T.L. Gray's Blog, page 80
February 18, 2011
Cheap Cabernet Review
This was a hard book to read for me. Not because of the writing, but because of the subject matter. After reading the first few chapters, I felt like Cathie Beck had been peeking into my life. When the story progressed to where we meet Diane and Cathie starts to notice the first signs of Multiple Sclerosis, I had to put the book down. Not because it was disturbing, but because it reminded me of things I've long chosen to forget.
I so tried to keep my editorial eyes open while I read this memoir,looking for pacing, story structure, fludity, etc. Instead I found a catalyst that threw so many things I have chosen to stash away right back into the forefront of my mind. This story doesn't entertain me, it makes me feel, makes me remember. Maybe not everyone, perhaps not many who haven't went through a lot of the same things or had a friend like Debbie or have known someone with MS, will get the same thing out of it, but it felt like Beck let me have peek into her soul at the time she was sneaking a peek into my own.
I've never read another book like this. I really wouldn't even know how to categorize it. I'm too close, having grown up with a mother with MS, been a teenage mom, a single-parent in my early twenties, and facing my 40th birthday just around the corner having not yet met my Debbie, being and becoming a writer and knowing the true taste of cheap cabernet. Perhaps it's time for my own WOW group to form.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I so tried to keep my editorial eyes open while I read this memoir,looking for pacing, story structure, fludity, etc. Instead I found a catalyst that threw so many things I have chosen to stash away right back into the forefront of my mind. This story doesn't entertain me, it makes me feel, makes me remember. Maybe not everyone, perhaps not many who haven't went through a lot of the same things or had a friend like Debbie or have known someone with MS, will get the same thing out of it, but it felt like Beck let me have peek into her soul at the time she was sneaking a peek into my own.
I've never read another book like this. I really wouldn't even know how to categorize it. I'm too close, having grown up with a mother with MS, been a teenage mom, a single-parent in my early twenties, and facing my 40th birthday just around the corner having not yet met my Debbie, being and becoming a writer and knowing the true taste of cheap cabernet. Perhaps it's time for my own WOW group to form.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
February 17, 2011
A Well-Manicured Murder Review
Every once in a while I go through my 'Chick-Lit' phase, where I want to delve deep into the female psyche and get lost. However, those times are far and few between. You'll never find this gal lost in a hopeless and senseless romance novel, because to me they're all the same. I'm all about action, adventure and imagination.
A Well-Manicured Murder by Georgia Adams gave me a little of both. I love murder mysteries, especially when I don't quite know who the murderer is by the first quarter of the book. This mystery left me questioning until the very end. While the revelation was one of my guesses, I couldn't quite be sure... so it's a win as far as I'm concerned. So, kudos to the brilliant minds of Browning, McColgan and Dunn.
I'm not without my bias. I know 1/3 of the trio that make up the Georgia Adams persona, Mrs. Joann Dunn, she's a member of my writers group and it's my love for the work she's shared in the club that led me to desire to want to read this book, and I'm glad I did.
If you love down-home, good southern humor, with a dash of mystery, you'll love A Well-Manicured Murder.
I can't wait to dive into the next installment of the LitChix Mysteries in Killer Condo.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
A Well-Manicured Murder by Georgia Adams gave me a little of both. I love murder mysteries, especially when I don't quite know who the murderer is by the first quarter of the book. This mystery left me questioning until the very end. While the revelation was one of my guesses, I couldn't quite be sure... so it's a win as far as I'm concerned. So, kudos to the brilliant minds of Browning, McColgan and Dunn.
I'm not without my bias. I know 1/3 of the trio that make up the Georgia Adams persona, Mrs. Joann Dunn, she's a member of my writers group and it's my love for the work she's shared in the club that led me to desire to want to read this book, and I'm glad I did.
If you love down-home, good southern humor, with a dash of mystery, you'll love A Well-Manicured Murder.
I can't wait to dive into the next installment of the LitChix Mysteries in Killer Condo.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
A Well-Manicured Murder Review
Every once in a while I go through my 'Chick-Lit' phase, where I want to delve deep into the female psyche and get lost. However, those times are far and few between. You'll never find this gal lost in a hopeless and senseless romance novel, because to me they're all the same. I'm all about action, adventure and imagination.
A Well-Manicured Murder by Georgia Adams gave me a little of both. I love murder mysteries, especially when I don't quite know who the murderer is by the first quarter of the book. This mystery left me questioning until the very end. While the revelation was one of my guesses, I couldn't quite be sure... so it's a win as far as I'm concerned. So, kudos to the brilliant minds of Browning, McColgan and Dunn.
I'm not without my bias. I know 1/3 of the trio that make up the Georgia Adams persona, Mrs. Joann Dunn, she's a member of my writers group and it's my love for the work she's shared in the club that led me to desire to want to read this book, and I'm glad I did.
If you love down-home, good southern humor, with a dash of mystery, you'll love A Well-Manicured Murder.
I can't wait to dive into the next installment of the LitChix Mysteries in Killer Condo.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
February 4, 2011
I Am Number Four Review
"While the beginning of this book was fantastic, full of intrigue, curiosity and excitment, the ending left me wanting a little more. My heart soared through the first ten chapters, thinking 'finally, something with some backbone', to losing me short...moreWhile the beginning of this book was fantastic, full of intrigue, curiosity and excitment, the ending left me wanting a little more. My heart soared through the first ten chapters, thinking 'finally, something with some backbone', to losing me shortly thereafter. Not that anything in particular was bad, but I really felt like the 'integrity' of the story was bulldozed over in the name of 'commercialization'. A diconnect happened, pulling me to the outside of the story, instead of having me inside on the battle field fighting right along side John. I can't quite put my finger on it.
The relationship with Sarah was the typical teenage obsession, all about how she made him FEEL, and vice versa. Love isn't only about feelings. The development of the relationship started off at a great pace, then about half-way through it shifted gears into an unbelievable level of devotion and extereme understanding. Where were the real 'human' moments of shock, disbelief, question, fear. It's human nature to protect ourselves when we're afraid, but here you have a character instantly throw caution and everything she's known all her life to the wind... because she kissed a boy and liked it?
Then we have the relationship with Sam. This too started off at a great pace, and had a nice twist with the whole gun incident, but then everything after that.... got lost. In fact... Sam got lost for a whole chapter that covered practically a whole season. Then, suddenly he pops back on the scene, a big battle ensues (which John doesn't even give him a second thought through the whole thing) which he shows up at the end to help save the day, to making a decision to take off on the road with two aliens. Just a week before he couldn't tell his mom "no" when it came to visiting his aunt, but now he's ready to take on the world?
Don't even get me started on the whole Mark relationship. The guy is a bully, plain and simple... then all of sudden he turns into a knight in shining armour because John saved his two dogs? A bully isn't a bully for no reason. There's usually a deep-seeded reason, and that reason doesn't disappear with one incident and change his whole NATURE. Transformation of character takes time. But, even that isn't what bothers me. There are some obvious BIG plot holes when it comes to this character. #1 - why was a video sent to him, and who sent it? Why HIM. #2 - WHY on Earth would he take and 'confront' Henri and John about it? He was afraid of John after the Halloween incident. In fact, so afraid he couldn't even give him the party invitation on his own. He miraculously stops "bullying" John after getting his butt kicked once. I'm sorry, but that's just unbelievable.
However, with these obvious flaws, the story still held my attention, still had me pulling for it. I just can't for the life of me figure out WHY the paradigmn shift happened. It seems like one person started writing the story, and another person who's only read the outline, finished it. It's like some of the best elements of the story were taken out and the worst elements were added to ADD certain 'commercialized' elements to sell movie tickets was added at the expense of the true story. A story shouldn't be written to sell a movie... it should be written so well that one is inspired to desire it's film adaptation.
I'd still recommend this movie. I gave it to my 20-year old son, and he loved it. Felt something was missing, but still loved it. I'm sure lots of teenage girls will love it too.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
The relationship with Sarah was the typical teenage obsession, all about how she made him FEEL, and vice versa. Love isn't only about feelings. The development of the relationship started off at a great pace, then about half-way through it shifted gears into an unbelievable level of devotion and extereme understanding. Where were the real 'human' moments of shock, disbelief, question, fear. It's human nature to protect ourselves when we're afraid, but here you have a character instantly throw caution and everything she's known all her life to the wind... because she kissed a boy and liked it?
Then we have the relationship with Sam. This too started off at a great pace, and had a nice twist with the whole gun incident, but then everything after that.... got lost. In fact... Sam got lost for a whole chapter that covered practically a whole season. Then, suddenly he pops back on the scene, a big battle ensues (which John doesn't even give him a second thought through the whole thing) which he shows up at the end to help save the day, to making a decision to take off on the road with two aliens. Just a week before he couldn't tell his mom "no" when it came to visiting his aunt, but now he's ready to take on the world?
Don't even get me started on the whole Mark relationship. The guy is a bully, plain and simple... then all of sudden he turns into a knight in shining armour because John saved his two dogs? A bully isn't a bully for no reason. There's usually a deep-seeded reason, and that reason doesn't disappear with one incident and change his whole NATURE. Transformation of character takes time. But, even that isn't what bothers me. There are some obvious BIG plot holes when it comes to this character. #1 - why was a video sent to him, and who sent it? Why HIM. #2 - WHY on Earth would he take and 'confront' Henri and John about it? He was afraid of John after the Halloween incident. In fact, so afraid he couldn't even give him the party invitation on his own. He miraculously stops "bullying" John after getting his butt kicked once. I'm sorry, but that's just unbelievable.
However, with these obvious flaws, the story still held my attention, still had me pulling for it. I just can't for the life of me figure out WHY the paradigmn shift happened. It seems like one person started writing the story, and another person who's only read the outline, finished it. It's like some of the best elements of the story were taken out and the worst elements were added to ADD certain 'commercialized' elements to sell movie tickets was added at the expense of the true story. A story shouldn't be written to sell a movie... it should be written so well that one is inspired to desire it's film adaptation.
I'd still recommend this movie. I gave it to my 20-year old son, and he loved it. Felt something was missing, but still loved it. I'm sure lots of teenage girls will love it too.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
January 17, 2011
Pull the Ripcord
Do you ever get into one of those moods where you find yourself escaping but you don't really know what you're escaping from or to? I do sometimes and find it's a strange place to wander; it's quite unnerving.
It's not always a bad place to be, but it might not always be productive either, and I think being productive is very essential to life. This past summer I went with our youth group to the Forward Conference and their motto was "Life was meant to be lived in one direction - forward." I whole-heartily believe that. That's why being in this 'esape' mode baffles me.
What do I mean by escape mode? It's like waiting for an important letter to arrive in the mail, or a more modernized version, waiting on someone to reply to a post, tweet or email you've sent. To keep your mind off the waiting, you 'escape' into a either a good book, a good movie, a good distraction. I love my escapes, and often have some of the best times in them. However, while I'm having a great adventure in my wonderland, the world continues to move around me, but I'm at a physical, emotional and spiritual stand still.
What's wrong with that? Nothing, in and of itself. I actually think everyone should take a few escapes from time to time, and allow themselves to detox from the world of our labors. Everything is a labor. Our jobs, our families, our careers, our hobbies and our passions. All of it takes a part of our soul, our energy our very being in order to 'work' with each one of them. I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." That's so true, but it's more like Jack's just plain ole' wore out if he never escapes.
Being in escape mode is like sky diving (like I'd know the first thing about sky diving having never been). You're exhilarated by the rush of complete freedom, but you can't stay there forever. Your body is still falling toward the ground and eventually you'll have to pull the chord or you won't be sky diving any longer, you'll be splattered all over the cold hard earth.
What I"m trying to zero in on... is the state of free feeling. Even though you're free, you're not in control of anything while you're falling... you're just falling. You may manipulate moving to the right or left, slow or fast, but you can't control up or down, stop or go. You're going to continue to fall until you reach the ground; the law of gravity dictates this. That's what I find unnerving about 'escape' mode. While I enjoy the thrill of whatever adventure I'm on, I'm still free-falling and I don't like the lack control it involves.
There are things I've been waiting on for years. I suppose this is God working on my 'patience'. If I'm not careful, I can allow my 'wait' to push me into 'escape'. This is not good. Escape is not the answer. It is during our waiting that we do the most important part of our living. If we 'wait' to live after we receive, we'll miss our lives altogether. The journey from one moment to the next is where living occurs. While we may photograph or memorialize those defined 'moments', it's the journey to them that's important. Escaping the wait, is avoiding life.
What it boils down to is this: Escape into brief moments along your journey, but live life in every moment, not just scheduled ones. You'll miss it, you won't know where your chord is during your free fall and life will smack you right in the face when it's too late to save it.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
It's not always a bad place to be, but it might not always be productive either, and I think being productive is very essential to life. This past summer I went with our youth group to the Forward Conference and their motto was "Life was meant to be lived in one direction - forward." I whole-heartily believe that. That's why being in this 'esape' mode baffles me.
What do I mean by escape mode? It's like waiting for an important letter to arrive in the mail, or a more modernized version, waiting on someone to reply to a post, tweet or email you've sent. To keep your mind off the waiting, you 'escape' into a either a good book, a good movie, a good distraction. I love my escapes, and often have some of the best times in them. However, while I'm having a great adventure in my wonderland, the world continues to move around me, but I'm at a physical, emotional and spiritual stand still.
What's wrong with that? Nothing, in and of itself. I actually think everyone should take a few escapes from time to time, and allow themselves to detox from the world of our labors. Everything is a labor. Our jobs, our families, our careers, our hobbies and our passions. All of it takes a part of our soul, our energy our very being in order to 'work' with each one of them. I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." That's so true, but it's more like Jack's just plain ole' wore out if he never escapes.
Being in escape mode is like sky diving (like I'd know the first thing about sky diving having never been). You're exhilarated by the rush of complete freedom, but you can't stay there forever. Your body is still falling toward the ground and eventually you'll have to pull the chord or you won't be sky diving any longer, you'll be splattered all over the cold hard earth.
What I"m trying to zero in on... is the state of free feeling. Even though you're free, you're not in control of anything while you're falling... you're just falling. You may manipulate moving to the right or left, slow or fast, but you can't control up or down, stop or go. You're going to continue to fall until you reach the ground; the law of gravity dictates this. That's what I find unnerving about 'escape' mode. While I enjoy the thrill of whatever adventure I'm on, I'm still free-falling and I don't like the lack control it involves.
There are things I've been waiting on for years. I suppose this is God working on my 'patience'. If I'm not careful, I can allow my 'wait' to push me into 'escape'. This is not good. Escape is not the answer. It is during our waiting that we do the most important part of our living. If we 'wait' to live after we receive, we'll miss our lives altogether. The journey from one moment to the next is where living occurs. While we may photograph or memorialize those defined 'moments', it's the journey to them that's important. Escaping the wait, is avoiding life.
What it boils down to is this: Escape into brief moments along your journey, but live life in every moment, not just scheduled ones. You'll miss it, you won't know where your chord is during your free fall and life will smack you right in the face when it's too late to save it.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
December 18, 2010
Insanity
Article submitted for Winter 2010 edition of Impact Times Magazine
Never would I have considered the word insanity, in any shape, form or fashion pertained to me or anyone I knew. I pictured straight-jackets and padded-walls. However, I've discovered insanity runs amuck. Having heard the infamous quote from Albert Einstein about the definition of insanity meaning doing the same thing over and over yet expecting different results, it's only recently I received the revelation of that fundamental truth.
While watching an episode of Wipe Out with my family, I remarked how 'insane' these people must be to put themselves, their bodies and their sanity through such a daunting obstacle course. But, in the middle of that statement, I realized these contestants were not insane at all. They embarked on an exciting and dangerous, yet new-fangled adventure. That doesn't fit in any circumstance under the definition of insanity. It may fit under the guise of extreme, crazy or even stupid behavior, but not insane.
Since receiving this revelation, I've noticed just how insane the world really behaves. I see insanity at work, insanity at church, insanity on the radio, television and big screen. I've run into insanity in my family, friends and with people whom I fellowship. I've even met some insane writers, and how it that possible? Before I received the revelation of the meaning of insanity, I thought all writers were a bit insane, but now I understand that creating an original work of art is anything but insane. However, the pattern of behavior many people perform, hinges on the line of insanity in many of the decisions they make every day. Here are a few examples to show what I'm talking about.
I have a friend who is a terrible flirt. She flirts with all men, no matter their status or success. Being the center of attention takes the highest priority in a social atmosphere. This is habitual for her, yet it never ceases to surprise her that she is inappropriately propositioned by men or finds herself in trouble. The insanity of the situation is that without a shift or change in her behavior, she continually expects a different outcome from the men.
In the political arena, we 'the people' are insane. We watch our political leaders do something year after year (they have voting records), all the while promising what our itching ears want to hear, yet we EXPECT them to act and vote differently than they have been all along, just because they said they would. Who's the truly insane – the politician or the people expecting them to do something they've never done before? We forget… if it acts like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck… IT'S A DUCK! Yet, we expect our ducks to magically turn into swans, and make excuses when it's pointed out our swans are really ducks. Who says magic is make-believe and miracles don't exist?
With this new revelation of insanity, I've gained a sense of liberty; freedom from false expectations. I used to get disappointed in people because they didn't live up to my level of standards, or I didn't live up to someone else's level of expectations for me. Now, I measure a person by their own rulers. If they have short rulers, that's not my responsibility. I'd be 'insane' to expect them to behave to the standards of my own ruler. Some have bigger rulers than me, filled with more responsibilities and capabilities. Some have smaller rulers, smaller expectations; smaller life goals. I'm happier. I might be crazy, but at least I'm not insane.
Never would I have considered the word insanity, in any shape, form or fashion pertained to me or anyone I knew. I pictured straight-jackets and padded-walls. However, I've discovered insanity runs amuck. Having heard the infamous quote from Albert Einstein about the definition of insanity meaning doing the same thing over and over yet expecting different results, it's only recently I received the revelation of that fundamental truth.
While watching an episode of Wipe Out with my family, I remarked how 'insane' these people must be to put themselves, their bodies and their sanity through such a daunting obstacle course. But, in the middle of that statement, I realized these contestants were not insane at all. They embarked on an exciting and dangerous, yet new-fangled adventure. That doesn't fit in any circumstance under the definition of insanity. It may fit under the guise of extreme, crazy or even stupid behavior, but not insane.
Since receiving this revelation, I've noticed just how insane the world really behaves. I see insanity at work, insanity at church, insanity on the radio, television and big screen. I've run into insanity in my family, friends and with people whom I fellowship. I've even met some insane writers, and how it that possible? Before I received the revelation of the meaning of insanity, I thought all writers were a bit insane, but now I understand that creating an original work of art is anything but insane. However, the pattern of behavior many people perform, hinges on the line of insanity in many of the decisions they make every day. Here are a few examples to show what I'm talking about.
I have a friend who is a terrible flirt. She flirts with all men, no matter their status or success. Being the center of attention takes the highest priority in a social atmosphere. This is habitual for her, yet it never ceases to surprise her that she is inappropriately propositioned by men or finds herself in trouble. The insanity of the situation is that without a shift or change in her behavior, she continually expects a different outcome from the men.
In the political arena, we 'the people' are insane. We watch our political leaders do something year after year (they have voting records), all the while promising what our itching ears want to hear, yet we EXPECT them to act and vote differently than they have been all along, just because they said they would. Who's the truly insane – the politician or the people expecting them to do something they've never done before? We forget… if it acts like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck… IT'S A DUCK! Yet, we expect our ducks to magically turn into swans, and make excuses when it's pointed out our swans are really ducks. Who says magic is make-believe and miracles don't exist?
With this new revelation of insanity, I've gained a sense of liberty; freedom from false expectations. I used to get disappointed in people because they didn't live up to my level of standards, or I didn't live up to someone else's level of expectations for me. Now, I measure a person by their own rulers. If they have short rulers, that's not my responsibility. I'd be 'insane' to expect them to behave to the standards of my own ruler. Some have bigger rulers than me, filled with more responsibilities and capabilities. Some have smaller rulers, smaller expectations; smaller life goals. I'm happier. I might be crazy, but at least I'm not insane.
December 5, 2010
Book-Savvy: WINNER of The Blood of Cain by T.L. Gray
Book-Savvy: WINNER of The Blood of Cain by T.L. Gray: "<img src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNsrdAB1Xgw...' width='35' height='35' class='photo'..."
November 15, 2010
Lest We Forget
Do you know what bothers me most sometimes with myself and with other people? When I tend to forget my mistakes, wrongs decisions and errors and start running foward with all my might. I fully expect to win the race I'm running, without difficulty, without obstacle, without consequence.
You might ask, "Why is this dangerous?" It's dangerous because I've completely ignored the pitfalls, road blocks and holes I've tripped over, fell into and became ensnared with in the past. If I learn nothing from my past mistakes, I'll never stop making the same mistakes again and again.
You tell me which is better to run? Recklessly and without adandon, or carefully with precaution?
Well, I'm here to tell you that it's not popular or desirable to follow the latter. It's slower, harder and comes with a bad, bad case of self denial and responsibility. We all want to run without abandon, and when we fall on our face, we NEVER blame ourselves. It's always the rock's fault, the hole's fault or the obstacle in our way keeping us from reaching our destination in one piece.
If you're honest with yourself, you know this is the truth. However, I've come to learn that many of us are not honest with ourselves or anyone else. We lie all the time, convincing we're justified in our actions, anger, bitterness and resentment. We have short-term memory problems, but does God? Usually when all hell breaks loose in our life, we contribute it to either something we are currently doing or not doing. We forget what we've already done, thinking and convincing ourselves that we've dealt with that past offense and no longer face the consequences of our actions. My friend, that's wishful thinking. Having a mindset like that is like running recklessly and without abandon.
God does forgive, but in His perfect LOVE, He corrects, He purges, He rebukes, He trains and He chastises us in order to permanently remove our weaknesses, blemishes, blunders and immoral character. It hurts. It isn't easy. But, without carrying the weight of those things that easily entangles us, we can run a wise race. It doesn't matter that its full of entrapments and snares, because through experience, through trials, through facing the consequences, and learning from our mistakes, we can now trust Him as HE guides us through until we reach the finish line.
There are things we sometimes do that are 'religious', because it's what we've been told to do.
Instead of balking about the 'religion' of the ritual, consider it's original purpose. Because beneath the 'religion' of everything, you'll find reason and purpose.
I.e. The Levitical Law to abstain from pork. At first you avoid eating pork just because religion dictates you don't eat pork. If you only follow the religion, then eventually you'll eat pork just to rebel against the religion. You'll cling to every thought and excuse you can conjure to 'justify' eating pork. But, if you consider the reason behind the religious rule, you'll discover a warning to protect your health.
I.e. The New Testament commandment not to forsake assembling together with your brother's and sisters - attending church. If you go to church because the Christian religion dictates your attendance, eventually you'll quit going in rebellion to the religion. You'll cling to any and every reason to justify not going. That's the natural thing to do. But, if you consider the spiritual purpose of gathering together, you'll discover it is for your own personal growth, accountablility and responsibility that you attend.
Bottom line though... does God ever change? Does He ever waiver? Does He allow or overlook the breaking of ANY of His commandments without consequence? Not according to the Word. Whatever you sow, you'll reap. For every sin there's a blood price to be paid. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, a consequence.
So, while I tend to 'forget' my past trespasses, God will bring every one of my deeds into judgment, even the ones I convienently don't remember. Thank God for His Grace and His Mercy. By them both, I have a chance to face/deal with my actions BEFORE its too late. I quit making excuses for myself or anyone else who's lying to themselves.
You might ask, "Why is this dangerous?" It's dangerous because I've completely ignored the pitfalls, road blocks and holes I've tripped over, fell into and became ensnared with in the past. If I learn nothing from my past mistakes, I'll never stop making the same mistakes again and again.
You tell me which is better to run? Recklessly and without adandon, or carefully with precaution?
Well, I'm here to tell you that it's not popular or desirable to follow the latter. It's slower, harder and comes with a bad, bad case of self denial and responsibility. We all want to run without abandon, and when we fall on our face, we NEVER blame ourselves. It's always the rock's fault, the hole's fault or the obstacle in our way keeping us from reaching our destination in one piece.
If you're honest with yourself, you know this is the truth. However, I've come to learn that many of us are not honest with ourselves or anyone else. We lie all the time, convincing we're justified in our actions, anger, bitterness and resentment. We have short-term memory problems, but does God? Usually when all hell breaks loose in our life, we contribute it to either something we are currently doing or not doing. We forget what we've already done, thinking and convincing ourselves that we've dealt with that past offense and no longer face the consequences of our actions. My friend, that's wishful thinking. Having a mindset like that is like running recklessly and without abandon.
God does forgive, but in His perfect LOVE, He corrects, He purges, He rebukes, He trains and He chastises us in order to permanently remove our weaknesses, blemishes, blunders and immoral character. It hurts. It isn't easy. But, without carrying the weight of those things that easily entangles us, we can run a wise race. It doesn't matter that its full of entrapments and snares, because through experience, through trials, through facing the consequences, and learning from our mistakes, we can now trust Him as HE guides us through until we reach the finish line.
There are things we sometimes do that are 'religious', because it's what we've been told to do.
Instead of balking about the 'religion' of the ritual, consider it's original purpose. Because beneath the 'religion' of everything, you'll find reason and purpose.
I.e. The Levitical Law to abstain from pork. At first you avoid eating pork just because religion dictates you don't eat pork. If you only follow the religion, then eventually you'll eat pork just to rebel against the religion. You'll cling to every thought and excuse you can conjure to 'justify' eating pork. But, if you consider the reason behind the religious rule, you'll discover a warning to protect your health.
I.e. The New Testament commandment not to forsake assembling together with your brother's and sisters - attending church. If you go to church because the Christian religion dictates your attendance, eventually you'll quit going in rebellion to the religion. You'll cling to any and every reason to justify not going. That's the natural thing to do. But, if you consider the spiritual purpose of gathering together, you'll discover it is for your own personal growth, accountablility and responsibility that you attend.
Bottom line though... does God ever change? Does He ever waiver? Does He allow or overlook the breaking of ANY of His commandments without consequence? Not according to the Word. Whatever you sow, you'll reap. For every sin there's a blood price to be paid. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, a consequence.
So, while I tend to 'forget' my past trespasses, God will bring every one of my deeds into judgment, even the ones I convienently don't remember. Thank God for His Grace and His Mercy. By them both, I have a chance to face/deal with my actions BEFORE its too late. I quit making excuses for myself or anyone else who's lying to themselves.
November 11, 2010
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review - Episode 7 Final Season
Smallville Episode 7 Final Season Review
Here we go again for another episode of Smallville. Each week, I can literally feel my heart getting heavier and heavier. It's almost like knowing one of your children are about to leave home to go away to college, leaving their childhood behind and entering into the never-ending era of adulthood and responsibility. We all know that once they leave home, that's the last morsel of childhood left. I'm already feeling the loss, and they're still with me. Okay… enough reflection.
BTW – if you want to read an awesome reflection of self-revelation, visit Allison Mack's blog and read what she wrote about leaving Smallville behind.
Okay, now to the review at hand. We start off this week's episode with a couple creepy dudes riding in the back of a van headed toward Smallville; wonder who they're looking for? The Kent Farm… why does that not surprise me. Speaking of the Kent farm… ooh, la, la. Lois comes trapsing down the stairs behind Clark in his high school football jersey. Needless to say anything else, the smiles on both their faces say it all. We all heard that strawberry loud and clear too. LOL… love the playfulness, and I have a feeling there won't be any porch swing left when they're through. Well, maybe there will be. LOL! Nothing like an uptight dad to spoil the moment. Good paced and entertaining opening segment. The whole Lois and Clark relationship doesn't make me cringe like the Lana & Clark lovefest had.
Okay, my first rant of the night. I don't like strong women turn into groveling wimps, even if it is because they have an over-bearing and militaristic father. The General hates superheroes huh? That's usually not the sentiment of military personnel, being they themselves are superheroes; unless it's a resentment thing with the all the 'super-powered' super heroes, and he's a little bitter they have abilities he'd never be able to train, learn or obtain by natural means. Love Michael Ironside, all the way back when he was battling the Greatest American Hero in the early 80's.
Love the general's assessment – "You live in your mother's house and you work in a basement." Is that a "Honey Do" list ole Pops gave Clark? Don't do it, Clark. Stand your ground or you won't earn the respect of dear ole dad. Uh-Oh, looks like Clark and the General are on opposite sides of this Anti-Vigilante act. Yep, I was right. Sounds like a little bit of bitterness there against the super-powered. But, I have to agree with the General. If Superman decided to wear black instead of red, white and yellow; he'd be a real threat, and what could our armed forces do to stand up to someone like him – other than have green, red, blue, black Kryptonite, Lana Lang, Lois Lane or a bout of low self-esteem? Clark's only looking at the positive, which is admirable. Regardless, they're both wrong on some points. They sound like Republicans and Democrats bickering.
Uh-oh… Lois didn't back up her man, yet she didn't support her father either. I think it was a smart move. Clark of course is spewing sour grapes.
Oliver/Green Arrow – someone I always like to see, literally. Seems he's got a little bit of the resentment bug too… with Tess moving in on what he considers Chloe's territory. I like Tess, but I don't blame him. That's right, boy. She's seen it all before, and so have the rest of us. Eeww… the Suicide Squad's put their mark on my green guy. Rick Flagg… oohh, he's one of the guys who's got Chloe, isn't he? You've been tagged, Oliver. I'm assuming he's alluding to Clark being tagged too.
Clark left Lois holding the bag. LOL. The fire is out, thanks to the Blur. There you go, Pops! But, that chip on his shoulder seems to only see everything negative. But, he's still bright – catching Lois in her lie. Who's calling Clark? Uh-oh, Clark… you're carelessness has put the General on your trail.
Well, that segment wasn't as good as the first one; full of too much bitterness from everyone. The guys headed to Smallville, the General, Lois, Clark and Oliver. I've got my own bitterness because of Chloe's extended absence and no one is out looking for her. If something don't happen quick, I'm going to go ballistic.
So, Clark's been tag. How did someone 1. Know about blue K and 2. Be able to put it on Clark without him knowing. Oliver jumping out the window was priceless.
So, Lucy is back. The last time her stupidity got her mixed up with Lex. I'm wondering what stupid thing she's going to do this time. Clark needs to put his stuff up with strangers in the place. Oh, no… come on. He isn't going to fall for that pathetic ploy. Yep – he did. I'm actually very proud of how Lois handled that situation. She jumped on the right person. But, it looks like Clark's not being so smart, using his powers at all while others are around. I don't think he's upset because of what happened with Lucy. "Still, you can put out a burning building, but you can't control your hot lips." Excellent point, Lois. Ah, the real reason for his frustration finally comes out… her not backing him in the kitchen. However, she's wrong too… bending her values to deal with family. I know millions of people do it every day, but it's a strong pet peeve of mine.
Colonial Stafford enticing the dim-whitted Lucy. She makes decision of someone raised by an Army General, as if she was raised by a beach bum. Didn't daddy teach her protocol, especially placing tracking devises on her own father? I know the writers want to drive the point that Lucy's low self-esteem makes her desperate to do something to make her father proud and to perhaps top her sister in some way, but this is ridiculous.
"Come, on… Chloe would have this finished like yesterday." Way to drive it in, Oliver. I'm so glad to hear him being so open and honest. I like that Tess stands up to him and doesn't let him run all over her. I like her more and more all the time.
Clark finished the General's list. I knew that was a bad idea. I think the General is so used to being able to do what he wants, say what he wants, and everybody around him bow down to him. If Clark knows what's good for him, he'll stand up to the General. Especially since he's talking about Mama Kent. Oooh, I'm starting to see a little 'steel' in that spine. Uh-oh, now the General is going after his cousin. YES… the boy has a spine. He might just be worth her, after all.
Doesn't Lois see right through Lucy? Or is her fear of her father bigger than her common sense? She's going to let her father just say what he wants, when she knows he's dead wrong? Looks like it. Oh, Lois… I'm so disappointed in you.
Okay, this mysterious Suicide Squad seems to know all about Clark, but how and why? I know I've watched every episode, but I seem to be missing something, somewhere. Has my brain just been filtering out all the information from this group or what? I'm disconnected from them. They just pop up here and there and somehow I've not connected all the dots.
So, now Lois goes to defend Clark. Where was her spine a few minutes ago? Anyway, glad to see a resemblance of the Lois I've come to know and love. I can live with the little bit of submissive, low-esteemed glimpses I've been getting so far all episode, as an extent of her past relationship, but only if she rises above it. Also, where does Lucy come off going all shop talk now? It makes me think of a kid using big words out of context because they don't know what they mean; they just want to sound smart. Uh-oh, I think I'm prejudiced against Lucy. Don't know if it's from past actions, the kiss in the barn or the double-spy acceptance at the gas station. Either way, I'm not a fan. You go, girl! "I'm staying with Clark, and if you love me, you'll respect that." Daddy just got TOLD!
Okay, what's the pen for that was left behind? Flag… was that a play on the name Flagg? What's up with Clark's new hairdo? I like it, but it's just weird. So, Flagg is an extremist after General Lane? AWESOME graphics when Clark saved Lois! Take that, General Lane; your daughter was just saved by one of them vigilantes you're so hard against. However, he's still right… because it was some bad vigilantes that were trying to kill him in the first place. However, Flagg also has a point too, he's just gone too far, like General Lane; like Lex Luthor. Is this going to be part of Lex's future army? Is Lex behind Flagg?
Way to go Lois for telling Lucy like it is. Good job being the big sister. It is exhausting… Can't believe no one's received this revelation until now. Makes me think how much of it will they retain for the next dinner?
Aww… Oliver is trying to make peace with Tess. I really think this episode has been filled with so many extremes; it's nice to see things being brought back to the middle with Lois and Lucy, Oliver and Tess, Clark and the General. I'd like to peek in your window, Oliver. At least someone, other than Tess, is showing a bit of common sense. But, this feels too much close to 'good-bye' and I don't like it.
See, Clark. Standing up to the General is what garners respect, now cowering. Way to go. Again, we see two polar extremes coming back to the middle. I can see how Clark, after he becomes Superman, could use a man like General Lane for a moral, strategic and courageous leader to look to for advice and direction. It's a passing of the torch. (Makes me sad to think of another Torch.)
I KNEW IT, that list was a test… but it was for Lois not Clark. Brilliant spin. Love it. Love the dinner. Love the music, love the mood, love the example that shows with a little wisdom, middle ground can always be reached. Then the last scene brings the extremism back. Eeehh.
That's been this week's review of Smallville's final season. Stay tuned next week for another episode of what I think is the best show on television.
Till next time, Crazy4Smallville
Here we go again for another episode of Smallville. Each week, I can literally feel my heart getting heavier and heavier. It's almost like knowing one of your children are about to leave home to go away to college, leaving their childhood behind and entering into the never-ending era of adulthood and responsibility. We all know that once they leave home, that's the last morsel of childhood left. I'm already feeling the loss, and they're still with me. Okay… enough reflection.
BTW – if you want to read an awesome reflection of self-revelation, visit Allison Mack's blog and read what she wrote about leaving Smallville behind.
Okay, now to the review at hand. We start off this week's episode with a couple creepy dudes riding in the back of a van headed toward Smallville; wonder who they're looking for? The Kent Farm… why does that not surprise me. Speaking of the Kent farm… ooh, la, la. Lois comes trapsing down the stairs behind Clark in his high school football jersey. Needless to say anything else, the smiles on both their faces say it all. We all heard that strawberry loud and clear too. LOL… love the playfulness, and I have a feeling there won't be any porch swing left when they're through. Well, maybe there will be. LOL! Nothing like an uptight dad to spoil the moment. Good paced and entertaining opening segment. The whole Lois and Clark relationship doesn't make me cringe like the Lana & Clark lovefest had.
Okay, my first rant of the night. I don't like strong women turn into groveling wimps, even if it is because they have an over-bearing and militaristic father. The General hates superheroes huh? That's usually not the sentiment of military personnel, being they themselves are superheroes; unless it's a resentment thing with the all the 'super-powered' super heroes, and he's a little bitter they have abilities he'd never be able to train, learn or obtain by natural means. Love Michael Ironside, all the way back when he was battling the Greatest American Hero in the early 80's.
Love the general's assessment – "You live in your mother's house and you work in a basement." Is that a "Honey Do" list ole Pops gave Clark? Don't do it, Clark. Stand your ground or you won't earn the respect of dear ole dad. Uh-Oh, looks like Clark and the General are on opposite sides of this Anti-Vigilante act. Yep, I was right. Sounds like a little bit of bitterness there against the super-powered. But, I have to agree with the General. If Superman decided to wear black instead of red, white and yellow; he'd be a real threat, and what could our armed forces do to stand up to someone like him – other than have green, red, blue, black Kryptonite, Lana Lang, Lois Lane or a bout of low self-esteem? Clark's only looking at the positive, which is admirable. Regardless, they're both wrong on some points. They sound like Republicans and Democrats bickering.
Uh-oh… Lois didn't back up her man, yet she didn't support her father either. I think it was a smart move. Clark of course is spewing sour grapes.
Oliver/Green Arrow – someone I always like to see, literally. Seems he's got a little bit of the resentment bug too… with Tess moving in on what he considers Chloe's territory. I like Tess, but I don't blame him. That's right, boy. She's seen it all before, and so have the rest of us. Eeww… the Suicide Squad's put their mark on my green guy. Rick Flagg… oohh, he's one of the guys who's got Chloe, isn't he? You've been tagged, Oliver. I'm assuming he's alluding to Clark being tagged too.
Clark left Lois holding the bag. LOL. The fire is out, thanks to the Blur. There you go, Pops! But, that chip on his shoulder seems to only see everything negative. But, he's still bright – catching Lois in her lie. Who's calling Clark? Uh-oh, Clark… you're carelessness has put the General on your trail.
Well, that segment wasn't as good as the first one; full of too much bitterness from everyone. The guys headed to Smallville, the General, Lois, Clark and Oliver. I've got my own bitterness because of Chloe's extended absence and no one is out looking for her. If something don't happen quick, I'm going to go ballistic.
So, Clark's been tag. How did someone 1. Know about blue K and 2. Be able to put it on Clark without him knowing. Oliver jumping out the window was priceless.
So, Lucy is back. The last time her stupidity got her mixed up with Lex. I'm wondering what stupid thing she's going to do this time. Clark needs to put his stuff up with strangers in the place. Oh, no… come on. He isn't going to fall for that pathetic ploy. Yep – he did. I'm actually very proud of how Lois handled that situation. She jumped on the right person. But, it looks like Clark's not being so smart, using his powers at all while others are around. I don't think he's upset because of what happened with Lucy. "Still, you can put out a burning building, but you can't control your hot lips." Excellent point, Lois. Ah, the real reason for his frustration finally comes out… her not backing him in the kitchen. However, she's wrong too… bending her values to deal with family. I know millions of people do it every day, but it's a strong pet peeve of mine.
Colonial Stafford enticing the dim-whitted Lucy. She makes decision of someone raised by an Army General, as if she was raised by a beach bum. Didn't daddy teach her protocol, especially placing tracking devises on her own father? I know the writers want to drive the point that Lucy's low self-esteem makes her desperate to do something to make her father proud and to perhaps top her sister in some way, but this is ridiculous.
"Come, on… Chloe would have this finished like yesterday." Way to drive it in, Oliver. I'm so glad to hear him being so open and honest. I like that Tess stands up to him and doesn't let him run all over her. I like her more and more all the time.
Clark finished the General's list. I knew that was a bad idea. I think the General is so used to being able to do what he wants, say what he wants, and everybody around him bow down to him. If Clark knows what's good for him, he'll stand up to the General. Especially since he's talking about Mama Kent. Oooh, I'm starting to see a little 'steel' in that spine. Uh-oh, now the General is going after his cousin. YES… the boy has a spine. He might just be worth her, after all.
Doesn't Lois see right through Lucy? Or is her fear of her father bigger than her common sense? She's going to let her father just say what he wants, when she knows he's dead wrong? Looks like it. Oh, Lois… I'm so disappointed in you.
Okay, this mysterious Suicide Squad seems to know all about Clark, but how and why? I know I've watched every episode, but I seem to be missing something, somewhere. Has my brain just been filtering out all the information from this group or what? I'm disconnected from them. They just pop up here and there and somehow I've not connected all the dots.
So, now Lois goes to defend Clark. Where was her spine a few minutes ago? Anyway, glad to see a resemblance of the Lois I've come to know and love. I can live with the little bit of submissive, low-esteemed glimpses I've been getting so far all episode, as an extent of her past relationship, but only if she rises above it. Also, where does Lucy come off going all shop talk now? It makes me think of a kid using big words out of context because they don't know what they mean; they just want to sound smart. Uh-oh, I think I'm prejudiced against Lucy. Don't know if it's from past actions, the kiss in the barn or the double-spy acceptance at the gas station. Either way, I'm not a fan. You go, girl! "I'm staying with Clark, and if you love me, you'll respect that." Daddy just got TOLD!
Okay, what's the pen for that was left behind? Flag… was that a play on the name Flagg? What's up with Clark's new hairdo? I like it, but it's just weird. So, Flagg is an extremist after General Lane? AWESOME graphics when Clark saved Lois! Take that, General Lane; your daughter was just saved by one of them vigilantes you're so hard against. However, he's still right… because it was some bad vigilantes that were trying to kill him in the first place. However, Flagg also has a point too, he's just gone too far, like General Lane; like Lex Luthor. Is this going to be part of Lex's future army? Is Lex behind Flagg?
Way to go Lois for telling Lucy like it is. Good job being the big sister. It is exhausting… Can't believe no one's received this revelation until now. Makes me think how much of it will they retain for the next dinner?
Aww… Oliver is trying to make peace with Tess. I really think this episode has been filled with so many extremes; it's nice to see things being brought back to the middle with Lois and Lucy, Oliver and Tess, Clark and the General. I'd like to peek in your window, Oliver. At least someone, other than Tess, is showing a bit of common sense. But, this feels too much close to 'good-bye' and I don't like it.
See, Clark. Standing up to the General is what garners respect, now cowering. Way to go. Again, we see two polar extremes coming back to the middle. I can see how Clark, after he becomes Superman, could use a man like General Lane for a moral, strategic and courageous leader to look to for advice and direction. It's a passing of the torch. (Makes me sad to think of another Torch.)
I KNEW IT, that list was a test… but it was for Lois not Clark. Brilliant spin. Love it. Love the dinner. Love the music, love the mood, love the example that shows with a little wisdom, middle ground can always be reached. Then the last scene brings the extremism back. Eeehh.
That's been this week's review of Smallville's final season. Stay tuned next week for another episode of what I think is the best show on television.
Till next time, Crazy4Smallville
November 1, 2010
Interview & Give-A-Way
Don't forget to register to win an autographed copy of
The Blood of Cain
by entering into the 500 follower give-a-way hosted by Inspired Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer blog. You can also read a 7-question interview I gave. The contest ends November 18, so register today! Just click on the link below and leave a comment.
