Hammer & Nails

Almost 500 years ago today, Martin Luther probably went rummaging through his things for hammer and nails. He was man with courage and a consuming love for the bride of Christ, a man not afraid to question why, when the Bible says one thing, folks are doing something else, and a man who definitely had a way with words.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Martin Luther

Paul Newman

I liked Paul Newman. I liked him in The Sting, I liked him in Nobody's Fool, I liked him in Cool Hand Luke, and I really liked him in The Long Hot Summer. I'm pretty sure I would've liked him in all his other films I haven't seen yet. Sure there were plenty of ungodly things in his life and work as with all film stars, but there were some good things there too. If nothing else he gave us the famous quote, "Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home" referring to his over 50 years of marriage to Joanne Woodward.

The Long Hot Summer is a brilliant film. Loosely based on a Tennessee Williams play, it was one of the first films Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were in together, and they were married shortly after filming it. The chemistry between the two is lovely. It also stars Orson Welles and a very young Angela Lansbury, and is as southern as they come. So, if you're trying to decide what film to rent this weekend - in memory of Paul Newman, I'd say go for this one. If they don't have it, go for The Sting - great soundtrack and clever plot. Here's a few cracking lines from The Long Hot Summer:

Ben: Miss Clara, you slam the door in a man's face before he even knocks on it.

Ben: I respect him. I admire his manners and I admire the speeches he makes and I admire the big house he lives in. But if you're saving it all for him honey, you've got your account in the wrong bank.

Ben: Life's very long and full of salesmanship, Miss Clara. You might buy something yet.