Bad analogies and metaphors...

- John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.

- He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the East River.

- Even in his last years, grandpappy had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.

- Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.

- The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.

- The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.

- He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame. Maybe from stepping on a landmine or something.

- The Ballerina rose gracefully en pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.

- It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids with power tools.

- He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

- Her eyes were like limpid pools, only they had forgotten to put in any pH cleanser.

- She walked into my office like a centipede with 98 missing legs.

- Her voice had that tense grating quality, like a generation thermal paper fax machine that needed a band tightening.

- It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple it to the wall.

And for your listening pleasure...

I'm always on the hunt for new songs to sing, and this week I've been listening to tunes on PraiseCharts.com, a site I sometimes use for getting music for our New Hope band.

Anyway, I found this recording of a song called "The Name of Jesus" by Christopher Wright. I don't know if I'll use it at our church or not, but I just love listening to it online, so I thought I'd give you a link to hear it if you'd like. Enjoy!

Andrew Stanton Interview

Last night Kelly and I went to see Pixar's latest film, WALL·E. I've seen all of Pixar's movies, including their short films, and there's not a loser in the bunch, which is amazing to me.

There are some big themes in this movie about love and human interaction, among other things, and I was pleased to learn today that Andrew Stanton, the writer-director of WALL·E is a Christian. If you've seen the movie, you might be interested to read this interview with Stanton about this film and the industry as a whole. (If you haven't seen the movie yet, be warned that there may be spoilers in the interview).

Power to the People!

A Happy 6th of July Celebration

We had a big day at New Hope yesterday! Our worship service was well-attended, with a count of about 154 in church. Since it was July 4th weekend, I had a couple patriotic hymns in the mix, with a brass quartet and a 10-voice men’s choir—fun! Dewey talked about Jesus’ baptism, and we sang songs about our need for cleansing and what Jesus has done for us.

We then headed over to Dancer Park, where we enjoyed a barbecue potluck together. The weather was perfect, and it looked like everyone had a really nice time. We had some balloon tossing and 3-legged racing, and I got a chance to meet some new people. It was great! Thanks to Repko Bruinsma for the burgers and dogs (and for suggesting the picnic in the first place).

Our softball team improved its record to 3 wins and 2 losses yesterday afternoon with a fun win over Creekside’s #2 team. I sure appreciate Meredith Berthot managing our squad. It’s a lot of fun every week. There are no games scheduled next Sunday because of Turkey-rama, and I’m bummed we don’t get to play!

It’s days like this that make our fellowship a family. We love being a part of the New Hope Christian Fellowship community!

Barbecue this Sunday!

Don't forget we have a barbecue following our Sunday morning worship service! Repko is grilling burgers, and you can bring a salad or dessert to share. We'll be gathering at Dancer Park in the area across the street from First Christian Church. And you're invited to cheer on our church softball team at 2:15 right there at the softball fields.

And be sure to join us for worship in the morning--I've got some nice musical surprises planned! See you Sunday!

Happy Independence Day!

Our great United States declared themselves to be a new, independent nation exactly 232 years ago today. Happy birthday, America!

As you may know, I am unabashedly patriotic. I honestly believe the USA is the greatest and best country in the world, full of freedom, opportunity, stability and strength. When I was younger I had the chance to do a lot of traveling. I've not only been to all 50 states, but also about 21 other countries, and while there are things I enjoyed about all the places I've visited, there is no place like this place. I thank God that I can raise my family and serve Him here in America.

This last week I watched on DVD HBO's terrific mini-series John Adams. The most moving part of the 7 or so hours of dramatic history was the point at which the Declaration of Independence was signed and it was being read aloud in various locations around the colonies. I found some tears coming to my eyes, and my daughter asked me why I was crying. I didn't go into much of an answer because we were all watching the TV, but I trust that Molly and Ethan will one day understand and share the love Kelly and I have for this country.

Watching John Adams prompted me to look up the Declaration online, and I had never read the whole thing before (it's longer than I thought)! Here are the first couple paragraphs in case you'd like to read it as part of your Independence Day celebration today. (You can click here for the full text and lots of other info).

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness...

Have a happy Fourth, everyone--and may God bless America!