randomness

- I am the parent of a young lady in middle-school, does this mean I am old?
- The rush of the xmas season is worth fighting because the rush detracts from what could be a peaceful, rejuvenating time.
- Will wooden toys, like Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs, ever be popular again? All the electronic stores are CROWded.
- I witnessed a college guy serve, and it was totally self-directed. The church was not his outlet or venue of service. This is not uncommon in collegians.
- The balance of talking with people and preparing lessons is not easy to achieve, some weeks yes but other weeks nope.
- Best worst xmas joke: Q: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? A: Clausetrophobics. (groan)

The Pixar Touch

After getting this book from the library less than two weeks ago, I finished its' 262 pages on the same day as the 132-page challenge I've owned since late August. I know that says something about me but I'll worry about that later.

I enjoyed this look at the people and stories behind entertainment-giant Pixar. Two things impressed me: 1) passionate people can hang onto their vision in spite of crummy circumstances and 2) many types of people (computer geeks, accountants, story-tellers, CEOs, etc) can be driven more by the pursuit of significance/uniqueness than by the love of money.

My favorite Pixar movie is The Incredibles, followed closely by Toy Story 2 and Finding Nemo; everything else is nice but not in the same category. What's yours?

Book burning

I was so frustrated with how long it was taking me to finish reading Trinity & Triunity, I wanted to either finish it or burn it. But I finally reached the end! It'll actually stay on my shelf for awhile. Here is one paragraph that touched the driving idea of the entire book:

'The interrelationships that become evident in the study of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity shed light on the interrelationships of other Scriptural doctrines. This pattern of interrelationships is important in understanding many doctrines of Scripture. In the simple analogy of space (height, width, and length), each dimension is all of space, but without all three there is no space...Likewise, any concept of salvation that lacks the triune aspect of grace, faith, and good works is a denial of the truth' (p.77)

Earlier in the book, Heinze said something I totally agree with. While we may study aspects of salvation, or members of the Triunity, separately, they do not exist separately. These items must be taught, and thought about, in the light/context of each other; just as teaching of the New Testament must be in light of the Old Testament. Narrow doctrinal studies have their place but cannot be the end of doctrinal studies.

I bought the book for $1 and I wouldn't recommend it to everyone looking to learn more about the Trinity. But while it was tough to get through I appreciated the author's thoughts and I know that time looking at God's mysterious, supernatural and distinct nature is not time wasted. I am inspired by the uniqueness of our God! His nature/essence is beyond our comprehension and, yet, is woven into, and often visible, in all that he does.

post-turkey

I cast my vote for Best Thanksgiving Picture here:

miscellany #2

• Saw Britney Spears on GMA this morning. I don't know if I should feel glad for her because she's getting her life, or career, back together or sad that she's repositioned to propogate her version of femininity/sexuality. Also, I wonder if people are into her for who she is or if they are waiting for her to crash again.
• Been reading a little book (132 pgs) at a slow pace (some stuff is heady and has to be read twice). The book is 'Trinity & Triunity: Salvation and the Nature of the Godhead' by E. Charles Heinze. I intend to finish it this week...or I will burn it.
• Started another book on my 2008 to-read list 'The Present Future' by Reggie McNeal. Already encouraged by this thought in the first chapter - We (church leaders) are asking the wrong questions. And things won't change for the better until we do. I'm gonna like this book.
• Also, started reading 'The Pixar Touch'; interesting so far.
• I'm thankful for libraries.
• Love the low gas prices.