Marvel That

 

I am not a huge Marvel fan, but I am pretty sure the guy in that photo is not Captain America or Thor.   Marvel fanatics are likely aware that several Marvel productions were filmed in Georgia, which helped Georgia surpass California as the state with the most top-grossing films produced there.  But most are probably unaware of the behind-the-scenes work that film industry professionals and politicians expended to make this happen.  A large part of the success stems from favorable tax treatment for studios filming in our state.   I posted in the fall about the death of my brother Craig who was an amazing son, husband, father and grandfather.  Those relationships trumped anything he accomplished in business, but he also made quite an impact professionally.  Craig's company, CMP Inc.,  made short films for companies of all sizes and across different industries, including household names like Massey Ferguson and Coke.   He also had a long-standing relationship with Georgia Tourism, helping to promote everything great about our state.  He served for 8 years as the Co-President of Georgia Production Partners and also on the Governor's Board for Film and Digital Media.  Yesterday, the Secretary of State honored Craig as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen at the State Capitol. Both the Senate and House Chambers issued proclamations honoring his impact on Georgia's film industry.  I was honored to be there with most of his family and felt immense pride seeing his professional accomplishments.  Click here for a link to photos from the day.

Disturbing The Peace

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain outside the open doors. The rain is welcome and brought about 10 degrees of coolness. I poured a cup of coffee and sat still listening to the rain for a bit.  You have to know how hard that is for me. I usually wake up with my brain buzzing about what I need to get done that day, but today, I made time to be quiet. One of my pastors reminded me recently that while God laid out right from wrong for us, He is less concerned with what we do, and more concerned with who we are and who we are becoming. There are many ways to help with who we are becoming:  reading and learning the Bible, preaching and teaching, community, serving, and hardest for me, quiet communion with God.   This morning while I was quiet this refrain repeated in my head: "I want to know You, and be known by You." I couldn't help ending my quiet time with some noise, but this is the best kind of noise.  Listen, focus on the words and focus on God.  Click here.

Stormy Seas

 

For the past week, television and social media have been filled with the terror of overseas war and state-side inconveniences like higher gas prices.  The constant updates about escalating tension can feel like being at the center of a roaring storm.   Jesus and his disciples found themselves in a boat in the midst of a storm.  As waves crashed into the boat, the disciples feared for their lives, but Jesus slept on a cushion in the stern of the boat.  The disciples woke Him and asked if He was scared for His life, and He said to the sea, "Peace.  Be still." and the wind ceased.  Jesus then reminded the disciples that faith in Him could quiet any storm.  Today, I hope you feel the peace that only Jesus can provide.