Once again Easter has come and gone. Last year I wrote a treatise on its meaning so I guess I'm off the hook for this year. "Good" Friday "celebrates" one of the more depressing events in our planets history - the good guy dies in the end. Because of this, I've always felt the need to watch ridiculously depressing movies to remind myself just how depressing Good Friday really is. Not much logic to it I know, its just something I do. In the past I've watched The Passion of the Christ or Jesus Chainsaw Massacre (as Brian McLaren calls it) as well as a movie called Nine Lives.
This year I changed it up a bit and watched Magnolia. I had seen it 3 times before which is why I chose it. Magnolia is an emotional Everest complete with the difficult breathing. It's directed by the brilliant Paul Thomas Anderson who was like 28 when he made it. It stars Tom Cruise who plays a crazed lunatic intent on controlling people - a role that narrowly won him an Oscar. Based on his latest Scientology videos and unauthorized autobiography, I now know why he lost. All craziness aside, Mr. Cruise was very effective in this role as well was his supporting cast. For 2 and a half hours, the movie follows the lives of broken people, chronicling their dysfuntion and despair in heart breaking fashion. Many times I found myself begging for a life preserver but P.T. shook his head and kept filming. This is where his brilliance lies. Most directors would have thrown the life preserver long before and then entertained you until you reached shore. Not this director. He never throws it. He forces you to feel their pain. In the end he allowed a whisper of redemption but the damage had already been done.
As the words came on Angie said something to the effect of "thanks for a great Easter." I felt pretty bad so all I could think of to say was "we'll watch something super happy on Sunday." And we did. Rory got together with Logan on Gilmore Girls Season 5.
So there you have it. Friday sucked, Sunday was Super Awesome. All in all it was a meaningful Easter.
John
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
My Skydive
So here's how it went down. I had just finished preaching and was talking to people in the lobby. My dad came up and said - do you know who you're talking to - to which I replied, uh, I think he said his name is Kyle - to which my dad said - yes, but do you know what he does for a living - I didn't. He's a professional skydiver. Seriously? Seriously. I've always wanted to do that. How bout this afternoon. My face went white. Uh, maybe. Kyle began to laugh, that's usually what happens, people are all brave until they are actually given the choice. Damn. Let me just go talk to my nephew. Luke - wanna go skydiving? Yeh man. Sweet, we're going in 3 hours. Cool. Kyle, we're in. Seriously? Oh, I'm serious Kyle, no cowards here. Allright, let me make a few calls. 6 minutes pass. Ok, we're set for 330pm. Go have lunch and then we'll meet at the Burger King just before Chester. Allright man. Oh and John. Yeah? It's on me, my gift to you.
Fast forward 3 hours. Luke and I arrive at the site. Hey boys, are you ready, it's a beautiful day to jump out of a plane. We both nod, all cool like. Ok, well follow me, we have some forms for you to fill out and you need to watch a video. The video begins. "The activity you are about to engage in is highly dangerous. You could die." You hear that Luke, we could die. We start to laugh. Better then soiling ourselves. We sign the forms. No I won't sue you if I die. I figure that's a safe enough thing to promise.
Lets get you boys suited up. We get suited. The uniform fits snug, like an unwelcome hug from a creepy 46 yr old. Looking good boys, follow me. We do. Next thing we know we're in a hanger full of other crazy people just like us. We get our gear on. Literally, not in the cool sense of the meaning. A guy films me, peppering me with questions. I try to be natural. Oxymoron. The gear fits even tighter then the uniform. I remember not minding under the circumstances. Tight usually means secure which usually means safe - which means I live. The plane pulls up. Time to load up. We walk to the plane in slow motion.
It'll be about a 20 minute flight so sit back and relax. haha. The twin otter is full, my legs have become chairs for the people on the left and right of me. We take off. I feel at peace, very excited. As we fly I try to talk to Kyle but we can't really hear each other. The camera comes out again, I act natural. Smile and what not. It's almost time now. I sit on Kyle's knee so we can hook up. Rephrase that. I sit on Kyle's knee so he can hook up to me. I don't mind since he's the one with the parachute. Plus, he's paying for it so its the least I can do. The people on my left are jumping out of the plane. It's almost time.
I walk up to the opening with a grown man strapped to my back. I squat. He squats. He says ready set, like we rehearsed. I never hear Go. I look and leap before I can freak. I expect my body to react, punish me for not consulting with it first. No punishment comes. I'm Tom Pettying at 120mph. It's the most intense, euphoric, freeing feeling I've ever felt. The camera comes out again. I try and look at it but its difficult while plummeting towards the earth at 120 mph. The wind is forcing my mouth open so I just yell and stick out my tongue. It feels like I'm flying. Truly. It's not like when you go down a mammoth roller coaster or even the free fall at Kenosee. It feels more like floating. I remember thinking, I hope this never ends. Then I feel a tug.
The parachute says hello. We float for 5 minutes until we touch down. As we float Kyle and I chat about this and that including the mountains to the west, and city to the north. We even cover the proper way to land. Whoa, the ground's getting closer I say. Kyle laughs. We're still 1000ft away. I'm dumb. We keep floating. Now we're close. I lift up my legs so I don't snap them in two as Kyle says and we touch down skidding on my heels and buttocks. I feel thankful for all the padding back there, but most of all I'm glad I'm alive. I feel 10x the man from the hour before.
6 days have passed. Not an hour goes by without thoughts skyward. As amazing as it was the best part was waiting 3 days to tell my wife what I did. I get home and say "here's some highlights from the weekend." She thinks its me speaking so she tunes out. Wait, what, what are you doing? haha. I'm the man.
John
Fast forward 3 hours. Luke and I arrive at the site. Hey boys, are you ready, it's a beautiful day to jump out of a plane. We both nod, all cool like. Ok, well follow me, we have some forms for you to fill out and you need to watch a video. The video begins. "The activity you are about to engage in is highly dangerous. You could die." You hear that Luke, we could die. We start to laugh. Better then soiling ourselves. We sign the forms. No I won't sue you if I die. I figure that's a safe enough thing to promise.
Lets get you boys suited up. We get suited. The uniform fits snug, like an unwelcome hug from a creepy 46 yr old. Looking good boys, follow me. We do. Next thing we know we're in a hanger full of other crazy people just like us. We get our gear on. Literally, not in the cool sense of the meaning. A guy films me, peppering me with questions. I try to be natural. Oxymoron. The gear fits even tighter then the uniform. I remember not minding under the circumstances. Tight usually means secure which usually means safe - which means I live. The plane pulls up. Time to load up. We walk to the plane in slow motion.
It'll be about a 20 minute flight so sit back and relax. haha. The twin otter is full, my legs have become chairs for the people on the left and right of me. We take off. I feel at peace, very excited. As we fly I try to talk to Kyle but we can't really hear each other. The camera comes out again, I act natural. Smile and what not. It's almost time now. I sit on Kyle's knee so we can hook up. Rephrase that. I sit on Kyle's knee so he can hook up to me. I don't mind since he's the one with the parachute. Plus, he's paying for it so its the least I can do. The people on my left are jumping out of the plane. It's almost time.
I walk up to the opening with a grown man strapped to my back. I squat. He squats. He says ready set, like we rehearsed. I never hear Go. I look and leap before I can freak. I expect my body to react, punish me for not consulting with it first. No punishment comes. I'm Tom Pettying at 120mph. It's the most intense, euphoric, freeing feeling I've ever felt. The camera comes out again. I try and look at it but its difficult while plummeting towards the earth at 120 mph. The wind is forcing my mouth open so I just yell and stick out my tongue. It feels like I'm flying. Truly. It's not like when you go down a mammoth roller coaster or even the free fall at Kenosee. It feels more like floating. I remember thinking, I hope this never ends. Then I feel a tug.
The parachute says hello. We float for 5 minutes until we touch down. As we float Kyle and I chat about this and that including the mountains to the west, and city to the north. We even cover the proper way to land. Whoa, the ground's getting closer I say. Kyle laughs. We're still 1000ft away. I'm dumb. We keep floating. Now we're close. I lift up my legs so I don't snap them in two as Kyle says and we touch down skidding on my heels and buttocks. I feel thankful for all the padding back there, but most of all I'm glad I'm alive. I feel 10x the man from the hour before.
6 days have passed. Not an hour goes by without thoughts skyward. As amazing as it was the best part was waiting 3 days to tell my wife what I did. I get home and say "here's some highlights from the weekend." She thinks its me speaking so she tunes out. Wait, what, what are you doing? haha. I'm the man.
John
Friday, March 14, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Tales from Sowth CarolIna
Hey Loyal Readers. Sorry for the non posting, I've been in Sowth CarolIna since Friday. For years I've been telling my brother to bring me down to speak so I could hang out with my family. That sly fox finally did. It's been a great time. I spoke 4 times this weekend including the sermon yesterday. My dream came true when I read this passage of scripture at a proper Southern Church:
"How beautiful you are and how pleasing, O love, with your delights! Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit. I said, "I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit." May your breasts be like the clusters of the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine."
The initial silence in the room was the greatest high of my life but finally somehow couldn't stand it and burst which caused everyone else to burst too. It was one of the rare moments where you know God is in the room. Ha Ha. One lady came up to me after and in all seriousness informed me I should perform at the local comedy club "tomorrow night." I'll think about it, I said. I decided no.
I've really enjoyed my stay. Last night I played football with my nephew Luke and all his ex college players. When I went to get out of bed this morning my right leg said to my left "so I guess we're doing this", to which my left replied "yeah dude, master needs breakfast." Such obedient legs although they're still pretty sore at me.
One of the highlights of the weekend was serving 300 hotdogs to the homeless. When we first showed up there were only 2 homeless people. I was disapointed -"what kind of city only has 2 homeless people. Pfff." Thankfully the word got out and dozens more arrived. I told the group this weekend that I feel closest to God when I'm talking to the homeless. This was no exception. One guy was a dancing machine. We had the windows open and the music going and my man was gone. I watched in awe as he moved and grooved. Later he told me he had taken 18 years of modern dance in NewYork and had even danced backup for MJ, Janet and Soul Train. I believed him, I've never seen such rhythm. After all the hotdogs were eaten and no more dancing was to had, my brother and I drove 6 of them to the shelter, filling up his little truck. When we arrived one of the girls asked me for a hug. It was cool.
I'm only here till Wednesday so I imagine the next few days will be spent smoking, drinking and hugging strange woman. My dad loves being in charge. Speaking of my immoral dad, the time we've spent together has been amazing. One of the truly special things about getting older is how your father also becomes your friend. Speaking of friend, my brother is the best and I can't think of another guy I'd rather spend all my time with then him. Very few people can go toe to toe with me and my. . .oddness like he can. We usually spend 87% of our time together laughing at things innapropriate and pulling our parents chains. Nothings better. My poor mom has had to miss out on the whole thing. While I've been here, she's been in Regina, of all places, for a board meeting. When she found out the date I was coming she experienced a pain on the level of birth. She flies in tonight at Midnight so I'll get a whole 36 hrs with her before I fly back.
We're heading out for lunch, as soon as dad gets out of bed. The last two nights he's stayed up past 3am watching movies. What a guy.
John
P.S. The Oilers just won't let me grieve in peace. They keep keeping hope alive by going 6-1 in their last 7. Part of me wishes they would just throw in the towel because for them to keep this up and then finally lose and miss the playoffs by 2 pts, I just don't think I could handle it.
"How beautiful you are and how pleasing, O love, with your delights! Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit. I said, "I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit." May your breasts be like the clusters of the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine."
The initial silence in the room was the greatest high of my life but finally somehow couldn't stand it and burst which caused everyone else to burst too. It was one of the rare moments where you know God is in the room. Ha Ha. One lady came up to me after and in all seriousness informed me I should perform at the local comedy club "tomorrow night." I'll think about it, I said. I decided no.
I've really enjoyed my stay. Last night I played football with my nephew Luke and all his ex college players. When I went to get out of bed this morning my right leg said to my left "so I guess we're doing this", to which my left replied "yeah dude, master needs breakfast." Such obedient legs although they're still pretty sore at me.
One of the highlights of the weekend was serving 300 hotdogs to the homeless. When we first showed up there were only 2 homeless people. I was disapointed -"what kind of city only has 2 homeless people. Pfff." Thankfully the word got out and dozens more arrived. I told the group this weekend that I feel closest to God when I'm talking to the homeless. This was no exception. One guy was a dancing machine. We had the windows open and the music going and my man was gone. I watched in awe as he moved and grooved. Later he told me he had taken 18 years of modern dance in NewYork and had even danced backup for MJ, Janet and Soul Train. I believed him, I've never seen such rhythm. After all the hotdogs were eaten and no more dancing was to had, my brother and I drove 6 of them to the shelter, filling up his little truck. When we arrived one of the girls asked me for a hug. It was cool.
I'm only here till Wednesday so I imagine the next few days will be spent smoking, drinking and hugging strange woman. My dad loves being in charge. Speaking of my immoral dad, the time we've spent together has been amazing. One of the truly special things about getting older is how your father also becomes your friend. Speaking of friend, my brother is the best and I can't think of another guy I'd rather spend all my time with then him. Very few people can go toe to toe with me and my. . .oddness like he can. We usually spend 87% of our time together laughing at things innapropriate and pulling our parents chains. Nothings better. My poor mom has had to miss out on the whole thing. While I've been here, she's been in Regina, of all places, for a board meeting. When she found out the date I was coming she experienced a pain on the level of birth. She flies in tonight at Midnight so I'll get a whole 36 hrs with her before I fly back.
We're heading out for lunch, as soon as dad gets out of bed. The last two nights he's stayed up past 3am watching movies. What a guy.
John
P.S. The Oilers just won't let me grieve in peace. They keep keeping hope alive by going 6-1 in their last 7. Part of me wishes they would just throw in the towel because for them to keep this up and then finally lose and miss the playoffs by 2 pts, I just don't think I could handle it.
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