What's your name?

The time was 1983. Someone writer or TV big shot, maybe even just a humble janitor, was somewhere doing something when suddenly an idea pops into his mind. "What if," he thinks, "we do a show about a spy organization?" "But!" he exclaims before the tv exes yawn at the idea, "but what if his partner isn't just another spy, but an average housewife, possibly even with children, who just accidentally gets mixed up in the whole business?" The tv exes slap him on the back, start brainstorming how this crazy idea could work, and for the next four years, homemakers everywhere tune in weekly to see one of their own living out exciting adventures that they have only fantasized about yet struggling through the same, everyday tasks that they too perform.

I don't know how Scarecrow and Mrs. King got its start, but I remember when it first came out. I remember staying up late with my mom to cheer on Amanda and Lee as they fought the evil KGB to keep America (and specifically Amanda's family) safe and sound. So there is some sentimental reasons for my attatchment with the show. But I realized as I had my own mini Scarecrow and Mrs. King marathon last night that there is something in that show that I miss in the shows of today. I miss seeing a family that functions and pulls  together, despite the pain of divorce. I miss seeing a wholesome, simple romance grow without being tainted by sex scenes and the emptiness of lust. I miss seeing courageous patriotism in the heroes of the story, despite flaws in our system and the people who run it. I miss not having to worry that if a child is in the room I will have to turn off the tv because of the language coming out of the "hero's" mouth. I miss being inspired. Inspired to be with family. Inspired to look beyond just a physical attraction. Inspired to fight for my country. Inspired to look beyond myself and my circumstances to help other people. Some might argue that you will only see this in a Christian show or setting, but there was a time when shows just naturally featured characters that were admirable and good. I miss the characters that I am supposed to admire having morals. They could have flaws, but the morals were there too. Now, the main male "hero" of a TV show is a detached, noncommittal, prideful man who may momentarily have a lapse of moral judgement that is pushed aside by the audience as a one time, "no one could be that heartless" fluke rather than a staple of his character. what character? please someone name a male character that is someone that you would want to look up to? or a female character for that matter? the strenght of a woman is not shown as a "gentle and quiet spirit" that the Bible emphasizes, but the nothing fazes me, tough as nails woman who can easily give herself to any man without showing any emotion or need for love.

Scarecrow & Mrs. King wasn't a perfect show. The writing wasn't the best. The storylines were often over the top. But I can walk away from it not regretting what I have subjected my mind to, thinking about what I would be willing to do for a friend, laughing at non-perverted humor, and truly just enjoying a good time. Makes me stop and think about everything else that I watch.

the world is ending...we have reached the end times...start watching for Jesus (or watch harder if you are already watching...). i just got the asbury chapel schedule and there are a lot of really, REALLY good speakers on it. BUT guess who is no where to be found on the schedule - the president. not once. for the first time in asbury history, the president will not be speaking at every visit weekend. perspective students may actually get a feel for real chapel before they get here. amazing. i know a lot of students may think they would like to hear the new president speak, but trust me, ya don't. i am really enjoying the new president - he has a lot of great ideas, a wonderful "let's get it done" attitude, and seems good with people on a more informal basis. but everyone has their weakness and formal public speaking does not seem to be his forte. addressing the troops informally - yes. speaking behind the pulpit as the illustrious new head of a college - um, doesn't exactly show off his best side.

but if you happen to be in the area on September 22nd, Steven Saint, son of missionary martyr Nate Saint, will be speaking in chapel...yes, our chapel....

the beach was perfect. calm. serene. devoid of humanity, save the two of us walking hand in hand. the only light coming from the moon and occasional splashes of lightning way out over the ocean. the only sound coming from the waves rushing up to the shore, only to break on the sand and go rushing back out to rejoin the rest of the ocean. a perfect night for a walk, just me and...my niece. what? were you thinking there was some guy or that i was imagining this whole scenario? no, the peaceful night was real. noel (my niece) and i strolled hand in hand along the shoreline a little ways in front of the rest of the fam. it's one of the things i love about noel. she's the cuddler of the group. the one who doesn't just sit down beside you, but snuggles in close to you. the one who never feels too big to sit on your lap and be wrapped in close. the one who comes up beside you when you are walking alone and quietly slips her delicate little hand into yours before you even realize she's there. we walked along just enjoying the beautiful night and being with someone we love. in that moment i realized what a delight she was and just how blessed i was to have such a precious gift beside me.

however, in the midst of my gratitude, i had to rescue my precious niece from the army of crabs descending upon our piece of beach. apparently crabs are nocturnal...