Kernel

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24
It is amazing the analogy Jesus used to describe dying to self - an act that defies logic, but yet holds the key to life eternal. What's more amazing is that Christ came to be amongst us, died as a man and rose again on the third day and ascended to heaven, that all may receive salvation-bringing to light the many parallels evident in the grain of wheat analog. As we approach Easter, I'm humbled by what my Saviour did what He did for me 2000 years back at Calvary.

Breakfast

"When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. " John 21:9
I typically welcome the prospect of an unrushed breakfast - not one of those where I wolf down a bowl full of cereal swimming in milk. I find it awe-inspiring that Jesus built a fire and reinstated Peter back into His service despite what Peter did earlier. It brings me much hope - that service of the Lord isn't about perfection - just a clear understanding of our dependence on His Mercy.
Amidst the air of uncertainty that surrounds us lately, it is comforting to know - that certainty does remain, in He who holds the key to Eternity.

Anticipation

Not sure when this will be coming to town, but I reckon the last time I was that excited about a movie was before Sharlto Copley played "Murdock" in The A-Team. This time round though, the theme's heavier in more ways than one.
Let's see what Samuel Moaz puts forth.

In Reflection

It's been a while.

Regarding Miller

"I have found in my work that people can connect over good food when so many other factors seem to divide us. Sharing a table seems to unify different races, cultures, political beliefs, religious beliefs, etc. Why do you think this is so?

Eating is one of the only socially acceptable ways we can share vulnerabilities. We would never get together with strangers and use the bathroom together, but it might have the same affect. No sense putting on airs, we’re just human. So here we are, a group of people putting foods in our mouths because if we don’t eat, we die, because we are not superhuman, we are beholden to our bodies, and our bodies need food and so much more. So I think there’s a humbling aspect to eating together. And then, seated there at the table, we are even. Nobody is taller, nobody is dominating, we are eye to eye. And we have to take our time, because we are also eating, and we have to listen, less we spit soup out of our mouths for talking all the time. And it’s such a pleasurable experience too, that feeling of comfort that we are going to stay alive another few days, that we are secure. It’s a great set up for good, honest conversation. "

Donald Miller, on why people connect over good food. I'd tend to agree with what he says. I still have fond memories of the times spent in Europe, cooking a humble meal for a couple of friends from various parts of the continent. It's been a good 8 years since I started by stint in Europe, and whilst coming back home takes a bit of getting used to, it's great to see how God takes our past experiences to speak to us about various key aspects of our relationship with Him.

District 9

I was a tad bit apprehensive having dragged G, AG, H, AL and J to catch this relatively unknown summer tail-end sci-fi offering. I'd tried to convince them of the impressive art direction and shooting style that caught my attention with "Alive in Jo'burg" back in 05', and right to the point where they streamed in filling up the 6 seats I'd booked on the opening day (13th of August) at Orchard Cineleisure, I was wondering if I'd gotten them into one grand 117 minute mess. But Blomkamp delivered - spade loads. For a lean $30 Million, the film looked like it was made for a budget a couple of times more. Copley's performance was more than convincing, as was the cast (if you'd consider Christopher Johnson part of the cast) who are relative unknowns in the movie mainstream. There were enough instances where the CGI was just indistinguishable from live action sequences. Jackson's WETA wizards did such a tremendous job with the props and costumes. From the ashes of the aborted "HALO" project comes this gem that makes me relive the magic of the silver screen. Herein lies the paradox as well - with a movie so well crafted, it's bound to raise expectations, where its success might work against it. I'd left the cinema only after the end credits finished its run. But I'd dare hazard a guess, I'd be watching it again, and quite possibly, again.

Eager

Transformers 2 was a disappointment, for a variety of reasons. But this, I'm holding out hope that this Jackson/Blomkamp collaboration will prove otherwise. If Blomkamp's work with his HALO3 short films were any indication, D-9 looks set to please. August 13th. I'll be sure to catch it.