Movie Musing: Seven Pounds

I recently saw the Will Smith's new movie Seven Pounds. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who has not yet seen the movie, so I will limit my comments at this time to a general observation. This movie is a profoundly sad description of life apart God, from grace and from forgiveness. And a poignant reminder that those who refuse to live in the Kingdom where there is kindness for the undeserving, must needs live in the kingdom where only the deserving are blessed. And for the record, the latter kingdom is a place where I could not survive even for a moment. As a metaphor for God's Kingdom the movie fails miserably. But as a foil for the Kingdom of Heaven it succeeds marvelously. Since seeing Seven Pounds I have been wonderfully provoked to thankfulness for God's "amazing grace" not by what the movie gave me, but rather by what it could not possibly give me.

Modern Worship and Madison Avenue

Almost a year ago I attended a pastors's conference where it was asserted that the problem with modern worship music was neither it's newness nor the instruments used to accompany the singing of God's people. Rather, it was asserted, the primary problem with modern worship music was it's striking similarity to the jingles produced by the advertisement gurus on Madison Avenue. After watching the video below, I realized that Tim Hawkins most likely reached the same conclusion, not theologically or philosophically, but rather, just musically. Enjoy/Weep.

Christmas Romp Up Dry Gulch

Click here to view a slideshow of our Christmas romp up Dry Gulch (formerly Canon Gold Mine area) just west of Wenatchee. Enjoy.

Christmas Acapella Fun and Artistry

These guys (Straight No Chaser) are amazing! Merry Christmas.

Josiah's MBA Graduation!!!

Our eldest, Josiah, just graduated from Boise State University with his Masters of Business Administration (MBA.) Click here to view some pictures of that joyous occasion.

Very Creative, Very Funny

Not all will get the nod to "The Six Million Dollar Man" but it's still quite funny. Enjoy.

Saddle Rock Boogie

If the weather is anywhere near decent, this is my twice-week-hike in the hills just west of Wenatchee. It's a 40 minute hike up and down, but you can view it in less than seven minutes. Enjoy.

Of Pumas and Cravasses

Clan Helsel, collectively, has a very strange sense of humor. Watching this video gave me some insight into some of our familial weirdness. Enjoy.