Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Movie Review

For Katie’s birthday, we took the kids (plus 4 friends) to see the new release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Movie. The responses?

Having read the books, I thought they did a decent job with it. A small mix of animation, lots of live action; it stuck principally to the plot of the book with “movie adaptations.” (They introduced a new character that wasn’t in the books at all. That said, she helped moved the “lessons” along.) What did the kids think?

The two 11 year old boys didn’t think it was the greatest. Their biggest complaint was that they didn’t think the two main characters looked enough like the book versions. (I thought the actors did a pretty decent job!) Tough to look like cartoons.

The assorted 8-9 year old girls didn’t love it either. They didn’t dislike it but they weren’t enamored with it either. Same complaints about the kids (except Fregley!). One girl didn’t like the lack of detail you have in the book.

Overall, it wasn’t as funny as anticipated. There is just something that didn’t fully translate between the book w/cartoons and the live action.

It’s entertaining but I wouldn’t pay full price. (Rush hour specials rule!) I think the kids will probably enjoy watching it again on video. Go in with reasonable expectations and you’ll be fine!

A Conversation with Drew

Confession – Drew didn’t know about the Tourette’s article…

When I originally submitted my entry for the Journal “Opinion Shaper,” I was supposed to send in one entry. I debated what to send and sent the file with two pages. After realizing my error, I emailed again stating that the first one was my submission. Page one was the accepted first column.

When it ran, the editor asked me if I wanted to use the second page as the next column. That was fine with me but I didn’t think too much about it.

When it ran yesterday, I thought I really should talk to Drew about it. (Yes, yes. I know. I really should have spoken with him first…) Anyway – I showed him the paper and we talked last night.

Praise God! We had a very good talk. He was actually very happy about the article and what it said. He said, “We should keep that forever.” He told me that he has felt the same way many times. He keeps praying to God and receives peace.  

I think this is why Jesus was so clear in Matthew (19:14) about the faith of little children. We can learn a lot when we stop overcomplicating things.

God loves. Jesus saves. We act in a way that glorifies God.

We can learn a lot from our children…

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Kid at heart…

OK – I’m a bit of a dork…

Other than the obvious, could I be a bit more specific?

I still like children’s books…

I enjoy reopening some of the Max Lucado Punchinello books from time to time and I enjoy the God Gave Us series from Lisa Bergren. (There are others too, but I’ll stop here.)

The latest in the Bergren series is “God Gave Us Love.” It explores the different kinds of love shared by families, friends and moms and dads. (The pictures remind me of the Coca-Cola bear commercials!)

So – no matter what age you are – go ahead and be a kid again. Dust off your favorite children’s book and read it through. (If you are a parent w/kids, you can read it with your child too if you want.) ;o)

It’s Christmas time! Have some fun today!!!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Proof of Fallen State of Man? 6th Grade Boys!

How do I end up volunteering for this stuff?

100+ 6th graders spent the day having a lot of fun and learning science and other things outside at a state park. Part of the adventure included spending the night in cabins. So, guess where I spent last night as a chaperone? 🙂

There were some bizarre moments – like watching teachers try to encourage kids to sing and behave at the same time! But overall, I have to say that once again I was unbelievably impressed at the heart and dedication of a wonderful group of teachers. I firmly believe it is a very special calling that requires a larger-than-normal heart!

So, what about the fallen state of man? I didn’t exactly have a “job” until it was time for the kids to go to bed. Therefore, I spent a good chunk of my time watching and listening. (I did try to make myself available, but these teachers were great at what they were doing!)

A few things reminded me of my days in school. These are things I remember seeing and / or doing:

• A group “followed” a fellow student around. He wanted to read. They had other ideas – nothing cruel – principally annoying him…
• When a student with some special needs slurred some words, another student repeated the slurring back to him…
• I saw a student shying away from the groups as much as possible – retreating to a “safety zone” around adults…
• I frequently overheard typical 6th grade boy humor whispered…

Again, all this was in the midst of a great group of teachers and parents floating about. (And no, I did not stand idle when these things were happening…)

All in all though, I just kept thinking of sin. To me, this is proof that we are all imperfect. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. We all need a Savior because there is NO way we can ever be perfect.

As you give some thought to this, what does your heart say? How can we guide children to be better than they are? How can we point them to Someone who will both grant mercy and teach them to reflect mercy?

I remember a workshop I used to teach with some frequency. It taught PARENTS, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, etc… how to consider the spiritual, emotional and social legacy they received and were giving. It was amazing to hear the stories and see the resolve of some to move beyond whom they were and what they had received. I think, hope and pray it had an impact on children when those individuals returned to home and church.

I miss doing those workshops…

Pray about the impact you are having on children. Even if you are not a parent, you are having an impact. Whether it is smiling at kids running around the neighborhood or being nice to a relative’s kids, you are having an impact. Think about how it can be more positive and point children to Christ. It’s not easy. But it is something we need to do.

Yours in Christ,
Marty

General Tourette’s Update

It’s been a bit, so I thought I would update on Drew’s Tourette’s. (Find older posts by clicking on the sidebar.)

Adjusting to middle school has been an interesting journey. There are a lot of fantastic blessings that have occurred in the last 6 weeks. Drew enjoys the new school and has made several new friends while still hanging out with old classmates.

Of course, we have had those “bumps” that are frustrating. Because Drew is an energetic and engaging person, it can confuse a person when he suddenly goes into a series of tics. Teachers and students alike are learning but I’m still befuddled at the reactions of adults sometimes. Not only do they not understand how to handle it, some think he is faking. Why would someone fake TS?  Mom and dad handle it in different ways of course, but I won’t elaborate on that.  

(On a funny, but not-funny note: I realize that perhaps I say “You can’t fix stupid” a bit too much. My precocious and wonderful daughter used it the other day with a VERY big grin on her face…)

There’s a lot of private stuff that’s been happening that I won’t put on the blog. Your prayers are appreciated as we continue to seek God’s wisdom and direction. Our lives are His and we pray for His direction in our steps.

Yours in Christ,
Marty

First Day of School

Today’s the day. Summer has once again FLOWN by and the buses came through our neighborhood to pick up kids for school.

Of course, this year is a bit different because Drew is starting middle school. And Katie, for the first time ever, will be without her big brother at elementary school. (Actually, they won’t be in the same school again until he is a senior and she is a freshman!)

Drew asked me last night if he is growing up too quickly. What kind of question is that for a kid to ask? What even puts that in his mind?!?!

Knowing Drew’s temperament and the way he’s been processing things lately, I tried to glibly bump off the question. I said something to the effect of “Well, I’m pretty sure you are growing at the same rate as everyone else.”

Obviously, another transition year has passed and he didn’t let me get away with that answer. (I still remember losing the “because I said so” line…)

We talked for a bit – looking back to some memories and I admitted it seems like no time has passed since I first held that little nine pound, ten ounce sack of potatoes. But then, I tried to focus on the blessings of today and the possibilities of the future.

As a young man of God, he has an incredible future ahead of him. I’d rather focus on those hopes rather than days gone by. It’s fun (and important) to remember where we’ve been, but we have more control over where we are going.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Now, what am I going to do when Katie actually wants to go out on a date???

Yours in Christ,
Marty

Hundred Acre Wood – A Fellow Bouncer part 3

…continued…

“Katherine,” she said, extending her hand.  “Nice to meet you Matt.  I heard about you from William and Peter when they came by on a walk. I thought I would be meeting you soon.”

“Nice to meet you too.  I enjoyed my time with William and Peter at the church.  I think I may have overloaded a little too much.  I do that sometimes.  I just hope I am able to serve the church in some way.”

“How nice,” replied Katherine.  “William is a very loving and caring pastor.  He will be a good person for you to work with.  And you know, we can always use a little help at the church.  I can’t wait to hear how you will expand and grow our children’s ministry!”

“Children’s ministry? I’m not a children’s min—”

“Come on,” Katherine interrupted. “Our house is just around the bend. Would you like to have a cup of coffee and borrow a towel?”

“That would be very nice.  I don’t want to be a bother though.”

“It’s no bother,” interjected Rudy.  “Come on.  I’ll show you my toys!”

He grabbed Matt’s hand and they bounced off to Katherine’s house to dry off.

Matt could only shake his head. This wasn’t turning out the way he had expected.

…to be continued…

Hundred Acre Wood – Fellow Bouncer part 2

…continued…

By this time, Matt was feeling discouraged.  He walked through the wood and took a seat by a stream to pray and consider how he might generate some enthusiasm.  The response he had received so far from the church leaders and people was much less than he anticipated!

As he hung his head to think and pray, his moment of solitude was suddenly broken as a gleeful yell caused him to look up quickly.  A flash of blue filled his vision as something crashed into him and he was pushed off the bank and into the stream!

Spluttering and struggling to find his feet, he heard a small voice coughing and a woman’s voice calling out. 

“Are you O.K., Mister?” asked the voice.

Matt looked in the direction of the voice and saw a small boy, dripping wet.

“I’m fine,” he replied, starting to laugh.  “Are you O.K.?”

“Rudy!  Rudy, you alright?” 

Katherine came bounding over the hill.  Spotting Matt laughing, she stopped short.

“I’m fine Mama.”

“What happened?” asked Katherine.

“I came running around the tree and ran into this man.  We both fell into the stream.  I’m sorry Mama!”

“It’s fine,” interjected Matt.  “The water felt very refreshing.  I’m Matt, by the way.”

“I’m Rudy!  And this is my Mama,” declared the boy proudly.

to be continued…

BOZ – The Christian Answer to Barney?

Disclaimer – My kids are past the Barney stage and I am VERY grateful for that fact! While the purple dinosaur was a part of our lives for a bit, I am quite incredibly happy not to hear that voice any more. (Although I have been told my impersonation is passable.)

So – what’s this about Boz? When Boz made his debut a few years ago as a Christian alternative to Barney, I was happy that the Christian market had done something with this much quality. Boz is animated, but the production is good, the songs are well done and the topics are appropriate. If you have children 5 and under, I would encourage you to take a look at the material. It’s not “preachy.” It’s educational material with a Christian worldview.

What does that mean? The ABC’s don’t change. The words you choose to teach the ABC’s can. The colors don’t change. The words you choose to teach them can. The One you give credit for creating the colors can also be important. That is why – if I still had kids that age – I’d look at the Boz material for supplementing their education.

There is lots of stuff available. Obviously, there are basic DVDs, storybooks, etc. These cover topics already discussed as well as numbers, shapes, friends, helping and more.

BRAND NEW – For churches, David C Cook has just released a new Boz Preschool curriculum. It uses familiar the Boz character to help kids understand things about God and His love. Cook also offers it as a preschool option for their Wildwood Forest VBS program.

(Obviously, you could also use it with Group [Rome or Crocodile Dock], Gospel Light [Son Rock Kids Camp or Kingdom of the Son], Standard [Studio Go], Concordia [Gadget’s Garage] or any other Vacation Bible School program.)

Parents who wish to introduce Jesus and God’s love to their children and families from a very young age should definitely check out the material offered. I think you will be very pleased and encouraged by the material!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

I love my wife!

Ten(der) Commandments by Ron Mehl – Day 9

Last night, I was eavesdropping.

I know, I know – After all the effort we put into teaching our children to be respectful of the privacy of others, I broke the rule… 

In my defense, I wasn’t really listening, but I happened to catch the moment when my wife and daughter were discussing priorities. I heard my wife say,

“Actually, I’m a wife first, then a mom, then…” 

and I stopped listening.

Do you know what means to me? She loves me! She appreciates me! I am special and she honors our marriage!

God’s commandment is clear:

You shall not commit adultery.

That means marriage is sacred. We can go all sorts of different directions with this discussion, but let’s stick to the point because it is simple.

Honor your marriage.

Your spouse is precious. Your spouse is a gift from God. Honor that.

I love the story Mehl relates in this chapter. The story is about Johnny Lingo. I’ll abbreviate the story…

A man named Johnny lived on an island in the Pacific. The custom on the island was to give the father-in-law of the woman you wanted to marry a certain number of cows for the daughter’s hand. The common practice was to give two or three cows – perhaps four or five for an exceptionally beautiful one.

Sarita, the woman Johnny loved, was very plain. She was thin, her shoulders were hunched and she walked with her head down.

Johnny paid eight cows.

When the islanders heard, they started talking. It was ridiculous. He was cheated.

But when a visitor came to see Johnny to conduct some business, Sarita entered the room and put a vase of flowers on the table. She was the loveliest woman he had ever seen. The man was stunned – completely disbelieving this was the same woman.

Seeing his response, Johnny asked him, “Have you ever thought about  how a woman must feel when her husband to be negotiates the lowest price for his bride?” The man just looked at him. 

Johnny continued, “When I realized how much I loved Sarita, decided this must not happen to her. I wanted her – and everyone else – to know that she is worth more than any other woman to me.”

*******

 How much do you love your spouse? How much would you give for him or her?

I love you Diana! Thanks for being my treasure!!!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

PS – How much does Jesus love you? The church is the “Bride of Christ. How does that impact your Christianity today?