Return of the Jedi

In a rather hometowny way, the people of Modesto welcomed George Lucas as he returned to the streets of Modesto. You can see him just over my left shoulder riding in a salmon colored convertible as Grand Master of the annual American Graffiti parade. 

My friend got a picture signed, but alas, I was too reticent to press the issue and returned home with my Star Wars trilogy VHS set unsigned, even after stalking the poor guy to the airport and having an employee run out to the plane with it to ask. "No" the pilot said.

I went to the first Star Wars movie on a Friday night on my first ever movie date. 

Well, George, you livened up another Friday night for a lot of us. Hope you felt as welcome as we wanted you to be! 

Good Hair Day

Getting my hair done at Salon Valin is one of my favorite things to do! Downtown is a boost of energy as well as    a great hairstylist. 

A Day for Remembering: Memorial Day

I put my American flag out today. Among the many reasons I did this are these:

I firmly believe in the American dream, that all humans are created in a state of equality  regarding their inherent worth and value, and that each individual should be able to live in an environment where they can strive to realize their own personal dream.

I am the daughter of a veteran. I am the sister of an active service member who is home on leave, and had to wait till today to enjoy his Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner with the family.

I am the recipient of personal freedom and enjoy the right to vote, to worship, to publish my own material, and to conduct business with the absolute certainty that my country will protect my right to do so.

I happen to feel that most of my representatives are hard-working conscientious (though humanly fallible) beings who are doing the best they can to make the 'American Experiment' successful.

Tomorrow is a national holiday commemorating the men and women who died serving and protecting all that I hold dear as an American citizen and I want to show my support and respect for them.. 

On Walking

I've been walking with my faithful dog, Sara, nearly everyday for six plus months now.

Things I've learned on my walks:

Other people walk too.
There are other dogs.
I like my dog best.
It takes a while to go a mile.

It feels all tingly when we stop for Sara to do her business.
I assume that walking is rejuvenating every cell in my body.
It feels good, especially after the second round of the park.
Sometimes my feet hurt, but they feel better later.
Most days the weather is absolutely fantastic in Modesto at 7:00 am.
The sun comes up over the park every morning whether I'm there or not.
Not everyone thinks walking is the best exercise.
Some people do Tai Chi, which looks like slow motion, every morning in funny clothes to interesting music.
Other people's yard get weeds, too.
Some people's yards look better than mine.
I like my house best.

Format Derails Book

The idea that the actual words of Jesus should receive extra special attention and honor isn’t a new one, as the red-letter versions of the scripture attest. The authors believe the concept should be renewed in modern times. Referencing such topics as hell, economics, Islam, and women’s issues, among many others, the book is essentially dialogue written in paragraph form.

While I respect Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo, and even understand the passion behind the thesis, I feel that the message they were trying to portray in The Red Letter Revolution, and the style in which they presented it lent itself more to a live panel discussion than a literary work.

I’m afraid I never could bring myself to finish this book. The format was much too distracting, and took away from what could be a compelling look at humanity’s besetting sin, that of not taking the Word of God seriously enough.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing in return for my honest opinion.

Just Another Friday Night at the Maris'

I'm enjoying watching a bunch of kids all dressed up and having a great time in my backyard, while I catch a minute of quiet. Some day it will be too quiet, so for now-party on kids. It'll be your turn to host next, and I hope you'll remember that I did it joyfully! 

What's the Point Anyway?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus spent more time healing people and talking to them about how to act towards each other and never once laid out the 'Plan of Salvation' or the 'Four Spiritual Laws', or the 'Romans Road'?

He seemed to meet felt needs, but then again, not always. He didn't help everyone. Not by a long shot.There must have been people he turned away.Sometimes he just told stories, or knocked down tables, or got in a boat and helped people catch fish.

He didn't hold meetings where you had to 'raise your hand' or 'come forward' or 'make a decision'.

Where have we gone wrong? Are we really His followers?

I'm not trying to blow our mind, just disturb it a little.

What's the point anyway?

I'd welcome your comments.