Captivate every thought!

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). I have heard many people say that the movie The Passion of The Christ is a "Great movie!". I have even heard some announce, "It is a GREAT portrayal of Christ's life and suffering." A close friend of mine even went so far as to say, "It was an accurate depiction of the trauma and bloodshed that Christ experienced on our behalf." While these statements are probably true I have to admit that I have NEVER seen the movie. With that said, some would argue that without seeing the movie I, nor anyone else, cannot and certainly have no right to be, a critic of the film. I agree....to a degree. While it is true that there is NOTHING like having a firsthand experience that the cinema screen affords, it is also true that ANY person CAN have a personal experience with Christ WITHOUT having to witness ANY of the drama, trauma, gore and graphic depictions shown in the movies or shown in one's home. With that said, I have seen bits and pieces of the The Passion of The Christ. The expression: "I haven't been living under a rock..." seems to apply here.  Saturday night, The Passion of The Christ was being aired (again) on TV. As a Christian, I am fully aware that my Lord and Savior was beaten and that there was blood and beatings during the movie. I refused to subject myself to graphic violence. It's a choice. (I believe the remote is a blessing!) I saw some of the movie and most of the ending. I was VERY disappointed. Far too much time, energy and artistry was spent on bloodshed and not enough emphasis on the shroud, resurrection and fear (not awe). Here are a few thoughts: SHROUD: Jesus took the time to fold His burial cloth/shroud. It wasn't cast aside, rumpled or in a pile as the movie briefly portrays. This is a theological tenet that has a tremendous and profound meaning. He was/is a God of order BUT folding and placing of personal affects announced to the current society and to future generations that His body was NOT stolen; as was later suggested. There was no reason to hurry. This was NOT a clandestine activity. RESURRECTION: With all the graphics, technology and special effects available to Hollywood, it is a shame that more couldn't be done to announce to our world that 'Jesus The Christ' broke from the shackles of  the tomb! This is the glory! This is the freedom! FEAR: Those that condemned Jesus and those that stood idly by would have been in fear for their lives! The people were steeped in superstition and proverbial smoke and mirrors. For a person to have performed miracles, conquered death AND then to have been SEEN in various places in town would have struck fear in the hearts of the leaders! Hollywood is skilled at drama  and fear. They missed a profound opportunity! Easter is the celebration of the Savior of the world, JESUS CHRIST. It is a joyous time. A time for people to give homage to a being other than them self. It is healthy. It aids the mind; helps a person to be at peace. The condition of the mind is an integral part of the overall health of the body. By dwelling on negative, harmful destructive thoughts, we add fertilizer to a weed. Even dwelling on  the drama of night time TV shows, news AND yes, even a movie that dwells more on the negative rather than the positive, envelopes us in a death shroud. We need to think positive thoughts, be more positive and tell ourselves, "I can do it!" WE MUST captivate EVERY thought and daily renew our minds with the prayers and promises of God's Word. Happy Easter! He is ALIVE! ~Pray

Driver's Education

I have many fond memories of my high school days at a school called PVA, Pioneer Valley Academy. One recall happens everytime I see a car with a placard on the side that reads: "Student Driver'. I think of and especially appreciate my Driver's Ed. teacher, Mr. Wilson. Because I drove a lot of vehicles on the farm, before I arrived at PVA, I was a better driver than most. At least I like to think so. To my credit Mr. Wilson DID tell me I was "One of his more advanced students." (Teens love the accolades. We are ALL teens at heart!) : )

On one occasion I distinctly recall riding in the backseat, waiting my turn, while Mr. Wilson 'helped' another driver. I don't recall the driver's name but he was from the Big Apple, New York city, had NEVER driven, had no need to do so and was as nervous as.... well, to use an old phrase: "a cat in a room full of rocking chairs!" The student actually broke down and cried from the stress. I'll never forget Mr. Wilson's response, "Son, (He probably called him by name but I can't recall) Son, don't worry, I have controls as well. If I believe something might happen, I will brake for you."

True to his fear, the student's performance was, well... horrific! It improved as we s-l-o-w-l-y cruised campus. Well, either that or I passed out from fear! I do remember the brake & stop, brake & stop & brake & stop and the creeping-turtle-crawl pace! I remember because at every turn, I strongly (and prayerfully) considered jumping out and sprinting to the dorm! I will never forget Mr Wilson's patience and positive demeanor.

Although we ALL know that NOBODY'S parents are perfect, I will forever appreciate knowing that Mr. Wilson was ready to "brake for him!" (OH! I was SOOOO appreciative!)

Christ says, "Cliff, Ned, Bob, Sally [Your name here] don't worry, I have controls as well. If I believe something might happen, I will brake for you."  Yes, we do have accidents but HE won't bail and run (fly) back to Heaven! HE never quits!

By the way, I passed my exam. Thanks Mr. Wilson! Thanks for your patience and understanding and for NOT jumping out at the first corner and sprinting back to your home on faculty circle!!! Although THAT would have been funny. I would have honked! ~Pray!