Movie Reviews

We have seen an unusually high number of movies the last few weeks, both at the theater and on DVD. Most have been good but some not quit so:

At the Theater=
Norbit: an ultimately-happy-ending geek-gets-beauty story that we've seen before. Probably better to wait and rent the DVD on this one and save your cash.

Because I Said So: surprisingly touching story about the single mother of 3 adult daughters' and the youngest daughter's search for the right guy. Lauren Graham has a seriously fine...well, see the movie and you'll know what I mean. I liked this one.

Music and Lyrics: a little slow in spots but it's worth it to see Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore play off each other. Some good music in this one.

Ghost Rider: I loved it. What blew me away was my Beautiful Wife liked it too. Lots of action without any blood and gore. Don't take little kid's, though, they will probably wet their pants. Just wish Sam Eliot had more screen time.

On DVD=
Flicka: pretty good. A little bumpy and forced in spots...tries too hard to be another 'Horse Whisperer'. If you compare it to that it falls FLAT. The actors aren't very convincing or very good horseman according to my Beautiful Wife. Overall the scenery is good and my wife loved the focus on horses.

John Tucker Must Die: as far as teen movies go i guess it's above average. Moves at a fast clip, never bogs down, and ultimately has a good message in the end.

The Break-Up: very good. Very funny moments but a serious subject. Vince Vaughn is hysterical (he had to have improved a vast majority of his lines) then brings it right back down to earth. Jennifer Aniston is cute as ever (Brad Pitt is a fool). Overall this movie is very believable and shows what happens when we try to play games and one-up each other in our relationships.

Season 1 of the Best TV Show of All Time: It's still as magical as it was 20 years ago. If you haven't, especially those of you who were a little too young to appreciate it then, check it out.

Whew---that's allot in just the last 4 weeks. Looking forward now to '300'. That should be very interesting. I have always been fascinated by the story of the Spartans. I hope it's better than 'Troy'. Also looking forward to the summer big ones: 'Spider Man 3' and 'Live Free or Die Hard'. Looks to be a pretty good summer.

Anyone know of anything else on the horizon that looks good?

One Year

Today begins the 2nd year of my BLOG. It was a year ago yesterday I made my first post. It generically described a stressful situation and tough decision I was responsible for.

Looking back at the consequences I can report that without a doubt it was the best thing for all involved. Lots of prayer went into that one.

As with the passage of any 12-month span allot has happened: happy, sad, life, death. The next will no doubt bring more of the same.

Thanks to everyone whose read my ramblings and thanks to all of you that have led by example on your blogs and taught me. Especially Laura, Allison, Jeremy, Dave and Russ If you haven't, check them out on the links to the right.

Looking forward to another wonderful year!

When I Die...

After last week I felt it time to update this. Some may find this really strange but last week I watched a friend's family struggle at times with the 'what would he have wanted done...' question while planning his memorial. I'm doing for my family what I wish my Dad, Mom and Brother had done for me: said what they wanted as a memorial. I've wondered for years if I did what they would have wanted. I hope this will help make it a little easier for mine when the time comes.

To my family and friends: just a suggestion...if there is something else you need to do for your peace and comfort do it...ultimately this is for you, not me.

First
If I went while riding a 2-wheeled vehicle, driving very fast, weightlifting, fishing, etc. then I died doing what I enjoyed.

Reception
Have a family visitations at the church the night before the funeral. Don't know if enough people will show up to justify the space but it's a place I felt comfortable and needed.

Next
Have a party...CELEBRATE...I finally made it off this broken world. I will have already had all kinds of wonderful reunions...and I'll be busy fishing 'that river' with' with Dad, Brother, and my Son so enjoy yourselves and being with each other. Don't be sad for me, If you're sad, be sad because I got to Heaven first and you're left behind. But remember...you can make it here too by accepting Jesus Christ as savior. You aren't giving up freedom, your choosing freedom. [If that turns some of you off, sorry. I can't help but tell the Beautiful News...if I wasn't willing to do that with my dying breath it wouldn't be much of a message, would it]

Coffin
Cheaper is better, but one request: make it solid black (gold or gray stripes are ok). And if you can find a 'Skull' decal like the blog logo stick that on the lid.

Funeral Attire
Everyone, including the pastor, wear jeans and casual shirts. Sandals, tennis shoes, cowboy boots, work boots: all ok. NO SUITS, TIES, DRESS WEAR of any kind, or FANCY DRESS SHOES, please. Relax and have fun.

Picture Slideshow
Seems in life I was always doing one of these things for others. I'm sure the Lord will provide someone to do it for me if it's meant to be. Remember, in the end it's all for you guys.

Music
Playlist for Before
Davy Crockett Alamo Speech by John Wayne
Good Ole Boys Like Me by Don Williams
Forever Afternoon, Tuesday? by the Moody Blues
Puff The Majic Dragon by Peter, Paul & Mary [I had to grow old but I refused to grow up]
Montana from Horse Whisperer
The Wedding from Legends of the Fall
Goodbyes from Legends of the Fall
The First Time I Love Forever by Lisa Angelle and Ron Perlman
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from Phantom Of The Opera [for my daughters]
What A Wonderful World [long version] by Louis Armstrong
Hallelujahs by Chris Rice
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Matt Redman
When All is Said and Done by Matt Redman
If You Know You're Loved by Matt Redman

No organ. Just good, old fashioned MP3's via computer, iPOD or whatever platform they've come up with by then...Amberle, you know where to find em'.

During the service
These were close to my heart:

Face Down by Matt Redman
Jesus, Lover Of My Soul (the one that starts out "It's all about you, Jesus...)
When All is Said and Done by Matt Redman
If You Know You're Loved by Matt Redman

(guitar/piano-etc. is ok but no organ)

Message
Don't pump sunshine up my skirt. Don't gloat about how wonderful I was 'cause I guranty you I could find some to get up and say how sorry I was. I was the 'chief of sinners'. Instead explain the cross and salvation by grace. You can make it straight and to the point, pastor. Take this opportunity to explain that life here is just preparation for life in Heaven. Then, give an Invitation (weird, I know, but I figure that at a time like this everyone's wondering "where will I go when it's my time?")

As People Leave
Amazing Grace Bagpipe version from Braveheart
Repeat playlist from the start.

In Memory

Kyle Williams

12-28-60
to
2-12-07

See you on the other side my friend...keep a seat warm for me. Thanks for everything.

"What is REAL?"...

...asked the Rabbit one day,
when they were lying side by side.
"Does it mean having things that buzz inside
you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse.
"It's a thing that happens to you.
When a child loves you for a long, long time,
not just to play with, but REALLY loves,
then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse,
for he was always truthful.
"When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,"
the Rabbit asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse.
"You become. It takes a long time.
That's why it doesn't often happen to people
who break easily, or have sharp edges,
or who have to be carefully kept.
Generally, by the time you are Real,
most of your hair has been loved off,
and your eyes drop out and you
get loose in the joints and very shabby.
But these things don't matter at all,
because once you are Real you can't be ugly,
except to people who don't understand."
"Once you are Real you can't become unreal again.
It lasts for always."

from 'The Velveteen Rabbit'

by Margery Williams

Happy Valentine's Day!