Thursday, November 29, 2007

A Christ Warrior's Creed...

A Christ Warrior's Creed

This is what I am working on as the new working title of what?... a message?... a book?

All I know is that this is new path for me, one set before me by Jesus my Christ. I will be still and listen to him.

I will not give up
I will not surrender
I will be victorious

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The Armor of God...


For some time now, I have been continuing to struggle with what I think God wants me to do in my life. Previous posts have revealed that I have been thinking about going into some sort of Christian public speaking.

Well, as of yesterday I believe I have discerned God's plan for my life. Not only am I to home school my child (more on that later), but I am to create a message for Him using the theme of the Armor of God- Ephesians 6:10-18

This message will incorporate my testimony, costuming, theatrical elements, witnessing, a theologically sound discussion and message, etc.

I ask for many prayers during this formative time as I craft a Message that is worthy of His pleasure.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Star Wars - 30 years...

2007 Star Wars 30th Anniversary
Memories of that Galaxy Far, Far Away...


2007. Why is this a significant year? Because it's the 30th anniversary of the release of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and the beginning of the Star Wars phenomena as we know it.

Star Wars. Just the name brings a racing of the pulse to some, a quickening of the imagination and fond memories to most. For others it stands for adventure, excitement and romance. For me- it stands for my life. Am I obsessed with Star Wars? You could say that!! My name is Anthony Foister and this is my story.

It was 1977 and I was three years old when I first saw Star Wars before it was titled A New Hope. I knew nothing about the movie before going to see it nor could I comprehend what truly lay in store for me and my mother as we entered a darkened theater in Morristown, TN. My senses were suddenly bombarded by that now familiar worded crawl and the great musical score that has since accompanied my life. There before me a racing starship fled from the massive war vessel of an Imperial Star Destroyer. The sheer immensity of the Star Destroyer filled the screen and I knew that this movie would be unlike anything that I would ever see again. The sights throughout the movie were incredible and the lessons that it taught were invaluable to me as a three going on four year old. I learned that it doesn’t take an overwhelming force to overcome an apparent evil- that greatness can lay in even the simplest places. A New Hope expanded my views of right and wrong and how best to enjoy the fantasy of a Galaxy totally unlike the one I lived in.

When The Empire Strikes Back was released, all I could do was set on the edge of my seat minute by minute as the most sinister actions were shown on the big screen. The Empire was creating havoc for the Rebels and my hero Luke Skywalker had learned that his Father was the enigmatic and evil Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader. Episode V truly is the greatest sequel to have ever been produced!

Return of the Jedi completed the original trilogy and wrapped up six years of exciting, swashbuckling fun. Darth Vader had been redeemed and the Empire defeated. Needless to say, I was more than emotional when the Force ghosts of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda appeared to Luke and the credits rolled after a roaring crescendo of music. Would this be the last of the Star Wars saga or would it continue in some other form? We would have to wait almost a decade before that question would be answered.

Star Wars was brought back to the forefront of the public’s conscience when books published by Timothy Zahn would kick start the phenomena all over again. Where once Star Wars grew stale with comic books and limited literature, the Zahn Thrawn trilogy reinvigorated fandom for many years until George Lucas reissued the original trilogy as the special editions and prepared to film Episodes 1-3, which became known as the Prequels.

The Prequels told the tale of how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader and how the Emperor came into power and defeated the Jedi Order. This was an exciting time for me as I became more and more obsessed with wanting to start my own Fan Club with something –anything to do with Star Wars and the Jedi Knights. After reading an article about the Fighting 501st Stormtrooper costuming group in a Star Wars Insider magazine, I knew that I too could start a Jedi costuming organization. I named the group The Jedi Assembly and to this date we have over three hundred members worldwide. We participate in charity fundraisers around the world, march in parades, attend conventions and enjoy the whole aspect of costuming as Jedi.

It all boils down to this. The Star Wars phenomenon is pure escapism that allows one to truly set back and forget the cares of the world and the day to day grind. The Star Wars saga has allowed me to indulge myself in a kind of walking fantasy that will continue to both amaze and entertain me for many more years to come. I also can look forward to passing all that I know and love about Star Wars down to my son Daniel who will be four in just a few short months. He already enjoys picking up his Hasbro Lightsaber and whacking his Dad or throwing some Sith lightning with a Force push thrown in for good measure.

After 30 years, Star Wars has stood the test of time. It has entertained millions of people all over the world and moved most people in the direction of unimaginable creativity. For me, it has allowed me to remain a kid at heart. A big kid with a Lightsaber hanging from my belt and an ever watchful eye on that Galaxy far, far away…

Friday, November 02, 2007

My Purpose?

I have been struggling for a long time in trying to understand my purpose in life. This would be in direct reference to what Christ would have me do for the Glory of him and his Kingdom.

I have started speaking at church and have really enjoyed it. I have always had a thing for public speaking and having the opportunity to do so lately has reignited the fire within.

I have for some time been working on a sermon/speech/testimony that I have not completed or really know what to do with it.

I'm getting the feeling that God wants me to finish it and bring it to the masses. Specifically, a message aimed towards the youth of today. I have been invited to speak at my church's Men's meeting that takes place every Monday at 11am. I believe I will try and get a version of this speech/testimony prepared for that and then see where the Lord leads me.
I really can see me being an opening act for a Christian band or speaking to a large group of youth traveling around the area to do so.

This all is in the Lord's hands. I just need to be receptive to what he wants me to do.