The Dark Knight

Seeing as how I had nothing better to do today after being released from the ER at 2am Sunday morning, I spent some of today surfing the web. I checked into the sequel to Batman Begins and was able to find a picture of the movie's villian The Joker (played by Heath Ledger). While Jack Nicholson is a great actor, I wasn't crazy about his take on The Joker. Hopefully Heath will play the guy with a more truely insane, murdering, physcopath take. The picture does make him look pretty spooky. The Dark Knight opens July 18, 2008.

Coming this December

Now that the word is officially and fully out, I can finally post a picture to all my loyal readers. Of course it is kind of a mute (or is it moot) point since my loyal readers involve two people that already know this news. Oh well.

This pic was taken at 10 weeks (we'll be at 12 this week). Due date is at the end of December!

Oh yeah, one more thing. Go Spurs (thus the color change)!

A (long) Bit of Everything

So this will be pretty random stuff. More of a collection of things I noticed or have found interesting lately. First off is the Presidential Election this November. Of course it really isn't till next year, but it sure seems like it should be this year doesn't it? All the coverage, debates and I have even seen campaign commercials. Insane. It does beg the question, who will you vote for? I am pretty much conservative. I say "pretty much" simply because there are some things I may disagree with, but overall I agree. The problem is that most of the Republican candidates are against some of the more traditional conservative values, the most prominent in my mind being the family, pro-life, and stem cell research.

If I had to vote today, the only candidate I really dig is Mike Huckabee. This seems like a good guy with good values and ideas. I listened to a lengthy interview with him the other day on 1150 AM WTTT and liked everything he had to say. The problem here is that some where along the way the Presidential campaign has turned into a popularity contest of sorts, so names like Giuliani, McCain, Clinton and Obama have more clout than people who actually have plans and beliefs. We live in a fickle society that will vote blindly. People will vote for a person they know nothing about. One needs look no further than the November elections for proof. People went all Democrat because they didn't like the war, but they knew nothing about the person or what else they would do in power. All that too say a good guy like Huckabee won't make it far because no one knows him. Sad since he may be the best to offer right now.

This leads me to a second thought. I love listening to Sean Hannity on the above mentioned station on my way home from work. Today he brought up a great point. Going off of the President's speech today regarding Iran, he discussed the face that this summer will be vital for Iraq. He then went on to read an article written by a "liberal media" reporter that actually states that things are improving in Iraq (in one of the more violent provinces). The tribes there apparently became fed up with the violence and began working together with Iraqi and American forces and the tide has begun to turn there. This brought up the question what will the media and the Democrats do if America and Iraq begin winning this war? Very interesting to think about.

This goes into my next tidbit (I love flowing). I am reading an excellent book by Joel Rosenberg titled "The Copper Scroll". I actually blogged another book by this guy last June (Ezekiel Option). To quote myself, "the author has a knack for writing fiction which turns to truth. In his first hit novel, "The Last Jihad", he wrote of a hijacked jet on a kamikaze mission into an American city. No biggie right? Except that he wrote it nine months before 9/11. In the same book, an American President finds himself at war with Saddam Hussein over terrorism and WMD's. The book was published 5 months before the war in Iraq.His second novel, "The Last Days", opens with the death of Yasser Arafat...Thirteen months before the man's actual death." An excerpt from the same book wrote about terrorist coming into the U.S. through Canada. Again he wrote this before it occurred last year. In "Ezekiel Option" Iran vows to destroy Israel and teams ups with Russia. The day to book came out Iran elected a new president who vowed to accelerate their nuclear program and later he promised to "wipe Israel off the earth." 2 months after that Russia agreed to sell Iran 1 billion worth of "fighter jets, missiles and naval warships." Again I say insane. Man is an out standing Christian author. His fiction is so intriguing, but real enough that it could (and has) actually happen.

One part of the book that really made me think was mention of the Antichrist. On page 156 a character says, "Since nobody knows when Jesus is going to return-Jesus said even He didn't know; He said only His Father knew- that would mean that Satan doesn't know either. Which means Satan has always had to be prepared for any eventuality. That means that for almost two thousand years, he's had to have at least one Antichrist on the earth, in position, ready to go, in every generation since the Resurrection. Which is why there have been so many evil dictators throughout history. So there has to be someone out there, right now, walking around the planet at this very minute. Waiting. Preparing. Plotting. It could be somebody you know." I have never thought of it that way, but it makes sense.

Finally, I funny quote from this week's Sports Illustrated. Shaquille O'Neal sad of someone (coach, player, owner?), "Sam is an idiot. I-D-O-U-T, idiot." At least he can make free throws. Oh wait, he can't. Spurs rule.

There we go. The long awaited update for Robert's Land. More to come later. Enjoy your weekend.

Update

I realize I haven't updated this site in quite sometime. I promise I will do that soon. School is officially out for the summer and I am just trying to settle into a new schedule. Sooo I will update this blog soon enough. Though technically, this in itself would be an update so consider yourself updated. My job here is done.

Found this poster online for the upcoming movie "House" based on the best selling book by Christian author Ted Dekker. Should be good!

I caught the Red Fever

Today, we went to our very first Red Sox game. I have never been a huge baseball fan. I cheered for the Houston Astros and would keep track of their wins when they made the playoffs. Watched maybe one or two games when they were in the World Series a few years back (though I was moving half way across the Nation then). I have been to games at the Astro Dome, the Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, and Coors Field (Colorado Rockies).

However, this year I have become very excited about the Red Sox. Maybe it is because we are surrounded by Red Sox news and a lot of hype. Maybe it is because cheering for the Red Sox is really exciting. Either way, I have been keeping up with them through spring training and their season. I even bunkered down in a classroom that wasn't being used at college and got the game to project on the board just to watch Dice-K pitch.

When my sister and brother-in-law came out this past August, we went by Fenway which was cool in itself. Going to an actual game was an amazing experience (right up there with getting to go see Les Miserables). The crowd, the fans, the drunk slurs, people saying a player "sucks" and then cheering for him in a 30 second span, and the game itself...it was all a blast. One other reason it may have been so fun was the view. Everyone has said that there are no bad seats at Fenway. I'd have to agree with that. Our seats were in right field, maybe 10 rows away from the field, but even the "nose bleeds" are not that far up. Normally, I am so far away from the action, I couldn't tell if someone was up to bat, much less who it was. It was a little chilly, but it wasn't too big of a deal. I found it kind of funny since the last time I went to a game with my best friend Bryan was wicked hot. One day I will go to a temperature friendly game.

Curt Schilling had a great game. He has come back pretty well after falling flat in the season opener. He pitched all but one inning. David Ortiz totaled 4 R.B.I.'s after hitting a homer in the 8th that put the game out of reach. Soxs beat Anheim 8 to 0. No angels in the outfield today.

Click on the picture to see the rest of the album. Be sure to double-click the pics in the album to enlarge them.


This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

New Pictures!

I finally got some pictures posted in my Yahoo! Album. To see a few Easter pics click here. No, Jen didn't get jacked in the pic department. We were experiementing with the camera. See if you can figure out how.

To see our pictures from our trip to Jackson, New Hampshire this past month, click here.

Hope you all had a great Easter!

Heaven's Champion

There are so many things I could write for Easter. It is my favorite day of the year and I take joy in thinking of what it means. It is more than 'just another day', but a time in which I am able to deeply reflect on the salvation that was given to me (and anyone else who wishes to accept it through belief in Christ...see previous post) through Jesus' death and resurrection.

I have been reading a book titled "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. You can guess the main topic I imagine, but he has opened my eyes to the amazing depth of the Resurrection. His victory over death not only broke the hold that the curse of sin has on mankind, but also on all of creation. At the Resurrection, the entire universe will be renewed. Christ's sacrifice is beyond mind blowing.

My words can not at this time accurately express my gratitude and joy in the gift of grace. There are numerous songs though that cause my spirit to swell with excitement. This is Easter, I thought I would share them with you.

Beautiful Savior (Casting Crowns)
All my days I will sing the song of gladness
Give my praise to the fountain of delights
For in my helplessness, you hear my cry
And waves of mercy poured down on my life

Beautiful Savior, wonderful counselor
Clothed in majesty, Lord of history
You're the way, the truth and the life
Star of the morning, glorious in holiness
You're the risen one, heaven's champion
And you reign, you reign
Over all

I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer
I will sing of the lamb that never fails
Of sins forgiven
Of conscience cleared
Of death defeated and life without end

Beautiful Savior, wonderful counselor
Clothed in majesty, Lord of history
You're the way, the truth and the life
Star of the morning, glorious in holiness
You're the risen one, heaven's champion
And you reign, you reign
Over all

Beautiful Beautiful Savior
Wonderful counselor, beautiful risen one

I long to be where the praise is never ending
Yearn to the will where the glory never fades
Where countless worshippers sing one song
And the voices of the nations
Sing worthy, worthy, worthy
Worthy beautiful beautiful one
Jesus you are worthy, beautiful, beautiful one
Jesus you're worthy, beautiful, beautiful one
You are worthy beautiful risen one

Amazing Grace/My Chains are Gone (Chris Tomlin)
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But, God who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

And Now My Lifesong Sings (Casting Crowns)
I once was lost, but now I'm found
I once was lost, but now I'm found
So far away, but I'm home now
I once was lost, but now I'm found
And now my lifesong sings

I once was blind, but now I see
I once was blind, but now I see
I don't know how, but when He touched me
I once was blind, but now I see

And now my lifesong sings
And now my lifesong sings
And now my lifesong sings

I once was dead, but now I live
I once was dead, but now I live
Now my life to You I give
Now my life to You I give
Now my life to You I give

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
REPEAT 3x

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Good Friday

This week at the school I work at, I made metnion of the fact that they were closed on Good Friday. A man overheard me and stated, "Ah a day off. Thank God for the Catholics."

Another woman who is a teacher stated that she wasn't off since the school doesn't celebrate Jewish holidays, it can't celebrate "Catholic holidays".

If I hadn't already insulted the first man awhile back by stating I moved here to help with a church (and if I thought about it at that moment instead of two hours later) I would have told him to simply thank God for Good Friday. It was God who sent His son Jesus down to die for our sins and offer us all redemption and forgiveness of our sins (see previous post for more information there).

So today, be sure to take a moment and reflect on what it all means. It's not about a day off by any means (cause I am working too!). It's about your soul.

Hopefully i will have some time to write one more post for my favorite "holiday" of the year.

Belief in God

In a Newsweek article by Brian Braiker, it is stated that, "A belief in God and an identification with an organized religion are widespread throughout the country...Nine in 10 (91 percent) of American adults say they believe in God and almost as many (87 percent) say they identify with a specific religion."

There are many different ways I could go with this blog. I could talk about the other strange numbers that don't jive with the above percentage. For instance "Nearly half (48 percent) of the public rejects the scientific theory of evolution; one-third (34 percent) of college graduates say they accept the Biblical account of creation as fact. Seventy-three percent of Evangelical Protestants say they believe that God created humans in their present form within the last 10,000 years; 39 percent of non-Evangelical Protestants and 41 percent of Catholics agree with that view. "

91 % of Americans believe in God, but only 48 % in creation by God? Ummm...okay.

I could talk about the comments made of this 'Godly' public being cool with atheist. Or I could go political and comment on the numbers regarding the influence of religion in politics and how electing a guy cool with abortion is insync with Christian values.

Instead I will go a different direction. In celebration of Resurrection Sunday (Easter) next week, I want to focus on that 91% of the population.

It is an unfortunate event when people read these numbers and comment on how great it is that so many believe in God. They will often say it is proof that everything is okay and that these hardy, gung-ho Christians are crazy for thinking that the U.S./the world is going to pot. I would love to ask some of these people who they think God is. Believing in God and worshiping/following God are two entirely different things. I believe that George Washington was real, but I don't worship the guy. I really don't know that much about him either. Sure, I know some of the main points but nothing detailed. Out of that 91%, who could tell me how to get to Heaven (hint:being a good person has nothing to do with it)? One of my favorite things to say about these numbers is that even Satan and his demons believe in God...and the Bible says they tremble at the thought of Him.

I live in an area where there is a very skewed view of God. Yeah, people believe in him. These same people also visit mediums and trust what they have to say. They party all week and then show up on Sunday to sit and stare. They go through rituals (in Catholic churches),but can't tell you why they do it or what it means. They don't understand what I mean when I talk about ministry or serving God. They are dumbfounded that I won't do something because it goes against my beliefs often thinking I am following some forced rule of the church instead of my heart.

Out of that 91%, how many of them will be in Heaven? Of course only God himself knows their hearts and it is not my place to assume. I can however share how one can be there.

We live in a fallen world. It was created in perfection but fell under the curse of sin (the bad stuff as I call it) under Adam and Eve's watch. God is a sinless and holy God. He rejects sin and can in no way allow it into His presence. The punishment he places on sin is death. Physical death. Death leads to Hell, total separation from God in never ending, burning torment. This curse passes down to everyone through the man's seed.

Humans cannot obtain holiness on their own. As I stated, being the best you can be or trying to do good won't get you anything. I know a lot of nice people who don't believe in God. After Adam and Eve sinned, God promised them that one day He would restore all things and would send One who would save us. Until that time, the people were required to sacrifice animals in order to receive forgiveness of sins (hold on to this info). The Israelites would sin and sacrifice. The problem is that they would always go back to their sinful lifestyles (much like we do today).

This brings us to Jesus, God's son. He is the one God promised to Adam and Even. He was born of the virgin Mary. Why is that important? Because Jesus was born without sin since he was born by the seed of a woman, not man. Jesus lived his entire life without sinning. Then he was arrested and killed. He didn't have to die. He had the authority and power to leave. It was a choice. Before I stated that the punishment for sin is death. Jesus took our punishment. He was our sacrifice. He died and went to Hell for us. He took all our sins and made them his own. And in his power, He rose from the dead three days later. Through belief in Him, we are promised eternal life.

If we truly believe in God and that Jesus lived, died and rose again, then we can ask God to forgive us of our sins. The price has been paid for them by His son. He will immediately give you forgiveness. You don't have to ask a priest or light any candles. You just simply talk to God right where you are and tell Him you have sinned, want to be forgiven and that you want to follow Him. All have sinned too. No one except Christ is perfect. Ever steal something? You are a robber. Ever told a tiny white lie? You are a liar. Ever looked at another and lusted? Then you are an adulterer. It doesn't matter how big or small, all have sinned.

Forgiveness is yours though if you believe. God has given us all a choice. We can either believe in God and do nothing about it or we can trust in and follow God and be forgiven of our sins. Don't be fooled by the numbers. There is a huge difference in believing in and truly following God. Thinking He exist, going to church, and/or being good won't get you to Heaven. Only accepting the gift He gave you (for free) through His son Jesus will. This Easter, I hope you will consider this.

Please feel free to comment or email me with any questions.

Brady Fumbles

So I haven't posted and what news report do I decide to comment on? None other than pretty-boy QB Tom Brady (New England Patriots).

It is being reported that Tom Brady is going to be a dad...to two different women. A few months ago, it was confirmed that Brady's ex-girlfriend was preggers with his child. Apparently, most people thought this was great. Because all children born out of wedlock to ex-lovers is the way we are supposed to do it. Besides, Tom is a great and stand up guy who is probably sent from Heaven to save mankind (at least that is the impression I generally get from reports I read...though I live in the lion's den when it comes to the Patriots). Everyone ooo'ed and ahhh'ed at this fantastic news. Again, isn't it everyone's dream to have a child with someone they have ALREADY BROKEN UP WITH? Apparently, yes.

The real kick comes with reports today that Tom Brady is also expecting a child with his new lova'. Is anyone outraged? Nope. Most seem to be having fun coming up with creative sentences and headlines (like mine, or more uplifting ones like "It seems there's no defense that can stop Tom Brady — on or off the field."...seriously? Thought he lost the last two years in the playoffs) instead of asking, "are these two married?" and "what about the chick who is carrying his other kid"?

But it doesn't matter because we are currently a world that accepts such behavior as this and turns our noses up at 'close minded' people with morals and Godly beliefs.
It is sad. The role models for our children are pathetic. Little girls adore Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan, both of whom have rehabphobia...but that is okay, getting drunk all the time and the like is wicked cool! Boys (and girls) love Tom Brady. He is the epitome of perfection. Great athelete, nice, yadda. And he gets women pregnant that he isn't even married too! Reach for the stars children!

We can't control how these adults act. I may come across as judgmental above, but I do no wish to be. I am not perfect. I once heard a preacher say that you can't expect better when they are not saved...they don't know any better. And a lot of parents don't know any better to tell their children that this is nice behavior. That they should't act that way or dress that way. The sadder part is this. A lot of Christian parents won't say anything about it either. They do know better.

Oh, and Tommy boy...take a cue from the field and get some better protection.
Couldn't resist.

Coach Tony Dungy

I know Coach Lovie Smith is also a Christian and this is not a knock on him. I have always liked Coach Dungy because he is a good Christian man. I was thrilled last night when he and his Colts won the Super Bowl. He is more than a good man. He is an amazing Godly man who all men should try to be like. After he won last night, a reporter asked how it felt to be the first African American coach to win. He humbly said he was happy to represent that community but added that he was more proud to be a Christian who showed it was possible to coach, lead a team and win the big game "God's way". Wow. The following video was from Super Bowl Breakfast last year. Keep in mind that this was after losing in the playoffs again and (more importantly) less than 2 months after his son committed suicide. Watch and then ask yourself how easy it would be for you to get up in front of a large audience at a sporting even and say these words.



Congrats Coach Dungy. You deserve it.

Did Boston Overreacct?

On Wednesday, Turner Broadcasting tried to do some 'advertising' for the Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim". This advertising included placing make shift light brights in 10 U.S. cities with a crude and angry looking character shooting the bird. These creations featured a battery pack, electrical tape, and wires (in some instances protruding). An employee at one of the MTBA (mass transit) stations where a sign was posted first reported it to authorities. Out of those 10 cities, Boston was the only to take the matter as a possible threat. Boston's finest came out in force along with the bomb squad and quickly investigated the matter. People watched and waited for any report on the matter. When it was announced as a publicity stunt by Turner Network, people were relieved. Now a day later and after the fact, people are asking 'did Boston overreact?'

In my opinion, no. Hindsight is always a wonderful thing. It is easy for other cities to and even MA residents to question it now, but no one was embarrassed as the city looked into these glowing signs placed around the city in crowded and well traveled locations. Younger Bostonians says the city's reaction caused mass hysteria and was uncalled for. Even young adults found it to be silly to investigate. Keep in mind that it was from Boston that the hijacked planes of 9/11 took flight. In fact, one of the first devices was placed just over a mile away from the airport.

What makes a person feel safe? When is it okay to investigate a suspicious package or activity? This is supposed to be our patriotic duty. The amazing part is that if nothing was done and this did in fact turn out to be some type of terrorist attack, then people would be saying 'why didn't Boston do anything?' I believe this advertising attempt involved some poor planning and was not carried out well by Turner Broadcasting (lets not forget they used some block character flipping us all off to advertise....but that sort of thing doesn't seem to phase people as it should). In this day and age, people should know better. Make a few phone calls, get the required permission and then advertise. And to all those worried that their city is now a "laughing stock", get over yourself and be glad you live in a town that learned from past mistakes and jumped on a potential problem efficiently and effectively. I for one take comfort in that and applaud a job well done.

Your thoughts?

The Centrality of the Home.

Click on the picture to listen to a powerful and deeply insightful message by Dr. Voddie Baucham Jr. He is a preacher at Grace Family Baptist in Spring, Texas. It is only about 20 mins long so turn it on, do some work, and listen to a very wonderful Bible study.

I will be posting my thoughts on this in a day or two.

White and Nerdy

To cap off my two weeks of movie trailers, I have decided to change gears and show a music video. This is Weird Al's (yep, still alive contrary to popular belief) best video yet. Right up there with Amish Paradise and Eat It. This is a parody of Chamillionaire's Ridin Dirty, which if you watch on You Tube just makes this video even funnier.

My two week mini-semester ended Thursday, so I should be up for some more mind stimulating blogs in the near future. Hope you all enjoyed the videos.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

With all respect to the opinions of others, I enjoy the Harry Potter series. I don't wish to turn this post into a breeding ground for "Harry is of Satan and teaches witchcraft" because I am just posting these movies for my enjoyment. If you don't want to watch it or oppose it, check out classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Beauty and the Beast or maybe Sleeping Beauty or The Little Mermaid and Lord of the Rings...yep, no magic used in those. Good versus evil, these movies are no exception.





Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix July 13, 2007

Transformers

No words needed. Just watch.



Transformers July 4, 2007

Smallville

SMALLVILLE

Season 6

Thursday - January 18, 2007

7:00/8:00 eastern

Clark steps a step closer to his destiny when he joins forces with...

The Justice League

Fan or not, this is going to be an outstanding episode.

It is being highly reviewed by those who have seen an advance screening.

Variety said the following: "Despite the limitations of a TV budget, "Smallville" has always done a creditable job of bringing convincing production value to its hero- and villain-filled world -- a standard put to the test by the presence of four sidekicks along with the show's usual strange visitor from another planet."

Be sure to watch.

Fantastic Four 2

For those who were disappointed with the first Fantastic Four film (I was not one of them), perhaps the sequel will more than make up for it. One of my favorite non Superman characters is featured in this film. Should be very cool.



"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" June 15, 2007

300

This epic should be enjoyed by fellow history buffs.
WARNING: This video may contain content that is inappropriate for some users.



300 March 9, 2007

TMNT

Turtles in a half shell, TURTLE POWER! Yeah, its those crazy Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles. If you thought they died with the 80's and Vanilla Ice, you (and I) were apparently wrong. They are back in this computer animated movie. Thank goodness for computer animation because those costumes in the first two movies still give me nightmares.



Teenage Mutnat Ninja Turtles March 30, 2007