February 14 – “Boldly go …”

Last night we embarked on a journey.  We boldly went where no man has gone before.  Well, I guess a few have gone there before, but apparently not that many.  We turned on Netflix and started watching “Star Trek: Enterprise.”  It’s the prequel series to Jim Kirk and Spock and McCoy and O’Hura and Sulu and the rest of that gang.  It stars Scott Bakula (I think that’s the guy’s name) and a host of unknowns.  The plot centers around the adventures of the very first Starship Enterprise.  The ship doctor is an alien who uses “home remedy” applications instead of a lot of drugs.  He’s my personal favorite character.  He is positively giddy to be in this human atmosphere, learning culture trying everything, especially the blueberry pancakes.  The science officer is (Imagine this) a Vulcan woman.  I wouldn’t call her exactly Spock-ish, but you can tell she is trying hard.  Humans and Vulcans have a rather shaky relationship politically.  Seems the Vulcans were the first alien race to realize the human were beginning space travel and exploration, so they made contact.  Since that time they have acted like the overbearingly overprotective big brother.  In this series the humans are struggling to gain their independence like a frustrated teenager.  Oh, and I just remembered my other favorite character.  The captain has a puppy with him.  Can’t beat a puppy, right?

We also watched a remake of the classic Around the World in 80 Days.  I’m sure it’s been around for a very long time.  After all, it is on Netflix.  I have no idea who the leading man and woman were, but the perennial sidekick was none other than Jackie Chan.  Perfect movie for checking your brain at the door and just enjoying the Jackie Chan fight choreography.  I think I need to find a few more like that.  Any suggestions? 

1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 says, “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.  On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.  You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed — God is our witness.  We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.”

Father, we could use a little weather protection today, especially up there in the Houston area.  Amen.