Sermonizing?

Yeah, I don't mean to preach, but... Okay, sometimes, I mean to preach.

Like this Sunday. I have done it a thousand times, but whenever I get the opportunity to speak at The Chapel on a Sunday morning, it is a pretty incredible experience.

I think the preparation and just thinking about it is more intense than the actual moment.

All these thoughts and more... "Can I be true to what the Bible is saying?" "Will this be interesting for people?" "Will they feel compelled by the message to change something in their lives?" "Do I have enough cool pictures on my PowerPoint?" "Should I even use PowerPoint at all?" "Will I sweat?" "Should I stop talking for two days before this, so I can save my voice?"

In the end, it is all about God and what He wants to do.

Some of you reading this blogger have heard me, and encouraged me in this ordeal of speaking or preaching.

Others may wonder why I hardly ever talk with you about my job, and I don't bring it up much. (That sentence was redundant.)

Anyhow, I love public speaking, and I love God and people. It seems to be a good fit. But just like anything, it takes practice and hard work. In practice, I've "winged it" a few times, and then think "that was fun, but I'll need some notes."

This week I am speaking on Hebrews 10:19-25. We live in a culture that pursues independence but craves connection. We strive for individuality and ache for intimacy. Jesus Christ promises to connect us intimately to God and deeply to each other. My goal on Sunday is to get that message across in an accurate and compelling way. If people leave convicted about how they can activate depth and love in their relationships, I'll be a happy camper. (Nevermind the fact that I don't camp very often, and I don't like when people use cliche's. I will suspend said preferences in that area, and "camp happily.")

(See, some posts will be about silly movie reviews and Allie's latest development, and others are all serious and such. Thus is life, friends).

Meanwhile, on the Allison front... sometimes she cries, and it sounds like she is about to talk. Tonight, she was doing a half cry, which sounded like a soft-spoken "ell." Maybe she thinks her name is "Ellison."

Tomorrow, Denzel Washington's new movie, The Manchurian Candidate, opens. So does M.Night Shyamalan's new movie, named after a certain fantasy basketball team - "The Village."

I know one couple who saw four movies last weekend. (I know, you're thinking, "yeah, Gary, you WOULD know a couple like that - and it's probably YOU GUYS!). Nope, it's not us.

I'll let that couple remain anonymous, but also mention to you that they gave "I, Robot" a big thumbs up. Even though I didn't review it, I'd have to agree. This July has been a great month for movies. August, on the other hand... Unless you feel this urge to see every Tom Cruise movie ever made (including the upcoming "Collateral" where he plays a hit-man who 'hijacks' a taxi...), the film cupboard is bare for the rest of the summer. Which is good, because I need a break from movies.

(Whatever!)

Finally, I must mention that I love how so many of the top songs out right now seem to have spiritual themes, passion, or implications. Take Hoobastank's song "The Reason," Evanescence's "My Immortal," or Switchfoot's "Meant to Live." Can't we just sing these songs on Sunday? They're great!