Archives For Life

My Ten Favorite Films of 2014

Wade —  December 29, 2014 —  Comments

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I’ve seen some great films this year. Though there are still more I need to catch (Whiplash, Selma, Inherent Vice, and Birdman to name a few), I thought it would be fun to put together a list highlighting my favorites so far. I hope this will be a guide of sorts for those of you looking to expand your filmography. My top ten list includes blockbusters, independent and foreign films, dramas, a horror picture, a black and white feature, and even one movie with Tom Cruise.

Because one of my passions is examining how art and Christianity coincide, I’ve included within each description a number of themes I feel interact with that particular film’s story. This will, hopefully, help you look at these movies through a more critical, spiritually-minded lens. Continue Reading…

miracle-vision-map

I think our definition of “miracle” is often too small, too limited, and even a bit lazy. Here’s why. Continue Reading…

wades_wisdom_humor_comedy_funny

I can’t keep up with Halloween costumes anymore. It has gotten out of control. I miss the days when you could celebrate in a simple, homely ensemble—maybe even go as the Ghostbusters if you were feeling fancy and free. Now, one has to be incredibly and specifically creative or they won’t get noticed at all. Continue Reading…

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Brie Larson in Short Term 12

I may be a youth pastor, but sometimes I don’t know what to say when a student comes to me for help. Case in point:

A few years ago, a teenager found me after a church service and told me about his home life. His words were emotional, but not soft. I think I remember him cursing a few times during our conversation. It’s hard to blame him, if I were in his position I might be cursing too. My response to his story didn’t come easy. I wasn’t speechless, but I wasn’t confident. My words tumbled instead of slid.

Then I said something that surprised me. It surprised me because I’m not sure where it come from. Continue Reading…

Taylor-swift-shake-it-off

Last year, I took some time to dissect Taylor Swift’s song, 22. It’s upbeat, fun, and a reflection of the darkness surrounding Taylor’s life.

What?!

Yes. 22 is more than just a catchy tune for teenagers driving to prom. It bleeds with clear allusions to failed relationships, sorrow, and, of course, an episode of The Twilight Zone. If you haven’t had a chance to read my piece, you can do so here.

Today, I’m going further down the rabbit hole by critically analyzing Taylor’s (we’re on a first name basis) new song, Shake It Off. Continue Reading…

Christian-confession-perfect

I remember when I first questioned God’s existence. I was a teenager with more acne spots than combined conversations with girls. I probably shouldn’t have doubted God; I practically took my first breath in church. My family attended worship services multiple times a week and I knew the Bible from the front cover to the maps. I was even born by way of water birth in the congregational baptismal (that may not be true).

But I doubted anyway. Continue Reading…

Hook-robin-williams-death

Hearing about the death of a celebrity is an odd, sometimes crippling feeling. Sure, we might not know them, but we know them. In the case of Robin Williams, they might even be a large part of our life. Continue Reading…

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Boyhood – IFC Films

When I was seventeen, my dad took me to a Houston Astros game. Roger Clemens was making his first start for the team. The bright lights lit up the field as the sun dipped under the skyline. I remember the event being sold-out. I remember eating a hot dog. Continue Reading…

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Wade’s Wisdom is a regular humor column by Wade Bearden. Here, he shares his wisdom, knowledge, and intricate understanding of life to readers all over the world. 

“Don’t drink the water.”

“Take the mace out of your bag before going through airport security.”

“You shouldn’t pet the wild monkeys.”

These are all suggestions we hear when prepping for a short-term mission trip. It’s what we’re not told though, that could get us into a wealth of trouble. Information that may or may not be the difference between you having a great time and you wishing you were back home watching reruns of Walker, Texas Ranger. Continue Reading…

learned-blogging-tips

Wow, my blog is officially a year old. I can’t believe how fast the last twelve months have flown by. In no time, it’ll be headed off to college, getting a job, and hopefully giving me a grandblog. But we’re in no rush! Let’s get him married first! LOL

I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed blogging this past year and I thought I’d share a few lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Here’s 11: Continue Reading…