
"There's Nothing Like a Show on Broadway" - "The Producers" ... Why not?
* Best Television Series - Drama
"Grey's Anatomy" ... I just don't think "Commander in Chief" will be able to back it up, and "Grey's" has oodles of support from viewers and critics.
* Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama
Kyra Sedgwick - "The Closer" ... She'll edge out Geena; people will riot, but Sedgwick has been getting consist rave reviews for quite awhile.
* Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama
Hugh Laurie - "House" ... Another hunch; he's a proven, experienced actor and people love to hate him on that show.
* Best Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
"My Name Is Earl" ... This show gets more buzz than a bumble bee, and this is where it will pay off.
* Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
Mary-Louise Parker - "Weeds" ... Felicity won't win two tonight, and though Marcia Cross SHOULD take the Globe home, Parker will benefit from the "Desparate" split vote.
* Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
Steve Carell - "The Office" ... I almost went with Jason Lee, but for some reason I think Carell is more likeable to the voters.
* Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television
"Lackawanna Blues" ... Everyone seemed to like it.
* Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
S. Epatha Merkerson - "Lackawanna Blues" ... See above.
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Ed Harris - "Empire Falls" ... Just a guess, but I think it's a probable.
* Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Candice Bergen - "Boston Legal" ... She's good on the show, plus people have a soft spot for her.
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Paul Newman - "Empire Falls" ... Oldie but a goodie.
Re-do
If nothing else, Hollywood helps magnify some of the patterns of us common folk. I don't spend a lot of of time reading the gossip columns, but I'm into pop culture so I know what's going on. I don't know if people like Harrison Ford and Collista Flockhart or Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie or Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner will last. But at least one half of each couple has something in common: They divorced and hooked up with their current squeezes in a short amount of time.
I wouldn't be surprised if some of these folks do make it. Afterall, everyone knows the first marriage is a practice run! Is it any great surprise that these people can make it work on their second or third try? Practice does make perfect. Seriously, though, all joking aside -- this sequence of events is hardly a great feat. You marry someone you're in love with, things get hard, you're not getting everything you want, you decide to separate, you meet another person with even more desirable qualities and (wonder of wonders) it's somehow easier. Duh! You've already been put through the wringer that marriage sometimes is, learning the value of patience and defined expectations. And voila! A brand-new person to try it with all over again -- a re-do.
I'm not naive (how could anyone be who's been married more than a year?). I know as well as the next guy how challenging things can get. But what takes real strength is accepting your mate as your soulmate from the get-go, evolving together and growing in that reality. I certainly can't stand in judgment of those who end their marriages. And I'm happy when people find happiness after divorce; good for them. But I'm even happier at the prospect that a few decades down the road, I'll be with the same man I vowed to spend my life with as a young bride. Will I have more gray hairs as a result? Probably. Wrinkles? Definitely. It's not the easier route by a long shot. There are plenty of men in the world I could be happy with after matrimony's tough tutelage. But I choose Superman ... and no re-dos.
I wouldn't be surprised if some of these folks do make it. Afterall, everyone knows the first marriage is a practice run! Is it any great surprise that these people can make it work on their second or third try? Practice does make perfect. Seriously, though, all joking aside -- this sequence of events is hardly a great feat. You marry someone you're in love with, things get hard, you're not getting everything you want, you decide to separate, you meet another person with even more desirable qualities and (wonder of wonders) it's somehow easier. Duh! You've already been put through the wringer that marriage sometimes is, learning the value of patience and defined expectations. And voila! A brand-new person to try it with all over again -- a re-do.
I'm not naive (how could anyone be who's been married more than a year?). I know as well as the next guy how challenging things can get. But what takes real strength is accepting your mate as your soulmate from the get-go, evolving together and growing in that reality. I certainly can't stand in judgment of those who end their marriages. And I'm happy when people find happiness after divorce; good for them. But I'm even happier at the prospect that a few decades down the road, I'll be with the same man I vowed to spend my life with as a young bride. Will I have more gray hairs as a result? Probably. Wrinkles? Definitely. It's not the easier route by a long shot. There are plenty of men in the world I could be happy with after matrimony's tough tutelage. But I choose Superman ... and no re-dos.
Ick
The number 1 movie in America over the weekend was the grizzly (understatement of the year) "Hostel." Yuck. I felt almost physically ill when I heard yesterday that people spent about $20 million to see this film in a matter of a few days. I cringed again as I read " 'The track record of horror films tells you maybe Hollywood should just release horror movies to be successful. I can't think of a more consistently performing genre at the box office,' " said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.
Contrast this movie with the one it edged for the top spot, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum. Of course, "Hostel" will never measure up to Narnia's overall numbers (nearly $250 million domestically), but I can't help feeling disheartened that this kind of violence is such a sensation.
What is this obsession with gore so many people have? And that's what this movie is, by all accounts. On some level I can understand (though not relate to) the thrill of a scary movie -- suspense, adrenaline, etc. But this is not a scary movie. It's a horrifically violent movie, the mere commercials for which make me uneasy.
OK, some people will argue that violence is violence. "Why do you like 'Glory' or 'Braveheart' so much?" There is a big difference in my mind between "fighting" violence and "victim" violence. Images of two people going one on one with swords, guns or even fists don't stay in my mind long. Images of one person mercilessly torturing a helpless/weaker individual? Those stick around a lot longer. The concept of pummeling is quite different from fighting. Fighting is often necessary; pummeling isn't. And it's people's obsession with this gore that takes their minds to dark places where it's hard to find peace.
I don't want to discuss the aforementioned movie any more, that's how much I detest it. However inarticulate it sounds, I think I really just don't like that people go through the trouble of making films like this ... and that people reward them for it. Call me a child, call me old-fashioned: My only reaction will always be "ick!"
Contrast this movie with the one it edged for the top spot, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum. Of course, "Hostel" will never measure up to Narnia's overall numbers (nearly $250 million domestically), but I can't help feeling disheartened that this kind of violence is such a sensation.
What is this obsession with gore so many people have? And that's what this movie is, by all accounts. On some level I can understand (though not relate to) the thrill of a scary movie -- suspense, adrenaline, etc. But this is not a scary movie. It's a horrifically violent movie, the mere commercials for which make me uneasy.
OK, some people will argue that violence is violence. "Why do you like 'Glory' or 'Braveheart' so much?" There is a big difference in my mind between "fighting" violence and "victim" violence. Images of two people going one on one with swords, guns or even fists don't stay in my mind long. Images of one person mercilessly torturing a helpless/weaker individual? Those stick around a lot longer. The concept of pummeling is quite different from fighting. Fighting is often necessary; pummeling isn't. And it's people's obsession with this gore that takes their minds to dark places where it's hard to find peace.
I don't want to discuss the aforementioned movie any more, that's how much I detest it. However inarticulate it sounds, I think I really just don't like that people go through the trouble of making films like this ... and that people reward them for it. Call me a child, call me old-fashioned: My only reaction will always be "ick!"
The other "A" word
You know, it's funny. I could have sworn I've met and befriended a number of people who were adopted by their parents. But I must be wrong, because according to what's on TV, children from unplanned pregnancies are either aborted or raised by their biological mothers. Strange, don't you think?
The dilemma of extremes reared its ugly head yet again on "ER" last Thursday. A 15-year-old is in trouble (the child of deeply religious parents, as usual) because she made a bad decision at a drinking party and was raped. The doctors assume her parents will support the pregnancy's termination. When they don't, the medical staff is incredulous because the mom and dad are insisting she keep the baby. Obviously, neither scenario is very desirable. If only there was some other option ...
The portrayal of the parents wasn't bad, actually; they weren't forceful or too obnoxious. But this is what happens in nearly every TV show when a woman unintentionally becomes pregnant. It happened in "Sex and the City," for instance. There are plenty of plot lines about people finding their biological parents after years of searching. But when it comes down to "the decision," adoption is almost always left out of the equation.
This is sad to me, especially since there are so many happy families with adopted children. Also because as a Christian, adoption should look like the most desirable outcome -- no human life is lost, a young person's future isn't put in jeopardy, and a grateful family receives the best gift of all.
I guess that's just not dramatic enough for TV.
The dilemma of extremes reared its ugly head yet again on "ER" last Thursday. A 15-year-old is in trouble (the child of deeply religious parents, as usual) because she made a bad decision at a drinking party and was raped. The doctors assume her parents will support the pregnancy's termination. When they don't, the medical staff is incredulous because the mom and dad are insisting she keep the baby. Obviously, neither scenario is very desirable. If only there was some other option ...
The portrayal of the parents wasn't bad, actually; they weren't forceful or too obnoxious. But this is what happens in nearly every TV show when a woman unintentionally becomes pregnant. It happened in "Sex and the City," for instance. There are plenty of plot lines about people finding their biological parents after years of searching. But when it comes down to "the decision," adoption is almost always left out of the equation.
This is sad to me, especially since there are so many happy families with adopted children. Also because as a Christian, adoption should look like the most desirable outcome -- no human life is lost, a young person's future isn't put in jeopardy, and a grateful family receives the best gift of all.
I guess that's just not dramatic enough for TV.
Inspired (sort of) by girlfriday's post...
Here is something fun to do whenever you walk into a bathroom stall -- even to blow your nose -- or any place that has partitions to ensure your neighbors are heard but not seen: Start lip-synching like a mad person. There is this great sense of satisfaction and amusement you get from knowing you're having a blast and the people only feet away have no idea. Trust me, it's awesome. (If you're looking for song ideas, a Wilson-Phillips standard or Aerosmith will work well.)
Alternate universe
Last night I went to the third movie in three weeks, which seems unreal for me ... but good. I went to a "dollar" theater with my mom and two sisters to see "Serenity." I didn't know anything about this movie, except for the vague memory of a preview I saw months ago. But time with the girls is a must, so I agreed.
The movie is written and directed by Joss Whedon of TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fame. That really was the hook for all of us. His writing is clever, imaginative and sharp -- and this movie was no exception. Lots of action, quippy comebacks, good story, decent acting. All very Buffy-esque, except in space. It's good, solid entertainment for those of you in the market for that sort of thing.
I perceived a not-so-subtle political message throughout (you'll see it too). But, as I asked my little sister, is it really a politically slanted movie or just a great sci-fi/good vs. evil flick? Perhaps I'm too jaded. You'll have to judge for yourself, I guess. See ya'll next year!
The movie is written and directed by Joss Whedon of TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fame. That really was the hook for all of us. His writing is clever, imaginative and sharp -- and this movie was no exception. Lots of action, quippy comebacks, good story, decent acting. All very Buffy-esque, except in space. It's good, solid entertainment for those of you in the market for that sort of thing.
I perceived a not-so-subtle political message throughout (you'll see it too). But, as I asked my little sister, is it really a politically slanted movie or just a great sci-fi/good vs. evil flick? Perhaps I'm too jaded. You'll have to judge for yourself, I guess. See ya'll next year!
Practically perfect
That is the phrase that, at least for me, best describes the movie "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." My whole family went to see it two nights ago (we were chomping at the bit, actually). And it did not disappoint.
The casting of the children is achingly accurate; they are beautiful with personalities to match their characters' to a tee. The scenery is lush, instantly transporting viewers. The time period elements were highlighted thoughtfully, setting a scene for WW2 London that can be overlooked when reading the text in black and white (the children's clothes and a '40s-style song playing as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy run through the English manor).
What impressed me so much was the translation of the story onto the big screen. This is no easy fete when working without a narrator. But Andrew Adamson and company managed to capture the rhythm and spirit of the story just right. It stays extremely true to the C.S. Lewis classic, and any embellishments are merely illustrative (there are almost no omissions).
It is a nice thing to have a favorite book that can double as a favorite movie; doesn't happen very often. I could write a lot more about my Narnia experience, but don't take my word for it: Go see the first Chronicle for yourself.
The casting of the children is achingly accurate; they are beautiful with personalities to match their characters' to a tee. The scenery is lush, instantly transporting viewers. The time period elements were highlighted thoughtfully, setting a scene for WW2 London that can be overlooked when reading the text in black and white (the children's clothes and a '40s-style song playing as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy run through the English manor).
What impressed me so much was the translation of the story onto the big screen. This is no easy fete when working without a narrator. But Andrew Adamson and company managed to capture the rhythm and spirit of the story just right. It stays extremely true to the C.S. Lewis classic, and any embellishments are merely illustrative (there are almost no omissions).
It is a nice thing to have a favorite book that can double as a favorite movie; doesn't happen very often. I could write a lot more about my Narnia experience, but don't take my word for it: Go see the first Chronicle for yourself.
Freedom from reason
Freedom from fear, freedom from want ... and freedom from reason? According to CNN.com, the theory of Intelligent Design "cannot be mentioned in biology classes in a Pennsylvania public school district." Excuse me, what country are we in?
When I think back to the short list of things that CAN'T be discussed in public schools, this is puzzling to me. When they wanted to ban the teaching of evolution, people raised hell. They should do the same now. Not because teachers should get to say whatever they want to our kids, but that banning an idea from a science class (in which a "theory" is taught as fact) blows my mind.
When I think back to the short list of things that CAN'T be discussed in public schools, this is puzzling to me. When they wanted to ban the teaching of evolution, people raised hell. They should do the same now. Not because teachers should get to say whatever they want to our kids, but that banning an idea from a science class (in which a "theory" is taught as fact) blows my mind.
A movie review ... sort of
I'm not entirely qualified to critique movies on an artistic level. But hey, I'm a consumer, so my opinion should count too, right? My husband took me to see "The Family Stone" this weekend, and I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to it. From the time I saw the first preview months ago, I said, "Yea! The ultimate holiday movie about family and life!" Well, in short, it's not.
Don't get me wrong; it's not a bad movie. It's just not great. The word I keep coming back to is "unfocused." The performances are good enough (you'll fall in love with Luke Wilson, Sarah Jessica Parker is refreshingly different, and Craig T. Nelson is a sweet surprise), but the rhythm is not. For awhile you appreciate the true-to-life awkward moments that form in situations such as this (outsider girl meets close-knit family that thinks they're "it"). But the longer it goes, the more you long for definition: What is this character's nature? Why aren't they focusing more on her than him? How am I supposed to believe THEY'RE in love?
The result is an entertaining tale of family dynamics, but not a whole lot more. There are some good lessons in it, however, especially the family's image of itself and how that must change. See it if you're bored, but not if you're expecting greatness of great proportions. It's a solid dollar movie or weekend renter. You'll long for better direction, but appreciate the reality each moment of familial familiarity it paints.
Don't get me wrong; it's not a bad movie. It's just not great. The word I keep coming back to is "unfocused." The performances are good enough (you'll fall in love with Luke Wilson, Sarah Jessica Parker is refreshingly different, and Craig T. Nelson is a sweet surprise), but the rhythm is not. For awhile you appreciate the true-to-life awkward moments that form in situations such as this (outsider girl meets close-knit family that thinks they're "it"). But the longer it goes, the more you long for definition: What is this character's nature? Why aren't they focusing more on her than him? How am I supposed to believe THEY'RE in love?
The result is an entertaining tale of family dynamics, but not a whole lot more. There are some good lessons in it, however, especially the family's image of itself and how that must change. See it if you're bored, but not if you're expecting greatness of great proportions. It's a solid dollar movie or weekend renter. You'll long for better direction, but appreciate the reality each moment of familial familiarity it paints.
Embracing Santa Claus
I've never been a huge Santa fan. Probably because my parents chose not to carry out the childhood illusion with us. We never believed. But I had a lot of friends that did ("not that there's anything wrong with that").
Now at my ripe age, I find myself relieved upon seeing the red-and-white-clad symbol of the season. Why? Because in a culture that's trying so hard to edge out the "Christ" in Christmas, Santa seems the closest we've got to the real thing. These days, it's all "happy holidays" and "seasons greetings" -- in part so retailers can lengthen the shopping season, and in part to secularize a government-recognized holiday. Christmas exists, people. Live with it.
Even the classic colors red and green become more scarce each year. It's not that I think there's some great color conspiracy, but every little Christmas detail that's blurred into a "holiday" generalization makes me a little sad. And as much as I don't like the non-religious appeal of Santa at Christmas, I do like the fact that no other winter holiday can claim him. Afterall, 'tis the night before Christmas he comes each year!
I probably won't tell my kids about Santa, either. Not because it's a bad thing; I just don't want anything to detract from the true meaning of Christmas in our family. That, and I don't know if I'd be a very good fibber about something in which I never believed :) Superman would have to handle all the reindeer/North Pole questions. But I'll still be glad the jolly old saint is out there stumping for Christmas.
Now at my ripe age, I find myself relieved upon seeing the red-and-white-clad symbol of the season. Why? Because in a culture that's trying so hard to edge out the "Christ" in Christmas, Santa seems the closest we've got to the real thing. These days, it's all "happy holidays" and "seasons greetings" -- in part so retailers can lengthen the shopping season, and in part to secularize a government-recognized holiday. Christmas exists, people. Live with it.
Even the classic colors red and green become more scarce each year. It's not that I think there's some great color conspiracy, but every little Christmas detail that's blurred into a "holiday" generalization makes me a little sad. And as much as I don't like the non-religious appeal of Santa at Christmas, I do like the fact that no other winter holiday can claim him. Afterall, 'tis the night before Christmas he comes each year!
I probably won't tell my kids about Santa, either. Not because it's a bad thing; I just don't want anything to detract from the true meaning of Christmas in our family. That, and I don't know if I'd be a very good fibber about something in which I never believed :) Superman would have to handle all the reindeer/North Pole questions. But I'll still be glad the jolly old saint is out there stumping for Christmas.
Unspeakables
When I was a home-schooled lass in the fifth grade or so, I visited my best friend's school for the day. Since it was a private, Christian school students prayed in their home rooms. The teacher took prayer requests from whomever had them, and if the kids had private requests they didn't want to share the details of, they would simply call them "unspeakables." Thus they got the prayer without having to explain what it was all about.
At the time, I remember thinking it was dumb. Why ask someone to pray if you're not even going to tell them what to pray for? What a waste of breath. But as I've gotten older, I understand the concept a little better. But no better than in the last two days. That's why here in this entry, I'm claiming an "unspeakable" and asking for prayer. Superman and Lois Lane could really use it right now. Thank you...
At the time, I remember thinking it was dumb. Why ask someone to pray if you're not even going to tell them what to pray for? What a waste of breath. But as I've gotten older, I understand the concept a little better. But no better than in the last two days. That's why here in this entry, I'm claiming an "unspeakable" and asking for prayer. Superman and Lois Lane could really use it right now. Thank you...
"Elijah"
Dedicated to Katie W. and everyone touched by her:
"The Jordan is waiting for me to cross through
My heart is aging I can tell
So Lord, I'm begging
For one last favor from You
Here's my heart take it where You will
This life has shown me how we're mended
And how we're torn
How it's okay to be lonely as long as you're free
Sometimes my ground was stoney
And sometimes covered up with thorns
And only You could make it what it had to be
And now that it's done
Well, if they dressed me like a pauper
Or if they dined me like a prince
If they lay me with my fathers
Or if my ashes scatter on the wind
I don't care
CHORUS:
But when I leave I want to go out like Elijah
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire
And when I look back on the stars
Well, It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye
There's people been friendly
But they'd never be your friends
Sometimes this has bent me to the ground
Now that this is all ending
I want to hear some music once again
'Cause it's the finest thing I have ever found
But the Jordan is waiting
Though I ain't never seen the other side
They say you can't take in
The things you have here
So on the road to salvation
I stick out my thumb and He gives me a ride
And His music is already falling on my ears
There's people been talking
They say they're worried about my soul
Well, I'm here to tell you I'll keep rocking
'Til I'm sure it's my time to roll
And when I do
CHORUS"
(Words and music by Rich Mullins)
"The Jordan is waiting for me to cross through
My heart is aging I can tell
So Lord, I'm begging
For one last favor from You
Here's my heart take it where You will
This life has shown me how we're mended
And how we're torn
How it's okay to be lonely as long as you're free
Sometimes my ground was stoney
And sometimes covered up with thorns
And only You could make it what it had to be
And now that it's done
Well, if they dressed me like a pauper
Or if they dined me like a prince
If they lay me with my fathers
Or if my ashes scatter on the wind
I don't care
CHORUS:
But when I leave I want to go out like Elijah
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire
And when I look back on the stars
Well, It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye
There's people been friendly
But they'd never be your friends
Sometimes this has bent me to the ground
Now that this is all ending
I want to hear some music once again
'Cause it's the finest thing I have ever found
But the Jordan is waiting
Though I ain't never seen the other side
They say you can't take in
The things you have here
So on the road to salvation
I stick out my thumb and He gives me a ride
And His music is already falling on my ears
There's people been talking
They say they're worried about my soul
Well, I'm here to tell you I'll keep rocking
'Til I'm sure it's my time to roll
And when I do
CHORUS"
(Words and music by Rich Mullins)
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