May
7
2012
This weekend, The Avengers earned the title of biggest movie release ever. And rightly so, it is the all-star game of superhero movies.
In 1978, Christopher Reeve stepped onto the silver screen in a pair of blue tights, and the modern superhero movie was born. Since then, a steady stream of cape-wearing tough guys have danced, or flown, across the big screen, fighting evil wherever it may exist. These movies catch the American mind. People line up at the theater to spend a few hours in Gotham City or Metropolis.
While they may be entertaining, and perhaps even a taste of nostalgia, superhero movies actually have a far more vital role to play in the cultural life of our great nation. Truly, you could say this purpose is why they really exist. Continue reading
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| posted in Funny posts
Apr
2
2012
Missionaries are taught to be culturally sensitive. We read books about it. We take classes in it. And, before we leave the country, we have to sit through an orientation on some compound out in the middle of the woods learning about it. For, the task of a missionary is to learn the language and culture of those to whom they are sent.
It is a principle more people need to learn.
Take for instance the newest culture. It is a global culture, one that spans international boundaries, space, and time. When Al Gore invented the internet, a small little world was birthed into existence. This world existed inside phone lines and computer servers, but that made it no less real. Continue reading
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| posted in Funny posts, Off Topic
Sep
5
2011
Great adventures need great transportation, and you, 15-passenger church van, taught youth groups everywhere what it meant to ride in style.
Jason and his team of heroes had the Argo, the X-Men had their Blackbird, the A-Team had Baracus and his van, and the Ninja Turtles had the Party Wagon. Yet, none of these rides held a candle to your power and elegance.
With muffler smoking and belts squealing, you struck fear into the hearts of parents everywhere. Cruising the streets on bald tires, you were more than an automobile, you were a symbol of hope in a dark world. For it was you who made church youth trips possible. Continue reading
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| posted in Funny posts, Here's to you!
Jul
14
2011
People do not smile enough.
It is certainly true where I live, and rightly so. I currently live in a world where life is harder than most anyone who reads this could imagine. If you are reading this, you are sitting in front of a computer. Even if its not your own, you at least have access to one. Day after day, the people here are fighting for existence. Many are wondering whether they will eat tomorrow. They live in sickness, disease and danger.
That does not leave a lot of room for smiling. Yet, despite their circumstances, the people here make room. One of the greatest gifts I have received in Africa is a smiling face. In a world that is so hard, few things are as valuable as experiencing moments of joy with a friend.
There is just something about seeing a face light up with happiness, eyes bright and teeth out of hiding. That is why I wrote these posts. Continue reading
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| posted in from Africa, Funny posts, Moments in time
Jun
27
2011
In war, a soldier must wear his armor. In the throws of battle, one must be able to identify friend from foe.
Enter the Christian t-shirt.
Blasting out the message of faith in full silk-screen style, you were masterpieces of poly-cotton blend art. Classy and thought-provoking, you challenged t-shirt readers everywhere with the full out, robust message of the gospel by stabbing their hearts with phrases as keen as, “Body piercing saved my life.” Continue reading
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| posted in from Africa, Funny posts, Here's to you!
Jun
5
2011
I saw you on Monday. I was in the cafeteria eating spaghetti with corn, and like an angel, you floated into the room, you and your posse of six other girls. It was love at first bite. As you stood in the lunch line, shining with radiant beauty, I made my move. I went for seconds of the corn. With all the suave and courage I could muster, I smiled at you as I passed through the wake of your awesomeness. I think you saw me. Yeah, I am pretty sure you saw me.
Continue reading
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| posted in from Africa, Funny posts, Here's to you!
May
11
2011
This past weekend I saw something I have not seen in a while.
It was Prayer Hands.
As you well know, Prayer Hands are the officially adopted prayer position of the western church. For time and memorial they have been emblazoned upon countless pieces of Jesus paraphernalia. As a child, this is the first of many prayer positions we learn. Our parents teach us to put our two hands together in this fashion as we kneel over our bed and thank God for our puppy and mud puddles. Continue reading
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| posted in from Africa, Funny posts, Off Topic
Apr
13
2011
Exploding onto the scene with trombones blazing, you gave youth group members everywhere a new way to stick out. If wallet chains and ringer tees with stupid logos were not enough, you added fuel to the “I am weird” fire. Your sound was reminiscent of a brass ensemble getting into a fight with a jaguar. Furthermore, you proved a bugle could indeed be a punk-rock instrument and running around like a mad chicken could be called dancing.
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| posted in from Africa, Funny posts, Here's to you!
Mar
26
2011
If you are too much older than I am, this post will probably seem absurd to you.
If you are too much younger than I am, this will not even make sense.
But if you who remember being excited about dc Talk’s first album and upset about their last, then this post is for you!
Ahh, the 1990s were an exciting time to be young and a Christian. And due to some recent nostalgia about my experiences at church camp, I have decided to periodically pay tribute to the things that made this decade great.
Here’s to you Christianity of the 90s! Continue reading
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| posted in from Africa, Funny posts, Here's to you!
Mar
21
2011
Why is church camp always at the beach?
When I was a kid, every time I would head off to some church camp for the summer, I was stuck off in the middle of the woods. It was usually some camp with a goofy, fake Indian name like Camp Wannahockaloogi, or something to that effect. An hour or more from civilization, we were forced to sleep in little wooden cabins, barrack style, and swat mosquitos all night. The closest we would get to a “beachfront” was that roped off area of the lake that was less green than the rest of it. Instead of going home with a tan, all we had to show for the week was a series of welts from the nightly towel fights. I usually lost those fights.
But nowadays, it seems more and more church camps are at the beach. Instead of packing insect repellent and hiking boots, kids throw their sunscreen and swimming trunks in a suitcase and head off for “Christians Ablaze,” “Spiritual Explosion,” or one of those other Christian events with a pyro-maniacal name. The church charter bus fills up with excited kids ready for a week or two of sun and sand. When it reaches its destination, it is usually some beachfront hotel where the kids will hear flashy speakers and great bands.
When this shift from the wilderness to the shore occurred, I was initially puzzled. Why would we move students from isolation to the middle of vacation central? Why would we take students away from blue jeans and briar thickets and move them to bikinis and beach volleyball? We decided to take our spiritual retreats to the same place MTV holds it spring break specials. What gives?
But then it hit me. Continue reading
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| posted in Discipleship, from Africa, Funny posts, Off Topic
