November 27, 2012

1. I think you don't build sons simply in the house; rather, you build sons hunting on the creek, working in the yard, or playing on the football field. Likewise, you don't build disciples simply in the "House of God." No, you build disciples hunting on the Creek, at the work place, playing on the football field, or in YOUR house.

2. Sorry to see last week that we lost actor Larry Hagman; I guess this was no shock considering he cheated death a couple of times before. While acutely aware of the DALLAS spectacle, I must admit I have never seen an episode in my life.

3. While I’m no fan of Notre Dame, I’ve got to salute the Fighting Irish on their season—really remarkable. I think they have a chance to defeat either Alabama or Georgia in the BCS title game.

4. My daughter, Haleigh, and I saw the movie LINCOLN last week. We both enjoyed it very much.

         I found it different from what I expected it to be. Steven Spielberg so often directs movies that generate a lot of emotion: think E.T., or SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. Emotion was what I was expecting with LINCOLN. Instead, it was a much more analytical movie. The plot focused on Lincoln’s intense effort to get the 13th amendment passed by Congress. That was thought provoking, but not very emotional. Nevertheless, there were some very poignant moments.

         For example, scenes of Lincoln walking around the White House during the middle of the night… pondering his next move in a chess match in which he appears to be beaten.

         Also, I found the portrayal of the intense personal atmosphere of the White House of the 1860s to be touching. People flocked in constantly. There were very few places the First Family could go for respite. You have the sense that the whole world was closing in on the Lincolns. (I’m sure that was a big reason Lincoln would often retreat to the Soldiers Home—outside Washington—during the summer.)

         Daniel Day Lewis does an incredible job as Abraham Lincoln. I would not be surprised to see him garner his third best actor Oscar. Furthermore, Spielberg would be no surprise as best director and LINCOLN would be no surprise to win best picture.

         I think you should go see the movie.

5. I think that if you like popular music, the song “Little Talk”, by the Icelandic band, OF MONSTERS AND MEN is a whole lot of fun.

*Thanks to Peter King for the inspiration for this title.