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Let's face it. Guys like movies with lots of pyrotechnics, gun fights, and car chases. This movie has all of that but little else. A bevy of action stars insures there will be plenty of fist fights, exploding bullets, and things blown up.

Mercenaries, led by Sylvester Stallone, take on a job offered by Bruce Willis (cameo) who represents the CIA (although this is just speculation), to rescue a small island nation from the American bad guy (Eric Roberts) backed dictator. The General's daughter is one of the leaders in the movement to rid the country of the tyranny.

The Blushing Bride (who enjoys a good action flick with me once in awhile) couldn't find the enjoyment in the exploding screen. My assessment--it was a good story, told badly with poor acting highlighted by some really great pyromania thrown in to appease the crowds.

It's time for a Columbo marathon. Actor Peter Falk (who made the role come to life) died today. And while we're at it, maybe we should read some of William Harrington's adaptations.

As a matter of information, I also enjoyed Falk's performances in The Princess Bride and the made for TV movies (A Town Without Christmas, Finding John Christmas, When Angels Come to Town) where he made the "angel" Max come to life.

HT - Bill Crider

Pardon a political moment, but I received another of those e-mail messages that come from people I know who should know me. But if they really knew me they'd know that I rarely if ever really care about their political statements, and I NEVER (strong word I know, but I NEVER) pass these messages along even though I'm told at the end (assuming that I've taken enough time to scroll to the end of the message) that if I don't pass the message along I'm lower than a snake's belly and will forever be known as the proverbial scum of the proverbial earth--so I must hang my head in shame.

Here's the real reason that I'm so riled about such messages: They assume (rightly or wrongly) that my political views are just like theirs. Even if I support/oppose the people/issues that they support/oppose, I don't care for these inbox filling wastes of space. And even if I support/oppose the people/issues that they support/oppose, I am vehemently opposed to vilifying our elected officials. I may not care for a person or their policies, but if that person holds an office that demands my respect shouldn't I respect the office?

The catalytic email that inspired this post was one of those that was definitely Republican in nature in that in the guise of political humor made the point that we must vote for "Anybody but" the current administration. My position: vote your conscience. If you don't like the current administration/congress vote to replace them. If you are happy with the direction our country is going, vote accordingly. If you feel your vote will make no difference so you choose not to vote at all, keep you opinions to yourself.

So, having said that, if you have this perfect email chain letter that you think I should read because it states perfectly your views on any upcoming election, please keep it to yourself.

As always, commentary on this post is welcome in the "comments" section.

Political statement over.

I recently had the opportunity to see the newest release from Sherwood Pictures (Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof) in a preview with my Blushing Bride. For Father's Day this weekend, we'll be showing the trailer at church! (see below)

The movie releases on September 30 in theaters all over the country. If you are a Father you will want to see this movie. If you are a Mother, you will want to take the father of your children to see this movie.

Going back to their original playbook, the guys at Sherwood have opted to use lesser-known acting talents to present their story. (You'll still see familiar faces if you have caught any of their first three releases.) Don't let that bother you, though. The writing is excellent, and the acting works most of the time (which could be said of many of today's top-grossing pictures).

Four police officers and their handy-man friend start to find ways to become the kind of father that all fathers are meant to be. This movie has drama, action, and comedy. If you're like me, you will want to become a "Snake King" because of this movie!

One quick note: because this movie is produced and marketed by church-related organizations, there is a strong faith element included. For some it will be rather "preach-y". I didn't find it to be over the top, though. Partly because it is the faith message that the producers are trying to get through, and partly because, while clear and definitely there, it is not too pushy.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be glad you saw this movie. I know I did, I did, and I was.

. . . why Leo Sayer was one of my favorite singers in my younger years. I can guess that it had something to do with his cool hair:

Just got an email from a news source that I subscribe to. It opens with a plea that reads sort of like this:

"Help keep this resource free."

Bottom line boils down to: "To keep this resource free, please send money."

Does anyone else get this oxymoron? or is it just me?

Click through to Challies.com. And definitely do not enter his giveaway, because I want to win and if you enter, then I may not.

Pause with me for a moment as we consider those pesky 'postrophes. The apostrophe should be your friend, not another headache, but he does have to do his work properly. And being a lesser used punctuation mark, he gets misused almost as often as his big sister the comma.

And now today's lesson:
1) The apostrophe can and should be used to show possession--as in the previous phrase ("today's lesson"). The lesson belongs to today. Just as you can refer to this webpage as Benjie's blog because it belongs to me. [The most notable exceptions to this rule come from the pronoun family in the form of the words "it" and "who" in which we find that when the dog owns a bone (and we don't know the dog's gender) we say that the item is "its bone"--no apostrophe. In the case of our little interrogative friend who, possession is shown by asking "Whose book is this?"--again, no apostrophe.]

2) One may also use the apostrophe when contracting words (creating contractions) such as can't or won't (can + not = cannot contracting to can't; will + not contracts to won't). This is the rule that applies to our pronouns from example one in conjunction with the apostrophe. It's is the contraction for it and is, just as who's is the contracted form for who and is.

Please do not use the apostrophe when forming plurals (notice I did not write plural's) because that would just be silly. The struggle you will have is when writing about decades using numerical designation instead of words. Let me help you: the decade of the Sixties (including 1961-1970, another lesson altogether) would be written as the 60s, not the 60's (you may include an apostrophe to indicate that you have left out the first two numbers if you want: '60s).

Please treat him nicely because, after all, the apostrophe is your friend.

Then celebrate Limerick Day!

Our nation has set aside this day to honor our others—both those who are still living and those who have gone on to their reward. There are several ways to do this. Some of the more common ones include giving a special gift to your mom, be it a bouquet of flowers or a new piece of jewelry. Maybe some chocolates. Some people make a special effort to visit their mother if they live some distance, and they often honor Mom by attending worship with her. If you are in this category, you are especially welcomed in the worship hour today.

If a trip to Mom’s is not an option for you, contacting via phone or e-mail is always nice. With today’s technology, you might even want to set up a Skype account and video chat with Mom over the Internet.

Here are a couple of suggestions that you may not have thought of, but are really some of the best things to do to honor your mother today: Give generously to the annual “Mother’s Day Offering” which benefits the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (If you're not located in Illinois, find a worthy cause to support in honor of your Mom). Share your faith in Jesus with an unsaved friend or family member.

However you plan to do it, honor your mother today.

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Here's an old spiritual -- I don't know the source, but the sentiment is Resurrection Day!


I looked up and saw my Lord a-coming,
I looked up and saw my Lord a-coming,
I looked up and saw my Lord a-coming down the road


I looked up and saw my Lord a-dying,
I looked up and saw my Lord a-dying,
I looked up and saw my Lord a-dying on the tree


I looked up and saw my Lord a-rising,
I looked up and saw my Lord a-rising,
I looked up and saw my Lord a-rising from the grave!

(chorus)
Hallelujah! He is coming!
Hallelujah! He is here!
Hallelujah! He is coming!
Hallelujah! He is here!

April has been designated as National Poetry Month. You may want to read some poetry with a friend or loved one, or write a haiku, sonnet, or ode. And now, before the month gets away from me, I thought I'd share something simple:

Dear Lord, my God, I always pray
To keep Your precious will each day.

And when I can no longer stand
I pray You'll keep my in Your hand.

And when I can no longer hear
Your words, I pray, will bless my ear.

When, eyes grown dim, I see no more
May others see more of You in me than ever they have seen before.

And when my voice allows no speech
I ask that my actions souls will reach.

When finally I lay down and die
May people have seen more You than I. --Benjamin Potter (July 3, 1983)

If you'd like, you can join in celebrating by posting a poem in the comments section, at your own blog, or just giving a poem to someone. (Be sure to tell them that it's National Poetry Month.)

Use this coupon to buy one of my books and save shipping. (click on picture to go my Lulu store)

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"Texas, Our Texas"

Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!

Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!

Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test

O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,

Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,

Emblem of Freedom! it set our hearts aglow,

With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.

Texas, dear Texas! from tyrant grip now free,

Shines forth in splendor, your star of destiny!

Mother of heroes, we come your children true,

Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.

Chorus

God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,

That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,

That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

Again and again and again! Apparently people are not paying attention to my posts.

As I was perusing one of the several many blogs that I frequent daily, buried deeply in the text the author did it again. So I was ready to go on a long rant about the proper use of lead, led, and lead. But I've already waxed eloquent on the subject, so I'll just point you there.

You must understand that I read a lot of blogs by preacher-types like myself. It's good for my professional education. That said, most of us are expected to be professional communicators--either verbally or through the written word. So is it too much to ask my colleagues to learn to say that any church they pastor "will be led" rather than "will be lead"? Please preacher, learn your usage. And by the way, it's just a cop-out to say, "spelling/grammar was never my strong suit." Are you educated? Then act like it. Even when you write.

By now everyone's probably seen the church sign.

While I'm not sure about using a church marquee to ask people to stop praying, I'm right there with the sentiment.

From Yahoo! News we learn that some US Cities are running out of people.

Since I am always behind, you've probably seen these (as they are all the rage on the 'Net right now). But in the spirit of the season (I know, I know. This part of the work is not really part of the birth section--but the passion--but people love to sing it as part of their Christmas tradition) I will post these here. Feel free to stand beside your computer in the time-honored tradition (attributed to royalty, no less).

Consider the story behind this new Christmas song, then consider St. Jude's this Christmas.

For those who want to know, this is the anniversary of the murder of John Lennon. As a sort of tribute, here's his Christmas song--enjoy the pretty pictures:

Recently, I heard one of those radio talk shows where they talk about just about anything. The host was discussing how his second grade teacher encouraged him to the point of "setting him free to soar". So, I decided I'd introduce you to a couple of inspirational people in my life.

I just want to take a moment, dear reader(s), to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Day.

Or happy thirty day. However you want to look at it. I couldn't let today go by without mentioning that it was 10.10.10.

I'm often skeptical at the "updating" of some of my favorites from the past. And there are some inconsistencies from what I remember in my childhood viewing. At the same time, some of the questions are being answered that were left unasked when Jack Lord led the Five-O team.

Yes, tomorrow is international talk like a pirate day. And as tempting as the proposition might be, I will not be preaching in pirate-speak. But have fun with it anyway.

So, yesterday was my birthday (as many of you who follow me on FB know--and thanks for all the well-wishes btw). I took a relaxing day, spent time with the family (just before the mad rush of BACK TO SCHOOL grabs hold like a pit bull). We walked across the historic "Chain of Rocks" Bridge (the old Route 66 Mississippi River span) which is now relegated to foot and bicycle traffic, and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Steak 'n Shake on the way home. It was really a restful day.

I also received the following information (prepare for shameless self-promotion) from Lulu (the site I currently use as publish on demand printer for my books):

Publish | Buy | Sell | Services Two for Christmas Purchase Two for Christmas and get free shipping. * To qualify for Lulu FREE Summer Shipping, your cart has to total at least $19.95 in printed book merchandise, but that total excludes taxes. Since the US Postal Service will deliver your order, we can only offer FREE Summer Shipping to valid US delivery addresses. We can also ship to APO/FPO addresses, but just make sure you use a valid US zip code with your order. Unfortunately, FREE Summer Shipping can't be combined with any other promotional codes at this time. While we don't have any plans, desires, intentions or wishes to do so, we can change or discontinue Lulu FREE Summer Shipping at anytime. Maximum discount of $19.95. This offer ends on August 23, 2010 at 11:59PM so try not to miss out! Please note that shipping methods are limited within this promotion.

If you'd like you can click on the buttons in the ad and order your very own copy of this compilation of my first two stories (that includes a chapter not included when the books were printed separately). But hurry--the free shipping deal is almost over.

All in all, I would have to say, it was a pretty happy day!

Today we say good-bye to one of my faith heroes. Avery Willis lost his hard battle with cancer early this morning. Why is he a hero? Because he was always a friend--to his family and close relations, to fellow Christ followers, and to people he met on the street.

He gave us MasterLife along with the challenge to live our faith in our everyday life. Celebrate life today, because that's what Avery stood for--celebrating life.

I know that at this moment he is hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your reward."

My prayers go out to Shirley and the children, and I celebrate with them this life that was lived to the fullest for the glory of God.

Take a moment with me to wish a hearty "Happy Birthday" to the man who makes a point to wish everyone else a "Happy Birthday."

Bill Crider has been cranking out Sheriff Dan Rhodes mysteries (among others) ever since the first appearance of East Texas's version of Andy Taylor won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel.

As a gift--why not click on the book cover and pre-order the latest volume?

Nothing special. I just found this sign in southern Illinois interesting:







One has to wonder what they sell at this establishment . . .





and even more interesting is the "store" itself:

It isn't often you'll hear someone say that they have a great mother-in-law. All the jokes suggest that mothers-in-law all have green-tinted skin, wart-ridden noses, and gad about on broomsticks during the night. I'd like everyone to know that I have the world's best mother-by-law.

Using guilt by association, people would expect fathers-in-law to also be a grizzly bear to deal with. So, I should hasten to add that I have a tremendous father-by-law. My wife's parents are loving and interested in our family's life--and dote on our children even if they have to do it from a distance.

So, today, I want to pay a fitting tribute to my father-by-law, Robert A. Wring. Bob is the pastor of Mountain Highway Baptist Church outside of Tacoma, WA. This December he and Ms. Vickie (I'll call her Momma Wring) will celebrate 37 years as husband and wife. They have two daughters--one of whom has been blessed to join the Potter family--and three grandchildren (I'm so proud). Bob is a veteran of the US Navy and loves Jesus completely.

Several years ago, Bob completed work on his PhD from MidAmerica Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN. This then, brings me to the reason for my post today -- to honor Robert A. Wring, PhD.

The fam and I recently returned from a mission trip to Pennsylvania (in and around the Punxutawney area). Over the years I have had an on again, off again (now on again) fascination with Dr Pepper and all the variations from soft drink bottlers around the world. I was a fan of DP when another company failed to reproduce a facsimile and called it Mr Pibb (it seems he couldn't stay in school long enough for the terminal degree). I have agonized over the travesty that is marketed under the name Dr. Thunder. But on our recent trip to PA, we discovered this (that tastes pretty good, btw) and found it a fitting tribute to my favorite father-by-law: Robert A. Wring, PhD --

I read sadly of the death over the weekend of Christian rock artist Dana Key. I recall moments from my youth that were influenced by the innovative and ground-breaking band that Key formed with Eddie DeGarmo (DeGarmo & Key). Bringing Christian music into the cutting edge as D&K was known to do, opened doors for artists who didn't fit in with the Southern Gospel or bubblegum pop sound that dominated early Christian music outside of church hymnals.

So, enjoy a couple of the songs, just as Dana is now enjoying his forever:


"Casual Christian"


Key's rendition of Larry Norman's "The Outlaw"


HT: Kevin Bussey

Probably most famous for his character Arnold on Diff'rent Strokes, Gary Coleman introduced us to his goldfish, Abraham, and continually wanted to know, "What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?" I heard on the news this evening that he died today after a long illness.

So long, Gary--and Arnold.

Some of my favorite "growing up" memories center on re-runs of Art Linkletter's House Party which included Art interviewing children who (as his book asserted) would "say the darnedest things."

Mr. Linkletter passed away the other day, and men of his stripe are growing fewer and farther between.

Say it with a Card,

Over the past two months, I've been having trouble uploading sermons to my old podcast site. So, I've been looking for a solution. What I found was a new site where things seem to be working better. That means I'm moving to a new site altogether. Older sermons can still be accessed by clicking on the old link at myPodcast. Newer sermons (including some repeats) will be podcast at the Sermon Network page as well as be available at Loom & Wheel Sounds on blogspot.