OSCAR BUZZ

This list of Oscar nominees were announced this morning ... See the list - here

I'm sticking with "Brokenback Mountain" taking home a whole lot of awards which was nominated for eight different awards. Personally I was pleased to see "Crash" and "Munich" nominated in some major categories. Both are amazing flicks.

All the awards are handed out March 5th ... Break out the popcorn!

COUNTDOWN SAYS ...

Been listening to a whole lot of the Bruce Springsteen lately so in a small tribute to the "the boss" ...

FAVORITE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN SONGS

1) Glory Days - There's something about the baseball reference that makes this tops on my list!
2) Born to Run
3) Born in the U.S.A
4) Jungleland
5) Secret Garden
6) The Rising
7) For You
8) Dancing in the Dark
9) I'm on Fire
10) Street of Philadelphia

This is a tough list to put together considering I have left off songs "She's the One" "Lonesome Day" "My Hometown" "Thunder Road" among others but I do the best I can!

MUNICH

Went and saw Steven Speilburg's new epic "Munich" the other night. What an amazing movie. It's somewhere around the same quality of film making that he had with Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan.

Based on the events that followed the 1972 murders of 11 Israeli athletes during the Olympic games it follows the story of Avner (no last name ever given), played by Eric Bana, and his team of four "assassins" that track down and kill members of the group Black September who were responsible for the murder of the athletes.

If you don't want to think during a movie than don't see this one. There are a lot of plots to follow but it's extremely intriguing through out. Of all the sub-story lines to follow the one that is most obvious and interesting is how Eric Bana's character is transformed by the end of the movie after his mission.

The nearly three-hour movie keeps moving at a pretty good clip and has some interesting political backlash to it. Whether or not Spielburg, who is Jewish, has a personal agenda to this movie is certainly up for debate but he created a brilliant movie.

MATTHEW

So Rob Bell released his new Nooma recently.

Last night I eagerly arrived at church early to purchase "Matthew" and watched it once I got home. After only one look at the 14 minute piece, here's the things that ran through my head:

- Woah
- Unlike any other previous Nooma
- Wasn't expecting that
- How True!

I really, really don't want to give any of it away. Certainly you can read the description on the Nooma website but #12 in the series is just totally different from the others. For all those in the Michiana area this will be the Feb. 12 nevaeH topic.

Just ... woah.

UNLIKELY FRIENDS

Have you seen this story yet?!?

So there's this hamster who was fed to a snake back in October and the snake has yet to eat the furry rodent. What in the world is the deal with that?

In the words of Rodney King, I guess we all can get along. If a snake can defy all of science by not eating a hamster maybe things are little more friendly in this world than we once thought. Ok, that's really jumping to a conclusion!

Still a funny story that you can read about in USA Today.

KAYNE ... WHAT THE?!?

There are a few people in the entertainment business that intrigue me (so to speak). Like Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise just to name a few. I think you can add Kayne West to that list.

I've seen a lot of strange covers of Rolling Stone over the last several years but what in the world is Kayne West doing? He breaks on the scene with this amazing video (or videos) for "Jesus Walks" then he is bashing George Bush, then telling people he is addicted to pornography and is featured with a crown of thorns on this magazine cover?

Dude, what's the deal?!? ... Check out a brief article from CNN - here.

MEGA CHURCH

And you thought your church used a lot of bricks to build its congregation ...

Check out this site - "Mega Church"

(Also, special props to Dawn Lovitt for the posting!!)

SUNDAY AT MARS HILL

Woah! What an amazing presentation. I don't know how Rob Bell does it but seemingly everytime I listen to that guy, he pulls something right out of me.

Yesterday was a distinct privledge to be apart of a service that was really awesome. He unpacked a message devoted around the idea of people and their self-centered ways. He started in Revelations 3 & 4 then went through the story of Daniels interpretation of Nebuchadnazzer's dream.

Jumping to Mark 10: 35-45 and the conversation of how James and John want to sit next to Jesus in heaven. He concluded by using Matthew 6:1-4 and what he means to give without without being seen.

In the middle of the stage their was this amazing prop of a glass chair and Rob Bell just walked around it the whole time saying how this is not our chair but God's. Oh, it was sooo amazing.

If you want to listen to it on your computer go -- Here. It's well worth the 35 or so minutes of your life!

FROM THE WEEKEND

Some interesting things to note ...

Unless you have been under some sort of rock, you know that the Steelers and Seahawks are going to Super Bowl XL in Detroit on Feb. 5

Did you see that Kobe Bryant scored 81 points on Sunday evening. 81 points! That's freakin crazy. He scored 55 of them in the second half! The game total the second highest point total in the history of the NBA. Second only to Wilt Chamberlin's 100 point effort in 1962. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, etc., etc. never scored 80!

At the Sundance Film Festival there was a film made about a black Jesus. Interesting. Never thought of it that way. Although I'm not sure about the whole theology of the film but certainly peaks some curiosity. There's another article about the movie - here

On another entertainment front, NBC is canceling the West Wing after seven seasons. The final show will air in mid-May.

THOUGHTS

"If you are connected to people, you are connected to pain"
-DB

"God's greatest gift to the human race is His image. And Satan is trying to destroy it."
-DB

"Is what you are devoting your most energy toward stunting the use and growth of your strengths."
- Unknown

EMERGENT CHURCH

If you haven't heard this phrase yet, you will shortly.

It's the title given to an "up and coming" movement of the church that is being led by Brian McLaren. Who, by the way, is one of the most amazing people you'll ever meet.

There's a site totally devoted to the movement - here. It has been called just about every adjective in the dictionary but in my opinion has been mostly undiscovered by people; including me.

In addition, ABC's Nightline had a six-minute on their show the other evening and if you'd like to check out that video go the website and click under video titled "Prayer Party"

Enjoy!

COLLISION

Finally got the new David Crowder album on Monday evening. (Not sure you can call it new anymore but I had a 33% off coupon that I wanted to use)

The first few tracks on "Collision" are absolutely awesome. The beat, the lyrics, the sound is everything that you would expect from a David Crowder recording. Track #5, foreverandever Etc. is great. If your not a morning person this is the song to get you going (so to speak).

The opening line of the album is pretty interesting, well actually really interesting, "Everybody wants to go to Heaven but nobody wants to die." ... Take it as you will.

A great finish to the album with an interview with Crowder and some radio personality. It's an odd exchange but yet intriguing to listen to before they break into song to close the album. Just go buy the album.

CONFESSION

I have a confession to make ... I'm happy. No, I take that back ... I'm really happy. I can't even totally describe why but I just am.

Take a look at some reasons --

* I have friends, all over the country, that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Not even for an ultra-successful job in Colorado -- really!! They have opened my eyes to the worlds of Erwin McManus, Gilmore Girls and even middle schoolers to name a few! (that might be the first time ever those three things have been mentioned in the same sentence)

* This job is such a blessing. Not because I have free reign of what I do when I do (so to speak), but because everyday I wake-up and I look forward to it and the people I do it for. Everyday!

* Granger Community Church has transformed my life in more ways than I can ever know. I will always be eternally grateful for that!

* The challenge of graduate school. I enjoy a good challenge and this is proving to be one. Sure wish a professor would have books by Ortberg, Hybels, Lucado! (oh well!)

* How 'bout the ability to watch Notre Dame events for free or living near Chicago or being able to visit Willow Creek and Mars Hills whenever!

Ok, my confession is over ... Life is to short not to be happy. Embrace the challenges. Go head first through the wall if you have to. Enjoy!!

CHURCH REPORT

The church report has released it's 50 Most Influential Christians in America. See the entire list - here.

Kind of an interesting list of individuals. As long as they are connecting people to God, then it's a win for everyone. FYI -- Glad to see the three people I resonate with (Bell, Hybels, McManus) make the list - Woo Hoo!!

HOCKEY NIGHT

Last night I braved the snow along the toll road and the Dan Ryan Express Way and took in my first NHL game in nearly four years! I wasn't really thrilled about driving through the first crappy weather of the New Year but I got to my destination in a little less than two hours so I was happy!

Being an Islanders fan living in the midwest there aren't many chances to watch your favorite team play so the Tuesday game evening wasn't ideal, but it was so much fun. Especially since the Islanders won 2-1! Granted these two teams aren't near playoff contention but, I like our chances in a year or two as long as Islander goalie Rick DiPietro keeps getting better. Watching him last night was worth the price of admission.

Of course I've been saying the phrase, "in a year or two" for the Islanders for long than I can remember but I will stay loyal!! Considering it was a professional sporting event, the evening didn't evening cost a lot a money.

"Pre-Game" Meal at Portillo's Famous Hot Dogs: $6.16
(If you have never eaten here, you must!)

Parking: $12.00

Ticket to Game: $8.00
(Blackhawks have this great student discount)

Soft Pretzel at Game: $3.00
(Gotta have a pretzel)

Watching your favorite team win in OT: AWESOME! ... Ain't hockey great?!?

GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

So last night the annual Golden Globe Awards were held. Didn't really watch a whole lot but it's always intriguing to look at some of the "more important" categories.

Best Director (Movie, Drama) - Ang Lee for "Brokenback Mountain", this is the first of many disappointments for Peter Jackson's "King Kong." and Steven Speilburg's "Munich." Not to mention the first of many awards for "Brokenback Mountain."

Best Actress (TV, Drama) - Genna Davis for her role as the President in "Commander in Chief." Glad to see this show gets some much deserved credit.

Best Actress (TV, Musical/Comedy) - The real surprise here is that four actresses from "Desperate Housewives" were nominated and the fifth person, Mary-Louise Parker actually won.

For the rest of the list just click - here.

MLK DAY

This was a day that was just a day you got off school when you were growing up. Every Jan. 16 it was just a day to sleep in and do whatever.

Not to me any longer.

The passion and the drive of Mr. King is un-match. His inspiration is so moving and awesome. It makes you feel small.

Think about it. We all have something(s) in our lives that drive us and motivate us. You know, what are you willing to put yourself "out there" for? Or are you shying away into a corner? Does our passion for these things even come anywhere close to that of Martin Luther King, Jr.?

How much different would are world look if we spent more time on the things that matter like Mr. King did; like building into each other, advancing God's kingdom or how 'bout pursuing righteous living? Just a thought.

For anyone interested in listen to the "I Have a Dream Speech" from Aug. 28, 1963 feel free to click on the American Rhetoric site.

COUNTDOWN SAYS ...

Since I have been without cable TV for about six months I have decided to bring back the countdown and list the top reasons why ...

Living without cable TV is a good thing.

1) More Time to Read

I used to struggle to read past the first three paragraphs of the daily newspaper. With no focus on TV, reading has become fun (except for those dry books for class!)

2) "Education" DVD's

I spend more time processing and watching the DVD's that Willowcreek makes (Leadership Summit) and Rob Bell stuff.

3) Working out

During this stretch I have spent more time on the treadmill/shooting hoops/etc. and am almost in the best shape of my life. Does this picture at the top of the blog say anything about sitting in front of the TV?!?

4) More time for Friends

This might be a little off but I think too often an individuals schedule revolves around their favorite TV show then their friendships and building into each other.

5) Less pollution of the Mind

Aside from ESPN, most things on cable are crap anyway.

So there you have it. Living without cable is cheaper and promotes healthier living. Yet I sure do miss Baseball Tonight and Sportscenter. Oh well, there are much worse things in life!

NEW COMMUNITY

So last night was one of the more interesting New Community services I have ever been to at GCC. And by interesting I mean fairly insightful. The round table discussion of Dr. Bob, Rob Wenger and Mark Waltz was great. Thoroughly thought-provoking and God honoring.

The two things that I really took away from it:

1) They were talking about God's will and how we should following it and Dr. Bob made this really great comment that stuck with me:

"Holiness is more important that Happiness"

2) In talking about prayer and how we should engage ourselves in the act, I believe Rob and Mark "tagged teamed" on this:

"We need to participate with God ... Do I love God for God's sake or because what He does for me"

Great Stuff ... Looking forward to more next week at New Community!

DRY BOOK, GOOD QUOTE

So I'm in the process of reading this 300+ page book with small print called Mission in Acts for my Holy Spirit & Missions class. This is potenially the most "dry" book I have ever read. Yet once every 30 pages or so there's something that finally peaks my interest before my mind totally wonders off into "la-la land."

Last night before I entered that far off land with Peter Pan and Company I came across this rather interesting part:

The more we run from conflict,

The more it masters us;

The more we try to avoid it,

The more it controls us.

The less we fear conflict,

The less it confuses us;

The less we deny our differences,

The less they divide us.

- David W. Augsberger

After reading that quote I really couldn't concentrate on the next chapter of the book. While the above quote seems simple and obvious is it really put into practice? Peter Pan and "la-la land" will have to wait another night.

HALL OF FAME BOUND!

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced that Bruce Sutter will be entering the famed hallways this summer in Cooperstown, NY!

Now the really cool thing about this is that Sutter graduated from Donegal High School. The same high school as yours truly! That really means absolutely nothing but for a baseball fan like myself, it's kind cool. It's very odd to read a national press release with your high school mentioned.

Feel free to check out two local stories from the Lancaster County Newspapers:

"Local big leaguers praise Sutter's Hall of Fame vote"

"Friends and foes alike are glad Sutter’s time has finally come"

RADFORD

The other day I was picking up the mail and there's nothing spectacular about that until I realized that I just recieved my new copy of the Radford University Alumni magazine. I love my school. If I had to make my decision all over again there is no doubt in my mind that I would still go there. Shoot, I applied and was accepted before I even stepped foot on the campus.

Everytime I get the magazine that comes out four times a year I start thinking about how long ago I was a college student. Then I realized that my five year reunion is this year! Holy freakin cow I have been out of college for half of a decade (ok, that's a stretch for saying it feels like a long time).

The one thing that really struck me though while flipping through the magazine was the back cover which had an ariel view of campus. Man, I miss the mountains. And while I am bias, it truly is one the most beautiful campus settings you'll ever see. Time for a visit perhaps?

GIFT OF GIVING

On Saturday morning countless individuals gave of their time for a few hours to take part in the fourth annual Granger Community Church food drop.

A while back somebody once told me that, "the most fulfilled people and those who are most happy on the planet are those who volunteer and give of their time." I never disbelieved this statement but wasn't sold on the idea. However, over the past few months this idea and statement has come full circle to me.

There is nothing like building into the lives of people when their isn't an agenda involved (i.e. a paycheck). Furthermore there is no business like the "people building business" - no business. There is nothing like helping to fixed a problem or conern in an individuals life or in the life of that community. Nothing.

Just take this away. During the food drop I saw more smiles, more laugher, more "alive-ness" than I have seen just about anywhere. What if we spent more of our time and energy for something bigger than ourselves.

Now that would bring fulfillment.

KARMA INTERRUPTED

Chew on this for a little bit ...

"At the center of all religions is the idea of Kara. You know, what you put out comes back to you: eye for an eye ... Along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that ... Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed ... I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to be my judge. I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the cross"

- Bono
(August 6, 2005)

MY APOLOGY TO DONALD MILLER

I am sorry Donald. (not Donald Trump) ... About a year ago I begin reading "Blue Like Jazz" and was pretty engaged in the book when, for some reason I can't remember, I put it down around page 70 or so and never picked it back up until December.

For the months that the book laid "lifeless" on my shelf I knew that I needed to pick it back up and start over again. Yet I just didn't. And I am a stupid idiot for it. So Don, here's my review:

This is a great read. There are so many good things to share about this book but at the risk of giving away some things I won't. The stories about Reed College really grabbed me more than anything. Especially the story about the celebration of Ren Fayre and the confessional booth. Just classic.

His stance on the ability to be in "awe" is very amazing. Another thing I thoroughly enjoyed about this book is the personal nature it takes. He is such a real and open author. I also enjoyed the fact that he listened to Bruce Springsteen while writing this book!

I didn't highlight a whole lot because my whole book would be in blue highlighter but this one phrase sticks out for me, "Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so." Interesting. Very interesting!!

In conclusion Mr. Miller, I say "THANKS" for your patience with me. And really "THANKS" for haunting and hunting me down til I finally picked up the book again! It was more than worth it!

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!!

Today is a good day. The Texas Longhorns are the NATIONAL CHAMPIONS of college football!!

What a game! What a finish! NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!

This will be enjoyed for a long, long time!! Hook 'em!!!

PERSECUTION

So I was recently flipping around my copy of "Discipleship Journal" and it didn't take long to get to something that peaked my curiosity (really peaked it). In fact two things on the same page but this quote by a leader of a Chinese house-church just really got me:

"Stop praying for persecution in China to end ... We, in fact, are praying that the American church might taste the same persecution so revival would come [there] like we have seen China."

To me this goes back to something I heard a while ago about when was the last time we, as Christians, have let the world "see us" for who we are instead of shying away and backing down into our own "Christian Corner" and taken any criticism head-on. I'm not even talking about dying but rather just simple ridicule.

All too often Christians look weak, pathetic and lame because we are fearful of what the result might be when people find out that we love God and follow Christ. If we are not excited about who we are and what we follow, then why should anybody we influence be? The questions are: at what cost are you willing to follow him? How much are you willing to give up?

GIFT OF STARBUCKS

Not that this comes as any shock to anyone but, I am a coffee-lover. You can call this whole coffee thing a revolution of sorts. It is taking over the world and it has already over-taken me.

I have officially decided that the best "simple gift" to get someone is a Starbucks gift card. It just keeps on giving (well, until it runs out of money). Even if you don't like coffee, you can get a cup of tea or even hot chocolate. Plus the cookies and other desserts are great uses of any gift card.

Coffee, and more specifically Starbucks coffee, is as American as baseball. You know in the same way that Notre Dame has to have the Golden Dome is the same way a coffee-lover should be served a cup of Starbucks. They just must go together!

And while this mega-giant business that is Starbucks runs rampid, any reader should check the story behind the business. "Pour Your Heart Into It" by Howard Schultz is a pretty good read on how to run a company and even how to build community.

So during 2006, please give the gift of Starbucks!

BOWLING IN THE NEW YEAR

As the college football season comes to a close this week with the "big time bowl games" -- here's my predictions:

Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame - 33 Ohio State - 27

A late touchdown drive lifts the Irish as Notre Dame wins their first bowl game in over a decade!

Sugar Bowl
Georgia - 31 WVU - 23

WVU gives the Bulldogs all they can handle before D.J. Shockley and the more experienced Dawgs prevail.

Orange Bowl
PSU - 29 FSU - 17

Joe Pa shows that Penn State is back on the football with a thumping of the Seminoles.

Rose Bowl
USC - 34 Texas - 31

The team with the ball lasts wins. A late TD "push" by Matt Leinhart takes USC to the win in classic national title game.