Yeah, I enjoy doing a website. No, I don't have too much time on my hands. I just like to type, and I love to see people get connected over the internet or however else we can do it. We'd love for you to sign our guestbook, just to see who is visiting our site. Feel free to post your own thoughts, greetings, or reactions.
Some of my favorite websites have pretty good "interaction" or "virtual community" happening. People sharing their opinions.
If you were at our place for dinner tomorrow night, we'd probably stuff your face with salsa. We'd also hit the couches downstairs for some time hanging out and just talking. While I'm sure we'd talk about current events and movies, you'd probably want to talk about other stuff too.
So far, this website has been very one-sided. Just Gary rambling about whatever mindless mutterings he's having that day. Well, now it's your turn. Click on the couch for some hearty two-way discussion!
Saturday, February 28, 2004
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
community
How would you define "community"? While a neighborhood, small-town, or local organization used to refer to various "communities," the word "community" has evolved into that elusive place where we hope we'll belong. Maybe it's at work, in the family, or around certain friends - do you have a place where you know you belong, and you are free to be yourself?
Many of us find pseudo-community through television. After years of watching shows like Friends or Cheers or Seinfeld, you think you actually know these people. For the past three years, Jennie and I have really enjoyed watching NBC's Ed. Two weeks ago, NBC promoted that week's episode as the finale, announcing the end of the three year show. While we have felt a certain level of false-friendship with Ed, Carol, Mike, Nancy, and the other characters on Ed, a whole "virtual community" has formed in support of this show, and is on a public relations campaign to keep Ed on the air.
This phenomena of people connecting over a certain television show certainly is nothing new. Hard to believe that Friends, among other shows, is on its last few weeks. No doubt that my generation has latched on to Friends like no other show of our time. Six characters that stay friends for ten years, through marriage, divorce, unfaithfulness, betrayal, highs and lows of life. As funny as that show can be, it does portray some unconditional friendships that we are all longing for.
On another note, I'm going to see "the Passion of the Christ" tomorrow night. To be honest, I am sick of hearing television, seeing newspaper reviews, and hearing the opinions of people who have already seen it. I like to watch a movie for myself, and form my own opinions and reaction. Call me crazy. The movie hasn't technically opened yet, but I feel like the controversy on the topic has run its chourse. While I hope this movie encourages me and many others to really consider what happened to Jesus 2,000 years ago, it is still a movie, and will be criticized and praised as such. If the movie is accurate, then it will speak for itself. And, as usual, people will see what they want to see.
Many of us find pseudo-community through television. After years of watching shows like Friends or Cheers or Seinfeld, you think you actually know these people. For the past three years, Jennie and I have really enjoyed watching NBC's Ed. Two weeks ago, NBC promoted that week's episode as the finale, announcing the end of the three year show. While we have felt a certain level of false-friendship with Ed, Carol, Mike, Nancy, and the other characters on Ed, a whole "virtual community" has formed in support of this show, and is on a public relations campaign to keep Ed on the air.
This phenomena of people connecting over a certain television show certainly is nothing new. Hard to believe that Friends, among other shows, is on its last few weeks. No doubt that my generation has latched on to Friends like no other show of our time. Six characters that stay friends for ten years, through marriage, divorce, unfaithfulness, betrayal, highs and lows of life. As funny as that show can be, it does portray some unconditional friendships that we are all longing for.
On another note, I'm going to see "the Passion of the Christ" tomorrow night. To be honest, I am sick of hearing television, seeing newspaper reviews, and hearing the opinions of people who have already seen it. I like to watch a movie for myself, and form my own opinions and reaction. Call me crazy. The movie hasn't technically opened yet, but I feel like the controversy on the topic has run its chourse. While I hope this movie encourages me and many others to really consider what happened to Jesus 2,000 years ago, it is still a movie, and will be criticized and praised as such. If the movie is accurate, then it will speak for itself. And, as usual, people will see what they want to see.
Sunday, February 22, 2004
ummm
Sundays are often the longest and best days of our week. Being "in ministry" can be a roller-coaster, but it sure is worth it. In case anyone wanted to know. In our young marrieds class this week, we've experienced an unbelievable amount of highs and lows. Births and deaths. Good news and bad news. Jennie and I really being a part of a community like this where people celebrate with each other's "highs" and try to comfort and help those who are experiencing the "lows." The Bible calls a community like this today the "body of Christ" - because we show care, love, truth, and faith in the way we treat one another. Speaking of which...
Tonight, PAX television showed "The Making of The Passion" about Mel Gibson's new movie. I know it's going to be disturbing, emotional, and graphic. I know it's going to have subtitles and foreign languages. I know I've already posted a bunch about this movie... Can't say I've ever been this excited or anxious to see a movie. One final review...
After spending Saturday morning at the hospital (again), we found out that Jennie and our unborn baby are both doing just fine. Jennie is starting to really look pregnant, and Allison kicks all the time. It is exciting and unnerving at the same time.
Tonight, PAX television showed "The Making of The Passion" about Mel Gibson's new movie. I know it's going to be disturbing, emotional, and graphic. I know it's going to have subtitles and foreign languages. I know I've already posted a bunch about this movie... Can't say I've ever been this excited or anxious to see a movie. One final review...
After spending Saturday morning at the hospital (again), we found out that Jennie and our unborn baby are both doing just fine. Jennie is starting to really look pregnant, and Allison kicks all the time. It is exciting and unnerving at the same time.
Thursday, February 19, 2004
uprising
Overall, we had a terrific day. Uh, except for that trip to the hospital.
That's right. Around 5pm, Jennie and I rushed to the hospital, as she was having some tight pain in her uterus, and some contractions. Already? Yep. Turns out, after the nurse and doctors did some testing, that Jennie was dehydrated, and that can make contractions and tension develop. Obviously a huge relief for us to hear that Jennie and Allison (the baby) are both doing fine... but a reminder that we (I) need to keep praying and that our lives are in God's hands. Scary though, for sure!
Some of you know I write a weekly e-Newsletter called "Fusion." Eventually, all the issues of Fusion will find their way to a nice website that is to come. For now, check out one of the better issues right here.
Every now and then, when I'm really inspired, I'll do a book review somewhere on this site. Usually, I am reading several books at a time. I don't usually finish most of those books, cause I find other books I want to read. Either that's my problem, or the book's. Sometimes, I find a book that I can't help but finish. Somewhere in the first 50 pages or so, the author hooks me, and I am held hostage for the next 150-250 pages. A book I have actually finished, and am now starting to read again(!!!) is called the Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul by Erwin McManus.
McManus is lead pastor at a terrific church in downtown Los Angeles called Mosaic. Mosaic is where I got the name for our young marrieds group at The Chapel - partially because of the reputation this church has of being very modern and aggressive with the culture and the arts, and partially because Erwin just inspires the snot out of me. And, for those of you who have seen me blow my nose, you know that it's quite an accomplishment!
That's right. Around 5pm, Jennie and I rushed to the hospital, as she was having some tight pain in her uterus, and some contractions. Already? Yep. Turns out, after the nurse and doctors did some testing, that Jennie was dehydrated, and that can make contractions and tension develop. Obviously a huge relief for us to hear that Jennie and Allison (the baby) are both doing fine... but a reminder that we (I) need to keep praying and that our lives are in God's hands. Scary though, for sure!
Some of you know I write a weekly e-Newsletter called "Fusion." Eventually, all the issues of Fusion will find their way to a nice website that is to come. For now, check out one of the better issues right here.
Every now and then, when I'm really inspired, I'll do a book review somewhere on this site. Usually, I am reading several books at a time. I don't usually finish most of those books, cause I find other books I want to read. Either that's my problem, or the book's. Sometimes, I find a book that I can't help but finish. Somewhere in the first 50 pages or so, the author hooks me, and I am held hostage for the next 150-250 pages. A book I have actually finished, and am now starting to read again(!!!) is called the Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul by Erwin McManus.
McManus is lead pastor at a terrific church in downtown Los Angeles called Mosaic. Mosaic is where I got the name for our young marrieds group at The Chapel - partially because of the reputation this church has of being very modern and aggressive with the culture and the arts, and partially because Erwin just inspires the snot out of me. And, for those of you who have seen me blow my nose, you know that it's quite an accomplishment!
Monday, February 16, 2004
(another untitled old post from the archives)
Today was the first day that I, personally, felt Allison kick. I would press Jennie's stomach, and Allison would kick back. Pretty amazing. One of those incredible moments where you realize first-hand that there is an intelligent, life-creating God involved in this world.
I'm writing this as I watch the Diane Sawyer special on Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. Hard to disagree with anything Mel has said so far. Got to admire the guy for sticking his neck out there and standing up for what he believes. Mel Gibson is putting "Jesus" back in the public eye, in a time when it is not vogue to mention the name of Christ. A summary of Gibson's discussion with Diane Sawyer is also worth reading.
The real issue of Christianity is not what happened on the cross, but what happened three days later. Many people in ancient Rome were "crucified," but only one is claimed to have "returned to life." A great site that examines Christianity's claim that Christ rose from the dead is The Case for Christ, based on a book by that name written by Lee Strobel. Strobel takes a skeptic's perspective and examines much of the historical, philosophical, and archaeological evidence surrounding this most controversial of historical events.
I'm writing this as I watch the Diane Sawyer special on Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. Hard to disagree with anything Mel has said so far. Got to admire the guy for sticking his neck out there and standing up for what he believes. Mel Gibson is putting "Jesus" back in the public eye, in a time when it is not vogue to mention the name of Christ. A summary of Gibson's discussion with Diane Sawyer is also worth reading.
The real issue of Christianity is not what happened on the cross, but what happened three days later. Many people in ancient Rome were "crucified," but only one is claimed to have "returned to life." A great site that examines Christianity's claim that Christ rose from the dead is The Case for Christ, based on a book by that name written by Lee Strobel. Strobel takes a skeptic's perspective and examines much of the historical, philosophical, and archaeological evidence surrounding this most controversial of historical events.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
(old post without title)
I really don't feel "obligated" to write a blogger update every day, but since I'm excited by our website, and I love to write... I figure, what could it hurt? Jennie just said, "it's your new toy, right?" Something like that.
Add this to the thousands of websites around the world who think Lebron James should be playing in tonight's NBA All-Star game. Quite honestly, I think he deserves the spot a little more than Michael Redd of Milwaukee, although both are deserving this year. Lebron has shown talent, wisdom, strength, and court "savvy" far beyond his years, and is leading the Cavs out of the cellar and toward the playoffs. People in this area (Northeast Ohio) are in love with him, as they probably should be.
About a year ago, Jennie and I bumped into Lebron "and his entourage" when we were at Outback Steakhouse with my parents for my Dad's birthday. Lebron was wearing a black Yankees hat (backwards, of course), and a George Gervin (Spurs #44) throwback jersey - hanging out with teammates, friends, and yes, his bodyguards - and buying them dinner. On our way out, I was busy avoiding the bodyguards and trying to see if any other celebrities were with Lebron. My Dad, unfazed by "King James" celebrity prowess, went up to Lebron, patted him on the back, and asked him if his team won their game (regional playoff) that day.
Even though I'm not personally "rubbing shoulders" with Cleveland's greatest athletic phenom in my lifetime (seriously!) - it's good to know that my Dad has rubbed Lebron's shoulders.
Add this to the thousands of websites around the world who think Lebron James should be playing in tonight's NBA All-Star game. Quite honestly, I think he deserves the spot a little more than Michael Redd of Milwaukee, although both are deserving this year. Lebron has shown talent, wisdom, strength, and court "savvy" far beyond his years, and is leading the Cavs out of the cellar and toward the playoffs. People in this area (Northeast Ohio) are in love with him, as they probably should be.
About a year ago, Jennie and I bumped into Lebron "and his entourage" when we were at Outback Steakhouse with my parents for my Dad's birthday. Lebron was wearing a black Yankees hat (backwards, of course), and a George Gervin (Spurs #44) throwback jersey - hanging out with teammates, friends, and yes, his bodyguards - and buying them dinner. On our way out, I was busy avoiding the bodyguards and trying to see if any other celebrities were with Lebron. My Dad, unfazed by "King James" celebrity prowess, went up to Lebron, patted him on the back, and asked him if his team won their game (regional playoff) that day.
Even though I'm not personally "rubbing shoulders" with Cleveland's greatest athletic phenom in my lifetime (seriously!) - it's good to know that my Dad has rubbed Lebron's shoulders.
Saturday, February 14, 2004
NBA Valentines?
I suppose this entry should be SHORT, since it is Valentine's Day! Don't I have better things to do? Sure, but I am learning to type fast and think on paper (or on screen).
Anyhow, the Sacred Marriage conference at The Chapel was a huge success. Gary Thomas was fantastic and connected very well with everyone. Jennie and I really enjoyed the depth of many of his stories and challenges. I love the fact that we got to see so many of our friends there as well. That's often the best part of church life for us - the friendships we have made over the last few years.
Afterwards, I surprised Jennie by taking her to see "Mona Lisa Smile" - a movie she has wanted to see for quite some time. It is funny how you feel like Julia Roberts is a family friend after seeing her in so many movies. We also liked Julia Stiles. www.rottentomatoes.com has a nice collection of reviews from around the country about Mona Lisa Smile.
Who is the Idiot that put NBA All-Star Saturday on Valentine's Day? Seriously - how many wives are going to want to spend a romantic evening, cuddling with their husbands on the couch, watching the Dunk Contest? I am truly a blessed individual.
Anyhow, the Sacred Marriage conference at The Chapel was a huge success. Gary Thomas was fantastic and connected very well with everyone. Jennie and I really enjoyed the depth of many of his stories and challenges. I love the fact that we got to see so many of our friends there as well. That's often the best part of church life for us - the friendships we have made over the last few years.
Afterwards, I surprised Jennie by taking her to see "Mona Lisa Smile" - a movie she has wanted to see for quite some time. It is funny how you feel like Julia Roberts is a family friend after seeing her in so many movies. We also liked Julia Stiles. www.rottentomatoes.com has a nice collection of reviews from around the country about Mona Lisa Smile.
Who is the Idiot that put NBA All-Star Saturday on Valentine's Day? Seriously - how many wives are going to want to spend a romantic evening, cuddling with their husbands on the couch, watching the Dunk Contest? I am truly a blessed individual.
Friday, February 13, 2004
Passion stuff..
Since tomorrow is our "Sacred Marriage" Conference, Jennie and I went to Valentine's Dinner tonight. When we got to Outback (possibly our favorite place), the hostess said calmly, "One hundred and ten."
Minutes, that is.
So, about an hour later, we sat down to eat at Damons, the place for ribs. I don't like their steak as much as the ones at Outback, but the food overall was great and the wait was half as long.
It is pretty clear that this Mel Gibson movie is going to be pretty incredible. Newsweek has it as their cover story - I strongly recommend reading their articles on the web. These articles are somewhat suspect, as they portray the Bible as a collection of man-made propaganda for the religion of Christianity - rather than as God-revealed truth. Even so, Newsweek was very good at telling the heart and mindset behind Mel Gibson and lead-character Jim Caviezel (who plays Jesus). The interview with Caviezel was the highlight of the magazine.
Minutes, that is.
So, about an hour later, we sat down to eat at Damons, the place for ribs. I don't like their steak as much as the ones at Outback, but the food overall was great and the wait was half as long.
It is pretty clear that this Mel Gibson movie is going to be pretty incredible. Newsweek has it as their cover story - I strongly recommend reading their articles on the web. These articles are somewhat suspect, as they portray the Bible as a collection of man-made propaganda for the religion of Christianity - rather than as God-revealed truth. Even so, Newsweek was very good at telling the heart and mindset behind Mel Gibson and lead-character Jim Caviezel (who plays Jesus). The interview with Caviezel was the highlight of the magazine.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
The beginning of garyandjennie.com
Well, friends, today is the first official day that garyandjennie.com is up and running. I want to thank a few of you who have inspired me to finally get with the times and do a website like this... Mad props to Jeremy Bear and his incredible website for his design and creative brilliance to shine forth on a consistent basis. Jer, in my dreams I'll have a website with your authenticity and flair, only it will look a little more Waileresque. Much love and appreciation to Greg TeSelle, youth pastor here and all over the virtual world. Greg, thanks for finally getting me wired and showing me how incredibly easy this is. Greg's family website is what finally convinced me that we "need" to do this.
Of course I'd like to thank me lovely bride for giving the final "okay" on this deal. Without you, baby, there is no garyandjennie worth dot.comming about. Speaking of baby, if you haven't seen the nice QuickTime video on our Underwood Photos page, you need to go there and do that.
Sometimes on this site, I'll post some personal thoughts or even prayer requests for friends and family to help with. Like this one - please pray for my brother & sister in Christ, Chadd and Cory Sommers. Just this week, they found out that they were pregnant - and that the baby would NOT survive. An "ectopic" or "tubal" pregnancy. Cory had surgery yesterday and it went very well. Please pray for her recovery period (2-4 weeks) and for their family as they sort through this loss and what it means.
Of course I'd like to thank me lovely bride for giving the final "okay" on this deal. Without you, baby, there is no garyandjennie worth dot.comming about. Speaking of baby, if you haven't seen the nice QuickTime video on our Underwood Photos page, you need to go there and do that.
Sometimes on this site, I'll post some personal thoughts or even prayer requests for friends and family to help with. Like this one - please pray for my brother & sister in Christ, Chadd and Cory Sommers. Just this week, they found out that they were pregnant - and that the baby would NOT survive. An "ectopic" or "tubal" pregnancy. Cory had surgery yesterday and it went very well. Please pray for her recovery period (2-4 weeks) and for their family as they sort through this loss and what it means.
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