The Pursuit of Happiness

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN

Just as Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams) is about to reveal the secret to a happy life, the sun rises, and the live Teddy must return to his statuesque condition until it sets again. Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is left with his question unanswered. He thought he’d found the secret: wealth and the dream of running a successful business, being his own boss. But hollow victories. To obtain what he thought he wanted, he gave up the thing that brought him great joy, night watchman in one of the most extraordinary museums ever, a place where history truly comes alive. He visits the seat of his former joy only to discover his friends are being shipped to the Smithsonian. Soon, Larry finds himself embroiled in a madcap race to free his friends from the clutches of the evil Egyptian prince, Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), who plans to enlist the powers of darkness and overtake the world. Amelia Earhardt (Amy Adams) joins Larry in his quest to save the Earth. Her love of adventure stretches and challenges him as he seeks to rediscover the man he once was. While the movie was entertaining on some levels, it’s probably not an Oscar contender.

But, it did raise an interesting question as Larry contemplates what every human being desires to know. What is the secret to a happy life? Some believe true happiness is found in discovering one’s passion then pursuing that passion to its fullest. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Some argue that pursuing one’s passion to the fullest is a selfish ambition that does not honor God.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Depends on the root of our passion, not necessarily the pursuit.

If our passion is rooted in self-analysis of what makes us unique, then yes, the pursuit of that delusion is indeed selfish. For example, a husband neglects his wife and children because he feels his destiny is in something other than the family. Some are persuaded that forsaking everything else is justified because the call is God-given. Perhaps the error is in putting the call above the Caller. For we fail in the call if we suceed in the outcome but neglect the Caller in the process.

While it is true God has designed all of His creation for a purpose, perhaps our purpose is not so much in what we do, but in what we are.

I think Paul said it best:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

Those are my thoughts. What are yours?

LIFE IS THE ADVENTURE

Up/A Disney Animated Production

We rehashed the movie over Dairy Queen ice-cream cones. “Terrific movie,” I said. My husband and I both thought the movie a rich and rewarding experience. “Pretty deep as animated movies go,” he said.

Kids will enjoy the comedic aspects such as Kevin’s love of chocolate and Russell’s ambition to help an elderly person, the meat of the story is far more than a bird or an eleven-year old in search of a merit badge.

“You didn’t see the note, in the album, did you?” my husband asked, his eyes filled with tears.

“It said, ‘Thanks for the Adventure'.” He held my hand, and we thanked God for our thirty-two years of never-ending changes. For when life takes a turn we hadn’t expected, he would smile and say, “The adventure continues.”

What is an adventure? Dictionary.com lists one of its definitions as a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome. Rarely does life unfold the way we envision. A young couple has a romanticized concept of what their lives will be like. Parents dream big dreams for their children. When we begin a new job, buy a house, or embark on any twist to our lives, we draw mental pictures of the outcomes.

All too often, though, when the picture we painted washes out with the rains of challenges that come our way, we think God has played a cruel joke on us. We wonder if our faith was weak. Where did we go wrong in our quest?

But God embraces us with the assurance, “My child, life itself is the adventure. I have given you life, and life more abundant. Enjoy your adventure. It is my gift to you.”

These are my thoughts. What are yours?

Star Trek Movie 2009

To boldly go where no one has gone before

The challenge is still ringing in our ears even after more than forty years. The characters remain fresh and dear to all Sci-Fi fans everywhere. I highly recommend this high-action film. What amazed me was the ability of the author to capture the intent of the original characters, their nuances and likability. Yet, the actors brought the characters to life in new dimensions and clarity. I also liked the whole new storyline. Cool idea.

I told my pastor that I was a closet Trekie to which he asked, “Ashamed to admit it?”

No, I’m not ashamed to admit my admiration for this stellar journey of Gene Roddenberry’s creation. That I’ve been a fan from the beginning is no secret, really. But I do wonder at those who purport that Science Fiction is incompatible with the Christian mindset.

There are those who are willing to go where no one has gone before. One of those people is Jeff Gerke (aka Jefferson Scott) whose passion for the art form has brought new levels of challenge to the old concept that science and Christianity do not mix.

Jeff's passion is to cultivate promising new Christian Writers of science-fiction. He pursues this passion at www.WhereTheMapEnds, his other Web site, and as a faculty member at Christian writer's conferences around the country. In 2008 Jeff launched Marcher Lord Press, a publishing company dedicated to producing the finest in Christian Science Fiction.

Thank you for your efforts. Live long and prosper, Jeff.

Those are my thoughts, what are yours?

Never Too Old

Ever afraid to try new things?

Let me introduce you to Flame the Flamingo.

Our church did a surfing beach party theme this year for Vacation Bible School.

"Will you do the puppet?" our minister's wife asked. "You are now our main puppeteer!"

Yikes.

Could I possibly make a hit again?

The first time had to have been a fluke.

Just a few months ago, I made my puppet debut as Stretch the Curious during a skit of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego and the Fiery Furnace. Stretch did a running commentary on the events as he saw them. My pastor was pleased. So pleased, I got to reprise this new endeavor.

Flame was indeed a hit. The children had a great time, and he received lots and lots of hugs and kisses.

It's an exiting thing to discover new depths within us. Even at my age. I won't say here how old I truly am. But I am old enough that I mistakenly believed it useless to try to develop a new thing in my life. What joy to discover I'm not too old afterall.

Not too old to have a great time. Not too old to have children gather around me. Not too old to have fun. And I pray, I never will be again.

These are my thoughts. What are yours?

A FRAGILE FREEDOM

A line that haunts me even today comes from Star Wars when Padame comments on the rise of totalitarianism. An emergency state is declared and the people rejoice. “This is how democracy dies…with thunderous applause.” She foresees the real intent behind the Chancellor’s measures.

I watched a History Channel special that demonstrated the classical influence in the Star Wars adventures. In one segment, the reviewers showed a parallel between the rise of Nazi Germany and the rise of the Empire in Lucas’ saga. We see the scenario played out in history again and again. Caesar is always ready to trounce on the weak and feeble-minded, those who place more value in immediacy than in ideology.

I wonder what is within our human nature that we so willingly surrender our freedoms for a false sense of security and comfort. Democracy is not a guarantee, and its preservation takes continuous diligence.

As I ponder this, I wonder, too, if we give up on our Faith because the road is troublesome. Do we surrender our futures because we fear our present?

I sometimes think the Christian’s theme song should be, “I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.” The Christian’s freedoms are indeed precious and life changing. The Freedoms found in Christ have been bought with His blood and come with responsibility. Somehow, we think that becoming a Christian equates to a problem-free life. Not so.

Becoming a Christian does guarantee becoming victorious over those problems as long as we safeguard the Freedom we have in Christ by living in His will and within His purpose.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. What are yours?

Linda

Yvonne Ortega

Hope for the Journey through Cancer
Author: Yvonne Ortega




I grew up with religion but knew nothing about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Prayer and Bible study were not a part of my life, and I believed that works would help me earn my place in heaven. After I grew up and married, my neighbors invited my former husband and me to the Officers Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational Bible study for military officers and their wives. We owned a large family Bible but didn’t know where it was. I borrowed a Bible from my neighbors to attend our first Bible study ever. The group discussed the book of Romans which contradicted everything we believed. After that first session, we stayed up most of the night in an attempt to find something that justified our beliefs. Within the month, I read the entire Bible and found nothing that would support our man-made traditions. I admitted I was a sinner, asked God to forgive me of my sins, and asked Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior.

1. What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted a book full of Scripture, prayer, and hope. I also wanted one that with honesty and boldness would address the emotional roller coaster that cancer patients, even Christian ones, ride.

2. Whom is this book meant for?
This book is for cancer patients, their families, friends, and care givers. It is also for anyone with a life-threatening disease, their families, friends, and care givers.

3. What advice do you have for cancer patients and those who love them?
First of all, I recommend that cancer patients and those who love them be honest with God. He knows what we’re thinking any way and longs to help us. He won’t be disappointed or fall off His throne if we experience fear, depression, or anger. These are normal emotions, and God won’t love us any less for being human. He made us with tear ducts, and it’s OK to cry. God has promised never to leave us or forsake us. We can put Him to the test, and He will pass it.

Secondly, I recommend that cancer patients and those who love them be honest with each other. Please don’t pretend that everything is all right when it isn’t. Don’t try to be strong for each other. This is not the time to put on a front. You are human beings, not robots. Be real and discuss what you feel and think. If you hold everything in, you risk adding headaches, ulcers, or other complications to the mix. Grow closer to each other through communication and transparency. Then draw closer to God as you pray together for God’s wisdom, His strength, and His comfort.

4. What resources for cancer patients do you recommend?
Of course, I recommend my book Hope for the Journey through Cancer. I also suggest that readers go to my website at www.yvonneortega.com. It lists several resources The link Stepping Stones for Survival is my blog and offers further information and tips for cancer patients, their families, friends, and care givers.

Michael Clayton's Burning Bush

When I learned the movie received seven nominations, I rooted for them during Oscar night. I can’t say the judges voted unfairly because I haven’t seen No Country for Old Men or There Will Be Blood, both receiving more awards. You can be sure they will be on my list of soon to see flicks.

But, I have seen Michael Clayton and thought the movie one of the best in so many ways. I think the part that touched me the most was when George Clooney, as Michael Clayton, tries to inspire his not to make the same mistakes he has made. The movie begins to turn when he begins to examine the whole of his life. That up until this time, he has merely drifted. Then he is plagued with the question that besets all of us, “What now?”

I love the scene of his epiphany in the early morning hours. There is fantastic camera work as the light bursts unto the scene with the sunrise, signifying an awakening to what he must do.

I suppose for some of us, our awakening to why God put us on this earth is much the same. A burst of revelation that radiates our existence. Like a burning bush. For some of us, the knowledge comes in like a slow leak, dripping into our consciousness until we finally fill up with the meaning of life.

Michael puts his life together to make a stand against evil. What he thought was failure, actually turned out to be experience for the moment of truth. Like tying up a bunch of lose ends, turning it over and seeing the tapestry that is our life.

I wonder if that is not how life works for the believer who comes to saving knowledge in later life? Has everything we have done to that point for naught? I don’t think so. I believe that God shapes our lives even in our so called misfortunes and failings. He is preparing us to take our stand at just the right time.

Wasn’t that how it was with Moses? God brought him into the palaces and provided him with the best education in the known world. For a time, I wonder if Moses thought everything he had done up to that point had been futile? Then he finds himself on the lower end of the food chain as a shepherd in the wilderness. God would later unite these experiences to bring about historic events.

These are my thoughts. What are yours?