Two Things (mainly)

Untitled ink drawing I did in 1980, which would've made me 17. Although my friends and family loved it, I was never a big fan of it, mainly because very little of it is original. The design layout is original, and the decorative "scrolling", and a few little nik-naks scattered throughout, but the majority of the images were copied (not traced, mind you) primarily from assorted stories in Zap! Comix and Heavy Metal magazine. However, it did take a long time to do. The workmanship I'm proud of -- I just wish it were all me, perhaps influenced (like who isn't?) by other artists, but not simply rearranging their ideas to a new form, and calling it art. So, it's a form of plagiarism. I've never kept it a secret, it's just that I never bothered to list the names of the artists who technically contributed. Looking at the complete image, I can say that these are the original artists whose images I recreated therein, and the number of images per artist in parenthesis: Victor Moscoso (2), Arthur Suydam (1), Barry Windsor Smith (1), Rick Griffith (4), Francois Thomas (1), Kenneth Smith (1), Alex Nino (1), Wendy & Richard Pini (1), and RobertCrumb (3).

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I prefer the "Oogah! Chacka!" version of "Hooked On A Feeling" by Blue Swede (originally by BJ Thomas).

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About a month ago I was at a friend’s house, waiting for him to join me in a ride to our church, to take care of some repairs there. As I sat at the table, I noticed a copy of the DVD FIREPROOF, a film starring Kirk Cameron (as Caleb). I knew it had a large appeal amongst the Christian family at large, and I knew several personal friends who’d seen it at the theatres and enjoyed it very much. Even the Duggar family, of “18 Kids and Counting” fame, had attended the movie premier, met Kirk Cameron, and came out claiming FIREPROOF to be “the best film ever made”. As a side joke, the editors at TLC did a split screen with the so-called top five (or ten?) films ever made, as opposed to what the Duggars felt were the top films, which was rather humorous indeed. And while I utterly disagree with the movie people who think that CITIZEN KANE is the best film ever made (truly deplorable IMHO), I also cannot possibly agree with the Duggar’s assessment of FIREPROOF.

However, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. And to be honest, when my friend walked by the table and asked me if I’d seen FIREPROOF, to which I answered in the negative, to which he said “Every couple should see this film”, inside I cringed, “Oh man, now I’ve got to watch this sappy film”. But my friend is one of those sorts of people that, well, if they ask you to do something, you just do it. Anyway, I knew (or had a really good idea) that he had the DVD in his home specifically in the hopes of benefitting his daughter and her husband, who were in the midst of severe marital problems.Well, thankfully my friend and his wife were heading off for a three-week vacation, so I didn’t have to rush in watching this DVD. It lay on our coffee table for three weeks. And finally, last night my wife and I watched it. Here’s my assessment of FIREPROOF, and I’ll start with the bad new first (SPOILER WARNING):

CONS – It possesses all of the appearances of a LIFETIME or OXYGEN CHANNEL made-for-TV movie; this does not fare well with the effort to make high quality movies, that are equal in production, acting, direction, editing, etc., as “secular” films – and therefore is yet another testimony that Christian media is second rate; I was under the impression that all of the actors (with the slight possible exception of the woman who played Caleb’s wife – or am I just being lenient because she’s cute?) were specifically selected to make Cameron appear as a better actor than he really is – because their delivery was all very choppy, contrived, similar to the line-reading one expects from a corny sit-com. I realize, of course, that even some slightly below par acting can be made to look better via interesting editing, which this film lacked. And what is it with the Southern accents - -or lack thereof when it comes to Caleb? I mean, I’m Southern and I have an accent, but so did my mother and everyone I grew up with. Caleb somehow is devoid of the colloquial accent of which his parents and coworkers possess. Was this a case of avoiding the botch job that Kevin Costner did in his attempt to imitate a Massachusetts accent?

There were several scenes of what was intended to portray life in the firehouse, so as to make it more believable, i.e. the guy dancing in the bathroom and talking to his imaginary female conquest in the mirror, the hot sauce joke, the fixing the bed scene, etc., all of which, in my opinion could’ve been utilized either for character development, or to make the introduction of the Gospel a bit less affected than it was. I mean, presenting Christ in the Gospel is probably awkward most of the time anyhow, but this came off a bit artificial. The presentation of the Gospel to Caleb, via his father, and Caleb’s response in the positive, that he would trust God with his life was puzzling. I was wondering “which God is Caleb going to trust with his life?” There was no real explanation as to who God is other than the fact that Caleb is guilty of violating God’s law, and of pushing God to the margins, when God has done nothing but show Caleb love all his life. Maybe I’m expecting too much, but again, if there was less of the “useless” scenes in the film, more time could’ve been spent on giving a well-rounded presentation of the Christ in the Gospel.

The biggest disappointment was that, while Caleb was supposedly in the midst of following Christ, he is shown praying, smashing his computer to avoid pornography addiction, performing acts of kindness, standing in front of a cross in the middle of a field, but nowhere does he appear in the setting of public, corporate worship. Not even once. The church is conspicuously absent. Even while a collage of scenes accompanied by a contemporary Christian rock song, with words like “I will worship you” there’s no imagery displaying worship. There’s not even a sign of clergy, except at the very end, with the renewing of vows, and that done outdoors (not that there’s anything wrong with that). It’s true that the building isn’t the church, but the church does meet in buildings, and these buildings have a sacred use, and that is to temporarily contain and protect the members of God’s covenant family during the worship of God.

PROS – While I’ve already complained about the made-for-TV appearance of the film, in another way, perhaps unintentionally, there was a genuine feel to what the film-makers were doing, in that it doesn’t focus on emotionalism (though there are certainly some emotional parts) as a means of Charles Finneyesque (curse him!) manipulation. The camera is rarely in close-up mode, giving a stark feeling to the awkward and uncomfortable moments that Caleb and his wife are experiencing, especially the scene where Caleb’s wife is home from work, in bed, and Caleb confesses his sins against her.

There appears also, to be what might be a valuable tool, to help any couple to either keep things in the good, or to stem a bad tide – specifically the “Love Dare” book. I’ll have to check out the http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/ site to see if it’s available there. And while I perceive my marriage as being in good shape, and for that matter, probably better than most, I was convicted of not loving my wife as much as I ought to -- the way that Christ loves the Church. As the saying goes, there’s always room for improvement. So there it is. It took me three weeks to get around to seeing it, but I’m glad I did finally, and I’d suggest it to anyone.

I agree with my friend, that every couple (or anyone) could benefit in seeing this film - -not because it’s great film-making, but because it has a good message.

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It appears there is some more severe ugliness coming from the anti-Calvinist bunch on Youtube. The disciples of Monica Dennington are mounting bizarre and unbecoming attacks upon sites that are not sympathetic to the foolish rants of Ms. D. There was a bit of a "meeting" held between myself and several other Reformed Christians on Youtube about just how to respond to these tactics. Several attempts at offering the olive branch to Monica have been attempted by various people, all met with silence, and blocking any opposing views on her site. The wise consensus of the meeting was to keep proclaiming the truth, and let the Lord deal with Monica and her herd of detrators.

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Monday I will begin the new issue of Table Talk magazine, for the month of June; I'm almost finished with the second reading of John Gerstner's "Wrongly Dividing the Word (A Critique of Dispensationalism)"; I'm in Isaiah 46 and Titus 1 in my readings.

Politics Schmolitics

THE INDICTMENT - A Political Thriller (pages 1, 8, 10) written by Mike Martinez; illustrated by Shawn Hare 1977 (sometime during the 7th grade), Florence, SC. Though Mike wrote eighteen pages, I only completed illustration thru page 10. I remember becoming disinterested. There was too much "regular" stuff. I was into Spider-Man, and Silver Surfer, and Dr. Strange, (Marvel characters, since DC sucks) etc., and I just needed more action. I leave these pages as they were, foul language and all. It is what it is.

Mike was the smartest guy I knew as a kid. He was very politically interested; he said things that went over my head, which made me laugh. I think he knew I hadn't a clue as to half of what he was talking about, but he seemed to like me anyway. I've tried several different avenues to locate Mike, but to no avail.

One of my favourite songs (even though it really gets overplayed in the "oldies" stations is "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel. It has a neat little story, great tune, and lots of change ups to make it interesting. I get a kick out of the fact that in order to say "Brenda and Eddie" fast enough for the song, Billy ends up saying what sounds like "Brenda Renetti", which is an Italian-sounding name, ergo the title. Of course, when one starts thinking about it, it ends up not making any sense. Afterall, even though Brenda Renetti could be a "popular steady" it's doubtful (especially in the 70's) that she could be both "king and queen of the prom". It's things like this that drive me crazy about difficult lyrics that people insist on singing OUT LOUD for everyone to hear how stupid they are. What's even worse is when another professional singer does the same thing, and then publishes not only their own version of a previously released track, a very famous track (such as "Baba O'Riley" by Pete Townsend and The Who), and even publish the misheard lyrics in the liner notes. From what I understand Sinead O'Connor hath done this thing. The little bald-headed renegade Romish priestess saith "The accidents is here" when she should've said "The exodus is here". Afterall, the former makes absolutely no sense, neither grammatically, nor contextually. But the latter makes perfect sense. And lest I be called out on the tiles for false accusation, the lyrics are printed here http://www.sinead-oconnor.com/m/lyrics/baba_o_riley.txt from the official Sinead O'Connor website. One thing she does have is pretty eyes, and an interesting voice.

I read a couple of articles today concerning the "New Perspective on Paul", aka the "Federal Vision". From what I've read both today and on other occasions, in my attempt to understand just what all the hubub is about, I've concluded that, while some of the proponents of FV (though not all) are probably sincerely trying to be faithful, I believe these are deceived. The others are, in my summation, Gospel-hating liberals, who become priests and reverends in order to lead the flock astray. Both are repudiating the Reformation. Why they don't just become Romanists, I don't know. In an oversimplified way, the argument goes something to the effect of "Those who are opposed to FV are simply clinging to the traditions of Luther and Calvin, whiled ignoring the fact that many early church fathers thought and taught this way". To which I say "So what? Remember that little ol' church in Corinth? You know, the one where everybody was right smack dab in the middle of this so-called historically relevant culture, and you can be sure that the most average person on the streets spoke and understood Greek better than any Greek expert living today (which also would include those in the so-called Orthodox churches). And what was that church like? It was like a zoo! So all this hoity toity talk saying that we need to think about the things that Paul was saying in light of Judaism is a load of crap. Christ is the Reality, boys and girls, not another shadow, as was Judaism.

I never cease to be amazed at the prayer requests that I get in the Voice of the Martyr's newsletter (for anyone interested see http://www.persecution.org/ ). The volume and frequency of overt, violent, insane persecution of Christians in predominantly Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu countries is startling. I don't think most thinking people have a hard time imagining violent Muslims, but I never even thought of Buddhists or Hindus as being violent, because of the popular imagery promoted by a liberal, God-hating media -- the same media that hardly ever reports the aformention abuses towards Christians, though they happen on a daily basis. The thing that bewilders me is the accusations by Sikhs and Muslims and members of other false religions against Christians for "forced conversions". How absurd! Firstly Christians know that they cannot make a convert of anyone -- that is the work of the Spirit of God. Secondly, even if it were true that Christians were able to make converts, they could never do so in a forceful manner, in a nation that is predominantly anti-Christian. Duh!

However, the VOM prayer request helps me to put many things in perspective. I think of the freedoms we have in this nation (so far) to worship the one true God in peace and safety. Certainly, there are some forms of persecution that occur in our country, but nothing to compare with what's going on around the globe (so far). My prayer always includes a petition for God to conquer all of his and our enemies, either by conversion, or by destruction - both of these, being works of God. God converts sinners to Christ, and he executes judgements on the enemies of Christ. I just hope he'll do it sooner than later. I must trust however, that God is not only sovereign, but wise and good and just. We humans count the time as it goes by as God being slow to act, but his actions are those we cannot see. He is even in the midst of doing wonderful things that will bring salvation to his people, justice against his enemies, and all to his own glory, in a way that is utterly unfathomable and indescribable. I'm impressed with the story writing skills of the folks who write for the TV series LOST. These people are but poor imitators of the Master Storyteller. The ending of this Story, HIS story, is his glory, and the salvation of his people, and all of creation in heaven and earth.

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.

Bird Wiser

Another drawing I did when I was in the third grade. My teacher was fond of flash cards. She taught us the multiplication tables and birds via this method. To this day I know many birds on site because of flash cards. To the left is a Bluebird, and to the right a Red-Headed Woodpecker.

I wish birds weren't afraid of us. I think animals, since the fall (see the Genesis account) are appalled at human beings, and want to get as far away as possible from the one creature made in the image of God, that thought it best to rebel against its Creator. In the new Heavens and new Earth, this emnity betwixt mankind and animalkind, according to the Scriptures, will be removed. I rather think it'll be nice to have a Blue Bird perch on my finger. Hopefully a Woodpecker will refrain from pecking on my skull.

One of my favourite parts of a song is the "Woo! Woooo!" part of "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Night and the Pips. Just what the heck is a "pip" anyway? I Googled it, and Wikipedia has this to say http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pip .

I have a difficult time with Bruce Springsteen. I dislike his voice, most of his songs, his politics, and I am loathe to watch him sing. He contorts his face, as if he's trying to pass a large, hard log; his neck extended, veins in his neck bulging. Some might say that he looks thusly because he sings with passion. That may be. It doesn't stop him from looking (and sounding) ridiculous.

Budweiser is garbage beer. Most people don't realize this, but Budweiser, and similar light weight beers such as Miller, were invented in order to make beer drinking more popular with American women. For several reasons, including import pricing, and who knows what sort of political shenanigans, the real thing, like Belgian Abbey Ales, though they've been around for hundreds of years, did not gain popularity until within the past decade or so in the United States. But thankfully, with the increase of American microbrews, the craft of making a God honoring beer is being recaptured. Still there are obviously large numbers of people (with no taste) who keep buying swill like Miller, Budweiser, Coors, etc. These people think a good-tasting import is Heineken or Amstel Light (blecch!). Absolute filth. It's funny to watch some big, stupid, biker drinking a sissy beer like Bud. Hand the guy a Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout and his fat little face would contort with disgust, at the full bodied flavour of a real beer.

I saw the new Star Trek movie last night. I liked it. It's definitely not the original ST, even though it's got the same characters. I won't say precisely why this is so at this time, since it might spoil it for someone. The producer JJ Abrams, also does my favourite TV show "LOST", and another "FRINGE". I think "LOST" is the best show ever. If I could only choose one show to watch per year that would be the one. Only now, there's only one season left. While I'm not looking for a life-changing experience, I do hope they do a nice job with how this story ends.

In my continuing daily reading of Scripture, I'm now in Isaih 31, and 1st Timothy 4. I've been reading this book, a little bit before going to bed titled "A High View of Scripture?" by Craig Allert. I've never heard of him before, and neither has anyone else I've asked. I'm not entirely sure where this bloke is coming from. I'm suspicious. I hope it's a book that challenges me to think about things, but I also hope it challenges me in a good way, and that it doesn't work anything counterproductive to the Kingdom of Christ.

After I finish reading (for the second time) John Gerstner's "Wrongly Dividing the Word (A Critique of Dispensationalism)" I think I'll get (the Lord willing) a book on so-called Progressive Dispensationalism. I've heard that probably the best book that is most current is by Craig Blaising and Darrell Boch. I'm curious as to why even so-called Reformed Baptists cling to this form of eschatology. The Dispensationalism of the Plymouth Bretheren, of Bullinger, of Darby, Schofield, and Chafer is dreadful, heretical, antinomian, etc. But supposedly folks such as John MacArthur have escaped these typical heretical pitfals of this position. We'll see. John M has also been known to espouse a few other things that he's later had to change such as his previous opposition to the eternal Sonship of Christ. But, by and large, he's a solid brother in Christ. We all have to change our minds now and then don't we?

Eclectic

This is one of my earliest extant drawings, circa 1971, 3rd grade. It's an illustration from the book "The Five Chinese Brothers" by Claire Huchet Bishop and Kurt Weise. The book starts out "ONCE upon a time there were Five Chinese Brothers and they all looked exactly alike..." and this is evidently the brother with a neck as hard as iron or steel, able to resist the sword of the executioner.

I love the smell of old paper, and I didn't pass up the opportunity to smell the above artifact. Mm-mm-good! I read (or heard) someplace that people who have this interesting preference get some sort of a high from it, because of some chemical process in the breakdown, and perhaps having to do with the turds of paper-eating insects, I dunno. I just like the smell. It might be part of the reason why I ended up liking comic books and collecting them for years. Of course, just about any old book will do, but for some reason, the smell of old newsprint is one of my favourites.

Speaking of favourites, one of my favourite things in the world to hear is the beginning of the song "When Will I See You Again" by The Three Degrees. I love the "hooooh! haaaah! haaaah! hoooooh!" part. It just sounds lovely -- wonderful harmonies.

In stark contrast is my most favourite hated song in all the world -- "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole. Here's why: The song starts out nicely enough, with a lively, little bit-O-horns section going on, and a catchy tune; it's enough to make anyone think it's a "good" song. Then about mid-way through, suddenly there is barrage of way too many syllables, all in rapid-fire succession, and in three-part harmony. It doesn't stop, or slow down not even for a moment, it just builds in manic waves of high-pitched nasal, nearly incoherent, siren babble; the word "LOVE" is repeated so many times in this horrid tone that I can actually feel my frontal lobes begin to throb. It brings me physical pain to hear this wretched song. I sincerely want to pinch someone hard enough to bleed who would count this as one of their favourites. I hate it. Did I mention I hate it? I do.

Speaking of bad music, I love to make up silly love songs for my wife. They usually go something like this (sung to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine" by Oliver Hood):

You are my honey,

My honey bunny;

The sky is sunny;

My nose is runny;

I'm feeling funny,

And kind of hungry;

Will make me

Something to eat?

Well, so long as my wife likes it, that's all that matters. Rest assured, I won't be making these into published music. I tend to tell my wife that I love her, no less than 10-12 times per day, which is a very conservative count. I believe that telling my wife I love her many times a day may very well be one of the ways to make sure that I do love her just like I said I would, for the rest of our lives. It not only convinces her, it convinces me. I prefer to say "Honey, I love thee! Lovest thou me?" I've been married to the same gal for nearly 19 years, and I'm more crazy about her now than I was when I married her.

Today, starting with breakfast, I read my usual daily message from Table Talk; on the way to work I listened to RC Sproul doing a lesson on Atheism; at lunch I read Isaiah 23-23, and 2nd Thessalonians 3, a few pages from "Wrongly Dividing the Word of Truth - A Critique of Dispensationalism" by John Gerstner, and continued in an interesting article on discipleship in Modern Reformation magazine.

Here We Go!

This is my first blog, so I'm not entirely sure of what I'll be doing here, but I thought I'd give thanks to my friend Jules (Everyday Mommy) for setting it up visually.

It's now slightly after midnight and I do need to hit the sack, so that I can do my best at my job, which I don't really love, but which the Lord has seen fit to have me to do for the time being. I'm just glad that work, no matter what it is, will not be drudgery in the new heavens and new earth.

Even so, return quickly Lord Jesus!