[Blowing dust away from the keyboard!] Does this thing still work?

So, I will try to scribe some of the back story later. For now, I just want to get these thoughts out there, and will come back to follow up with some more complete thoughts on LOST and how it has affected my lost in future posts. HINT: God is SHAKING MY WORLD UP by this TV series, like only God can do. If you want to know a little more about LOST and it’s Biblical ties, I suggest you watch all of Chris Seay‘s Video Blog Series on Youtube. He’s a pastor in Houston, TX and has written a great book called “The Gospel According to LOST”. Check it out!

So now to this week’s episode…

A friend asked the question: What was the significance of Sawyer offering an apple to Kate? Was this Biblical? Symbolic?

My response:
I think the analogy you can make of the apple, is that it is proof of Sawyer making an unwise decision.

As I’ve always said, LOST is genius with its Biblical references… but they are never a 1:1 ratio. When a character seems to fit a certain Biblical role, you always get confused when they do something else. Which is ok, because the Biblical narratives are used in a hodge-podge manner. Which gives us a great opportunity to fuse them together in conversation to find the over arching theme.

So, in case of the apple in the garden of Eden… When Eve tries to convince Adam to eat the apple, she has already made an unwise decision… and it ultimately results in her (and Adam’s) exile from Eden.

Likewise with Sawyer. It’s clear he’s made a selfish decision to leave the island. I think Kate not taking the apple foreshadows that she has yet to be all-in on Sawyer’s plan – and ultimately will chose to go back to the island.

This is key… because ultimately this is a story of redemption. Eventually, all those bad decisions can be absolved when each character finally reaches the right one – being obedient to God’s (Jacob’s) calling for their lives.

So, Kate not taking the apple provides her an opportunity to witness to the crowd on the boat, whom we hope ultimately will all be redeemed.

Seacrest. Out.
AD

Bonus: Listen to this song, and see if it applies to LOST and to us all…

In this reel of endless skateboarding pods, one caught my attention (embedded below). It was a highlight on Christian Hosoi, skateboarding’s first real super star.

This clip got me interested in his documentary, and I found it on Youtube. It’s a great story of redemption. This man was on top of his world, tempted by drugs and women, and eventually fell so low that he was arrested and sent to federal prison for a 10 year sentence.

“I don’t need God, I need a lawyer.”

It’s amazing how God made himself known to Christian Hosoi at the moment he breathed these words. Watch the movie below to see how.

“It’s a movie about second chances. It’s a movie of hope.”

Below is the proclamation from George Washington as printed in The Massachusetts Centinel on October 14, 1789.

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;– for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;– for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;– and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;– to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

As the Charlotte Observer reported on his passing this past week, I couldn’t help but be drawn to his story. It’s a story that those with family members battling demons and drug and/or alcoholic addictions fear the most. After years riddled with extreme highs and frustrating lows, Curtis finally lost everything, moved to the desert in near isolation away from friends and family, and then ultimately died alone.

The story is really heartbreaking.

I wish I could accurately articulate all of my thoughts, and say something worthwhile. But, in the end, I believe the news story published today by the Observer says it all. It’s amazing the grip that addictions and emotions have on people. Personally, I don’t think anybody really knows the pains that the addict is going thru and must overcome. I’m sure it’s deep, it’s personal, and I’m convinced that it’s only something that the love of God can cure.

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
– Psalm 121:1-2

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope.
– Romans 5:3-4

Dear God,
My greatest need, Oh Lord, is love.
Without love, life is not worth living.

And, yet, as a part of You, the core of me is Love.
I have run from love, O God, because the price of love seems to be grief.
Here on Earth, we often lose who and what we love.
Awaken within me the courage to love, Glorious Father.

As deeply and profoundly as Your Son loves us, as He loves You, as You love me.
Bring to me those who would love me truest and best.
For I am Your Beloved and deserve no less.
Awaken me to this immense truth. Enter me, now, Lord and reclaim me for all time.

The power of my mind and Yours, together, is now joined with all who read and speak this prayer.
Together, WE claim love as our true nature and open our collective heart.
We are worthy. We are goodness incarnate. We love with all our hearts and are loved in return.
Each of us, together and apart, is now renewed in Your love.

I accept this gift.
I choose love over fear, always.
By Your Grace, we—and I—rise out of the attractor fields of fear and separation and enter the attractor fields of love and connection.
The love within me is made new.

I love myself. I love the earth. I love my life.
I love my heritage, my people, my world—indeed, all nations and peoples—deeply and profoundly.
I love You always and forever.
My actions reflect this love.

Filled with awareness of my true identity, I thank You for this miracle.
I share my life with Beloveds who demonstrate Your love for me.
My love returns to me a thousand fold from every direction in kindness and care.
I am adored for who I really am. And I see the lovable in everyone.

The energy of Love now expands exponentially in my world, empowering me as never before.
I empower others with the strength of my love.
I love my life deeply. Thank You for showing me the way home to myself.

And so it is.
Amen.

h/t: PrayerForce

In fact, Tom says this specifically in a few of his interviews.

“I was born and raised Christian. My mom was an extremely conservative Christian and I very much have those roots in my life. “I’m extremely spiritual and I have my own ideas of what happens when you die and how we’re all connected. “I think that will play some part in what this band’s about.”

This is a bold statement for someone who made his living in a very secular punk rock scene. Even during the concert last Saturday, Tom said to the crowd that when he and his friends decided to form AVA, they wanted to make a conscience decision to play positive music, and that this band would be about “love”. That too, I found bold. This is a man that I see searching for God, wanting to play those spiritual thoughts out. But, there is clearly some reservation in his dialogue with the crowd -as he’s careful to ensure he doesn’t lose that common edge the young crowds seem to connect with.

Over time, I pray he’ll lose that fear and step out even further. I pray that he’ll grow closer to God, and use his stage for His glory.

But regardles of that background, I love AVA’s song “Secret Crowds”. It says a lot. It’s motivating, it’s captivating, and it’s encourages people who listen to stand up, come together on this common message of a good world, and together we’ll make a difference. I love the inspirational undertones…

Here’s the song: Angels & Airwaves – Secret Crowds
[See post to listen to audio]

If I had my own world
I’d build you an empire
From here to the far lands
To spread love like violence

Let me feel you, carry you higher
Watch your words spread hope like fire
Secret crowds rise up and gather
Hear your voices sing back louder

If you have God in you heart, and a message to share, I think the Lord wants you to speak it boldly. (Acts 4:29-31). This song connects with me. And it’s a message I would love to be portrayed in churches everywhere.

WATCH YOUR WORDS SPREAD HOPE LIKE FIRE!!
RISE UP AND GATHER!!
HEAR YOUR VOICES SING BACK LOUDER!!

As part of a Christmas present for Matt I compiled a list of famous quotes that had to do with being a kid, growing up, and big thinkers. I found some realy good ones. And if you feel like life is taking a toll on you, and you just keep getting older and older every year, then have a quick read below…

-When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability… To be alive is to be vulnerable.
Madeleine L’Engle, “Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art”, 1980
US juvenile science fiction novelist (1918 – )

-The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.
Madeleine L’Engle (1918 – ), in New York Times, 1985

-How could you be a Great Man if history brought you no Great Events, or brought you to them at the wrong time, too young, too old?
Lois McMaster Bujold, “Memory”, 1996

-The bars of West Hollywood and New York are awash with people throwing their lives away in the desperate hope of finding a shortcut, any shortcut. And a lot of them aren’t even young anymore; their B-plans having been washed away by Vodka & Tonics years ago.
Meanwhile their competition is at home, working their asses off.
Hugh Macleod, How To Be Creative: 14. Dying young is overrated., 08-22-04

-Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 – 1962)

So, let it be know. Free tickets, or not, Mystere was an incredible show. Pure entertainment from the get go, and you left with a big, wide grin on your face. If you are lucky to attend a show in Vegas, you can’t go wrong with Mystere.

To be totally honest with you, all I knew about Cirque du Soleil perfomances is from what I’ve seen on TV and heard by word of mouth. I figured there would be some acrobatics involved and that was about it. Due to my getting settled into town a little late, I wasn’t able to get to Treasure Island early enough to check out the hotel’s shops or casino. But, from the little I did see, there was a lot to do, plenty of nicely dressed people, and the decor was impressive. Nonetheless, acknowledging my lack of preparation and tardiness, I was ready to be entertained.

From what I could infer from the show, Mystere is a peak inside children’s dreams. While you are being seated, two strollers are centered on stage under a glowing light. As the crowd is settling in, you randomly hear crying. I couldn’t figure out what it was at first, but it was obvious that the crying was coming from the strollers.

The performance itself is all about misdirection. While one performer is drawing your attention in one direction, suddenly another set of performers exit or enter the stage and begin their performance seemlessly. At this show, your eyes will never be bored.

As the last ticket holders entered the performance hall, an older man with crazy hair would take a couples tickets. He would act as if he was leading them to their seats, but after about 10 stumbling minutes of looking for the seats and walking through aisle after aisle and bumping over people’s knees, the couple realize there were in on the act. This happened about 3 or 4 times, along with some circus clown antics with popcorn. Then suddenly the show started.

You are immediately introduced to a big baby on stage with a huge orange ball. He quickly is attracted to one of the audience members and starts callin him “Pappa”!

Then the real fun begins. The music chimes in (all performed live by the way! the musicians and singers are all dressed in costume and perform live in the balconies above the stage) and then the acrobatics begin, and seemingly they never stop until the very end of the show. The show consisted of men climbing up poles, multiple trapeze and swing artists, jumping routines, crowd interaction, drum performances, stilt walkers, and all tied in with an incredible stage filled with lots of dry ice smoke and a continually fluxuating stage which would open up and close throughout the performance.

I was thouroughly entertained, and I really feel like I need to go again because there was just so much to see and to take in. I only wish next time that I can bring a few of my friends and family, because this truly was an event to remember.

Thanks, Joe! Thanks, Pubcon!

A while back Youtube deleted some of Shihan’s videos for some reason or another. But, they are now back. Here’s a series of videos from Shihan I created. Enjoy.

Here’s my favorite part.

He added, “the internet has allowed us many things which I feel truly blessed for. There was a point in my life where I was broke and was told I was dying. I made some of the best decisions in my life then. Sometimes when you have too much time on your hands you can also get clarity. Patience was the best lesson I ever learned, but I always ran from stagnation. I try to give where I can, learn from what approaches me and live life as a gift. My motto: Live – Love – Learn.”

Read the article, then come back here to let me know your thoughts.

The other day LifeHacker.com had a great article on ways to improve sleep. I’m a terrible sleeper in the summer. I toss and turn, and can never sleep straight thru the night. I look forward to the fall and winter when I can pile on the blankets. I sleep like a baby when it’s cold outside.

Here are some of the things that they cover in the article.

1. Don’t watch TV or veg in front of the computer screen before bed. (Guilty!!)
2. Exercise to enhance your sleep. (I need to do much better with this.)
3. Eat to enhance your sleep.
4. Master the power nap.
5. Avoid the rude wake ups by alarm clocks. (no problem.)

I’m going to work on these things this coming week.

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line….or something to entertain your mind – eliminates impatience!
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good ‘Thank you Jesus.’
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (Romans 8:31)

Here’s the video…

This video got me thinking about the importance of a father’s love. It can break you if you don’t have it, and it can make you do anything and everything if you do have it. I’m so blessed to have the unconditional love of not only my Heavenly Father, but my real life father as well. Some aren’t so lucky.

The above video shows everything that God does for us in our everyday life. And the videos below demonstrate how real fathers properly emulate God’s love toward their family. It’s time to give thanks to the strong men in your life.

I love this movie. A great metaphor.

Acts 20:32

Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Don’t think that they are all gone. Here’s proof.

via HBO’s Def Poetry – Shihan, “In Response”

via HBO’s Def Poetry – Gemineye, “Penny for Your Thoughts”