Another Movie List

It was bound to happen - top 10 movie list and why.

No particular order, it's hard to order things sometimes.

I wouldn't recommend this list for kids under 17, but I appreciate the theme and movie content for it's depth.

Ten Favorite Movies

1. BraveHeart - It's noble, masculine and inspiring. If you have an inkling of a man's heart you almost could don a skirt and pick up a broadsword after seeing this movie. You might even weep as a man...warrior poet.

2. Passion of Christ - Gritty realism. This movie moved me to my soul and heart. It's the story redemption and God's sacrificial love for us.

3. Lord of the Rings - Mythical on a grand scale. There's so many noble qualities in this movie and touches the human emotion at ever level.

4. Remember the Titans - Against all odds, and what brotherhood means.

5. Nacho Libre - I could watch this over, and over. It really tickles me as a fresh movie with some hilarious moments.

6. Empire Strikes Back - Any male with a bit of boyness must love SOME STAR WARS movie. This was is the best for me in light of storyline and just good popcorn fun.

7. Last of the Mohicans - Daring vision of the wilderness and man's place in it. It's beautifully rich in the characters, love and sacrifice. Great theme of good and evil.

8. Gladiator - Behind every man's strength is what's important to him - service, honor, family and his love. Don't take it away from any man, but respect him. One of the few rated R movies that actually made me cry because I so identify with Maximus' pain.

9. Monsters Inc - Beautiful animation, sweet and lovely. I don't know why I choked up with that "Boo?" scene....sheesh. I think it's the 'daddy's heart' in me.

10. Schindler's List - words fail me. Spielberg's best film, in my opinion.

Wedding reflections

With the wedding approaching, there are alot of people to thank, but the early person that made such a difference on me was my dad. I didn't get to know my dad much - he was a private man, but the things he told me marked me as the man I am today.

My dad's greatest contribution to me was he embraced the idealism and opportunity of America. He came over at the age of 16 alone and eventually bought a house, got three kids into college and raised three solid citizens.

My dad taught me:

* We will cherish, value and honored the principles of the United States.
The freedoms that we have in this country inspired patriotism in me. My dad told me how he ran from the Communists and Japanese during WWII. He knew what it meant to live without freedom and under persecution. I love this country because of my father. Lessons short, simple and unforgettable.

* We will speak English in this country.
For immigrants who come to this country and fail to embrace the language of this land it's a robbery to themselves and this country. I can speak from experience the most admired people I've met are immigrants who embraced this language and the opportunities that exist in this country. My most memorable inspiration: a Mexican father who immigrated from Mexico who was a roofer who worked sixty to seventy hours a week. Put his daughter through Princeton University, and his son will be an engineer. His English was superb because he was a student in life.

* Old fashioned values with American principles
I bleed more American pie than some of my blonde haired friends, but I am certainly different in the Old World principles. I have an older soul in cherishing history's lessons and embracing the beacon of hope that constantly shine in this country.

Thank you dad.

FAVORITE STUFF

Michele and I have been going over our bridal registry, and it got me thinking.

What do I really MUST HAVE or think every man needs? Here's a few of my favorite things and why.

1. A Bible - Deluxe Tyndale Cowhide - butter soft cover
Why: Life is not without sadness, questions, or troubles. I cannot exist without this amazing book. Everything about life - children, afterlife, hope, love, and all the amazing things God has in store is in this book (helps with a great leather cover)

2. Good friends
Why: Without some of my friends in my life, I don't know where I can be. You don't need alot of them, but you need good ones.

3. Boots - Ariat black ropers
Why: Looks great with jeans, or with a suit. It's simple, versatile and incredible comfortable. I bought mine three years ago, and never had to buy a dress shoe and no dress shoe is more comfy than boots. Never goes out of fashion.

4. A MacBook Pro 15"
Why: It's a technology world and if you want to email or go surf on the net, you will not find a better laptop to take with you. No spyware, or virus problems. Durable, and beautifully designed.

5. A good pen.
Why: It's a very simple and inexpensive pleasure. My pen is the Pilot 500 extra fine. Yes, I do have a fetish for pens.

6. A good PDA phone - Palm Treo.
Why: Isn't it nice to not carry a phone, address book, notepad with you everywhere? Get smart and organized. Save time and spend time on things you love.

7. A good pair of jeans and slacks. Levi 550s.
Why: You want to feel comfortable and looks good. Levis fits well.

8. TIVO - DVR
Why? You shouldn't be slave to your tv schedule. Watch TV WHEN and WHAT you want.

9. A multi-functioning knife.
Why? A man needs to act. Be it opening a package, or opening a ticking nuke bomb...every man needs a good knife at sometime in his life.

10. A good beverage - Starbucks coffee with a shot of soy milk, peppermint Teranzo syrup and two teaspoon of sugar.
Cheap, simple and pleasureable to start your day.

Miracle!

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Michele's cousin. Her husband was essentially preparing to die. There was a hole in his colon, and the options for curing this problem were risky. Hope was hanging by a glass edge.

Then a miracle happened.

Doctors did a MRI. They confirmed it with numerous tests.

The hole has been sealed up. The doctors don't know how it worked. The doctors can't explain it.

Michele and I have been praying and enlisted the prayer support of some heavy hitters out there. In addition Michele's grandmother made a miraculous recovery too.

Another time of reflection to see the hand of God. Even if you didn't believe in God, how can you explain doctors who are right in the thick of it shrug their shoulders?

I have firmly believe there is always hope. A favorite line was from Lord of the Rings with Aragorn, facing incredible odds assured a young soldier. With resolute determination in his eyes, Aragorn gripped the soldier's shoulder, "There IS ALWAYS hope."

Michele and I have firmly planted a foundation that we start our day in prayer. For our families, our country, our world, our soldiers.

Amen.

Thank you Father.

Worship to Check Out

FEED ME!

MIchele and I have been looking for a new church.

Long story short: concerned about leadership structure and integrity issues. I've experienced this before, and don't want to see that happen again. Lord knows it's difficult. BUT I'm smart enough to know without preaching and fellowship I'd be wasting away.

So Michele and I set aside couple listening times to supplement our "spiritual feed' with podcasts, audio via iTunes. We both need the strength, refreshment, encouragement from God.

LEARN TO BE A HEATHEN! - A Christian heathen - passionately preached by John Piper.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DGSermonAudio

THROW IN GEORGE CARLIN AND GOOD SOUND PREACHING - Mark Driscoll - it's fun listening to him and you will be challenged
http://rss.marshillchurch.org/mhcsermonaudio

OLDIE BUT GOODIE - Dr. James Dobson, you might not agree with everything he says, but he is sincerely helping families and marriages. I have found a wealth of information for personal and family relationship.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=135529202

My Life - being productive

http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/


**

People ask me how do you stay organize? It freaked Michele out when she found out I look at six month and one year planning. I'm a long-range planner. Lately, with the wedding I've slacked off a bit, but I'm getting my grip back on the track again.

A motivational speaker told me, "The most powerful thing in someone's life is the ability to make a choice and see things happen."

In order for that to happen, I can't live without my Palm Treo to write down my calendar, and now, I am going back also with my Franklin Planner. The need to review, and plan saves money and time. It's crazy to do things several times over.

Each day, I'm finding the need to re-charge, re-focus, and re-sharpen.

One of the best websites for personal sharpening is the BLOG of Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing.
Check him out.

Culture and what we are thinking...

Last weekend, Michele and I went to visit her niece's 1st birthday.

Ella is pretty cute, and sweet. Her brother is smart, a ball of energy and laser precision.

Just with our upcoming marriage on our mind and being at Ella's birthday, it dawn on me: society really don't value kids.
You can find this in culture itself.

Songs - just scan the songs on the billboard charts. It's all about the things that a man, or woman is concerned with: Love. Sex. Me.

Movies - a billion dollar industry that appeals more to adults than kids, but G-rated movies gross more money and are less of a gamble than rated-R adult movies.

Nanny 911 - Michele and I couldn't help chuckle at this show seeing parents who haven't a clue to lead a household. You find out parents who are burned-out, wasted, and almost ready to give up. In all the shows we found many times the mother and father just flat-out quit on the ideal of parenting. Marriage does reveal something in us: our selfishness. If you want to do what you want - stay single and don't get involved. Get involved you'll reach a place where you must be more sacrificial. That's why there are vows.

(Sidenote: every family has problems when the dad fails as a leader in taking a pro-active approach and checked out as a dad).

I told Michele already, I want one year of selfishness before our litttle ones come. :O)

Recipe for love

I gave you the list of songs to hunt - you need to find your sweetie,chocolates and roses.