That I actually still post over at Next Gener.Asian Church — check out Our Band Needs a Phonoharp.  Might be some other writing opportunities in the near future… I’ll keep you posted.

In other news, the Detroit Lions — owners of the worst record over the past seven seasons in the NFL (31-84, if you care to share in my pain) — have finally given ol’ Matt Millen the boot.  Hopefully, the Lions can finally stop their automatic three-touchdown deficit (as they’ve falled behind 21-0, 21-0 and 21-3 in their first three games).  I’m not asking for victories, just a little bit of dignity in defeat.

But that begs the question, What, exactly, qualifies as small stuff?

Last week, my wife and I met with someone from our denomination.  Although we’ve exchanged emails and phone calls, this was our first face to face meeting with this person.

After giving some personal background, along with some of the difficulties we’ve experienced along the way, that were relevant to our conversation, this person stopped and remarked:

Oh, you both speak English so well!

Ugh.

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My wife led an overnight sleepover at church this weekend for our elementary ministry.  She did an incredible job pastoring and leading the kids — and all while being very sick all week.  As everyone who knows both of us always likes to remind me, I’m a very lucky man!

After the day’s activities concluded, the kids stayed up to watch Evan Almighty.  While brushing my teeth, I overheard two of the boys talking about the portrayal of God by Morgan Freeman in the film.  One said to the other, “I never pictured that God would be a person.”  The other replied that he thought it was just because it was a movie.  Thoughtfully, the first boy replied, “But what does it mean then that we are made like God?”

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Part of me wants to be an arthouse indie film snob… but then I remember how much I love buddy movie singalongs and I gladly abandon those ambitions.  Experience the love for yourself below:

Can you think of any other buddy movie singalongs?

Next time you need a chorus of shouting Finns, give these guys a call.

The Finnish men’s choir Mieskuoro Huutajat, or Shouting Men, recently had a concert — er, argument? — in Washington, DC.  Perhaps they’re available for your next magical moment where you need that extra bit of shouting?