Book Review: Rediscovering Catholicism

"Rediscovering Catholicism" by Matthew Kelly is a must read for every Catholic, especially those who have left the Church, or are disengaged Catholics (i.e. they go to Mass, but don't participate). Once you read this book, I guarantee you'll be motivated to become the best-version-of-yourself, the version of yourself that God wants you to be. Furthermore, you'll understand why the Catholic church offers you the best chance to achieve that.

The entire theme of "Rediscovering Catholicism" is becoming the best-version-of-yourself, how you can do that, and how that can reawaken the Catholic church. Need an example to help you get started on your journey, no problem, the Catholic church has the Saints to be our role models. These are people who were driven by a single minded purpose to be the person God wanted them to be, and they didn't let the world get in their way. Need coaching along the way, no problem, the Catholic church has the Sacrament of Reconciliation where not only do you receive absolution, but you get advice from the Priest. This entire book is filled with stories and examples designed to help you change your habits and be the person God wants you to be.

I've already started trying to live out what I learned in this book. I've been plugging away at it in 15-20 minute increments for quite a while now. I've been implementing some better habits because Matthew Kelly gave me some some ideas on habits I should be implementing. I'm eager to see the person I will be in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years if I continue to stick with what I learned in the pages of "Rediscovering Catholicism".

On a related note, my wife and I attended a 1 day conference with Matthew Kelly today. It was fantastic, but I need to process some and figure out how to effectively share the insight I gained today.

A note to my Protestant, Evangelical and Non-Denominational friends...there's an entire chapter about why Catholics should read the Bible, every day. It was one of the best chapters in the book, and that is one of the habits I have implemented.

Top 5 Movies You Won't Want To Admit Watching

As a guy, there are certain movies that you just don't want to admit watching, let alone liking. We can all admit that. Now for the confession. For me, the Disney Channel is a problem. I've confessed my love for "Cheesy, Feel Good Disney Movies" previously on this blog. Occasionally, I'll flip by the Disney Channel and find a Princess Movie or a musical, and I'll be hooked. I can't help it...I don't even have Nuke's excuse of having a daughter.

So, without further adieu, but with further embarrassment, I give you the Top 5 Movies You Won't Want to Admit Watching.

5 - "Juno": While this movie is critically acclaimed, it is a "chick flick". It follows Juno (portrayed by Ellen Paige) as a teenager dealing with pregnancy. Instead of aborting the baby, she chooses to have it and give it up for adoption. This movie is funny, charming, and ultimately a feel good flick.

4 - "Hairspray": I'm a sucker for musicals. This one has Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken (in a musical), Queen Latifah and John Travolta (as a woman). It's funny and the music is catchy. Seriously, I can't help it.

3 - "High School Musical": See, I seriously can't help it. I got this one from Netflix to see what all the rage was about, and I was hooked at the first song. I've watched all 3 "High School Musical" movies, but the original is the best.

2 - "Ella Enchanted": There are a few songs in this one too (including some Queen), but I don't know if it qualifies as a musical. Anne Hathaway is Ella, who is enchanted to always do what she's told. This causes problems when she falls in love with the Prince of the kingdom. Cary Elwes stars as the bad guy, so bonus points there. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll sing along.

1 - "Ice Princess": Seeing the Disney Channel theme here? It's like a beacon...calling my name every day. This tear jerker is about a high school science geek turned figure skater. But, will our heroine's feminist mother ever accept her new found love? You'll have to watch to find out. Starring Michelle Trachtenberg, Hayden Pantierre, Kim Catralle and Joan Cusack, this is truly a chick flick, but it has sports in it, so it must be ok...figure skating is a sport, right? Oh, and you can't miss the Michelle Kwan cameo.

So, that's it. I must now hang my head in shame. Up next week is the Top 5 Sports Movies. Spoiler Alert!!! "Hoosiers" isn't in the top 5, and neither is "Rudy"...I bet you can't wait now.

Movie Review: The Express

Finally, a 4 star movie from Netflix. I've had a bad run on Netflix movies lately. But, as I'm learning, you can almost never go wrong with a sports movie that stars Dennis Quaid.

"The Express" is the story of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win College Football's Heisman Trophy. In this movie, we see Ernie Davis (played by Rob Brown) from his childhood, up through his winning of the Heisman Trophy. Davis is recruited to play football at Syracuse University by Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid). As one of only 3 African American football players on the Syracuse team, Davis faces racism from his teammates and from the teams they play. But through his tireless work ethic, Davis eventually wins over his teammates, coaching staff and some fans. Sadly, Davis never plays a down in the NFL, losing a battle to Leukemia at only 23 years old.

I think "The Express" has everything a good sports movie should have. The football scenes are actually nail biting at times, the actors are excellent, and the story makes you feel good. Rob Brown, who I've never seen before, was solid as Ernie Davis. Dennis Quaid is fantastic as hall of fame coach Ben Schwartzwalder. Schwartzwalder probably goes through the biggest transformation in the movie, as he learns to quit accepting things as they are and adapts to how they should be.

Set in the late 1950's, "The Express" shows the racism that occurred at that time in our country. I told my wife that I couldn't believe people used to behave like that, but then I see how some people behave today, and totally believe people could behave like they are portrayed in this movie.

Overall, just a very solid, 4 star movie. As good as "Remember the Titans" and better than movies like "Glory Road". Enjoy!