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The Beatitudes
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew Chapter 5 (Revised Standard Version)
I cannot seem to write any words at this time. I am praying for and about a lot of things and a lot of poeple right now. I thought I'd leave a post with some words of Jesus that sometimes are all to forgoten.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Fahrenheit 9/11
This is pretty interesting, from Yahoo! News: 'Fahrenheit 9/11' Tops $8M in First Day
Last night Jenn and I went to see Fahrenheit 9/11 at the only theater in NW Arkansas that was showing the film. To our suprise the movie was sold out for the first show we attempted to go to. Later, we learned that all 4 shows at the theater sold out at least 2 hours before each show. Thankfully, we did get tickets to a showing.
I've mentioned it before, I am not a huge Michael Moore fan. I had some issues particularly with his movie Bowling for Columbine and with some of this actions outside of movies. However, I believe that he (as do all Americans) have the right to free speech...but on to the movie...
This movie was very powerful. I do not believe everything the movie claims, but I also do not discount it. The movie questions the Bush family and bin Laden family relationship. It also questions the reasons for attacking Iraq as opposed to going after Al Qaeda with full force. The movie is also very emotional as Moore interviews soldiers in Iraq as well as families of soldiers.
There are many places where Moore lets people speak for themselves. Moore shows us the clips of Bush and administration that the news will not. (Have you ever wondered what someone says after or before a soundbite?) Moore also follows around two Marine Corps recruiters on their trip around Moore's home town of Flint, MI. I think the movie was put together better than Bowling for Columbine and I think it will have more of an impact too.
I would recommend seeing this film. I do not think anyone must believe everything that is said, but I would suggest those who are "upset" about the movie to go see it before they make judgement.
This is pretty interesting, from Yahoo! News: 'Fahrenheit 9/11' Tops $8M in First Day
Last night Jenn and I went to see Fahrenheit 9/11 at the only theater in NW Arkansas that was showing the film. To our suprise the movie was sold out for the first show we attempted to go to. Later, we learned that all 4 shows at the theater sold out at least 2 hours before each show. Thankfully, we did get tickets to a showing.
I've mentioned it before, I am not a huge Michael Moore fan. I had some issues particularly with his movie Bowling for Columbine and with some of this actions outside of movies. However, I believe that he (as do all Americans) have the right to free speech...but on to the movie...
This movie was very powerful. I do not believe everything the movie claims, but I also do not discount it. The movie questions the Bush family and bin Laden family relationship. It also questions the reasons for attacking Iraq as opposed to going after Al Qaeda with full force. The movie is also very emotional as Moore interviews soldiers in Iraq as well as families of soldiers.
There are many places where Moore lets people speak for themselves. Moore shows us the clips of Bush and administration that the news will not. (Have you ever wondered what someone says after or before a soundbite?) Moore also follows around two Marine Corps recruiters on their trip around Moore's home town of Flint, MI. I think the movie was put together better than Bowling for Columbine and I think it will have more of an impact too.
I would recommend seeing this film. I do not think anyone must believe everything that is said, but I would suggest those who are "upset" about the movie to go see it before they make judgement.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Supporting Contrary Ideas
I am not the biggest Michael Moore fan (as I have mentioned before), however, I do not think his film Fahrenheit 9/11(nor any film) should be censored because of the political beliefs it exposes. I believe theater owners can and should choose which films they show, but it should be obvious that this film (and others of various political beliefs) will make money for the theater if shown.
Do I believe this film is all true? No. Nothing created by humans can be absolutely true. Do I believe in all the beliefs this film exposes? I've not seen it yet, so I don't know. Do I think people have the right to political speech in the United States? Yes, to think otherwise is against the U.S. Constitution and is unPatriotic.
I am not the biggest Michael Moore fan (as I have mentioned before), however, I do not think his film Fahrenheit 9/11(nor any film) should be censored because of the political beliefs it exposes. I believe theater owners can and should choose which films they show, but it should be obvious that this film (and others of various political beliefs) will make money for the theater if shown.
Do I believe this film is all true? No. Nothing created by humans can be absolutely true. Do I believe in all the beliefs this film exposes? I've not seen it yet, so I don't know. Do I think people have the right to political speech in the United States? Yes, to think otherwise is against the U.S. Constitution and is unPatriotic.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Tales of This and That
Sometimes we get so trapped in our own material concerns that we forget that there is another world out there. I work and study at a university. Typically I do not have a whole lot of interaction with folks who are not educated (have at least a HS diploma) and/or who are poor. But in reality there are thousands upon thousands of people whom I never run across simply because I get so into the "university life". Sometimes I hate the fact that I interact with the minority of the population...
I am currently in a time of great transition. I hope and pray for only the best...
Sometimes we get so trapped in our own material concerns that we forget that there is another world out there. I work and study at a university. Typically I do not have a whole lot of interaction with folks who are not educated (have at least a HS diploma) and/or who are poor. But in reality there are thousands upon thousands of people whom I never run across simply because I get so into the "university life". Sometimes I hate the fact that I interact with the minority of the population...
I am currently in a time of great transition. I hope and pray for only the best...
Friday, June 11, 2004
From Yahoo! News: Music Legend Ray Charles Dies
Ray Charles had a definite impact on the music that that I listen to, and is a big reason that some wonderful music exists today. He is an influence who will be missed. He is now in a better place.
Ray Charles had a definite impact on the music that that I listen to, and is a big reason that some wonderful music exists today. He is an influence who will be missed. He is now in a better place.
Monday, June 07, 2004
A Must Read
The influential American author and the always witty Kurt Vonnegut writes "But I know now that there is not a chance in hell of America’s becoming humane and reasonable. Because power corrupts us, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Human beings are chimpanzees who get crazy drunk on power. By saying that our leaders are power-drunk chimpanzees, am I in danger of wrecking the morale of our soldiers fighting and dying in the Middle East? Their morale, like so many bodies, is already shot to pieces. They are being treated, as I never was, like toys a rich kid got for Christmas."
"Cold Turkey" from In These Times. Check out the whole piece, Vonnegut has some very interesting words of wisdom.
The influential American author and the always witty Kurt Vonnegut writes "But I know now that there is not a chance in hell of America’s becoming humane and reasonable. Because power corrupts us, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Human beings are chimpanzees who get crazy drunk on power. By saying that our leaders are power-drunk chimpanzees, am I in danger of wrecking the morale of our soldiers fighting and dying in the Middle East? Their morale, like so many bodies, is already shot to pieces. They are being treated, as I never was, like toys a rich kid got for Christmas."
"Cold Turkey" from In These Times. Check out the whole piece, Vonnegut has some very interesting words of wisdom.
Presidential Passing
By now the insane amount of media coverage should have seeped through to even the least aware of America regarding the death of former President Ronald Reagan. I will admit, I am not nor have ever been a Reagan fan. However, I do respect the man for the impact he has made on the United States and the world. However, I do question why many in the media and elsewhere are talking about how this is such a sad time for America. My prayers are with his family and friends as they mourn the loss of a loved one, but I do not think it sad that a man who lived a rich and full life and has been suffering for at least 10 years with a horrible disease is finally at peace and now in a much better place. This is not something to be sad about at all. His accomplishments should be celebrated (as should those of anyone who has had such a life). I have seen my grandmother go through a similar struggle with Parkinson’s disease. I will be very sad when she passes, but I will also be so happy that she is no longer suffering and that she is with my grandfather again.
By now the insane amount of media coverage should have seeped through to even the least aware of America regarding the death of former President Ronald Reagan. I will admit, I am not nor have ever been a Reagan fan. However, I do respect the man for the impact he has made on the United States and the world. However, I do question why many in the media and elsewhere are talking about how this is such a sad time for America. My prayers are with his family and friends as they mourn the loss of a loved one, but I do not think it sad that a man who lived a rich and full life and has been suffering for at least 10 years with a horrible disease is finally at peace and now in a much better place. This is not something to be sad about at all. His accomplishments should be celebrated (as should those of anyone who has had such a life). I have seen my grandmother go through a similar struggle with Parkinson’s disease. I will be very sad when she passes, but I will also be so happy that she is no longer suffering and that she is with my grandfather again.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
A Campus Overrun
Living only minutes away from the headquarters of the World’s Largest Corporation (WLC) can have its perks (the economy here is quite good when compared with the rest of the country). But, when the place where you work and go to school is overrun by (or willingly given to) the shareholders of said WLC it gets a little crazy. With vendors giving away things like MP3 players XBOXs and shareholders getting to experience a big name musical act performing just for them it seems as if my university has transformed into WLCU (which could already said, but I disagree with). Now I am not the biggest fan of the WLC (not by a long shot), but they are an example of American consumerism at its finest. Although not the best role model for workers rights, the WLC does participate in a good deal of philanthropy, which is more than I can say for the World’s 3rd Largest Brewer of Beer which happens to reside in my home state of Colorado (the current man in charge is currently running for U.S. Senate, which is laughable. He says he is an average Coloradoan. What? No average Coloradoan I know had their family's multi-million dollar corporation handed to them on a silver platter). But enough on that…
Living only minutes away from the headquarters of the World’s Largest Corporation (WLC) can have its perks (the economy here is quite good when compared with the rest of the country). But, when the place where you work and go to school is overrun by (or willingly given to) the shareholders of said WLC it gets a little crazy. With vendors giving away things like MP3 players XBOXs and shareholders getting to experience a big name musical act performing just for them it seems as if my university has transformed into WLCU (which could already said, but I disagree with). Now I am not the biggest fan of the WLC (not by a long shot), but they are an example of American consumerism at its finest. Although not the best role model for workers rights, the WLC does participate in a good deal of philanthropy, which is more than I can say for the World’s 3rd Largest Brewer of Beer which happens to reside in my home state of Colorado (the current man in charge is currently running for U.S. Senate, which is laughable. He says he is an average Coloradoan. What? No average Coloradoan I know had their family's multi-million dollar corporation handed to them on a silver platter). But enough on that…
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