A Public Blessing

This evening as I reflected on blessing, I realized I've been better at receiving than at giving. This is particularly true of my relationship with my wife. She's regularly praises me and builds me up, and I too often take her for granted and neglect to accurately express my appreciation for her. So tonight, I wanted to briefly share who she is to me and how I think God sees her.

Jenny,


You are God’s gift to me. You have and are what I lack. Your smile calms the uneasy waters shifting within me. Your blind faith challenges me. You have the ability to shrink the social gaps between groups of people and make everyone feel important, worthy, and loved. You have been created unique, for a unique purpose and will be the spark to inspire many to leave the comfort of normal and jump into the divine chaos of love. Your journey is just beginning. And I look forward to witnessing all that will be done through you.


P.S. I just coughed up some flem.

The Vineyard is offering a Film Camp

I'm pretty pumped that for the fourth summer in a row I get to help facilitate a film camp to train young people in the filmmaking production process. And for the first time ever, Vineyard Community Church is partnering to support the camp. Should make for a great summer experience.

Here's a link to more info.

Check out a couple highlight videos from previous camps.

Film Camp for HS Students from TheUG on Vimeo.

Zama Highlight from TheUG on Vimeo.

Whale of an Escort

I read an interesting story today about someone paddling 40 miles while being escorted by a minke whale. But I think there's more to the story than just a nine hour aquatic adventure. Jodie was called to do something extraordinary and peculiar and hoped for help from man(celebrities). But when man didn’t answer the call, she didn’t dismiss her calling/mission/vision. She didn’t give up hope. And now it looks as though something supernatural will provide her a vehicle to achieve her calling/mission/vision that she could have never designed or planned for.

Redemptive Snow

As I left for work this morning, I was refreshed by my aesthetically pleasing surroundings. What is typically an old worn down neighborhood in need of more than a few repairs, was made beautiful when covered by white snow. The blanket of snow covered imperfections and helped me see what the neighborhood might have looked like when it was new. I think there's a song about that...

I Heart the Music City

Over the last 3.5 years I've visited Nashville 5 times. Each time my visit has been for business and this week I return again to do a little business. Though most of my trips have involved some physical labor and 15-hour days, I've highly enjoyed all of them. I imagine this one will be no different. Brad Wise and I have the honor of joining Michael Wilson to do a little work for a group of super talented musicians for their concert at the Belcourt Theatre.

I'm not a big country music fan, or even a big music fan, but I don't think you have to be to enjoy the city. It’s a great eclectic collection of artists, urbanites, and southern charm. The Music City is also home to the bowl my favorite university football team (their obviously not that great) frequents and three of my favorite restaurants.

If you're ever in the area and have a hankering for some tex-mex check out San Antonio Taco Co. on Commerce St. If high quality yet amazingly affordable Steak and Italian is more your thing, just walk about one more block on Commerce and pay a visit to Demo's. Last time I was there, I got a bacon-wrapped filet and a side of spaghetti for under $12! And though Memphis is the Mecca of Barbeque, Jack's on Broadway in Nashville can compete with anyone. I hope while during my 24ish hours there I manage to drop by one of these southern gems.

Holiday Movie Review

This post is a few days late. However, if you actually follow my blog, you know all of my posts are either late or nonexistent.

Over the holidays I had a little more down time than usual and decided to take in a variety of motion pictures. Some good, some bad, some okay. Not that you asked, but here's the skinny.

Avatar - $400 Million. We could have produced more than 4,000 sequels to Hitting The Nuts for that chunk of change. However, said HTN sequels would not have been in amazing 3D imagery and grossed $1 Billion. Basically, James Cameron convinced a few rich folks to spend $400 Million on 160 minutes to say "I hate George Bush." Though I don't have any extreme emotions toward George Bush, the movie was great to experience 1 time in the theatre and I will probably never watch again.

The Wendell Baker Story (released 2005)- I watched Henry Poole Is Here a few months ago and really enjoyed it. "Why not see what else those Wilson boys can do for a few million bucks?," I thought. Bad thought. Their first attempt at producing and directing something significant revealed it was their first time.

Julie and Julia - Amy Adams is on a hot streak. The creators flowed through the dance of the two stories flawlessly. And Meryl Streep made me worry I might have a crush on Julia Child - thats impressive. Thanks to Joe Boyd for the recommendation.

500 Days of Summer - So I hear Brad Wise sing the praises of this flick for months. I tried to see it at the theatre and it's run ended about 18 hours before I made it to the box office. So I snatched it up at Hollywood Video and when the Sugar Bowl got out of hand, I enjoyed one of the best films of the year. The story was good, but the delivery of the story was genius.

The Blind Side - Who knew Tim McGraw could act? I understand Dave Workman's concerned with the message within the message, but I wouldn't mind if more Leigh Anne Tuohys existed within the realm of private Christian schools.

The Puffy Chair (released in 2005) - This was created for only $15,000! It held my attention. The characters were quirky, interesting, and believable. They used their restrictions as artistic style instead of cheesy lackings. If you don't mind the strong but believable language, its a great example of less can be more.

VCC Christmas Show Teasers

This year The Christmas Show at the Vineyard will unwrap the nativity story on stage and screen. Six characters in six different art forms and styles that will work together to give you a fresh perspective on the nativity story. A mix of humor, drama, dance, original music and perhaps a couple streamer-launching cannons...turns out the Nativity Wise Men are a little miffed they were overlooked in the casting process this year...

















Reserve your seats at tix.vineyardcincinnati.com