http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAq52lBtsXc
In the second Ultimate Gift movie the narrative shifts toward the life of Red Stevens, a billionaire in the oil business. After Jason Stevens’ girl friend abruptly leaves, Red’s grandson seeks the council of Mr. Hamilton played by Bill Hobbs, the firm’s attorney. During this conversation Hamilton loans Jason Red’s diary, an account of his rise to the top. Along the way, Red journals each life lesson beginning as a young teenager. This daily exercise gave birth to the ten gifts Jason faces in the first film.
“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him,” 2 Samuel 12:4.
Another illustration of writing can be found in Fireproof starring Kirk Cameron. When his marriage hits the skids, Caleb Holt, Kirk’s character, considers divorce until a near death encounter changes his heart. Desperate to salvage his marriage, Caleb turns to his father for advice, who suggests following a forty day Love Dare Challenge. Early on, Caleb goes through the motions until God transforms his heart. Fighting a losing battle with pornography, these recorded words provide a blueprint to overcome a life void of purpose.
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! – 2 Samuel 12:5
When individuals take the time to contemplate, reflect upon life and question their beliefs, pioneers of literature are born. During my years of taking seminary classes, I found myself drawn to Augustine of Hippo. Augustine regularly spent time in his backyard, relaxing his mind by observing his garden. In this quiet place, a theologian was spawn connecting the dots between life, philosophy and biblical principles. According to Jerome, Augustine’s practice of documenting his beliefs established anew the ancient faith.
He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity, 2 Samuel 12:6.
Today, the closest thing to a diary is blogging. Although motives for writing are different, words serve as a map of where you are, where you’re going and show where you have been. After beginning a pursuit to become a screen writer in my free time, I thought about ending this blog, blazing a trail in a different direction. However, during a car ride on Thanksgiving Eve, I now feel called to continue this for life. Though my topics may be sporadic, this daily habit helps me keep in touch with my soul as I express myself for Him.
by Jay Mankus
Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” – 2 Samuel 12:7a
ExpressYourself4Him 