Bingeworthy TV

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I once considered the idea of binging was something to be avoided. Then came old unwatched TV shows on Netflix. ツ

Here is my list of ones that I have found to be bingable followed by my ratings.

• Person of Interest - for those who enjoy intrigue with a bit of conspiracy theory. (Netflix PG-13)
• House of Cards - seasons one and two were pretty good but three kind of bombed. (Netflix R)
• Daredevil - if you like the super hero genre this one is pretty good (Netflix PG-13)
• The Americans - kgb spies in 1980s America posing as travel agents with kids. (Prime R)
• Breaking Bad - probably the most addictive tv show about addiction and personality change out there. (Netflix R)
• Battlestar Gallactica (2004-9) - a brilliant re-imagining of the 1970s series for sci-fi geeks like me. (Netflix PG-13)
• The Killing - intense crime drama set in Seattle over three seasons (Netflix R)
• Continuum - great series for anyone who like time travel plots. (Netflix PG-13)

Afre you a binger? Anything you might add to the list? 

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Through a purging flame of doubt ...

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Ellen

"It is not as a child that I believe in Christ and profess his teaching;
my hosanna has burst through a purging flame of doubt." -Dostoevsky

I resonate with this quote. Sometimes our life experiences make it hard to believe. I was 26 when Christ came into my heart and began a process of transformation. I struggled for months before that. For years I had watched my wife Ellen suffer the blindness associated with diabetic retinopathy. By virtue of divine intervention she could now see in one eye. Yet the years had taken a toll on me. I was bitter towards the suffering. It was hard to embrace an entity that had allowed Ellen (and me) to experience such pain. For years all I had was bourbon and beer to comfort me.

Flames of doubt surrounded me as I tried to come to grips with the new life that Ellen was experiencing. In a sense her experiences were too good to be true. Yet it was impossible to doubt that something had happened to her. I could no more doubt the existence of gravity than to discount the amazing life changes that she was showing me. Her life was burning like a torch and confronting the darkness of my doubts. Then I prayed. My first real prayer in many years. A presence came upon me. I could no longer doubt. My hosanna was bursting through the flames.

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The Prophet

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My daughter gave me this wonderful picture a few years ago for Father's
Day. In it Doctor King is standing overlooking the crowds on the Mall in Washington DC and the words of his speech are printed at the bottom. The picture hangs in my hallway. I have long considered Doctor King an inspirational man to be admired by all who seek peace.

I have asked many people if they that believed Doctor King was a prophet and have gotten a wide variety of responses. I believe that he was a prophet to our nation ... it is sad that much of our nation and the church is confused about this. I wonder if he was speaking prophetically when he said:

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death."

Today I honor him, his legacy to our nation and his contributions to the kingdom of God by sharing these things that he said ... see if you can identify the theme.

At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.

He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.

There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality ... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

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... originally posted in January 2009

Encouragement for a Wounded Soul

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Kelli Standish

Come out from the shadows, wounded soul
Come out and let your wounds be seen
Let the light touch you, embrace you
As you are.

You do not need to wrap yourself in rags
of rage, and fear, and darkness
I see you, I see right through
And I love you.

Come out from the storm, wounded heart
Come out and let your storm subside
There is peace waiting, stillness
For all your fury.

You have not been condemned from birth
But loved, chosen, destined, seen
Your pain is not invisible
Your pain is not incurable.

Come out from the darkness, wounded one
Come out and let your purpose grow
Let hope breathe on your dying dreams
And wake them.

Look up from the swamplands, wounded child
Look up and find joy striding,
Armed for battle, through the mire
Coming now to free you.

... poem authored by Kelli Standish, the most inspirational person I know.

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