Marital Communications 501: Star Wars

One of my joys in life is exposing the Hubs to new experiences. The hotel where we spent our honeymoon had a video library. I picked out "West Side Story" and convinced Kenyon to watch it by telling him it is a movie about street gangs. I failed to mention the gang fights were lyrical, choreographed street dances.

I got him to watch "Sound of Music" by telling him it was a World War II movie (he is a WWII buff). True, that is the context of the movie, but (again) I failed to mention the singing and dancing. I used a similar tactic for "Gone with the Wind." At the end of that experience he said, "I total misjudged that movie!" He actually enjoyed the story after the multi-hour investment of time.

Our latest movie adventure is Star Wars. Yes, the Hubs is 35 years old and NEVER seen Star Wars. It came up because there was a joke referencing Darth Vader that he didn't understand. So, recently we have spent a couple of nights watching classic Star Wars movies.

I can tell you from experience that watching a grown man experience Star Wars for the first time is highly entertaining. He provides a unique perspective...to say the least. (apologies in advance to Star Wars fans)

About R2-D2:

K: What is the purpose of that rolling trash can?

I am not enough of a fan to be able to effectively defend R2-D2, but I can honestly say I did not see the resemblance to a trash can until the Hubs pointed it out.

About Jabba the Hut:

K: Why are they afraid of that fat earthworm?

I can't explain why Jabba the Hut is powerful...nor did I previously see him as an earthworm, but now I see the coloring, shape and motion do resemble a worm.

The Hubs has always provided a unique perspective.

just Sheri, enlightened

What would you do for love? part 2

In a previous post I asked the question: "what would you do for love?" At the time, we were making a sacrificial choice for family born of the heart. I deeply love this family, they are still an important part of my life.

Some folks questioned this choice, asking why any of this was my responsibility. They often told me the responsibility should belong to someone else. I wrote about this in a post titled, who's responsible?

I am facing a similar situation today. There has been a young woman who recently entered our lives. She is experiencing a tough time. In recent months we have provided food, shelter, rides, and companionship. It doesn't matter that we are not related and, frankly, didn't know one another a couple of months ago.

I believe when someone is in need we should do what we can to help them. I am trying to live out that belief. Is it easy? Not at all. Is it rewarding? Rarely. Is it important? I believe it is of the utmost importance -a matter of life and death - and of eternal value.

I write this post, not to brag on myself - but to encourage others to do what they can for another. It matters a LOT. Be there for someone. They need you.

just Sheri, attempting to be there for another

Kindness Boomerang video

What church are you with?

In November, a few friends and I participated in a random act of kindness. We made some welcome home baskets for families who had been displaced by flooding last year and are now returning to their renovated homes. During the delivery of these baskets to homes, one of the families asked: "what church are you with?"

Well, we weren't with any one church. My two friends each attend different church buildings on Sunday, I myself am currently in what I call a "displaced" state (not feeling at home in any one place).

I have contemplated this question quite a bit in the weeks that followed - what church are you with?

Isn't the church made up of people? My friends and I - we ARE the church. 

Why does it matter that we don't have a clearly defined institution to affiliate with? We are Christ's ambassadors; not marketing agents for a particular building/denomination/pastor. The glory (or credit) should be attributed to Christ alone.

I think the next time I am asked this question, I will smile and say, "we are here because God loves you and He asked us to show you that love today."

We, you and me, ARE the church. God isn't interested in a building, or titles, but the condition of our hearts. 

What have you done recently to show Christ's love to another?

just Sheri, ambassador for Christ

Quotable Quotes: Gandalf the Grey

I agree with Gandalf:

Image: by Cynthia Blair via Creative Commons

"Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."

 ~ Gandalf the Grey in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"