Of Gods and Men.

Of Gods and Men, my favorite movie from 2011, is the true story of a band of French monks living in an Albanian community subjected to terrorism. It is a still and quiet film that looks at what it means to live life with conviction, freedom, and love, set to beautiful cinematography and haunting music. My friend, Lauren, initially recommended this movie to me and after watching it twice this year, I must commend it to you as well.

Early in the movie two of the monks are speaking with a government official about whether they should stay or leave. The official tells them "It is not cowardly to want to leave. It is about being free". When faced with death that man saw freedom as independence and the ability to protect one's self.

Freedom is not merely an ability to leave, but also a means to stay. Freedom is living your life according to your conviction and not in fear of another. It is knowing that which truly matters and clinging to that and not your life. All of this reminded me of something I heard a while back: courage isn't about being strong and fearless, it is operating out of an even greater love.

Suggested pairing: Red wine to enhance depth or chamomile tea to draw out delicacy.

Lessons we can learn from dogs.

Molly joy riding on a boat. 

Last Christmas I regrettably had to say goodbye to my childhood pet, Molly. She was my loyal companion since the 6th grade, greeting me whenever I walked through the door, laying by me when I was sick. I was one sad kid when we said good-bye, and I'm going to be honest, still today whenever I see a little westie it tugs at my heart strings and i miss my old friend. 

Last year my parents heard this reading on a favorite news program and have adopted it as their own. They included this in our family Christmas card this year as an ode to Molly, and I would like to share it with you:

"Lessons We can Learn from Dogs"

-Author unkown

Always run to greet loved ones when they come home. 

Never pass the opportunity to go for a joy ride. 

Recognize the ecstasy of fresh air & wind in your face.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising. 

Run, romp, and play daily. 

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

On warm days, lie on your back in the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and find the shade. 

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Enjoy long walks.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something your not.

If what you want is buried, dig deep until you find it.

And, when someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

We'd be better off, better people, if we acted more like dogs. 

Merry Christmas Friends!!

The cost of pleasure.

"...all pleasure must be bought at a price. The difference between illegitimate and legitimate pleasure is this: For legitimate pleasure, the price is paid before it is enjoyed. For illegitimate pleasure, the price is paid after it is enjoyed. Turning aside from instant gratification is one of the most difficult things to do. But this is where the battle is often won or lost."

-Ravi Zacharias
for the full article: rzim.com

just dance.

The most inspiring dancer I know: Collin Malaney

Your song comes on, your hips start to move with no coercion. The question goes through your mind, should I let loose & dance or play it cool? There are a few circumstances were the rug should be left uncut, but this isn't it, you should dance. 

My friend told me a story about an older gentleman who decided the first thing he would do every morning was dance. If that man was anything like the rest of us, he probably had mornings that dancing was the last thing he wanted to do. But if we let days like that steamroll us, we will always live life with a sullen disposition. Instead, why not meet the day with a few good hip shakes and a shimmy or two? 

Dance because there is a song that won't let you sit still, dance because you have a body to move and a life to celebrate, dance when no one is watching and when everyone is watching. Just dance. 

If you need some help greasing your hips and an oldie does it for you check this out, for top-40 click here, or if you like musicals this might be more your flavor. 

You may be alone in your room, busting a move when lo and behold your roommate bursts in. Is this the moment to freeze and in utter embarrassment mutter something about trying to shake a cracker out of your shirt? No! This is not the safety dance, we are not leaving our friends behind. Turn the music up and just remind them: friends don't let friends dance alone. 

a snowflake.

A light dusting of snowflakes greeted me this morning as I got into my car. I almost passed them by without noticing, but today I leaned in a little closer and this is what I saw. As the cold chill of winter sets in I tend to forget that each mound of snow I pass along the street contains millions and millions of these lovely, delicately intricate marvels. 

And to think, this fell from the sky today.