I got Expelled

On the 18th, I got Expelled with some friends from my small group and work... and, yes, I know I'm late on my bloggin'. :-)

About a week before the movie hit the theaters, a friend sent over a reminder email. Aside from her email, most people I've talked to hadn't even heard of this movie due to the silent-ear from most media outlets. Well, despite this fact, Mr Ben Stein's 2 years of research and the post-release outcry of controversy from our nation's self-proclaimed elite has finally helped Expelled get some of the credit it's due.

Ben's team did pain-staking interviewing and research to present the subject in a straight-forward manner. Their research gave proponents from both sides of the Evolution vs Intelligent Design debate ample air time to voice their views and opinions. The facts and foundations of these views are shaken by Mr Stein as he examines to see who can actually face the critic's fire without the shield of, "well everybody agrees on this opinion, so it must be true." I believe most people are quite tired of that argument after scientists rebuked themselves years ago because the world wasn't flat nor was the Earth the center of the universe despite the majority's belief that was true. I may be more scientifically intrigued than most folks, but regardless of my interests, the movie also captivated the rest of my friends with Ben's bland humor-style and the witty quips that got our gray matter going.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone that feels like such a controversial topic has become single-slanted and wants to form their own opinion. An exit poll even stated that, "97 percent of the people say they liked it ... that's a staggeringly large number. And 96 percent said that they would recommend it to a friend." ... consider yourself recommended!

The author went on to say, "[the movie] was very objective. It's not saying teaching evolution is wrong, it's just saying there should be freedom to discuss it in academic circles."^[1]

The Janitor

A couple of weekends ago, I met up with our senior adult pastor and his wife as well as their friends. We had a great time fellowshipping over a long game of dominoes ...Mexican Train style! Before I left, he shared with me a brief handful of amazing, yet simple, stories that he has experienced as a faithful servant of GOD during his 'dash.' By his dash, I'm not referring to the busy-i-ness that we often find ourselves in today. But instead, as a friend defined for me one day, " the important part printed on our gravestones, not the dates, but what really matters lies between in the 'dash.' "

I truly thank GOD for the blessing of Bro Cliff French's friendship. Not only is he a great man, but he also can back it up as an LSU fan! Years before I moved to GA, he pastored a church right down the road from where I grew up in Central, LA. Talk about a small world!

So what does all that have to do with the Janitor? Well, that's the title of the book Bro Cliff gave me as I headed out the door Friday night. I'd personally define myself as a slow reader, yet I do enjoy short novels that relay life lessons. And, as I finished up this book in a little over a day, it certainly fit those criteria.

I've found out that it's already become an international best-seller and it's no wonder why. As I cleared the tears from my eyes on the last pages, I had to admit that I am truly inspired and encouraged by Janitor Bob Tidwell. Each day is an ample opportunity to the practice his simple life changing directives.

Synopsis: The Janitor was inspired by Todd Hopkins’s personal experiences of interviewing overqualified retired businessmen for evening shift janitorial positions. Todd’s applicants consistently would say they simply needed something to do. In this fable, janitor Bob Tidwell helps Roger to reevaluate how he is leading his business and his life. Bob’s counsel is based upon six principles that Todd and coauthor Ray Hilbert discovered have the most impact on succeeding in business while holding together a personal life. Their insightful advice is delivered in a real-to-life story that inspires you to find greater fulfillment in your life and in your career. [and family!]