"Waitress"

Tonight I found an old theater that shows independent and selectively released films. It was showing Waitress, a bittersweet, wonderful film. Jenna (Keri Russell) stars in the film, where she bakes pies with ingredients and names to match the events in her life.

Examples:

• I Hate My Husband Pie
• Earl Murders Me Because I'm Having an Affair Pie
• Pregnant Miserable Self Pitying Loser Pie
  

The story is gripping and beautiful, relaying the efforts of soulful women just trying to make it with what they have. The movie has powerful scenes of Jenna's controlling, abusive marriage to Earl. They are difficult to watch, but tastefully done (if such a thing is possible.) Jenna finds herself inconveniently pregnant, and in an affair with her handsome, kind hearted OB/GYN. She knows its wrong, but is unapologetic and moves on after the birth of her daughter to start a new life. It's more tart than sweet. But it's also undeniably funny and feel-good despite the heavy subject matter.

One of my favorite lines from the film: Jenna: Dear Baby, I hope someday somebody wants to hold you for 20 minutes straight. All they do is wrap you up in their arms without an ounce of selfishness to it. (writing a letter)
How wonderful would that be?

alien?

The movie E.T. came out the year I was born. Oddly enough, it was wildly popular and a lot of folks thought I looked like Gertie (Drew Barrymore). Judge for yourself. I look much happier than her... perhaps from all that cake. ;)


Elliot: But, look, you can't tell. Not even mom.
Gertie: Why not?
Elliot: Because grownups can't see him. Only little kids can see him.
Gertie: Give me a break!

Well, I think I match her personality at least!

And let me eat cake...

I've been going through some old pictures to put together a book for a father's day gift. I've come to the conclusion that I ate an inordinate amount of cake growing up. Granted, cameras were probably out more at parties, so maybe the conclusion is a bit skewed. All in all though, a cake filled life sounds pretty darn sweet.

Update: After lengthy investigation, the cake caper has been solved. I had to eat all that cake because my sister never (and still doesn't) like it, and we couldn't waste her share. I ought to thank her.

I've been working for a temp agency and putting in some serious hours. While I believe that all work is good and valuable, this work isn't satisfying. I was under the impression I'd have opportunities to use skills other than simply answering the phone.

I'm still struggling to find a good pro bono opportunity to get some real experience. Who knew it was hard to give your time away?

I learned that the hold up on my last grade is because my professor's child is in the hospital with complications from pneumonia. So, I don't care so much about getting the grade. It'll come eventually. Patience is not my strength, but this certainly puts a new perspective on it.

I must have strained or pulled a muscle a few days ago in my upper back. I've been doing all the right things, but it just does not seem to be improving. So, since I'm off today, I am going to try to keep still and give it some opportunity to heal...or to convince myself its time for a doctor visit.

The Promise of Power

Today is Ascension Sunday. The language of ascension can sound big and mysterious. It's a holy day, but probably not one of Methodists favorite to celebrate. There are no presents per se, and it never actually falls on Sunday since it is 40 days after Easter. So what do we do with it?

At one seminary, students and faculty gathered to worship and celebrate the ascension. The occasion was formal, with robes and regalia and a serious and somber tone. A clever and innovative seminarian somehow got a hold of a life-size, hollow, plastic "Jesus" which he positioned in the bushes outside before the service. With a flare for the dramatic, he combined his plastic Jesus with a rocket propulsion system. The student lit the fuse during the recessional of the robe wearing attendees. The Jesus rocket sputtered and eventually died somewhere near the dorms. The dean did not appreciate his creativity.

What does this mean for today? We really aren't all that different from the early church. Christians still have no power of our own, and never have. I think that modern society encourages us to embrace a philosophy that everything is up to us; our decisions and actions, drive and determination. But isn't this a delusion? Do we not instead rely on a power beyond ourselves?

Ascension proclaims Christ is exalted - He has gone up, but He has not gone away. In His infinite power of heavenly, humble love, He intercedes for us. Since we have no power of our own, He offers His to us. Thus, the One who is ascended is always with us, and we are never alone.