Fireproof

In my opinion, this movie was both cheesy and profoundly helpful.

The whole time I was thinking, "There's no way I'm really enjoying this right now. Sub-par acting, cheap (i.e. no) special effects, predictable storyline..."

But this story has to resonate with anyone who's been married. I'm sure there's something for all of us in the characters, and it epitomizes what's happening in the typical American family. A couple replaces their love for each other with a large mortgage payment, two incomes to pay for that mortgage, devotion to pleasure, addiction to entertainment and lust for more and bigger stuff. The net effect is to shrink the soul, leading to misery, brokenness and two individuals who happen to share the same house. (Great quote from the 16th century Henry Scougal, "The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love.")

Going into it I didn't expect it to be so blatantly evangelistic. Although some of the dialogue seemed forced, it's very difficult to make conversations about the gospel feel natural. It was accurate to real life. Many conversations I've had about the gospel feel labored, like a real war is going on as I speak. I think that's the nature of conversations about Jesus. He is a dangerous man who wants to wreck the idols we've built for ourselves. 

I have to admit that I did cry a couple times. Redemption stories have a way of doing that. I did think, "I need to fight for my wife, like Caleb." There are not many movies where you walk away inspired to that end. I'll give a quick plug for "Family Man," a movie that stirred me in a similar way, and "Spitfire Grill," which is a metaphor of the gospel made with Catholic funding. (Watch that movie and see if you can pick out all the characters in the gospel)

Moreover, I was so proud of this church, who made the movie. One of the best parts was watching "the making of Fireproof" at the end. Most of those actors were volunteers from the church. They took no glory for themselves and everyone pulled together. The "Wayne on Wayne" extra was funny. I applaud that church for their vision- a little church is making a big splash. 

Some questions I still have: 

Can Christians make a movie where sin is accurately portrayed? I can't imagine that an unbelieving firefighter wouldn't be dropping some F bombs and other expletives.

How far can Christian actors/actresses go in their roles as it relates to swearing, kissing, and other depictions of sin?

Will the church step up and use this artistic expression (i.e. movies on the big screen) for God's glory? Or is it even a worthwhile pursuit?

A Taste of Heaven

Here are a couple samples of the new Hillsong DVD: "This is our God". This is the stuff that gives me chills, makes me cry with joy, fills me with vision, and stokes a fire in my soul for authentic, relevant, Christ exalting worship. You can watch the whole DVD on youtube- it's set up as a playlist. There's not a bad song on this album.

Thanks, Hillsong, for leading the charge in worship for the next generation. I'm praying for some of this anointing to spill over to the U.S. (particularly Ames, IA). Bring it.

Finally home!

After speaking Saturday night, we drove through the night to get back in Ames on Sunday afternoon. I took a one hour power nap, and headed off to a retreat with the other directors on Cornerstone staff. It's a bummer to get home only to have to leave right away. I left to Makai crying with 2 balls in his hands, waiting to play catch with me. "Daddy has to leave now, bye bye" 

I'm not a martyr. Most dads experience this on a regular basis. But it's never easy having to leave Leatha alone with the kids while I enjoy time away. Husbands, I hope we can thank our wives often for their sacrifice. Ours is minimal compared to theirs.

Here are some images from our trip, with comments above each picture.

Ben Jensen is the man. He scored 10,000 man points for going shirtless on his final run. He says it's some kind of tradition. Any predictions on how old he'll be when the tradition will end?

Peer pressure... the other men couldn't stand being left out.

Well, you'll notice there's one man not in the picture... 

I call this "Unintelligent Design"... This yellow "B" has been forming over millions of years in the timbers of the Rockies. It's amazing we found it as we boarded through this tree run. Evolutionary theory right before our eyes.

Thanks Ben (Hunt) for discovering this. (Bro, that took some amazing skill.) 

There may or may not have been an "M" by a neighboring tree.

Speaking of Ben Hunt, here he is leading some yoga with Aidan and Lance at the Lodge.

Here's part of the crew, minus Stan. From left: Aidan, Kent, Ben J, Me, Ben H, and Lance... These men did an incredible job of pursuing conversation and ministry throughout the weekend.

BTW: Props to Bobby... The day before I left he asked if I was good to go on gear, and I said, "Yeah, my dad let me borrow his ski bibbs." He shook his head, "Mark, we can't have that." Next thing I know I'm decked out in his boarding gear. You da man!

Rocky Mountain High

I'm currently blogging from the YMCA of the Rockies, where I'm speaking (aka: snowboarding) on a retreat for an Omaha youth group. You don't need dope to get high out here. God's creation is overwhelming.

Below: On the way out, we had a pit stop in Omaha, where I dropped off Cameron and Beck at my parents. They rode with Stan in his truck, eating deer jerky and talking about how to kill animals and make meat (Stan is the red-neck on our TSC staff)

Below: Here's my room with some of the fellas I brought out. This picture is meant to be a contrast with the next one. Before you view the next one, imagine that our room wreaks- it smells like a hamster cage. Four guys in a room with have that effect...

Below: Step outside, and this is what is staring back at us. The pure Rocky Mountain air, with unusually picture perfect snow flurries. It's breathtaking here.

Here's stan and I after breakfast this morning. 

Here's the picture perfect snow flake I was talking about...

Below: Here's my notes from last night. Every time I get up to speak I have to chuckle to myself- "God, if you can make this pathetic piece of paper come to life, changing hearts with my weak and inadequate words..."

All I can say about last night is this: there was a deep spirit of conviction among the group. It was an unusually intense night for the first night of a retreat. I felt like I was merely a hammer in the hand of God, who was pounding conviction into the souls of these young people. 

Hammers don't boast. 

Neither can I. "I praise you, Lord, that you can take an insecure, weak and nobody teenager (for that was me sitting in their seat 16 years ago) and use me for your purposes. I love you Lord"

Tonight I will be speaking on moral purity, based on our 2 Tim. 2:22 theme. It's the talk I rate "PG-13". If you are reading this before 10 pm CST, please pray for me as I speak. Pray also for the souls of these young people, that their hearts would be torched to live for Jesus.

Finally, I tweaked my knee pretty bad (really bad) yesterday. But I can't not go boarding today. I'm in Colorado. Winter Park, here I come...

Dangerous Journey

This is a book every family should own and read often to their kids...

Our kids love it, and we do our best to revisit it a few times a year. Sometimes we just pick a random chapter to read, and don't feel the need to go beginning to end.

The full version (Pilgrim's Progress) is a book everyone should read at least once in their life. 

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

Here is a letter I just sent out to all of our TSC alumni and supporters (many of you received this earlier today). Soli Deo Gloria!

Dear TSC Alumni and Supporters-

I write with overwhelming gratitude in my heart. Let me share why...

As you know, at the beginning of December we made you aware of the financial need for the ministry of the Salt Company. The need was over $28,000, which is a very large amount of money to raise in one month. Especially given the state of our economy, we wondered how God would provide. But we prayed as our Lord taught us, "Give us this day our daily bread."

And did He ever... $33,423.30!!!!

I laid in bed last night wondering how to thank you. Words just can't capture my gratefulness- first, to God, who has richly provided for all of our needs, and second, to you, who faithfully responded to the Lord to contribute to His work here in Ames. I give glory to God, for there is no other way to explain the abundant provision than God putting it on your hearts to give.

I hope you will be encouraged that God will not only meet our needs, but yours as well in the uncertain days ahead of us. 

Finally, I wanted you to know that the overage will not be "lost." We know that your sacrificial gift was for continuing the work of reaching the lost and making disciples of college students here at ISU. We will use it with wisdom as we move ahead in this vision of reaching every dorm, apartment, and college student that comes to Ames.

Again, thank you.

Shalom,

Mark Arant

TSC Director

Since writing this, I just had the awesome privilege of leading a lost 19 year old college student to Christ. 12 hours ago, he was the worst sinner on his floor, wreaking havoc. Less than one hour ago, we went into the chapel of the Memorial Union, knelt before the cross, and he prayed to receive Christ. 

To all of you who pray for us and give your money to support the ministry of TSC and Cornerstone, you shared that moment in the chapel with me. God will reward you on that Day. Bless you and bless the work of His kingdom here!