I have any number of ideas swimming around, as always. Lately, I've been reading books by Franky Schaeffer, son of Francis and Edith Schaeffer. I finished a short piece about Christian mediocrity in art, and now I'm taking on his autobiography. Fascinating stuff. He's somewhat of an apostate from his father's heritage; Franky is now a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. He castigates himself for helping to form the conservative religious right and tying it to politics.

I don't know what I think about the current state of American Christianity - its good points, its flaws, and where it lies on the overall continuum of church history. I do know that I believe the Bible because I must, because its principles are the one and only thing that make sense of life. I also know that I will always be at least partially wrong, just like everyone else, which is why it is so essential to stay in community with fellow Christians.

I created a short film in the first week of April and entered it in the online Reel Dreams Film Fest. It makes fun of the super-melodrama in which my generation of twenty-somethings likes to indulge.

As a sidenote, the more I read about our quarter-life crises, the more I realize that we are indeed quite spoiled. We are a generation (speaking generally) that had everything - except parental involvement. I was very blessed, despite the shortcomings of my childhood. It truly was idyllic compared to 99.9% of the experiences of the world's populace.  ¶ 1:09 PM (0) comments

  "This is my Father's world."

We sing those words so glibly and happily, but they speak an uncomfortable truth. The world isn't ours, and we don't make the rules. We obey them, or we take the consequences for our choices.

"I am a sojourner in the earth," says the Psalmist. "Hide not your commandments from me." (Ps. 119:19)

We are strangers here. From birth, we are learning the customs of this alien land. People, both well-meaning and not, try to instruct us in the language and habits of living. But we are all learning together, shivering in a raw and unusual place.

The Bible is our operation manual for life. It explains what the laws are, and why. Sure, we can stumble onto them, and, in a way, we all know them. But this holy Book names them. It puts a face to the perplexity and calms the fear of the unknown. This is why the Psalmist loves the written law so much. The world and its rules have been here around us all along, but in the light of the Bible we can finally see them.  ¶ 2:13 PM (0) comments

  Why Christian Moviemaking Is So Undeveloped

Hollywood has the monopoly on the equipment. When Christians actually have the talent and the hard work put in to create excellent stories, they experience a disconnect between them and the resources. Up until recently, moviemaking materials have been stinkin' expensive, even after you figure out what to buy. So you basically have to be successful or well-connected even before you begin, but you have to begin in order to become successful and well-connected. It's kinda tough.  ¶ 2:25 PM (1) comments

  Life is starting to speed up to its normal breakneck pace. I think I am adapting.

Wednesday I filmed a short script for this online film festival. This evening I'll be making the rough cut. Saturday, hopefully, I'll track down audio details and finish the cut. It's due Monday. I don't necessarily expect to win anything, but it's been a fun project nonetheless, given divine support at each step of the way.

I enjoy TKD class very much, especially as I feel myself regaining some athletic capabilities. Every class is an opportunity to learn and to gain more precision. That's why martial arts are so awesome - they become a lifelong pursuit.  ¶ 10:41 AM (0) comments