The things I do while on leave

I started taking leave from the end of May and with the time available on my hands, what did I do? (Apart from sleeping a lot, that is). I watch movies. I went to watch Prince Caspian shortly after it opened, and I mentioned that in passing in one of my previous entries.
That soured my experience. At least there's a break in the story between Prince Caspian and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I really hope Andrew Adamson don't mess it up this time.....
The other movie I watched was 'You Don't Mess With the Zohan'. It looked promising although the media seemed to be confused whether Adam Sandler's character was supposed to be a spy or commando. I was looking forward to it. Boy, was I disappointed. The movie was over the top with more jokes about his genitals than focusing on the storyline itself. I mean, not even Rambo was this ludicrous.
Speaking of Rambo, I also watched the movie. It was only so-so. The Rambo franchise is getting tired and it isn't a good idea to stretch it too much. Try imagining your grandfather single-handedly gunning an entire army?
I finally managed to get my hands on the Bourne trilogy (film, not the book). I liked it because it's a more plausible version of James Bond (not that I had written it off though). Put it this way: How many of 007's gadgets can you actually use?
I thought that the Bourne trilogy tended to focus more on the main character (Jason Bourne) using his intelligence (no pun intended) skills to outmanoeuvre his opponents (rogue CIA elements). For instance, I had always thought that as a spy, you never never appear on your enemy's radar scope. Once you're caught, you're finished. Bourne seemed to be comfortable with letting his opponents capture him and turn it to his advantage.
An example is in Bourne Supremacy, where he uses his own passport, which is sure to be tracked, to be captured. So while the CIA guys are gloating about the catch, Bourne overpowers the detention authorities, including a CIA officer. He then uses a device to copy the knocked-out officer's SIM card, then puts the SIM card back. Thereafter, he was able to listen in on any conversation the officer is having with CIA HQ without the guy knowing.
The other movie which I strongly recommend is 'The Bucket List'. It's a story of 2 cancer patients who decide that since their deaths were inevitable, they may as well have some fun. So the 2 goes, sky-diving, racing, explore places they don't normally go to (Egyptian pyramids), see stuff (Taj Mahal). What made the story beautiful was the fact that both discovered profound things about themselves and each other. This was the ind of friendship that the world in general tends to marginalise. The movie brings that out nicely without being too campy or preachy.
Of course, it helps a lot that the 2 main characters are played by actors I regard very highly--Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Freeman has always managed to slip into his character and inject his presence, while Nicholson demonstrates his ability at playing the cantankerous but ultimately good-hearted guy.
Do try to catch the Bourne trilogy and the Bucket List, if you can. They're worth watching.

Follow-on from previous entry

This song spoke to me as if to say, 'This is why you can hope.'

Early in the Morning--David Meece
Once a good young King came by
Early in the morning
Hope soared nearly to the sky
Early in the morning
Yet that first hope nearly died
With so little warning
The good young King was crucified
Early in the morning

In the stone cold tomb He lay
Early in the morning
Laid with Him the hope of day
Early in the morning
Saints and angels fearful, pray
Yearning for a dawning
Breaking on a silent grave
Early in the morning

Hallelujah, O the bright dawn breaks
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, O the sweet King wakes
Hallelujah, hallelujah

Long the anxious claws have gripped
Early in the morning
Now the vanquished claws have slipped
Early in the morning
How the bragging dragon trips
Head, so high, now fawning
Mouth denied, forever drips
Early in the morning

Hallelujah, empty claws proclaim
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, now the good King reigns
Hallelujah, hallelujah

Steady in the waning light
Early in the morning
Risen Morning Star, our light
Early in the morning
Dragons breed again to fight
Fearful is their taunting
Yet we trust Lord thy great might
Early in the morning

Hallelujah, saints and angels sing
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, praise the risen King
Hallelujah, hallelujah

Random ramblings again

If you have encountered your share of heartaches, and you're struggling to hold on to a faith that says, 'God will not forget or ignore me', the despair sets in very quickly. Paradoxically, I am comforted by the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:39--' Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'
That was a reinforcement of an insight He gave to me some time back. Whenever I go through a tough time, I would like to think that there was some purpose behind it (and there is). And whatever it was, God was not oblivious to my pain (this was if I couldn't discern some reason for my experience). I was conducting a teaching series on Luke and I recall saying something to the effect of, 'It may seem that you're giving up your happiness forever, but nothing you give up to and for God will ever be in vain.'
As much as I am convinced by the insight which I just mentioned in the previous paragraph, I am repeating it here also for my own comfort. I am afraid of having the hope again for fear it may prove false (or perhaps the pain was a necessary part of the development? I don't know). So folks, whatever I'm saying, it's for me as much as it is for you. The insight is in a form of a quote:
All missed chances, however, permanent they may seem, will one day work out to the glory of God, and to your eventual joy.

If I am to be creamed for plagiarising somebody, YOU STARTED IT! Hahaha!

When we love, it is not guaranteed that we are loved in return, but God continues to love, and in His strength, we can do the same.

Yours truly, the amateur critic

I just watched 'Prince Caspian' today. If you have never read the book, go on ahead and enjoy the movie. If you have read the book, be warned: It's a huge disappointment. I fought the temptation to walk out halfway during the screening. No more details, lest I inadvertently let loose some spoilers...
On the other hand, I am much amused by the song 'Bad Day', originally sung by Daniel Powter. It's a poignant depiction of what actually happens. But the one that tickles me is the chipmunk version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQZLCNRYqMM). If you feel despondent, switch to the link and have a laugh.

Movie quotes

Here's a quiz to smoke out all those of you who watch this movie:

'Why are we fighting for the humans? They're [a] primitive, violent race.'
'Were we so different? They're a young species; they have much to learn. But I have seen good in them. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings. We cannot let the humans pay for our mistake....'

I think we can all identify with the poor guy....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbX80xiMUxE&feature=related