Following the Compass Point

Recently, the world was introduced to the new movie, "The Golden Compass" based on a trilogy written by an outspoken atheist, Phillip Pullman. My wife and I have seen the trailers and both felt it would be a fun adventure to watch.

Then, I started getting emails from family and friends warning me not to go see the movie. The emails also pointed out how the movie was not appropriate for children, even though they reported it was masquerading as a "childrens" movie.

This uproar has sparked several thoughts on the subject. One relates to how we raise our kids and the other is my thoughts on whether to see the movie or not.

During the last few years, we've been blessed with movies based on works from believers including J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis. It's easy to see how parents can begin to let their guard down when it relates to letting their children see fantasy, holiday films. However, as I prepare for the days when we have kids, my wife and I have discussed what films we would or would not allow our children to see. We're hoping we'll remember a few rules of thumb. Our children should not see a movie that we haven't thoroughly checked out. Even the movies based on Lewis and Tolkein's works are quite dramatic and frightening - not the best for children. Among the Christian community, I see so many parents trusting heresay in relation to movies, trusting that if Family B will let their kids go, then it must be OK. I believe parents must be careful - we want our children protected, which means parents have to go the extra mile and be willing to use the dreaded "N" word (yes, we can say it, the dreaded "No") for any movie that we have misgivings about. Movies are not a requirement for the upbringing of our children.

Second, as it relates to watching a movie that is based on the work of an atheist, consider the world around us. We have little to no misgivings about watching a "family" movie like "Fred Claus" that preaches that every child is good and deserves lots of presents (which definitely conflicts with what we find in scripture about the sinful nature of mankind from birth) and uses wonderful Christmas songs like, "Silent Night" with all references to Christ skillfully edited out. Is it better to watch something that is stealthfully "non-religious" or something that blatently talks about a world without a god? I would have to say that I'd rather know that the movie I watch is "non" Christian than to have one that diludes Christian values to the point that following them endangers a person to become "good" which the Bible clearly says does not get us to heaven.

So, those are my thoughts. I hope everyone chooses to see their holiday movies carefully - no matter who the author of the original work was.

What is Reverb?

This week, Emily and I had the opportunity to be a part of an incredible conference in Atlanta, Ga. The Catalyst Conference brings 11,000 young church leaders from throughout the country together for a wild, action-packed two day conference. The worship time was fast-paced and authentic (complete with 20-somethings, hands-raised, and jumping high!), the speakers were provocative and radical, and the sum effect was REVERB. The theme for this year was how important our actions are to those around us. The reminder that what we do has a reverb effect to those around us was perfect. Emily and I were really encouraged about our church leadership activities - and even our activities interacting with other folks - making sure we show God's love to everyone we come in contact with.

Here are a few pics:

Our seats were just a few rows back from the stage - incredible view. We were part of a group called ICC and Daystar Fellowship church in Greensboro. Over 45 other people came with the group.

A great view from the top of the center. An amazing sight - thousands of young leaders incredibly on fire for God!

Each worship time was like a mini concert. And, all the praise was for Him!

Well, one of our favorite speakers was Dave Ramsey, a Christian financial expert. We loved it when he told the crowd that their old beat up cars that they affectionately refer to as "my Dave car" wasn't cool. See, Dave strongly recommends that people not purchase new cars because of the loss of value in the first years and to never go into debt for a car. Because of this, everyone's beat-up-but-paid-for cars carried Dave's name - he said he'd prefer us to call our newer-nice-but-paid-for cars that we can afford once we're out of debt "my Dave car."

OK - So I haven't posted lately...

I'm going to use the "I've been busy" excuse this time. You know, moving tends to take up some of your time. But, I definitely wanted to post a picture of a very special gift from my lovely wife for our anniversary. Marriage is so sweet!

Yes, it's a fabulous, beautiful tool chest - 5 feet of spectacular tool storage!

House Update - a week away

Yes - It's only a week away from completion! The walk-through inspection will be next Friday (today is Sunday). The following Friday is closing! It still amazes us of God's blessings on us. The house is coming together nicely. Enjoy these pics!

Emily unlocking the front door (first time unlocking - before this you could just walk in!)

Emily on the back patio with the view down the hill to the neighbors in the next development.

So much fun!

The dining room - we're already pulling it into photoshop to figure out colors!

The kitchen - appliances are in - we love it!

They're finishing up the light fixture installations.

We had to take the obligatory "Emily walking into the mud room" picture - I think this is the fourth version of it (we started it when they hung the doors)

The bathroom is looking so nice!

Wow - God Is AMAZING!

Well, our new house is almost complete. The construction company is planning to complete the home on March 22. And, our house is under contract, 2 weeks after going on the market. It's been amazing! At this point, we're planning to move sometime during the week of March 24th. God has been taking care of all the details - and we're excited to trust him with the rest of the move!

Here's some pics of the new house - enjoy!

The Future Is Moving

Just some great photos of our house that's under construction in Winston-Salem.

The view from our back window...

The front of the house...

Looking out the front window to the park up the hill.

Again, the front of the house (but with the excited couple!)

"Honey, I'm home!" (through the garage door)

Looking through the kitchen to the back door...

Our fireplace & media niche in the downstairs living room...

Emily shows James where our master bathroom's toilet will be (I couldn't resist posting this one!)