Itchy feet?

Obviousy I need to do more travelling!! I have only visited 19 countries or 8%...



create your own visited countries map

X Men 3

Came back not long ago from watching X Men 3. Was quite disappointed by it actually. I never read the comics and was never into X Men, but the trailer for the first movie looked good so I went along to that, really liked it and so went along to the second one and enjoyed it too (never expected to enjoy either movie that much). So was quite eager to watch the 3rd installment...

I think they should reclassify it as a comedy of sorts. I laughed at various points throughout the movie. Though I definitely was not expecting anything inspiring, but this movie still lacked any sort of vague emotional or intellectual appeal, or good characterisations as the first 2 movies did. Its merely an action movie with nice CGI effects, bad cheesy lines and an equally cheesy score to go with it. Maybe its something to do with the change in director (its a different director from X-men 1 & 2). The good points are Kelsey Grammer did pretty well as the blue hairy beast, and well... thats about it. And 2 things I learnt from the movie: "if the enemy is a mutant that can grow their arms back everytime you slash it off, then kick him where it REALLY hurts" and "stay in school".

My verdict? Its completely brainless and entertaining - and go with as little expectations as possible. But still, a disappointing way to finish the series. Oh, and stay till the end of the credits. There's a little clip that comes right after the credits are done (which also made me laugh out loud).

the Greatest song?

On the radio the other day, the annoucers were talking about "What is the greatest song ever written?" And I still can't seem to decide which song I think is the greatest song ever written...

Any other thoughts?

Isaiah 40

I had study group today for the OT paper I am doing through Carey. This week, we looked at Isaiah 40. I thought it sounded like a familiar passage, and upon reading it, realised that I had been quoted the last verse (v31: But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.) many times. Usually as a sort of encouragement, or when I am unsure about what to do next so am encouraged to 'wait on God', or when I've been tired after doing much 'ministry'. But having to read it and dig deeper into it today made me realise the full potential of that verse. It made me realise also, how we can diminish God by quoting verses like that out of its context.

What do I mean? Well, this passage (or prophecy) is written during the time of exile. In fact, this is the first passage in Isaiah written during the time of exile. So, in the beginning of the passage we have God reassuring his people that he is still there for them and hears their anguish of being conquered and taken away into a foreign land. And so the passage goes on to remind the readers (or hearers) about the glory, the grandeur, the majesty of God. That God really is bigger than all their troubles.

Back to that familiar verse (v31) again. Understanding the context of the passage has made the verse even more profound for me. Looking at it by itself, just tells me that if I wait on the Lord (whatever that means) all will be well again and God will make things right for me (emphasis mine because thats what I think it will end up being about - me, not God). But reading it in light of the exile, tells me that God exudes so much grace. The Israelites are in exile because of their own doing (or their ancestors doing). In many occasions, they have turned away from God and disobeyed God. In the end resulting in them beign carried away in exile. But still, God comes to them to reassure them that he still cares for them. God still comes to them to remind them that he is sovereign and about his glory. God still comes to them to give them hope, that He is their hope.

So now, this verse reminds me about God's compassionate nature. That God will extend grace despite my stubborness and disobedience. That God will bring me hope, and God will be my hope. That God is far bigger than anything else - nothing else campares to the grandeur of who God is. No longer does it imply to me that God will give me strength or whatever. It is about God. And who God is. And thats what it should be about. Because there is so much more hope in God and who God is than in merely thinking about what he can do for me.

So, perhaps another reason, why not to quote verses at people? It diminishes God.

MI:3

Went to watch the third installation of the Mission Impossible franchise. Predictable storyline and it delivered as expected - explosions, gadgets, different places in the world and once again, Ethan Hunt does the impossible (with the help of his team of course).

Some good moments in the movie, though the ending was far too soppy (even for chicks!). It was too much of a "happy ending". But I did enjoy it, and I do recommend it if you are after a brainless movie to chill out with. And, bring on X-Men 3!

David Gray

David Gray played in the Wellington Events Centre last night. And he was awesome! He does a fantastic live show, though I don't really get the head wobbling thing. Gosh, it alsmost seems like his head wasn't quite attached to his neck the way it was wobbling.

Anyways, it was a welcome respite from the stress of the last 6 weeks (and more) and after a busy weekend and being unwell for the past week. He moved flawlessly from guitar to piano and the harmonica. I have a bad memory of song titles so I can't quite describe his set list. But I do know it songs from his latest album - Life in Slow Motion and also from his popular album - White Ladder. Another nice thing was that he didn't talk much at all! So it was all music! And he finished the encore with Babylon and got the audience to join in. Nice.