Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Forgiveness adapted by James Littell from the Bible [Matthew 18:21 – 35]

Forgiveness adapted by James Littell
from the Bible [Matthew 18:21 – 35]

Peter came to Jesus and asked, “How many times should I forgive a friend who does me wrong? One time, two times?” Jesus shakes his head and Peter continued, “three times, five times...as many as seven times?”

Jesus replied. “God, Peter! How many times are you gonna ask me? And, if you are gonna keep these kind of friends, then I guess you ought to be prepared to be extremely forgiving. So, I guess more like seventy seven times!!!” Peter shockingly threw his hands in the air and said, “What the fuck, Jesus?”

Jesus yelled and began a story. “Peter! Listen! The Kingdom of Heaven, (which y'all think is in a 'galaxy far, far, away' exists in the 'here and now' on planet earth, ...but I don't have time to bring you up to speed with 'Emerging Church' theology), is kind of like Bob DeNiro's character, Sam “Ace” Rothstein from the Martin Scorsese film, Casino.”

“Rothstein had plenty of money, power and the ability to kill and have you buried in the Nevada desert when crossed. He also had some friends, clients and employees that had taken gambling markers from the Tangier's Casino and never repaid. Both Sam and the casino were interested in getting these debts off the books. So, Frankie Blue Eyes was escorted by Rothstein's personal detail into the director's office and was unable to payback the $750,000 he lost gambling six months prior. Since he couldn't pay, Sam ordered that Frankie and his wife and his three children and his entire estate be sold on the black market to repay the debt.”

“Frankie, filled with panic and fear, fell to his knees and grabbing hold of Rothstein's pant leg begged, 'Don't fuckin' do this!! I swear I can find the money! Shit man, really? Don't hurt my children!! Fuck my life! I will do anything. I can pay it back! Please just give me more time! Please?' So, the Tangier's Casino having granted Rothstein the authority to cancel debts took pity on old Blue Eyes and erased everything he owed from the books.”

At that moment, Peter gasped and reached for his sword out of sheer habit! Jesus reacted, “What the hell are you doing? It is just the two of us and I Am telling the story. Relax, I Am not done yet. Geesh!” Peter holstered his sword and muttered, “O.K. Jesus”, as he bashfully kicked a stone with his left foot.

Jesus continued. “Frankie, who had been earning his living as a landlord, returned to his family and hugged and kissed his wife and children. Then he went out to visit a tenant who owed him $6,000 in back rent. Blue Eyes screamed at the tenant and while having him pinned by the neck up against the wall he yelled, 'You are gonna pay me that $6,000 you owe me you Jew fuck! You fuckin' momo! You are gonna pay me back every last Goddamn cent, so help me God and Mary mother and Joseph!! Do you hear me? I promise if you don't pay me, you will not live to see your daughter's birth!'”

“After that outburst, the tenant grabbed Frankie's ankle and pleaded, 'Don't fuckin' do this!! I swear I can find the money! Shit man, really? Fuck my life! I will do anything. I can pay it back! Please just give me more time! Please?' So, old Blue Eyes, being a real son of a bitch, had his minions evict the tenant and taken to the desert to be buried alive.”

Peter again whipped out his sword impulsively and wanted to attack Frankie Blue Eyes. Jesus laughed so hard he wept. “Peter, put your sword back in its sleeve. Frankie is a character and I am just using this story to illustrate one of the ways you can recognize what the present Kingdom of Heaven looks like.” Peter laughed as he explained, “ I know, I know! I just get so excited and I am kind of impulsive, I guess.”

Jesus finished the story. “When word got around that Blue Eyes was forgiven his debt and had his tenant whacked for just $6,000 of back rent, everyone and their brother was really pissed so they began texting and emailing Rothstein about the situation. When Frankie Blue Eyes was brought back in to see Rothstein, it was all over.”

“Sam looked at him and said very matter of factually, 'You fuckin' fuck! I erase your debt because you begged me to and you immediately go muscle some guy over a measly six grand? Shouldn't you have also shown the same type of mercy upon your tenant? Don't you even think about apologies right now you mudda fuckka! You see that hammer over there? You see that fuckin' saw? Well, we are gonna break your fuckin' skull with that hammer and saw off every last one of your toes and fingers with that saw because to whom much is forgiven, much love and forgiveness towards others is expected! Now you just got three-quarter of a fuckin' million dollars wiped clean from your record and the first thing you do is have somebody whacked for $6000? Let me tell you somethin'. You done fucked up the last time! We are gonna lock you up underneath this casino with nothing but cheerios and water to eat. Then, we are gonna keep you alive and torture you every day until you are able to repay the $750,000. You know why? Because we don't fuck around with forgiveness. It is a serious principle! Now get him outta here!'”

…..................................................................................................................

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

- Matthew 18:35 (NIV)

Movies, Movies, and More Movies!!!

I fear that I may come back from Texas this year as one big Tub of Popcorn holding a 44oz Coca Cola.

I believe I may have taken the cake for "most movies seen over the holidays" if there even is a cake for such a thing.

Jan and I left for Texas on Dec 23, and arrived on Christmas Eve.  Christmas Day we spent with the family (Tom & Rinda, Chad( the Chad Patton who was All Southwest Conference at SMU back in the early 90's) & Wendy, Jill, and the kids: Tara & Cale) and I believe it was on Tuesday Dec 27th that I hit my first film.

I first enjoyed a sandwich at the "Red Robin" restaurant.  Then, I watched Fun with Dick and Jane at the Edwards Marque on the Katy Freeway.  It happened to be fun.  Jim Carrey was charming as usual and I just happen to like Tea Leoni, ever since she was on the Naked Truth in 1996.

Not five minutes after Dick and Jane ended, I was in line to watch King Kong, a 3 hour and 15 minute epic.  It is directed by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame.  It was also enjoyable and there were many mini-adventures that took place throughout the movie.  I felt he did an excellent job with this film, and I believe if you enjoy the King Kong story, you will certainly enjoy King Kong.

Wednesday, I took a break from cinema and played tennis with my wife and enjoyed coffee with my sister in law, Wendy.

Thursday, the 29th, I was right back at it.  My wife, Jan and her mom, Rinda went shopping.  I asked to be dropped at the Theatre.  I watched the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I really did enjoy this film.  I think I may need to see it again, but it was excellent.  Of course, if you have already read the books, I think you will most definitely enjoy this one.

Again, Friday was fun and we played more tennis.  However, on New Year's Eve, Jan and I were left with not one party to attend and nowhere to go.  We decided instead of staying home and looking at each other all night, that we would go to the movies and have dinner.  We decided on Thai food and the Family Stone.  We loved the Family Stone.  It was an excellent, story of family.  It mad you laugh and cry..........and eat popcorn!  (Rob)

New Year's Day, we were going to take another break from film, but at the last minute we decided on Rumor has It.  I really liked this one.  One could perhaps describe this as (the Graduate pt II).  Kevin Costner, Shirley McClain, Jennifer Aniston, Mark Ruffalo, Mena Suvari, and Kathy Bates star in this one.  It is directed by Rob Reiner and is a delightful, and fun movie from the start.

On Monday, January 2, I ventured on my own and found a little hole in the wall to watch the Cotton Bowl.  Jill went to Texas Tech, so I routed for them to take Alabama.  Obviously, I could have routed harder.  I didn't.

Today, January 3, I drove to the Woodlands, a rather nice suburb of Houston.  I stumbled upon a movie theatre there and decided on Syriana.  I happened to be about 10 minutes late, but it didn't seem to effect my understanding or ability to comprehend the film.   I do recommend this one.  It is harder to follow, but not difficult.

It must be some uncontrollabe urge I have, but I did it again.  I immediately went to a second film.  I saw Wolf Creek".  This movie was scary and based on true events.  Go see it only if you don't have a squeamish side.

You might think that after all of that.  I wouldn't have anything left to see.  How wrong you are.  I would still like to sneak in Munich, Harry Potter, the Producers, and Brokeback Mountain.

Would you know it, I did manage to get in Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire on Wednesday January 4.  It just worked out that way.  I really do enjoy these Harry Potter films.

The "Polar Express"

My thoughts on the "Polar Express"

We showed this at Lighthouse last night and I sort of took notes the whole way through.  Just thought I would share them on the blog.  Let me know if this movie struck you in any sort of way.

It Begins....

Everyone is asleep, the night before Christmas.  When the “boy” is awaken by the sound of the Polar Express.  I love this; already the train has come to give the biggest skeptic in the movie with an invitation to the North Pole.  Notice the train comes for him.

He doesn’t even get on at first…….it is after the train takes off that he decides to jump on at the last minute when nobody is watching him.  Somewhat independent and stubborn he is?

His first impression on board the train is of happy singing children.  Second impression is the geeky, annoying kid that knows everything.  I guess there is one of those in every group, a “know it all”.

Then the boy, for a moment turns into my friend, Andrew.  He pulls the emergency cord to stop the train for “los lonely boy” to get on board.  I find it interesting that the “boy” is in a state of disbelief himself, but is concerned about helping others get on board.

Train in progress…….headed to the North Pole, on the journey.

As the train is in progress, “Hero Girl” loses her ticket to ride.  The “boy” chases after her to return her ticket. He runs into the intoxicated “Hobo”, who claims to be the “King of the train”, and “King of the North Pole”.  A conversation about the North Pole transpires, doubt enters the picture and the “Hobo” recognizes the “Boy” doesn’t want to be “bamboozled”. 

Our “Hobo” suggests “Seeing is Believing.”  The “boy” wonders if he is dreaming or if this is real, if there really is a North Pole and a Santa.

There comes a point just after this conversation where the “Hobo” rescues the “boy” from the roof of the train on skis.  The “boy” ends up tumbling down the train’s coal car and into the engine room.  When he pokes his head out, he has found the “Hero Girl” with the missing ticket.

Does it seem obvious here that in attempting to do something for someone else (return the ticket and prevent the “hero girl” from being kicked off the train), he is led further in his journey by the “Hobo”(whom the “boy” follows by faith).  The “Hobo” helps lead him to the girl with the missing ticket and gives him permission to explore, ask questions, and have doubt.  Then just before the “Hobo” leaves the train top on his skis, he tells the “boy” to jump, and instantly he does.  The boy takes a leap, a jump and trusts the instruction of the “Hobo”.

At the North Pole……

“Los Lonely Boy” is still on the train, afraid to get off because Christmas has never worked out for him.  What has been promised or communicated to him about Christmas so far has failed him.  Now he has arrived at the real thing but is afraid to trust it because of all of the things that failed him in the past.

The girl with the missing ticket, or “Hero Girl” and the skeptic, or the “Boy” are both willing to help “Los Lonely Boy” off the train.  They are willing to trust in Christmas together, as community. During this attempt, the train car is derailed and takes the three on a different journey from the main group to a different part of the North Pole.

On the journey of the North Pole…..

The “Hero Girl” begins to lead them by following the sleigh bells.  She can hear them but the skeptic, “Boy” cannot.  Look at these three, the “Hero Girl” (confident, joyful, unafraid, trusting, hears the bells ringing), the skeptic “Boy” (untrusting, confident, doesn’t buy into it), then there is “Los Lonely Boy” (lonely, doubtful, afraid, doesn’t want to get burned again.

These three kids, because of the attempt to come along side the “Los Lonely Boy”, have been taken down a different road than all the rest.  They are afraid, uncertain, and not sure if they are making the right decisions.  They fear they will miss out on the real deal and all of the excitement that everyone else will get. However, their journey or path leads them right into Santa’s gift bag.

Out of Santa’s bag and at the Celebration of Christmas…….

All of the elves and the kids gather round to experience Christmas…..everyone is happy and joyful, they can all hear the Sleigh bells ringing.  The sleigh bells are known to be the most beautiful sound; they are singing Santa Claus is coming to town, thousands of them. 

The “boy” is the only one who cannot hear the bells and he becomes immensely frustrate.  Finally, he gives in to what has been tugging on him this entire journey.  Belief has been pounding on his door the entire ride.  He experiences the communal enjoyment of Christmas that is happening all around him and he wants to fully experience it too.  He wants to hear the sound of the sleigh bells.  At the very moment he utters the words, “I believe”, he begins to hear the bells ring.

Back at Home…..

The Conductor leaves this: 
“One thing about trains, it doesn’t matter where you are going. What matters is deciding to get on!”

“At one time most of my friends could hear the bell……..the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.”

Final thoughts:

Santa refers to himself as a symbol of the spirit of Christmas, and suggests the true spirit of Christmas lies in our heart.

When the boy is asked if all of this was just a dream, he answers, “No!”

The tickets they all received upon leaving the North Pole:

“Know it All”  L-E-A-R-N
“Los Lonely Boy” Rely on/Count on
“Hero Girl”  Lead – the way
“Boy”   Believe

Walk the Line

 
Walk the Line (click for film website)

"Johnny Cash is what America needs. He is the soul of America." - Chris Cornell, Soundgarden & Audioslave

"He could take 5,000 convicts and steal the show away from a bunch of strippers." - Merle Haggard, Singer/Songwriter & Reformed Convict

"You miss a lot of opportunities by making mistakes, but that's part of it: knowing that you're not shut out forever, and that there's a goal you still can reach." - Johnny Cash

"There is no fence to sit on between heaven and hell.  There is a deep, wide gulf, a chasm, and in that chasm is no place for any man" - Johnny Cash

I can't even say anything about this film as of yet.....it is too new and I don't want to spoil anything.  However, I will tell you that after watching it, I found myself at Best Buy picking up the soundtrack to the film, The Legend of Johnny Cash, and Johnny Cash: Live at Folsom Prison.

I think you will most certainly enjoy this one!  Put on your black attire and go see "Walk the Line" today!

- James Littell

Beyond Borders

Beyond Borders: the film
Sarah's conversation with Henry just before she goes to help....it was impulsive but compelling.

  Sarah:  "....and before you say another word, I've already spoken to all the relevant relief organizations and embassies, and with 40,000 (British Pounds).....and supplies from surplus regions in Southern Sudan, and from there I transport them to Tigre.  I've cleared out my savings.  I'm still short about 8,000."

Henry:  "But, Sarah, this isn't how it's done.  You don't go...."

Sarah:  "Henry, Henry.  I've made up my mind!"

Henry:  "Well then, send the money, do charitable work, whatever,...but don't go roaring off to some Godforsaken hole in Africa just to salve your conscience.  It's just too.....

Sarah:  "Too what?"

Henry:  "Well, it's not the most grown-up way to deal with this situation.

Sarah:  "Well, maybe I don't want to grow up!"

Henry:  "Fine.  Fine.  If that's what you want?"

Sarah:  "It is."

Henry:  "Then, I'll help you find the money."

Sarah:  "Thank you."

Sarah:  "......Honey,...Henry come with me."

Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story

 
Dreamer:Inspired by a True Story


Savannah Littell: My Niece
(Click on Photo for Large View)

I will soon be heading to Chi-Town to see my wonderful niece Savannah.  We both happen to be very big Dakota Fanning Fans, and we are both excited to see her new movie, Dreamer.

I am not sure what is so special about Dakota, but she is an incredible actress and when I see her in films, I always find my emotions getting very stirred up.  She had me crying in Man on Fire.

I am sure part of it is because she reminds me of my niece, but the other part of it is:  she is an extremely compelling actress.

Check out the links above to both movies, and if you haven't seen any of Dakota's movies, please start watching.

Finding Neverland

FINDING NEVERLAND

We just finished seeing this movie at the Dove Family Film event hosted by Studio 28 in Grand Rapids, MI.  I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and must recommend you all see it on Tuesday Mar 22 when it comes to DVD.

This movie chronicles the story of the man who wrote "Peter Pan" and how the play developed in his imagination. 

This is a beautiful story about giving, self sacrifice, hardship, tragedy, and caring for each other. There are wonderful metaphors in this film, such as: love and joy being infectious when scattered among many, and the idea in the book of James about "True religion is caring for orphans and widows in their distress."  This movie is triumphant, sad, and filled with joy.  It will tug at your heartstrings and it is definitely worth seeing soon.

What the Bleep Do We Know?

This movie is being hailed as quite possibly the most bizarre movie one might ever watch.  It seems to be offending and drawing criticism from all people groups, as well as enthralling and drawing praise.

It is currently being shown in many arthouses and alternative film theatres around the country.  This film was also shown and discussed with Chris Seay in one of the workshops at the most recent emergent convention (San Diego).

What the Bleep do we Know? will be shown during the month of March at the Knickerbocker Theatre in Holland, MI.  It seems interesting and worth watching, given that one of the individuals being interviewed in the film is a "35,000-year-old spirit-warrior channeled by a psychic who looks like she could be an ABBA alum."

Buy the DVD - What the bleep do we know?
Download what_the_bleep_study_guide.pdf
Download review_of_what_the_bleep.doc

The Holy Land - a film by Eitan Gorlin

The Holy Land - (recommended)

I finished watching this film a few minutes ago.... 
I found this movie very interesting, considering the cultural, spiritual, and religious context surrounding it.  I have written a brief synopis, and links to the film's site and trailer appear below. - James Littell

Set in Jerusalem, The Holy Land is a story of a young rabbinical student, Mendy who burns with passion and is frustrated with many of the customs of his jewish upbringing.

Taking the advice of his teacher, Mendy visits a strip-club with back room benefits in Tel Aviv, hoping to rid himself of his restlesness and return to his rabbinacle studies.

Mendy, while in the club, meets Sasha, a Russian prostitute who he begins to develop sincere feelings for, and Mike, a club regular and bar owner from Jerusalem.

When Mike invites Mendy to his bar in Jerusalem, Mendy begins to discover life outside of his rabbinacle bubble.  Arabs, Jews, and Christians alike all hang out and drink together at Mike's Place.  As Mendy adjusts to his new environment, he is not quite certain who he can and cannot trust.

As taken from "The Holy Land" website, "it is a story of doomed, passionate love and coming of age in troubled times --set in a world-famous place not unlike Rick's Cafe American or the Cantina in "Star Wars" -- "The Holy Land" explores the underbelly of real life in Jerusalem after the sun goes down and the tourists and Orthodox families go to sleep."

Click Here - The Holy Land Movie [ website ]

Click Here - The Holy Land - Movie [ trailer ]

Virgin

Virgin - the movie (click here)

press release

( I finished this movie minutes ago, and I already want to see it again.)

Deborah Kampmeier's profound and exquisitely melancholy indie feature film, "Virgin" has been nominated for the John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for under $500,000) for the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards. In addition, Elisabeth Moss' brilliant performance as a spiritually and emotionally tortured teenager garnered a Best Female Lead Spirit Award nomination.

"Virgin" tells the story of a troubled teenage girl named "Jessie," (Elisabeth Moss) trapped by the conservative Baptist beliefs of her family and neighboring townspeople. Jessie hides her suffering with a litany of destructive behavior including liquor, drugs and kleptomania.

In the wake of a drug and liquor fueled sexual encounter the unconscious Jessie wakes in the woods with no memory of what has just happened. In the days following Jessie is plagued by dreams in which God dictates that she is destined to carry the next Christ child. Soon after, Jessie discovers she is pregnant. Jessie's firm belief that she is carrying the next Christ child enrages and then inspires her, and creates violent opposition by the conservative community.

A breathtaking first feature film by writer/director Deborah Kampmeier, "Virgin"  explores the outer, as well as inner experiences of one girl as she is confronted with love, family, divinity, and the power of her imagination. The film stars Robin Wright Penn, Elisabeth Moss, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Peter Gerety and Sam Riley and was produced by Sarah Schenck and Ray Dowell and executive produced by Robin Wright Penn.