The Tragedy of Breaking Bad--It had to end..but what an ending...

With the final season of Breaking Bad coming out this Tuesday, I wanted to not only review it, but also give me humble take on the show. First off, the show does in fact leave your mind blown. It truly is one of a kind. From the first episode to the last, all 62 episodes are clearly designed to lead to the next, culminating in the series finale that leaves us wondering how a nice, brilliant family man could become so deadly. The series arch of episodes is so brilliant that this may truly be the best show that has ever hit the TV market. But that debate is for another blog. What I wish to do is review the show as a tragedy. For many years, literary buffs have called “Death of a Salesman” the last American tragedy. This can no longer be true. Walter White played by Bryan Cranston is clearly a tragic figure we not only pity, but also relate to quite well. Most American's want to work at a job they love, have a great family and make enough money to get by should something come up. When the show begins, Walter White has little control over any of those things, the only exception being the upcoming birth of his daughter. Once Walter decides he needs 750k to help his family survive once he dies, he begins his descent into tragedy. He will do whatever it takes to not only stay alive, but also help his family—or so he claims. As the episodes pile up, as well as the body count, we see a man that is obsessed with controlling his product, using every excuse to not only stay alive, but also thrive in his environment. Walter not only has a body that literally adapts to having cancer, but he adapts his intellect and product and becomes a drug kingpin. He does not simply “break bad” one day. No, he slowly descends into utter darkness, day after day, choice after choice. What sets this story and show apart from any other is the silence and how it furthers the tragedy of Walter White. For most shows, there is some kind of “soundtrack” for the introduction or theme music. This is not the case with Breaking Bad. Yes, there is an elemental table shown in each episode, but it lasts only 5 seconds before the episode continues. In its stead are extreme moments of silence. In fact, almost all of the season finales end with moments of brilliant and tragic silence. When Jesse shoots Gayle, the gunshot is heard, but tragic silence after. The same can be said as Mike falls to the ground dead, with the quiet flow of the river in the background. When Jesse and Walt shake hands, knowing they have survived the horror of Gus, Walt falsely thinking, “I won.” The biggest “jaw dropper” would have to be Hank discovering “W.W.” is in fact Walter White while emptying his bowels. The sheer denial on his face becomes haunting because of the silence Vince Gilligan wants. These moments of silence are everywhere and throughout all the episodes, a deliberate attempt by a director at the height of his craft: we are silently watching a man tragically become not just a drug kingpin, but also a killer that delights in “Breaking Bad.” We cannot stop his descent, we can only silently watch in horror as a brilliant chemistry teacher withers away, not just neglecting and endangering his family, but his very soul. What truly brings this to a crescendo is when Vince Gilligan does bring in music, most notably, as the show literally ends. Walt has been shot and falls to the ground dead, with “Baby Blues” playing softly as the series comes to a halt. The music means something when Walt dies. Vince Gilligan wants us to know and hear the music, whereas before, we were to be haunted by the silence and destruction of a soul; it's almost as if the death of Walter White is the beginning of happiness, with music the breath of new beginning and spring coming around the corner. We don't need to be haunted by the silence of a decaying soul; we are now free of the “blues” that made the show. Amazing stuff! And that's the point: when there is “noise” or violence, it stands out that much more! From Jesse's killing of Gale to the bomb that kills Gus. The noise becomes so much more powerful because of the silence that preceded it, making the final frame—Walt smiling—that much more powerful. He quite literally “did gain the whole, but lost his soul.” People will continue to argue that Breaking Bad is in fact the greatest TV show to ever be aired. That is a tough call; as the show ultimately focuses on only one person, while other shows, most notably The Wire, focus on whole cities or tragic problems that are not being handled. What most can agree on is this: enjoy the artistic brilliance—on every front—of Breaking Bad.

Iron Man 3 and Star Trek

With only 3 weeks left in the college term, numerous students asked when i would get my own "film course" since i quote or reference or show numerous movies to make points from anything ranging from what writing is really about, to what grammar reminds all of us of: The matrix itself. Anyway, i realized it has been some time since i have done some movie reviews...well, here goes the two biggest films of the year... all while they are still "new" to most movie-goers. I begin with Iron Man 3 and Downey Jr. returning as Tony Stark as Iron Man. First, i'm giving this film 6/10 because frankly, while the themes are better, as is the "bad guy" (Guy Pearce), it is lacking in several major areas. To begin, Tony Stark is still doing well and loves his job as Iron Man, except, not really. He loves Pepper Potts too much that he now struggles with anxiety and with his ability to keep her safe. While Tony continues to work on projects and what not, he just seems to have lost his confidence. Since most know i am fond of quoting other movies, if this were Austin Powers, Tony Stark has clearly lost his "mojo, baby." Before i reveal or say more, SPOILER ALERT... Sadly, this movie just lacks it when it comes to story, as the whole movie, and trailers leading up to the film don't give us the legitimate bad guy comic lovers adore. Ben Kingsley as the "Man-darin" (not the orange), is not the villain. He is merely a pet stooge from Guy Pearce and his experiments. While this idea of a fake bad guy is good in theory, it just doesn't flow or move very well in this movie. It isn't that there is too much to say, but how the story tries to say it that just leaves the film lacking. This leads to the two biggest issues with the film: the chemistry of the stars to the story. What made Downey Jr. so amazing and exciting to watch in IM1-2 and Avengers was his charisma and ability to basically be brillant but a total self absorbed fun loving jerk. His romance with Pepper was amazing and fun to watch. You totally bought into this weird couple and even, that the actors generally liked the movie they were in. Same goes for Stark and his friendship with Col. Rhodes, aka War Machine, or make that American Patriot. Anyway, this movie loses all of its chemistry with these actors towards each other and the parts they play. I mean, Col. Rhodes is a side project in this film and Potts just doesn't click with Stark at all. Some will argue, "That's because the threat was bigger or more urgent." I just don't see that, as Stark always had fun in the first two films and especially in Avengers. I get that there is a "mid life crisis" vibe in this film, but it still doesn't fit with the overall story or chemistry. There should be more silent parts with just the camera and Stark. But instead, there is the typical action with some new twists and a lot more iron man suits. It's interesting that in all of the Avengers, Stark doesn't lose one suit despite fighting aliens, yet he loses at least 6 suites fighting Guy Pearce. I digress... Hey, the film is still solid, has some good scenes and ultimately is not an insult to the comic, as Daredevil or Green Lantern was. Enjoy it in good health. STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS The movie that you need to see is now here. This is a film that Abrams directs with confidence and a deft hand at building upon the chemistry that made the remake in 2009 so much fun. I must admit that i've never been a huge Trekkie for the simple fact that i agree with Ebert: it's a genre or show that takes place in a big "square type box where people constantly quote cliches." I'm sorry, but this occurs in the newest Trek, but how could these situations not lead to cliches when the warp drive is constantly breaking down and "shields are down to 6%." These types of scenarios are typical of Trek films and they shall continue. But, to the actual film: It is quite good. Go for the simple fact that you get to see a rising film star: Benedict Cumberbatch. This guy can act. Most know him from the great TV show Sherlock Holmes. I'm grateful my sister got me hooked on this show, as this guy can act and the stories of the TV show are great. But, when it comes to being a villain in Star Trek, Cumberbatch is head and shoulders above many. I'll keep it a surprise as to who this bad guy is, but his performance is amazing. The chemistry he shares with Kirk and the scenes they grow through are quite good and give audiences a nice amount of suspense. I still have chills from Cumberbatch saying, "You think you are safe...you are not." Combine this intensity with lighter, funny moments from Scotty and the solid performance from Mr. Spock (Zac Quinto) and you end up with a film that surpasses Iron Man in most areas. Go boldly to the theatres to see this great film. Here's to hoping Abrams continues his ascent as a film director, as he is on quite a roll. Django Unchained And now to DVD and one of my favorite films of all time: Django Unchained. My class is sick of hearing it, or watching clips from it, but it is simply amazing. Here is a film that comes from the great/weird/bizarre mind of Tarantino. In this film, Foxx is a slave that is set free by a bounty hunter. The bounty hunter is played by the great Germen actor Christoph Waltz, who played in Inglorious Bastards by Tarantino. Waltz needs to find the Brittle brothers to collect a huge bounty and Foxx knows where they are. After finding and killing these men, Waltz teaches Foxx how to shoot and be a bounty hunter. These men then team up to go after Django's wife, who just happens to be "the property of Calvin Candy" a devilish demon played with all the gusto one can ever mustard Leonardo Dicaprio...yes, the same Dicaprio that gave us Titanic. Well, since he worked out the kinks in Titanic and the Beach, Leonardo has yet to do a bad film or performance, and he again nails it in full force as the negro slave owner Candy. From Blood Diamond, Body of Lies, Great Gatsby, to Django. This man is on fire. And let's not forget the fully original Inception. While this film is "fun" as only Tarantino can give it, it is graphic and full of language, as any film on the south, slaves and owning people would be. However, while many find the film to be having fun with all this gratituoius scenes, i found it somewhat accurate. Accurate in the sense that we know blacks were treated horribly and abused by all sorts. Whites would rather kill them then give them respect or authority. This film portrays that, with a touch of vengeance from Django. The reason this film surpasses the complaints of some is for the simple fact of the performances themselves. You have Foxx as a believable husband looking for his wife, Dicaprio as a brillant and scary villain. When he yells, "I can do what i want with my property," i had no doubt that every slave owner fully believed and embraced that hatred/passion for what they owned. Samuel Jackson is of course great, because you know, he's again in a Tarantino film. Not only are the performances by the main actors excellent, but it is the subtle touches Tarantino puts into the film that make it great. Consider, for example, a scene where the KKK will rise with their masks on. Instead of watching in horror as white men kill others for the sheer fact that they can, we laugh as they gripe about the size of their eye hole on their bags. As the group is near melt down and about to leave, the main slave owner has to bring focus back to the ungrateful group, all while a special cameo is made by a certain comedian. This is just one of several scenes that makes us laugh, when really, we should be in disbelief at what we know is certain to come. Anyway, watch the film with a discreet eye, but also a grateful one. We don't know how much longer Tarantino will be able to produce or direct films that are as special, unique and truly a gift to the world of film. Oh, and everyone, the D is silent. :)

Something's Wrong

Let me be clear about this blog: it is from my heart. i believe every word. And some that read it will be upset. With that said, let me begin by simply stating: Something is wrong with the American Church. This is not a newsflash or rocket science stuff, but i might as well be blunt and say it. Something is wrong with the American Church. Before i describe what is wrong, i beg your indulgence for a few moments.
FIrst, every one knows that every company, organization or government has an agenda when it comes to operating. Some call it "a vision statement" while others call it an "identity" for helping this entity "keep the main thing the main thing." However, for some reason, despite having God's ultimate power, the American Church has lost its identity and i will tell why momentarily.

Again, before looking at the American Church today, i want to just look at some government agencies and companies to prove my point that the American Church has lost its identity. When it comes to education in America, i think all will agree, the numbers don't add up and even the "real world" kids live in (one of technology) does not match up to what they learn at school (from books). There is a disconnect and kids aren't learning, that's what we know. How come schools aren't radically altered or more different ideas to learning tried? Because the agenda for public education is no longer about learning. What's it about? It's about money and power. It's about keeping students in a dependent state while an agenda is taught to them for more than 12 years. It doesn't take much to see this, just go to a school. Kids disinterested, sleeping, socializing, etc. They aren't learning, so there is only one thing education is now about: money and power over the lives of others.

Another example of our fine government and its agenda would be our transportation system. We have high "gas taxes" and yet we always have bumpy roads. When we go to DMV, there is always one or two checkers with no one else in sight. When we drive through road construction, there is always one guy working, two "flaggers" standing with the STOP sign, and the rest of the crew standing around talking. They aren't "fixing" the road like a private contractor with a deadline and reputation at stake would. No, they are just there. We can all agree, the agenda about transportation is not about making our lives easier. No, it is agenda that has money and control written all over it. Why else would we have such ridiculous fees for the smallest permits that involve our vehicles? It's about money and control.
I can name numerous other government functions, with Health Care being the next big thing that everyone knows deep down is about controlling Life and Death. It will not be about saving or helping people.

In contrast to those government agencies, there is APPLE. A company that has a clear vision: Making things simple and innovation to make phones/communication/computers more easy on our work flow. This company is now worth more than gas/oil because they keep the main thing the main thing: make portable/flexible items that enhance an individuals work flow. That's it. On top of that, keep the service flowing, the products top notch and the employees excited about their jobs.

These companies and entities gives us the perfect example to compare and contrast the current American Church, and the results and what i'm about to say are not good: The American Church is not about Jesus Christ. I don't think the current church is about money, but i do know, it is not about Christ. We seem to have lost the main thing--Christ. I know that the church is not about CHrist for the simple reason, if it were about Christ, lives would be changed, cultured would be engaged and people would be talking about Christ. I know this because we read it in all of the Gospels and especially the book of Acts. In Acts, we see the apostles, men of little education, transforming literal cities and lives because they kept the "main thing the main thing." Yes, there was the Pentecost, but what these men did was more simple: they preached Christ and repentence while serving others! These men led the charge when it came to Christ changing one's life. Look at 2:38, 3:19, 4:31. These men had no college (which America has plenty of), no marketing skills (which America has plenty of) and no technology which gives users instant access to information (which America has plenty of). These guys, compared with America currently, should have been wiped out if we were to start a church. Instead, many churches look back at this time and sigh, stupefied that God hasn't done something like this for many years. I guess i'm baffled as to why God would do something this great in our generation. Why would He when we have the same divorce rate as unbelievers? Why push for change when "cohabitation" among "Christians" is the same as that of unbelievers? Why yearn for people to turn from their sin when church attendance is declining among all demographics? We have folks in the church that act the same or even worst than unbelievers. Are you kidding me? And we seem to tolerate it. Acts 5 reveals what happens when sin was nearly brought into the church...death was the result. God doesn't tolerate hearts of fake, apathetic "love," which is scary when we think about what the American Church is today. While these are scary numbers, stats, thoughts, etc. what is worst is our response to them: we market, "finding out where they are at," etc. as the means to help change these stats (and i just read these articles today). WOW. Is it me or is that crazy? How about rereading the Gospels and Acts and literally look at Jesus "walking among the people" or the apostles doing the same thing, preaching for "repentence of sins." Our priorities have literally been changed. I will come out and say it: Satan doesn't need to show up in the American Church today. Why would he need to? We fight among ourselves and have no strategy for engaging the lost. We have lost the "main thing: preaching the repentance of sins and actually serving others."
Again, i'm not going to come out and say what our current identity as a church is, but i do know what it is not: it is not about Jesus Christ. We haven't seen this many people come to Christ in years and we have our own issues within the church, mainly unbelievers pretending to be believers. And since repentence (turning one way and going the other in regards to your sin) is not preached in many churches if at all, it is no wonder we have lost our effectiveness.

Francis once said, "The church is a whore, but she is my mother." This is an adequate statement. The American Church is lost, floundering and no one seems to know what to do about it. HELLO, something IS wrong.



























-to god be the glory for great things he has done!

Plan B...it doesn't work...

I am about to write a personal piece on youth ministry and my struggle with its calling on my life and in general spiritual terms, as I believe it is truly is a ministry that is “always evolving.” However, before I begin, I must state that I truly do feel unworthy to work with kids (of any age), as my sin, or inadequateness in dealing with their struggles leads to a lot of discouragement and unworthy feelings. Nevertheless, if I don't write this out, I may continue to struggle with my place within this ministry “universe.” Beginning with the basics, it is safe to say, yes, one must feel called to work with people, especially students. As Whoopi Goldberg famously said in Sister Act, “What call? Oh, the call. The call. I didn't know what call you were talking about.” Youth ministry and the work/service thereof is no joke, nor is it a “lesser” ministry role. No, it is one full of conflict and “drama,” as the little ones that are under our care are sinful people, as am I, and as such, struggle to be obedient to God and His word. With that said, if one is not called to the ministry, then the sheer amount of change that occurs within this area of ministry will leave one decimated and lacking any form of conviction. What do I mean by all this? Well, in terms of technology, how you “talk” with a kid is always evolving and being manipulated or changed. In terms of “administration,” computers and phones continue to evolve, making our jobs either easier or more difficult; it truly depends on the person using the technology. However, this “changing” of variables, personalities and technology forces youth workers to focus on one thing: if you are not solely focused on making God's word a priority in your life, it is over. Yes, I’m that blunt: You will not make the spiritual marathon that is youth ministry. Heck, you might not even make it a few years, as you are working within your own strength and all this change around us is forcing us away from Christ. Therefore, our lives and entire ministry rests on constant focus upon God and His word. The famous hymn tenderly sums up the youth workers ministry and His place within it: “It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.” This must be our focus. I have sadly learned this tragic truth: Everything in our fast paced society is in direct contrast to the life of Christ...even our youth ministry. Why? Because if we make youth ministry about anything other than “Christ and Him crucified” then we have and will continue to fail. I have learned this the hard way...I pray I can make amends to the little ones I have hurt or drawn away from Christ. Because so many of American churches are about entertainment and excluding families, I now must comes to another struggle within my call to youth ministry: Youth ministry is failing in America...and I am part of the cause...or will be part of the cause. What do I mean? Quite simple, really. My buddy Abe Long (another youth worker) has said “If plan A is parents intentionally discipling their children, then everything else is Plan B and in some sense, outside of God's will.” Notice, in “some sense.” This does not mean that youth ministry is outside of God's will, as we have plenty of support for working with youth. Instead, it means that our hearts and attitudes must be to intentionally working towards Plan A. This may be very difficult (and is the biggest struggle for me) because of three reasons: Parental involvement is close to non-existent b) Families are no longer “families” in the traditional sense and c) the church doesn't give the kids anything to rise up to in Christ. Most will agree, and studies will show, how the family has literally “disintegrated” into varying shards of shrapnel that no longer really helps kids. By this I mean, I have worked more with kids that aren't sure which house they will be out next week, so “I’m not sure if I can make it to youth group.” This is the norm now: shattered homes. The idea or notion that “Family” once meant “Dad, Mom and kids living in the same house” is completely foreign to kids these days. Literally. Describe this kind of family to a child and they will blink or ask the question “what does that mean, Dad, Mom and kids in a house together.” So, as a youth worker, I have to wrestle not only with this kind of brokenness, but again, a lifestyle that is foreign to me, as I came from a stable and loving home. Family is fun and engaging. Family is what God wanted it to be, and I got to be a part of this blessing. How am I to work or learn from this when I have no idea how to even talk to a kid with this kind of brokenness? This leads to a further struggle with one's call: the pressure to perform or “do something” to try and get these little ones the protection and guidance they need in order to survive. With families self destructing all around us, it would seem that someone would fight to stop this kind of “abuse” on our little ones. Sadly, no. This leads to the final problem that youth ministry struggles to adapt/readjust or fight through: giving students something to live up to, something to embody. Yes, Jesus loves us. Yes, Christ died for our sins and rose again. If it weren't for these two simple, but powerful truths, we would all be going to hell because a holy God cannot tolerate sin. Yet, it is one thing to tell kids these truths every single week, and a completely different one when we think of what they go home to: There is a HUGE disconnect in telling someone that Christ (a person they don't know) loves them and died for them, and then going home to a family that demonstrates the complete opposite of love. There is a DISCONNECT at the heart of our field with most kids and families. If the family is following Christ and discipling children (Plan A), the dirty little secret is: They don't need myself or “youth ministry,” while the kids that are lost and from broken homes, have little chance to even see or realize God's love for them because their situations are the epitome of “lost.” I want to be clear: I am not saying God isn't working, nor am I saying Christ can't penetrate any circumstance because He clearly can. I'm merely pointing out the struggle of call, youth ministry’s true place and a few of the struggles that lead to such turnover in leadership, one's call and the nature of our hedonistic society. It is a scary situation to be in, even though I KNOW God is working. I am sure I speak for many when I say that there is something else out there, I just don't know if I’m close to it, if I’m close to making a difference. Yet, the students who are in our youth groups have little to look up to because everything else around them is either broken, fake or not worth following, which scares them and us. Perhaps kids leaving “their faith” were merely leaving because that’s all they have ever seen; their family relationships and the youth workers at church…everyone kept leaving, so there is nothing worth following? As John Wayne famously said, "I'm a man, and you're boys." It seems that there is little to no advancement from kid to adult in our churches. People and kids simply "there." Just a thought. I write all this to say, there are two HUGE tips for all of us to remember, whether we work in ministry or not. The first is the easiest to remember: GOY. Get Over Yourself. Youth ministry was never about “the right hire” or the “right fit for a church” so much as it is God is working...get in line with what HE is doing and give everything you have to that and watch the fruit grow and multiply. Too many times youth workers (myself included) feel that it is about us, our program or “my vision” for the church. NO! This life isn't about you or your struggles and troubles. It's about giving God the Glory for GREAT things HE HAS DONE. The final thing is from Doug Fields: “If you are truly giving everything you have to God's work, leaving Him with the results and trying put people in a place to succeed, then that's all you can do.” The essence of true WORSHIP is not singing songs on Sunday morning, but instead, offering yourself (all of you) to God and His work. If you have done that, then you are in God's will, giving Him glory in every act you do—whether in youth ministry or not—and that is all God wants: people that are worshipping Him through their lives, “as a living sacrifice.”

Faithful Excellence

When I was a sophomore in high school, I had the honor and privilege of making the basketball team for the second straight year. I was extremely happy about our coaches returning and for the chance to pick up where I had left off the previous year, as I concluded my freshman year with one of my most productive games. However, as the year wore on, it became very clear that I would not be playing very much and for reasons that still remain unclear. Since basketball takes from the third week of October to the third week of February, I quickly came to the conclusion that I did not want to be on the team if I was not going to get the chance to play. My parents, however, had another idea, as parents tend to do. They told me that I had committed and that I would honor that commitment, even though it was hard and extremely difficult. They told me to be “the best bench warmer the school had ever seen.” While I was not thrilled at this prospect, I did go about the job with a better attitude the rest of the season. Little did I know that that decision would impact the rest of my life, and has vastly changed my mindset since I have been working as a youth pastor.
As the year transgressed, I did get my chance to play, but because my attitude had changed while playing the bench, my attitude continued to change as I gained minutes and points. I was more grateful for the chance to play. I was more hungry for points and the chance to just play with my teammates. I remember my coach telling me that if I stopped shooting, he would take me out. Well, I wasn’t going to have that happen, so I kept chucking up bricks, knowing that I didn’t want to sit the bench. I was grateful for every second to bounce a ball in front of my family that I would do anything to help the team and coaches keep me in. My attitude of being faithful with the small thing (sitting the bench), was fueled to greater heights once I got to play. Not only that, but my attitude even impressed my coach to such and extend that he apologized to my parents (who had been faithful to attend every game) for not playing me as much. Faithfulness and commitment are watched because so few of us see these two traits anymore.
I bring this story up not because I wish to brag or share my past, but because I was reflecting the other day when the question, “Does faithfulness in ministry lead to excellence?” popped into my head.
In the Old Testament, faithfulness “speaks of someone who has shown themselves trustworthy in the execution of duties” while in the New Testament, the meaning of faithfulness was slightly enhanced, “requiring someone proven to be reliable and trustworthy in and by the execution of a given action.” Obviously, doing a job well and for a long time seems to be at the core of faithfulness. As Eugene Peterson wrote, it is a “Long Obedience in the Same Direction.” Yet, I’m convinced the reason Excellence is not achieved or gained is because Faithfulness is so intertwined with the other that it is difficult to distinguish the two from each other.
You can’t have excellence if you are not faithful, and you can’t be faithful if you don’t value excellence. They are intertwined. And since they are so closely connected, I began thinking about what prevents youth workers from obtaining “Excellent Faithfulness.” These reasons include: Time, Paths, Priorities, and what I call “the Splash.”
Most of these reasons are straight forward. Both excellence and faithfulness take extended amounts of time. In the case of Moses, both elements took his whole life, and some will question whether he was even an excellent leader, as he had a temper and took on way more than he should have.
The “paths” we walk while we are in the trenches is another reason we never obtain faithfulness. As Andy Stanly writes in his excellent book “Principle of the Path,” he writes that it is our “Direction, not our intentions,” that leads us to our destinations. We may want to be faithful, but if we have no habits that show or prove this, then we will never be faithful, which is why Jesus spoke of the small things, and doing those things well, before taking on more. We have to show we can do the one before we can do the other. The same can be said for priorities. We have to put people and relationships first, before we get into programming and leading. People won’t follow someone that doesn’t care, nor will they follow someone who has not shown great skill in the small things.
Finally, the subtle, but hurtful “Splash.” So many times in our media soaked culture, we feel that a “huge, big splash” will help get us over the hump in regards to an event, gathering or ministry. Yet, as seen throughout Scripture, Faithfulness is not about the “big” production or that life changing element. Yes, those things are a part of the ministry “pie.” However, it is the day to day following of Christ that leads to faithfulness, as you can’t have one without the other. Just because you do the “big” thing does not make someone spiritual or even more faithful then another individual. Heck, there will be people better at one than the other, as we all have different spiritual gifts. What makes the difference is the attitude, the “long obedience in one direction.” It all comes down to, will you keep going, no matter what?
When I was playing basketball in high school, my attitude dictated the rest of the season. I would even argue that it changed my life, the decision to follow through with the commitment with a better attitude than anyone could imagine. It was and is all about attitude. When it comes to faithfulness and excellence, will you do whatever it takes to be faithful, knowing that that is excellent in the eyes of the Lord?
Do you thirst to be thirsty? Is an adequate, final question, as your attitude of wanting faithfulness and excellence will play a pivotal and life altering role in your quest.

Kung Fu Panda 2, Pirates and X-Men First Class

I had been asked and told by several friends that i needed to get back on the "movie review wagon," as i was thought dead due to my inability to get some reviews out there. So here goes, not just one movie review, but 3, and in only 4 paragraphs.

First up is the delightful, no, "bodasiously awesome" Kung Fu Panda 2. This movie has a few tricks up its sleeve. First, it is much better than the first because the story deals with the human condition that all of us must come to terms with: Where did i come from? While the first movie was solid and dealt with purpose and how to fit in, this movie focuses on who we choose to be once we know our origins or family history. With Jack Black returning as Po, this movie has the voice talent squared away. As if that weren't enough, Gary Oldman nearly steals the show with his villainy. He portrays the peacock Lord Shen, who was turned away by his parents, and thus, tries to over take China with what appears to be a canon like weapon. It is not until Jack Black learns to find "inner peace" that he can defeat this evil...peacock. Again, this movie is solid and will be an enjoying evening for the whole family, so go see it...and don't pay for 3D, as it is excellent in 2D. As my buddy Austin Thingvall says, "Rango is still better," Kung Fu Panda 2 is still "Supremely cool."

Up next is the movie everyone has seen, but will still earn millions because, well, "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow...savvy?" Yep, Jack is back with the fourth installment of "Pirates." I can't believe i'm saying it, but this movie is solid, will entertain and should have been the rightful sequel. The "Dead Man's Chest" movie was way too long, made no sense and was never really resolved anything. This movie, while still sending a huge "Deja vu" vibe, is straight forward: Jack and everyone else want to find the fountain of youth. Jack, of course, has a new cast and some funny lines as he goes about his voyage. As long as Jack Sparrow is played by the excellent, don't-take-him-for-granite-Johnny Depp, this franchise will always have something to smile about. Anyway, the movie gets 3 out of 5 stars because it is enjoyable and is not nearly as long as the other ones. But again, it is not until one of the characters finds themselves or has "the right motives" can the fountain of youth be found. Hmmm....this is a pattern....

Finally, the best for last: X-Men: First Class. This movie is truly a delight. First, it not only "remakes" the series, but it gives each character a decent story that we can relate with, while also feeling fresh. I may not like Magneto, but hey, i can't hate him either. I mean, wow, his family was murder in an internment camp and he was used as a weapon. Magneto is played by the excellent Michael Fassbender. When he grimaces, i sense a bit of hate, anger and confusion, which i find myself relating to, if i were in his shoes. James McAvoy plays Xavier before he becomes Professor X, and he lends a great sense of charisma and charm to the role. I truly enjoyed seeing the two friends work together to better the world. However, this is also the biggest fault of the movie. These two have great ideas and discussions, two of which could have truly helped define the series for several movies, had the writers allowed the discussion and dialogue to continue. Instead, we get two quick discussions and then battles. When will Hollywood understand that it is the characters and their internal drive that makes movies, not CGI? Spider Man 2 and The Dark Knight set the standard, but this movie could have been up there with them, had McAvoy and Fassbender been given the chance, especially since many of there scenes revolve around the two playing chess. I mean, talk about symbolism that can be used. This is where Mike Nolan is truly becoming a visionary director. Batman became a Christ like figure because he took on someone else's crimes. But i digress... Anyway, the movie revolves around Kevin Bacon wanting to start a massive war, which will lead to mutatants being the final new "rulers." Magneto agrees with Bacon, but can't join him until he kills him, because well, you can't join the team or leader that killed your mother when you were 10. While the movies is solid and fits nicely into the overall whole of the series with Patrick Steward and Hugh Jackman, the issue of what is inside man permeates this movie, as well as the other. Xavier tells Magneto--while playing chess--that "we have it in us to be the better man," while Magneto argues that "We already are."

I want to pause here and say that i have been quite pleased with movies this year. First, while many are cliches and plain dumb, they have cut back on the vulgarity. All 3 of these films, while violent at times, cut back on the swearing and promiscuity. Yes, Xavier flirts with girls, but he is "torn down" by his sister for such an act, which is good. Jack Sparrow actually saves a girl, while a mermaid actually helps a pastor in Pirates. Yes, the philosophy of Hollywood should always be questioned, these movies at least show a bit of restraint. With that in mind, I want to veer off and ask: Can we find inner peace, as all of these movies imply? Do we have it in us to be better?
The answer is NO! We can't be better because we are evil by our very nature. We lie, cheat, steal and covet on a daily basis. On a "good day" we have still done things that are harmful, both to ourselves and others. It is not until we believe that Christ can change us through His death on the cross that we will begin to see our lives in a new way. Again, as i have been harping on for the past few weeks, it is not until we have a new mindset that we can begin to see things in ourselves that we must change, which comes because Christ died for those evil things in us. We can change because He has the power to change us. Period. Without Christ, "Hope and Change" or "Inner Peace" are simply bumper stickers.

Enjoy the shows!


-to god be the glory for great things he has done!

Intentional Excellence

For the past three months I have been praying, reading and faithfully searching for answers to numerous issues in youth ministry. None more so than that of “excellence.” As I continue to delve into the Word, youth resources and good old Google, I continually come up with a word that is more important than excellence: Intentional. The more I read and study, the more I see the word “intentional.” My studies began with Mark DeVries book "Sustainable Youth Ministries," before shifting to lunch and dinner with two other youth workers. Now matter what I read or who I spoke with, the word “Intentional” became synonmous with that of Excellence. Maybe it is my Master's in litertaure and all the hours teachers bashed into my head, “When you see it more than twice, it's an important word.” It could also be my paranoia. Whatever the case, I am not joking when I say I pulled random articles from “Group” Magazine and there was that word again. So, I began thinking, does the Bible show us Intentional Excellence? Of course it does. Where? The best book ever: Proverbs.

In Proverbs, there is a very small, but profoud verse that encompasses much of the work youth workers must do. Proverbs 14:4 says that “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of oxen.” Many scholars have disected and drawn conclusions on this small verse. My favorite is The Ryrie Study Bible in which the note says, “There is no milk without some manure. Some disturbance is the price of growth and accomplishment.” My take is much like that of Mark DeVries in Intentional Youth Ministry: “You have to work hard to get the product you want...because your ministry is drawn up to give you the results you want.” Wow! Based on the principles in this powerful verse and the ministries I am a part of, you have to get dirty to really see some growth. In the context of Proverbs, oxen were invaluable tool in the process of running a farm and helping produce a harvest that one could live off of. How does that connect with youth workers? In several ways, the most important being: You gotta roll up your sleeves and dive in. I have come up with 5 things that Youth Workers must be Intentional about in order to obtain the Excellence they want to see in ministry: Relationships, Quiet Time, Changing Culture, Parents and Kids. The other ideas/items that could fit into this mold of intentionality can probably be put into one of these.

When we look at Proverbs 14:4, one will quickly notice that an oxen is a huge tool when it comes to a farm and producing the crop we want. Likewise, as youth workers, we need the tools that help create excellence, knowing full well that being intentional about our work will result in God's harvest. Practically speaking that means we must have our own oxen/tool, the most important tool being a solid Bible and the self control to have a quiet time numerous times in the week. Doug Fields has written many books and articles about youth workers and their first two years at their current church. He notes that the most important thing one can do is slow down and focus on Christ, which must be done intentinally, as we can't abide in Christ if we are doing things on our own. The problem is we become intentional in “doing things” because we were “hired to hangout with kids.” Sadly, this leads to a lack of excellence...our “manure” is not connected to the oxen, in a metaphorical sense. We must be intentional about our time with Christ, knowing it is vital to all that we do as an individual in Christ. It is not ironic that a few verses later, we read that “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Stern words. Are we being intentional in our quiet time? Mark DeVries writes that the “most powerful resource we have for lasting change is to initiate change in ourselves first, which comes only through time with Christ.”

As I was having lunch with Pastor Joe, he said, “Relationships have to be intentional.” I asked what that meant. “You have that specific question that breaks your time up...that awkward, must-think-about things-moment when you are hanging out with kids.” Wow! That blew my mind. It shouldn't, but it did. Throughout the New Testament, Christ was intentional about meeting and asking questions of people, most notably, the woman at the well in John 4. In John Maxwell's Leadership Bible, he writes that Jesus showed, as a leader, the “Law of Connection,” that is, Leaders initate the contact with others. They are intentional about challenging others to be better than they are. There is that word again. Intentional. Are the relationships I have formed intentional in challenging people to grow in Christ, but avoiding a condemning tone towards others? Christ never condemned the woman at the well.

If intentional relationships are vital for our ministry, than think about this principle in terms of parents and children. If you are a parent, the prinicpal of “cow manure” is HUGE when it comes to raising your child. You must be intentional about teaching God's truth to your student because one day there will be a final exam. What is sad is the intentional attutde many have in regards to their finances or personal TV time, yet neglect the “heart work” that this powerful Proverb reveals. We think that kids will just “turn out” or if “we get them enough church” they will somehow turn into great believers for Christ. Andy Stanley writes a provacative challenge to parents in his book Principle of the Path: Too many of us treat our spirititual lives and that of our kids as if they were automobiles. We wait for the red engine light to flash before we make a change. But by then, it's too late. The teen years are when parents see what they have invested in their children. Sadly, many try and cram spiritual things into their kids during these years, hoping it will work, but you can't cram a human being like you cram for a math test.” Ouch. Those words hurt me and I don't even have kids! Larry Fowler writes that as he was on a flight to a conference, he ran into a man who specilized in financial planning for compaines, yet he had never sat down with his wife and come up with a plan for raising their children. It was a devastating, awkward and life changing flight for the financial planner. He quickly set up a plan for spiritually raising his kids. But the important thing to remember about kids and parents is being intentional in meeting and encouraging them.

Finally, in regards to intentionality, there is the idea of culture. I don't mean political culture or even Hollywood culture, as we can't change that. However, we can change the culture that surrounds our church, if we are intentional in asking the tough questions: What are people saying about us? Why don't people come back? Remember, we have to get into the manure and engage in making that oxen work for us if we are to produce the product we want. Mark Devries writes that while youth workers can never stop students from attending sports instead of youth group, we can create a culture that makes it tough for them to miss. He compares this to a greenhouse: “We can create an environment in which growth and change are probable...think greenhouse. The right temperature, light, food, and water supply produce living things. We can't control busy kids, complaining parents or demanding senior pastors. But we can take and build upon little victories that slowly build until the culture has been changed.” We can plant, water and buy vitamins, but ultimately, God is the one who brings who He wants. What a fascinating metaphor that brillantly brings these other elements together. We can create, through intentional means, an atmopshere that promotes the raising of godly families and children. We can create an atmosphere where relationships are at the forefront of engaging dialogue, much like Christ with the woman at the well.

As I continue to research and study what it means to be intentional, the one thing I have continually come across is the regrets youth workers have when it comes their life and ministry. Nathan Kilgore wrote an article “The 5 things I could've done better.” Number 1? Being intentional in relationships, from discipleship to better probing questions, this man's number one regret is Intional. Believe it or not, if you/we want excellence, it starts right here: Being intentional in all that you do for Christ. He is the source of Excellence, and if we want it, He has given us the model and means to acquire it, we just have to get dirty and not scoff at the idea of being near manure.

Man, I better get to work. But not before I connect with the true vine.
Intentional Andrew :)