Movies, Baseball, The Beach & and Outrage!

This is going to be the most randomest of posts to date.

And yes, I DO know that is NOT a real word. But, that's never bothered me before!

Lots going on inside my head and heart. Not postworthy yet, and if it were, I wouldn't be able to post it right now. The men of my household are taking much of my time...particularly my hubby! :)

Braves

I recently was commenting over at Thoughts From My Head, that growing up, I knew nothing about most sports, except that only nerds watched them on TV. Or so I thought. Then I met my hubby. It took much time, and much maturity (ha!), but by 1991 I was an AVID Braves fan. Since we live about 6 hours away from their home games, this required us to watch them TV!

Now, 'lo these many years later, I am also an avid NFL fan and I enjoy watching golf (some players more than others) with my hubby. I know. Many of you out there are like "do these people ever mow their lawn? Clean their house?" I promise we manage to do our chores, and have real life conversations...during commericals...kidding!

Anywho, all that was background to say Go Braves! They have just finished winning 4 games in a row. They swept the LA Dodgers (finished up that 3 game set yesterday). I just love this team! Love Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, Tom Galvine, Chipper Jones! Woot!

Movies

During the past few days, we saw two movies which I really enjoyed. I thought they were worth mentioning.

"An Unfinished Life" - this movie was a great movie that really spoke to the ability we have, even late in life, to change old patterns, break the mold and start anew in our lives. It was a great illustration of forgiveness. It stars Morgan Freeman (who I always enjoy) Robert Redford (he really shines in this role, though I am not particularly a fan of his), and Jennifer Lopez.

And

"The Shootist"! We just love John Wayne movies. The Shootist is his last movie. If you ever have enjoyed him, and haven't seen this movie, I really encourage you to rent it. Jimmy Stewart, Lauren Bacall, Henry Morgan, Richard Boone, and Ron Howard! What a cast!

The Beach

Today is the first day of our Spring Break. We went to the beach sans child, as he was entertaining friends and one of them doesn't like the beach (odd, I know, but he's a real sweet kid). It was absolutley a beautiful day! Yup! Hubby grabbed the chairs and bottled water (with his one good arm!) and asked me to simply bring our books, and the camera, and his binoculars. I did. Once we settled in at the beach, after a while he decided to take some pictures, he goes to the truck, comes back and laughing, he kisses me, "I love you!" he says through much laughter.

Suspiciously, I noted there was no camera in his hand "Where's the camera?" I asked.

"You brought the wrong one!" (the 35 mm w/out film)

I surrender! I am a ditz! :) I admit it!

And last, but not least by far.

Outrage!

Yesterday evening my youngest was telling me he saw a young person we both know, (actually it is an extended family member, known for their desire to "party" through life). He said they were "all excited because it was 4 20."

"4 20? What on earth is that?" I wondered.

"4 20 - the National Marijuana Day", says my 15 year old.

I can't explain how angry and frustrated this made me. Some of the reasons why (if you care)First - it bothered me, because come on, a National Day for marijuana? Puh-Leez! How about National Balance your Check Book day ? How about National Work in a Soup Kitchen day. How about National Teach a Young Person how to do ANYTHING (let them pick)!

Second - It worried me for this young person, who I love, their parents love, etc.

Thirdly - This will sound weird, but, hopefully you will know my heart. Our church celebrated their 23 anniversary yesterday. We always have a big picnic at a local park. It bothered the stew out of me, to consider that while we were having fun (not that it's wrong, Rather - its good to celebrate the great thing the Lord has done), part of our community was doing the best they could to desensitize themselves to what was going on around them. It just seemed like a horrible paradox. Life, abundant life, in one corner of the county, and death, rampant, slow death in another corner of the county.

Fourthly - (Yes, I know this is a long list, but, I'm done after this! Thanks for sticking with me!) How out of touch can a person be? How did I not know this existed?

Seriously, it just was a wake up call to me. It reminded me, that we have a great life. Not without challenges, but, a great life just the same, (and what would life be without its challenges? That's what makes the sweetness ultimately!). But while we are living our lives, there is a whole large honking part of the world that is lost, hurting, confused. ignored and deceived. Can I change that? No, I guess not, though that still bugs me! But, prayer matters. And living every day doing MY part to make sure my God given portion is done, through His grace and strength, and looking for every opportunity to show love, live honorably, extend grace, maybe somehow that sum total will make a difference one day.

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,

who put darkness for light and light for darkness,

who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes

and prudent and shrewd in their own sight!
Woe to those who are mighty heroes at drinking wine

and men of strength in mixing alcoholic drinks!"

Isaiah 5:20-22 (Amplified Bible)