Monday, July 27, 2015

The Gospel According to Chuck


Gospel: literally,  "Good News". Generally refers to the biblical message concerning the kingdom of God, Salvation and the Messiah.

Chuck: One of our favorite Television shows ever about a computer geek who turns secret agent after a computer database is planted in his head and a gorgeous CIA operative is sent to be his handler.


Thanks to the wonders of Netflix, Diane and I have just finished watching the T.V. series Chuck for about the fourth time.

Full of unforgettable characters, such as Adam Baldwin's "John Casey", "Morgan Grimes", "Jeffster", "Awesome and Ellie" and a host of guest characters from Brandon Routh to Scott Bakula. Timothy Dalton, Chevy Chase, Mark Hamill and Morgan Fairchild to John Larroquette, Richard Chamberlain Lou Diamond Phillips and Bo Derek and many others.

The final episode of the series leads up to a scene where Chuck, the main character, is trying to remind his counterpart Sarah, who has had her memory of the previous five years erased by the most recent villain, that she had fallen in love with him, and he with her.

In this final scene, the words Chuck says to Sarah echo the message that the Almighty has for each of us. We, like Sarah, are broken, and have forgotten that their is one that loves us more than any other, and wants us to trust him.

Chuck says to Sarah:

I'm asking you to trust me.

... I don't I don't want anything from you.


I-I just need you to know that wherever you go, I'll always be there to help you.


Someone you can call.
Whenever.
Trust me... I'm here for you always. 


     Chuck vs. The Goodbye. Season 5, Episode 13 (27 January, 2012)
 
That sounds just like The Gospel - Its rare that I find something on TV that resonates with what God says to us. But that is the Good News that God speaks to us, in a few short words - "You don't have to do anything but trust me. I'm here for you and always will be."

So, what should we watch next?

Here's the segment:



And, just for fun, here's a little JEFFSTER


Sunday, July 12, 2015

That Kind of Day


July 11 seems to be that kind of day. It had held import for me for some time because it was the day I joined the Air Force, and the day they finally let me out. It is also the birthday of a couple of my buddies from the war days.

It is also the last day I spent with my Dad.

Seven years ago, on the 11th, we were visiting my parents in the Denver area. Both of my brothers came over for dinner, and my Father was so pleased to have all the boys together with all of their families. He went to bed a little early that night, because he felt tired.

Some time in the middle of the night, my mom came in the room where Diane and I were sleeping and let me know that my dad had fallen out of bed and she could not wake him up. I immediately thought that this didn't sound good.

I went in the room and attempts to resuscitate him by myself, and by the paramedics after that did not work. He was pronounced deceased that night.

Fortunately, some friends of my parents came over to sit with my Mom and I am glad that we were able to be there with her when it happened. My Aunt and Uncle that also live in town were also great. They cooked up a bunch of food and made sure we were set.

The hardest part of the ordeal was first thing in the morning when my brother Michael and I had to go let our younger brother Kevin know that Dad had died so unexpectedly. 

So, I never really forget July 11th and always wonder what, if anything, will happen on this day. I don't think I am superstitious, but it often turns out to be that kind of a day.

I miss you Dad!

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Explosive!

Here are some thoughts for your Independence Day Celebrations, and a picture from our celebrations last year:


"I shall earnestly and persistently continue to urge all women to the practical recognition of the old Revolutionary maxim. Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God."

~Susan B. Anthony

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

~ Nelson Mandela

"America was founded by people who believe that God was their rock of safety. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it’s all right to keep asking if we’re on His side." 

~ Ronald Reagan