Summer Fun

So it is summer again, which down here in Florida means lots of heat, rain, and bugs. However, it also means time with family while the kids are out of school, vacations, theme parks, swimming, etc. For me, one of the things I look forward to each summer are the big summer blockbuster movie releases. Of course, there are disappointments every year, but there are always a few really good movies that make it worth your time and money. This summer was looking to be one of the most highly anticipated summers in a while, and is being referred to as the summer of the sequel. I believe there are fourteen sequels scheduled for release this summer. A good friend of mine has said that he is disappointed that Hollywood cannot come up with anything original. On the other hand, I am a big fan of sequels if they are are done right. Some of my favorite movies of all time are sequels. Movies such as the Star Wars films, the Indiana Jones trilogy, the Vacation films with Chevy Chase, the Star Trek movies, and most of the Marvel Comics films, just to name a few. Can you really get too much of a good thing?

I have been lucky enough to see most of the big movies thus far this summer, although with the arrival of my new baby girl, that will probably change. Some of them have been somewhat of a letdown from the hype that they have received, but today I saw a film that not only met, but exceeded my expectations. That film was Transformers, with one of my new favorite actors, Shia Labeouf (Pronounced "Shy-uh La-Buff"), who is also slated to star in Indiana Jones 4 next summer. The movie is non-stop action and comedy from beginning to end. I know you have probably seen some other films that were based on a cartoon or toys that ended up not being very good or even completely lame. Forget your past experiences however because Transformers will not disappoint. If you are not completely satisfied after seeing the film, see a theater manager and mention my name for a complete refund. Sure, he will just laugh in your face, but I would love to hear all about it sometime. But as the famous preview voice announcer guy always says, “If you see only one movie this summer, you need to get out more.” Oh, wait a minute that was my line. He would say, “If you see only one movie this summer, see Transformers.”

With the price of movies these days, you really have to choose wisely. I would highly recommend Transformers for a fun summer afternoon, or a nice evening out. It truly is more than meets the eye!

Friends

In keeping with the theme of things I am thankful for, I thought I would write something about all my friends who have been there for me throughout the years, as well as those whom I have known for just a short time. Of all the things we have in life, friends are one of the great gifts that make life enjoyable and help us to live it to the fullest. To have no money or earthly possessions would be sad, but to have no friends would be a far sadder thing indeed.

I have been blessed throughout the years with some great friends. Friends who I could always count on to be there for me and support me no matter what I may be going through. Much of what I have learned in life about self-sacrifice and unconditional love has come from my friends. Just as our parents model behavior for us in our early years, our friends do the same throughout our lives. I have been blessed over the last seventeen to eighteen years to have friends who modeled what it means to be a follower of Christ. I just pray my daughter finds the same type of friends who encourage her to be all that God desires for her to be.

I was reminded of how great it is to have friends over the past two weeks as some of our friends have come by to see our new baby and have brought us dinner and gifts. I hope they all know how much it is appreciated and how much we love them. Even friends we have not seen lately have made a point to come and share with us and we are very grateful. Some of our friends are separated by great distance, but they are close in our hearts. Thank you all for all you do and for who you are.

To all of my awesome friends, you know who you are, I am eternally grateful to have you in my life. I am truly a blessed man.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. Philippians 1:3-4