Any fool can make things bigger, more complex and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and alot of courage to move in the opposite direction."
-Albert Einstein
I just spent a few days hanging out with my friend Peter. We met five years ago in LA and had a great time catching up and filling each other in on what has taken place in our lives over the last few years. On the way to taking him to his next destination, we had a much needed conversation about greatness and fame. Somehow our male minds equate the two with one another.
We agreed that God was calling us to greatness, but that doesn't mean fame. Fame in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. But having it as the source of your motivations may not be so healthy. Greatness is something different from fame, we thought. I can be a great husband, a great father, a great teacher, a great neighbor, spending my energy focusing on these things, and never be known beyond my circle of acquaintencances. Being famous often means many people hear your thoughts and ideas, and the span of your influence is quite broad. But maybe it is also very shallow. Simple greatness has a narrower span of influence, but the depth of that influence may be beyond measure. One isn't necessarily better than the other, as a matter of fact, it takes both kinds of people to make the world a better place.
I have wrestled with greatness and fame for the last few years. In that wrestling, I find I have the most fulfillment, peace, and joy in life when I am pursuing simple greatness in my daily living. That being said, it is time for this blog to go on hiatus. It has really been there for awhile anyway, but more by circumstances. It is going there now by choice. I think about alot of different things and I can still write them down in a journal, but I don't need to publish them for others to see, hoping to have my ideas and experiences validated by the reading and comments of others.
So here's to Albert Einstein, Peter, and simple greatness. Farewell...for now.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Illusion Has Been Shattered
It's been awhile since I've been here. I've been giving alot of attention to this. But the events of today, have forced me to log a story, at the very least, for my own entertainment.
Easter Sunday, 2009. My daughters learned their first cuss word.
Let me back up a bit and fill in a few details. We were visiting with friends and their neighbor girl came over. She began telling a story and kept spelling a..s..s, over and over again in the story. An adult listening nearby asked her not to use or spell that word. Too late. My daughters had already locked it into the file in their brain marked "make sure to ask mommy and daddy about this one later." Sure enough, as soon as we got home, Gracie asked "what does a..s..s spell?" Ellie replies, "I sounded it out. I think it spells ass." She prounounced it correctly. "What does that mean daddy?" This by the way, was my first cuss word too.
I went on to explain that it is a really mean way to call someone stupid. And we don't use stupid in our house, so we probably shouldn't use that word either.
Here's the kicker of this whole story. We live in the city. My daughters go to school with "black kids and Mexicans kids and poor kids." The friends we were celebrating Easter with, were African American and Puerto Rican. We were at a house in the suburbs. The neighbor girl was white. The back yard the kids were in had a fence.
My daughters learned their first cuss word from a white girl in suburbia in a fenced in back yard, in a neighborhood full of houses with fenced in back yards. So much for the safety of suburbia.
Easter Sunday, 2009. My daughters learned their first cuss word.
Let me back up a bit and fill in a few details. We were visiting with friends and their neighbor girl came over. She began telling a story and kept spelling a..s..s, over and over again in the story. An adult listening nearby asked her not to use or spell that word. Too late. My daughters had already locked it into the file in their brain marked "make sure to ask mommy and daddy about this one later." Sure enough, as soon as we got home, Gracie asked "what does a..s..s spell?" Ellie replies, "I sounded it out. I think it spells ass." She prounounced it correctly. "What does that mean daddy?" This by the way, was my first cuss word too.
I went on to explain that it is a really mean way to call someone stupid. And we don't use stupid in our house, so we probably shouldn't use that word either.
Here's the kicker of this whole story. We live in the city. My daughters go to school with "black kids and Mexicans kids and poor kids." The friends we were celebrating Easter with, were African American and Puerto Rican. We were at a house in the suburbs. The neighbor girl was white. The back yard the kids were in had a fence.
My daughters learned their first cuss word from a white girl in suburbia in a fenced in back yard, in a neighborhood full of houses with fenced in back yards. So much for the safety of suburbia.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Hibernation Update
Elizabeth and I have realized that we have to do a better job of managing our que. We seem to bunch movies together from similar genres. A dark character driven movie that should be enjoyed isn't really appreciated because it is the fourth dark character driven movie we have seen in a row.
For example:
Recently viewed in order...
The Band's Visit - not as dark, but definitely character driven and quirky.
One True Thing - good film, interesting commentary on life and marriage and family relationships. Completely character driven.
Sleepwalking - completely dark, depressing and character driven. I actually fell asleep for a bit in this movie because I felt so depressed the only thing I could do was go to sleep to make it go away.
Stop-Loss - the character's don't drive this movie as much, but it is dark in that it deals with the war in Iraq, and reminds us of the reality that real people with real lives and real families are involved in this thing.
Ripple Effect - completely character driven and awkward. This is a low budget movie with big name actors. It was a pet project of director, writer, actor, Phillipe Caland, who wanted to share about this religious expereince he had. I can appreciate that, and there were some interesting points about the choices we make and their ripples. But it felt like a lame evangelical tool for cabala. Just goes to show that Christians aren't the only ones making cheesy religious movies.
No Country for Old Men - so this is the 6th character driven dark movie in a row. It is also the most violent of the six movies in this list. It obviously came with a great deal of hype, based on it's performance at the Oscar's last year. I wanted to like it. I wanted to get it. But, no such luck. The ending was so irritating, there were so many gaps and things left unconnected. I felt like the guy at the party where everyone is laughing at a joke except you because there was some inside information that you weren't privy to. The bad guy is definitely creepy and there were moments where we felt the anxiousness, but maybe we were just tapped out on this genre to truly appreciate it. Or maybe it is just a crappy movie.
For example:
Recently viewed in order...
The Band's Visit - not as dark, but definitely character driven and quirky.
One True Thing - good film, interesting commentary on life and marriage and family relationships. Completely character driven.
Sleepwalking - completely dark, depressing and character driven. I actually fell asleep for a bit in this movie because I felt so depressed the only thing I could do was go to sleep to make it go away.
Stop-Loss - the character's don't drive this movie as much, but it is dark in that it deals with the war in Iraq, and reminds us of the reality that real people with real lives and real families are involved in this thing.
Ripple Effect - completely character driven and awkward. This is a low budget movie with big name actors. It was a pet project of director, writer, actor, Phillipe Caland, who wanted to share about this religious expereince he had. I can appreciate that, and there were some interesting points about the choices we make and their ripples. But it felt like a lame evangelical tool for cabala. Just goes to show that Christians aren't the only ones making cheesy religious movies.
No Country for Old Men - so this is the 6th character driven dark movie in a row. It is also the most violent of the six movies in this list. It obviously came with a great deal of hype, based on it's performance at the Oscar's last year. I wanted to like it. I wanted to get it. But, no such luck. The ending was so irritating, there were so many gaps and things left unconnected. I felt like the guy at the party where everyone is laughing at a joke except you because there was some inside information that you weren't privy to. The bad guy is definitely creepy and there were moments where we felt the anxiousness, but maybe we were just tapped out on this genre to truly appreciate it. Or maybe it is just a crappy movie.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Polar Bear
A year and a half of being subjected to the always changing rules and regulations of a large government run organization like the public school system can really take a toll on one's ability to simply enjoy life. As 2008 wound down, I found myself being much crankier, less patient, and more pessimistic than I can ever remember.
My resolution for 2009, stop taking life so seriously. As 2009 began, I found myelf barely clothed and amongst other even less clothed people, plunging into the St. Joseph River in 32 degree weather for my first Polar Bear.
The New Year has started off well. Here's to 2009 and not letting ISTEP tests, state standards and public school beauracracy suck the beauty out of life.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Hibernation Goes to the Movie Theater
Here's a Hibernation update, including our first trip to the movie theater in over a year. An ice storm knocked our power out for a few days. It seemed like a great time to take in a show.
Young at Heart
-This is a documentary about a traveling singing group of senior citizens who sing pop songs. Watching a dying guy who needs an oxygen tank sing Coldplay's Fix You in front of a packed auditorium is worth the time spent watching this one. Great story!
Smart People-This was our second disgruntled college professor mid life crisis movie (The Visitor was the other one). It reminded us of Little Miss Sunshine, which was alot better than this movie. Thomas Haden Church plays a great character. It is a classic, "what the heck is life all about" movie.
Stardust
-This movie has some big name actors. But it was brutal to watch. We love fantasy and were hoping it would feel like Pan's Labyrinth. Not so much.
Noelle
-Every once in awhile, a movie gets in our Blockbuster online cue and we wonder, how did that one get in there? We also know that it was something we never would have rented had we actually had a chance to pick up the movie and hold the case for a few minutes at the store. In reality, we probably wouldn't have been able to find this one at Ghetto Blockbuster anyway, which brings us back to one of the reasons we get them online. We were pleasantly surprised by Noelle. The acting is a little lame, but the story was very timely for the Christmas season. There is one scene where the Chrismas Eve mass has been canceled because a popular family in the small town is having their annual party, so everyone goes there instead. The local priest is at the party and as he takes it all in and observes people interacting and enjoying one another he says, "this feels more like church anyway."
Then She Found Me
-This movie was a little quirky. But it had a memorable line...
"I thought God was good."
"He is, but maybe he is also difficult, and sometimes challenging."
Seven Pounds
-This is what we just saw in the theater, it is Will Smith's new movie. We loved it. We can't really say anything about it or it will ruin the movie. Great story about guilt and redemption. We are suckers for that kind of story.
Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?-From Morgan Spurlock, the guy who did Supersize Me. I was led to this movie by watching Charlie Wilson's War. One of the powerful points that was made in the movie is the enourmous need for schools in places like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Struggling young men and boys are susceptible to the persusasions of terrorist groups because they don't have much else going for them. They are promised a hope for a future. This is something that schooling and education could offer them, but they don't have that option. The idea of "schools not bombs" led me to this website, which started all kinds of brainstorming.
Young at Heart
-This is a documentary about a traveling singing group of senior citizens who sing pop songs. Watching a dying guy who needs an oxygen tank sing Coldplay's Fix You in front of a packed auditorium is worth the time spent watching this one. Great story!
Smart People-This was our second disgruntled college professor mid life crisis movie (The Visitor was the other one). It reminded us of Little Miss Sunshine, which was alot better than this movie. Thomas Haden Church plays a great character. It is a classic, "what the heck is life all about" movie.
Stardust
-This movie has some big name actors. But it was brutal to watch. We love fantasy and were hoping it would feel like Pan's Labyrinth. Not so much.
Noelle
-Every once in awhile, a movie gets in our Blockbuster online cue and we wonder, how did that one get in there? We also know that it was something we never would have rented had we actually had a chance to pick up the movie and hold the case for a few minutes at the store. In reality, we probably wouldn't have been able to find this one at Ghetto Blockbuster anyway, which brings us back to one of the reasons we get them online. We were pleasantly surprised by Noelle. The acting is a little lame, but the story was very timely for the Christmas season. There is one scene where the Chrismas Eve mass has been canceled because a popular family in the small town is having their annual party, so everyone goes there instead. The local priest is at the party and as he takes it all in and observes people interacting and enjoying one another he says, "this feels more like church anyway."
Then She Found Me
-This movie was a little quirky. But it had a memorable line...
"I thought God was good."
"He is, but maybe he is also difficult, and sometimes challenging."
Seven Pounds
-This is what we just saw in the theater, it is Will Smith's new movie. We loved it. We can't really say anything about it or it will ruin the movie. Great story about guilt and redemption. We are suckers for that kind of story.
Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?-From Morgan Spurlock, the guy who did Supersize Me. I was led to this movie by watching Charlie Wilson's War. One of the powerful points that was made in the movie is the enourmous need for schools in places like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Struggling young men and boys are susceptible to the persusasions of terrorist groups because they don't have much else going for them. They are promised a hope for a future. This is something that schooling and education could offer them, but they don't have that option. The idea of "schools not bombs" led me to this website, which started all kinds of brainstorming.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Office
"I am not going to judge Phyllis for desecrating Christmas. There is one person that will though. And Phyllis just stuffed him into the drawer."
The Office is the one TV show besides Indy Colts games, that we generally don't miss. As I was unloading the dishwasher this morning, I was struck by a thought. (The Eikon Project does not recommend dishwasher unloading and thinking at the same time. It could be hazardous to your fragile dishes.)
In last night's episode, Angela, whom I've quoted above, was irritated that she couldn't have her plastic nativity set on her desk for the office Christmas party, because it didn't fit the party's theme. I usually laugh out loud when Angela is made fun of. She is the "stuffed shirt" judgemental Christian in the office who won't have sex with her fiance until after marriage. In the meantime, she is cheating on her fiance, by having sex with creepy Dwight. This is of course hypocrisy of exaggerated proportions, but that is what makes the show so brilliant. I find this particular exaggeration hillarious. Here is where my thinking moment came in.
"Wow!" I thought to myself. "They are really dogging the Christian in this show. Does that bother me? No, actually, it doesn't bother me at all. But maybe it bothers me that it doesn't bother me."
What?
Stereotypes and exaggerations can be funny, because they usually reveal some truth. I'm not bothered by the stereotype of the Christian because, well, it reveals some truth. The truth that is being revealed is what bothers me. I along with the writers of the show, along with viewers of the show, have had some sort of experience with the judgemental, hypocritcal, Christian co-worker. Stereotypes are formed for different reasons, one of them being that the sterotypical behavior is the rule, not the exception.
Based on my tv and movie vieweing experience, the character of Angela is the norm for portraying Christians. That is quite sad. Not because it isn't a true portrayal, but because quite frequently, it is too true.
The Office is the one TV show besides Indy Colts games, that we generally don't miss. As I was unloading the dishwasher this morning, I was struck by a thought. (The Eikon Project does not recommend dishwasher unloading and thinking at the same time. It could be hazardous to your fragile dishes.)
In last night's episode, Angela, whom I've quoted above, was irritated that she couldn't have her plastic nativity set on her desk for the office Christmas party, because it didn't fit the party's theme. I usually laugh out loud when Angela is made fun of. She is the "stuffed shirt" judgemental Christian in the office who won't have sex with her fiance until after marriage. In the meantime, she is cheating on her fiance, by having sex with creepy Dwight. This is of course hypocrisy of exaggerated proportions, but that is what makes the show so brilliant. I find this particular exaggeration hillarious. Here is where my thinking moment came in.
"Wow!" I thought to myself. "They are really dogging the Christian in this show. Does that bother me? No, actually, it doesn't bother me at all. But maybe it bothers me that it doesn't bother me."
What?
Stereotypes and exaggerations can be funny, because they usually reveal some truth. I'm not bothered by the stereotype of the Christian because, well, it reveals some truth. The truth that is being revealed is what bothers me. I along with the writers of the show, along with viewers of the show, have had some sort of experience with the judgemental, hypocritcal, Christian co-worker. Stereotypes are formed for different reasons, one of them being that the sterotypical behavior is the rule, not the exception.
Based on my tv and movie vieweing experience, the character of Angela is the norm for portraying Christians. That is quite sad. Not because it isn't a true portrayal, but because quite frequently, it is too true.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Hibernation Update
Whoa man. So this blogging the movies we have been watching thing isn't going so well. Part of it is because I am coaching basketball at my school right now, and creative, sit down at the computer time is limited. Secondly, we haven't seen too many blog worthy movies. Lets just say, Hibernation 2008-09, is off to a slow start. So here is a list of what we have seen so far.
Saving Sara Cain - not worth the time.
To Kill a Mockingbird - the book is better.
Ocean's Thirteen - Saw the other two, so had to see this one, it was sloppy.
Grace is Gone - a little cheesy - follows a classic formula, managed to make us cry.
Charlie Wilson's War - really liked this one. Tom Hanks and Phillip Seymour Hoffman
were amazing. Based on true events. It gives some great background into current day issues in Afghanistan, and how things in American government get done.
When The Levees Broke - I am going to a national Montessori conference in New Orleans in February. This was suggested viewing before we go. This is a documentary by Spike Lee. He has a point he is trying to make, so everything is slanted toward that point. But, whoa. We had no idea that most of the events in this film actually happened. This was definitely an eye opener for us, with several scenes that were pretty hard to watch. CONSPIRACY THEORY ALERT!!! There are people who believe that the levees near the Lower 9th Ward were dynamited so the waters would flood that area instead of the wealthier areas further up the line. Regardless of the truth to this, the story is pretty gut-wrenching.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day - fun story, with a couple of great lines.
So, Christmas break is two weeks away. This brings hopes of some serious movie watching and follow-up blogging.
Saving Sara Cain - not worth the time.
To Kill a Mockingbird - the book is better.
Ocean's Thirteen - Saw the other two, so had to see this one, it was sloppy.
Grace is Gone - a little cheesy - follows a classic formula, managed to make us cry.
Charlie Wilson's War - really liked this one. Tom Hanks and Phillip Seymour Hoffman
were amazing. Based on true events. It gives some great background into current day issues in Afghanistan, and how things in American government get done.
When The Levees Broke - I am going to a national Montessori conference in New Orleans in February. This was suggested viewing before we go. This is a documentary by Spike Lee. He has a point he is trying to make, so everything is slanted toward that point. But, whoa. We had no idea that most of the events in this film actually happened. This was definitely an eye opener for us, with several scenes that were pretty hard to watch. CONSPIRACY THEORY ALERT!!! There are people who believe that the levees near the Lower 9th Ward were dynamited so the waters would flood that area instead of the wealthier areas further up the line. Regardless of the truth to this, the story is pretty gut-wrenching.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day - fun story, with a couple of great lines.
So, Christmas break is two weeks away. This brings hopes of some serious movie watching and follow-up blogging.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A Can't Miss Business Plan
Check out this Advertisement...
Spiritual Fulfillment Centers
They will Pay to Work for You:
The Best Kept Secret in American Business
Career of a Lifetime!!!
Looking for charismatic leaders to help manage one of our many American franchises. Our various brand names are known throughout the world. Must be able to lead and speak publicly, positive outlook a plus. Some knowledge of our policies and procedures is a must. Great opportunity for advancement. Training from one of our various institutions a plus, but not necessary. Inquire today to be a part of the best kept business secret in America, and one of America's most respected institutions.
Congratulations! You are about to take the first steps to joining the most successful business venture in America today. How can you walk away from an opportunity that provides a service which fills a basic human need? Not only will you be running a hugely successful franchise, but you'll be doing some good, and helping others to do good also. The best part, they'll be paying to work for you! Welcome to Church Inc., the leading franchiser of Spiritual Fulfillment Centers throughout the United States.
Franchises and Brands:
As a manager of a Spiritual Fulfillment Center franchise, or SFC, you'll be able to choose from our various brands that are known throughout the world. We've got the classics like Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran and Methodist. There is also the wildly popular Community brand or Non-denominational, which gives you the biggest chance of achieving Mega-Status. Whichever brand you choose, you'll be well on your way to a successful career.
Upon receiving your franchise, you will begin your weekly programs. A large percentage of our franchises start off by meeting in a movie theater, school, or an older SFC that is no longer being used. Don't worry! With the right mix of marketing and programs, you'll be breaking ground on your very own building in no time!
Once you get your own SFC building, you'll be responsible for overseeing continued growth and adding to your program options. Success at this level will allow you to continue to add on to your SFC building.
Career Advancement:
Whether its being moved to start your own SFC or work at an existing SFC, a lifelong career awaits you! Many of our best Lead Executives at the most successful SFC's started as entry level managers working with youth. There are various career paths to follow from there. Some moved on to be entry level managers at larger SFC's. While others stayed with the same SFC and moved to middle management positions, only to move on to another middle management position at another larger SFC. Regardless, the options and the potential are unlimited! Great pay and amazing benefits are available for all!
Recipe for Success:
Does it all sound too good to be true? Well it is not. And here is how it works. Humanity has a basic need for spiritual fulfillment, to be connected with others, and to feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Our SFC's work very hard at providing that service at little perceived cost to the customer! The SFC provides various activities and gatherings that leave the customer feeling that there needs have been met. In the meantime, various good deeds and social interactions take place, continuing to meet the felt needs.
So how, do we make money? This is the best part, and the little secret we've been mentioning. Every week, the customers will pay for the services that are provided. Periodically, you must make mention to them of the importance of paying for the services, but more often than not, they will pay without being asked! Wait, it gets better. Some won't pay at all. But many will pay more than they need to, unbelievably more! It is important that some of the income be used to meet the above mentioned felt needs. But a majority of the income is yours, to support you, your staff, and to continue to build the best SFC that money can buy! The best part? Eventually, customers will begin working for you, helping to lead the various programs and activities. But you won't have to pay them! They will actually be paying you to allow them to work! Can it get any better than this? Yes, it can! Due to special tax laws, your protected from paying taxes that other businesses have to pay! Wow! Is it time for another raise or what?
Okay, okay, so you are a bit skeptical. Church Inc. is just legitimizing what has been going on secretly for years. Church in America is a business. Let us be honest, and call it what it is. It is a business that does a lot of good things. Once we are able to be honest about what is really going on, we can capitalize even more on the opportunities that are available, and not have to lie to ourselves or anyone else any longer.
Where else can you make so much, be so revered, and feel so spiritual about what you doing? Church Inc. Your franchise is waiting!
Crazy right? I actually know someone who was recently left their position at a church. He had to sign a legal document that had a "no compete clause" stating he could not start a new church within a certain mile radius of the one he was leaving. He also had to wait a certain amount of time before he could consider starting anything else. He is also restricted from speaking about any of the controversial reasons why he left.
Awesome.
Spiritual Fulfillment Centers
They will Pay to Work for You:
The Best Kept Secret in American Business
Career of a Lifetime!!!
Looking for charismatic leaders to help manage one of our many American franchises. Our various brand names are known throughout the world. Must be able to lead and speak publicly, positive outlook a plus. Some knowledge of our policies and procedures is a must. Great opportunity for advancement. Training from one of our various institutions a plus, but not necessary. Inquire today to be a part of the best kept business secret in America, and one of America's most respected institutions.
Congratulations! You are about to take the first steps to joining the most successful business venture in America today. How can you walk away from an opportunity that provides a service which fills a basic human need? Not only will you be running a hugely successful franchise, but you'll be doing some good, and helping others to do good also. The best part, they'll be paying to work for you! Welcome to Church Inc., the leading franchiser of Spiritual Fulfillment Centers throughout the United States.
Franchises and Brands:
As a manager of a Spiritual Fulfillment Center franchise, or SFC, you'll be able to choose from our various brands that are known throughout the world. We've got the classics like Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran and Methodist. There is also the wildly popular Community brand or Non-denominational, which gives you the biggest chance of achieving Mega-Status. Whichever brand you choose, you'll be well on your way to a successful career.
Upon receiving your franchise, you will begin your weekly programs. A large percentage of our franchises start off by meeting in a movie theater, school, or an older SFC that is no longer being used. Don't worry! With the right mix of marketing and programs, you'll be breaking ground on your very own building in no time!
Once you get your own SFC building, you'll be responsible for overseeing continued growth and adding to your program options. Success at this level will allow you to continue to add on to your SFC building.
Career Advancement:
Whether its being moved to start your own SFC or work at an existing SFC, a lifelong career awaits you! Many of our best Lead Executives at the most successful SFC's started as entry level managers working with youth. There are various career paths to follow from there. Some moved on to be entry level managers at larger SFC's. While others stayed with the same SFC and moved to middle management positions, only to move on to another middle management position at another larger SFC. Regardless, the options and the potential are unlimited! Great pay and amazing benefits are available for all!
Recipe for Success:
Does it all sound too good to be true? Well it is not. And here is how it works. Humanity has a basic need for spiritual fulfillment, to be connected with others, and to feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Our SFC's work very hard at providing that service at little perceived cost to the customer! The SFC provides various activities and gatherings that leave the customer feeling that there needs have been met. In the meantime, various good deeds and social interactions take place, continuing to meet the felt needs.
So how, do we make money? This is the best part, and the little secret we've been mentioning. Every week, the customers will pay for the services that are provided. Periodically, you must make mention to them of the importance of paying for the services, but more often than not, they will pay without being asked! Wait, it gets better. Some won't pay at all. But many will pay more than they need to, unbelievably more! It is important that some of the income be used to meet the above mentioned felt needs. But a majority of the income is yours, to support you, your staff, and to continue to build the best SFC that money can buy! The best part? Eventually, customers will begin working for you, helping to lead the various programs and activities. But you won't have to pay them! They will actually be paying you to allow them to work! Can it get any better than this? Yes, it can! Due to special tax laws, your protected from paying taxes that other businesses have to pay! Wow! Is it time for another raise or what?
Okay, okay, so you are a bit skeptical. Church Inc. is just legitimizing what has been going on secretly for years. Church in America is a business. Let us be honest, and call it what it is. It is a business that does a lot of good things. Once we are able to be honest about what is really going on, we can capitalize even more on the opportunities that are available, and not have to lie to ourselves or anyone else any longer.
Where else can you make so much, be so revered, and feel so spiritual about what you doing? Church Inc. Your franchise is waiting!
Crazy right? I actually know someone who was recently left their position at a church. He had to sign a legal document that had a "no compete clause" stating he could not start a new church within a certain mile radius of the one he was leaving. He also had to wait a certain amount of time before he could consider starting anything else. He is also restricted from speaking about any of the controversial reasons why he left.
Awesome.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Lars and The Real Girl
Our second annual Hibernation has begun. We've turned back the clocks, so dark creeps in around 5:30 now. As fall fades away and Indiana winter comes, and lingers on way too long, Elizabeth and I turn to Blockbuster.com, our couch, our DVD player, and this amazingly warm fleece blanket, and become connoisseurs of film.
We started this season's hibernation with a movie that came highly recommended by a friend. Every time we see her she asks if we've seen Lars and The Real Girl, yet. So we put it first in the Blockbuster que.
Before we move on, we aren't film critics, we aren't experts of film, nor will we pretend to be. But when it gets cold and it's dark by 4:30pm, why not watch some good movies?
Lars and The Real Girl
-Eikon Project-ish (makes you think about life and loving others): Yes
-Soundtrack: Great
-Tears: Elizabeth none, Joshua - eyes got moist
-Laughs: A few
-Just Entertaining: No
We started this season's hibernation with a movie that came highly recommended by a friend. Every time we see her she asks if we've seen Lars and The Real Girl, yet. So we put it first in the Blockbuster que.
Before we move on, we aren't film critics, we aren't experts of film, nor will we pretend to be. But when it gets cold and it's dark by 4:30pm, why not watch some good movies?
Lars and The Real Girl
-Eikon Project-ish (makes you think about life and loving others): Yes
-Soundtrack: Great
-Tears: Elizabeth none, Joshua - eyes got moist
-Laughs: A few
-Just Entertaining: No
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