What I'm Reading/ Watching/ Listening to

The Vegas Edition

What I'm Reading...

Book #1 -Be the Change - Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World by Zach Hunter
Zach is a 15 year old abolitionist. In 7th grade, he received a burden to do something about the world-wide slave trade that is still taking place today (in the book he sites that there are more slaves in the world today that at the time of the Civil war). Our New York Gospel Outreach (NYGO) team is reading this book together.
It's definitely written by a 15 year old. I mean that in a good way. It's definitely his thoughts, it' raw, it's idealistic, and it's challenging.
This is more than a book on slavery. It's about living out your passion and seeking to change the world for the cause of Christ. This is a great read if you're a teenager or if you work with teenagers. It would be a great book to go through with a small Group.


Book #2 - Sex God - Exploring the endless connections between sexuality and spirituality by Rob Bell
Rob is an incredible mind, a great communicator, and a significant spiritual voice to this generation. His first book, Velvet Elvis, was enjoyable. I had heard him speak on the majority of what he had written in that book. I haven't heard him speak on the majority of the content in Sex God (I'm not finished with it yet).
This book is about sex, but also much more than it. It's a look at the heart of sexuality as God intends it, and us seeking to get the the heart of where we've distorted sexuality. I've read several books and excerpts of books on purity and lust. This is a different approach. The challenge is to look to the core of what we're seeking after. The key saying over and over through the book is that "this is actually about that."
I'm enjoying it. It's messing with me in a good way.




What I'm Watching...
We saw three shows

1. Blue Man Group - How do you explain this show? It's postmodern Vaudeville. It's PVC Pipe Rock n' Roll. It's environmental satire. It's flat out a great show. If you're into unique, humorous, outside-the box creative humor, this is the show. I've seen them in Chicago as well. If you're looking for a great day or overnight trip with your groom or bride, I highly suggest heading up to the Chicago theater and catching the show. You won't be disappointed.

2. Ka - Janelle and I saw the Cirque Du Soleil show La Nouba when we were in Orlando 3 years ago. We both commented on how the 2 hour show rivaled the enjoyment and exhilaration of an entire day at Disney.
This show BLEW OUR MINDS. It's a story of two twins separated and their journey to reunite. The show took place in front, on the sides, and even over top of you. Acrobatics, singing, dancing... unbelievable artistic performance.
Both Blue Man and Ka reminded me of our creative Creator, and His desire for us to use the abilities and gifts he's given us.

3. Spamalot - I'm also a fan of cheesy satirical movies. At the top of the list is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Well, the Monty Python guys made the show into a Broadway Musical. This starred John O' Hurley (a.k.a. Peterman from Seinfeld, a.k.a. Dancing With the Stars Season 1 champ) as King Arthur. It was a riot. Most of the great scenes from the movie are there (sadly missing were the witch scene and the bridge scene - "what is your name?") along with a few additions to make the storyline flow. Very different show than the other two, but we had a ton of fun.





What I'm Listening to...

I'm a people watcher and an Eavesdropper when traveling. People's actions, reactions, conversations, and attitudes simply intrigue me. Las Vegas is full of interesting, inspiring, and heartbreaking stories. Here's a handful of statements I overheard while there...

The couple behind me on the bus - "I'm so glad we chose not to gamble. I feel like we got to spend more time together this way."

At noon, a lady in her 20s talking on the phone - "I'm still so hungover. I have no idea where I was and what I did last night."

A 40 year old male waiting in line at McDonalds - "Yeah, I cashed in about $2,000 at 3 am and started back to the hotel room. It was a good thing Jimmy found me, cause I was so gone I wasn't sure how to get back to the room."

2 ladies in their 50s while we're walking the strip - "It's too bad we head home soon. I love putting reality on hold while we're here."

A guy in his late 30s talking REALLY LOUD on his Cell Phone - "Yeah, last night I won $3,000 at the blackjack tables, then turned around and lost it all at the craps table." (oh man, I just wrote the word crap on my blog)

2 guys on the train to the Luxor - "Thunder Down Under (male strip show), let's go see it babe. It will be great!"

On the bus, A mom to her 2 girls (deep southern accent) - "You can have this place. Who wants to go on their vacation and walk this much? Plus there's so many people, so much noise. No thank you. We're hitting the beach in Florida next time."

husband to his wife (in their 60s)- "Let's pray, honey."