I still need to gather the main wedding pictures, but here are two shots from the parent dances at the second reception. Andrew and An both work at Sight and Sound, so their co-workers couldn’t attend a Saturday reception. That’s why the bride and groom decided to have a second reception on Sunday. That fit well with their Lord of the Rings theme. (You’ve heard of “second breakfast,” right?)
An and her dad Phil danced to “Daddy’s Little Angel” by Tony Carter. (She is seen below in her reception dress; her wedding dress was stunning and elegant.) Drew and Sonya danced to “What a Wonderful World” by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, sung by Louis Armstrong.
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, I had the honor of giving the “Pastoral Message to the Bride and Groom” at my son’s wedding on a Scripture passage of the their choosing. They chose 1 Corinthians 13. Their “Lord of the Rings” themed wedding and reception were as unique as they are.
Andrew and An, your big day is finally here, and there’s nowhere that we as your family and friends would rather be than right here celebrating it with you. An, you are a stunning bride. I think we all gasped when you entered the sanctuary today. You’re a beautiful woman—inside and out. Sonya and I are so thrilled to have you become part of our family today. Our desire is to be your cheerleader and friend as long as God gives us life and breath.
We’ve been praying for this day for a long time. In fact, when it was clear we needed to get Sonya to the hospital years ago, we first stopped by the empty crib and prayed not only for our new child, but also for the future spouse—whoever that might be. And here you stand today as the answer to that prayer, and many others we prayed over the years. God is good—amen?
Andrew, you clean up pretty well, too. You’re a different kind of stunning—but stunning, nonetheless. And you’re still my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. Your mother and I couldn’t be prouder of who you are and who you’re becoming.
And I know that Phil and Lien have been praying for you for a long time, too, long before they knew who you were. They’re thrilled that you’re becoming part of their family today, too. And here you stand today as the answer to their prayers for An.
So, [to An:] Sonya and I prayed for you, and [to Andrew:] Phil and Lien prayed for you, and [to the congregation:] we leave it to you wise discernment to figure out which of us has the better prayer life!
Actually, it’s not about us at all. It’s about God and his goodness to two people he dearly loves. And one of the best definitions we have of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13, Paul’s masterpiece that you asked me to comment on today. It’s often read at weddings, which is interesting because the context of the passage is not really about marriage at all.
It’s about a church family that wasn’t getting along very well, and they needed to be reminded of what love looks like when relationships become difficult. Well, sometimes the relationship between a husband and wife can become difficult, too. And so, this passage does have application when it comes to marriage. In fact, in a broken world like ours, all relationships will struggle at times, so really, this is a message for all of us today—whether we’re married or not.
Paul begins by saying, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. In other words: Without love, it doesn’t matter what we SAY. “Talk is cheap,” says Paul, “if it’s not backed up by action.” Now, certainly, the words we say to each other are important, but words without love just make us sound like a one-piece band, and that one piece is only a cymbal. It’s hard to make good music with just a crash and a clang. Without love, it doesn’t matter what we say.
Paul goes on, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” In other words: Without love, it doesn’t matter what we KNOW. The cliché is true: people don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. And without this kind of caring love, says Paul, we are nothing. All our education and degrees and intellectual gifts mean nothing when love is missing. Without love, it doesn’t matter what we know
Paul continues: “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” In other words: Without love, it doesn’t matter what we DO. Imagine that! Paul says we can give away all we possess to the poor and needy, and even die as a martyr, but if we didn’t do it in love for the other person, we get nothing. And right there, Paul deals a death blow to the kind of fanaticism that would take up arms against other people, or be hostile toward them, in the name of God. “No!” says Paul. Without love, it doesn’t matter what we do.
It’s an amazing claim, and it applies to marriage because spouses can sometimes get crossways with each other. They sometimes don’t see eye-to-eye. That won’t ever happen with you two, but just in case it does, we should probably talk about these things.
Paul then turns to a positive definition of love. The Greek word—as you well know—is agape, which is God’s kind of love. Paul writes: “Agape love is patient, and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Those are lofty words. And very challenging. They’re words that tell us love is not just a warm, fuzzy feeling; it’s a firm, fixed commitment. It’s not so much a state of being (“I’m in love”); it’s a verb (“I will love”), and it requires much effort. When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that may be amore, but it’s not agape. Amore love says, “I will love you if.” Agape love says, “I will love you even if.”
In fact, Paul is saying here that the circumstances that bring out the reality of true love in a relationship are not always easy circumstances, but hard ones! For example:
It’s when you see your spouse’s weaknesses and irritating qualities emerge that true love is patient and kind.
It’s when the limelight falls on your spouse instead of you that true love does not envy.
It’s after your wise counsel is rejected by your spouse, maybe even with serious consequence, that true love does not boast.
It’s when spousal apologies need to be made that true love is not proud.
It’s in the heat of a spousal disagreement that true love is not rude.
It’s in a time of family needs or crises when true love is not self-seeking.
It’s in the time of disappointment with each other that true love is not easily angered.
It’s in the time of personal offense that true love keeps no record of wrongs.
It’s in the midst of job frustration, low bank accounts, bad cooking, leaky roofs, screaming babies, changing body types, aging skin, and seasons of change that agape love never fails.
Shakespeare said it well:
Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove. O no, it is an ever-fixèd mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wand’ring bark Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
A lofty sentiment—and a very challenging one to live out. Every married couple will tell you that agape love is hard work. But they will also tell you, it can be done. And it can be done well—with much joy and great delight over the years. And since love is God’s idea—and who God is—he will help you when you look to him.
And when you do look to him for help with agape love, what will you find? You’ll find Jesus—who gave us the greatest love story the world has ever known. Even greater than Aragorn and Arwen in Lord of the Rings. We know you’re both fans of that epic fantasy. Arwen gives up her Elvish immortality to be with Aragorn, choosing to “share one lifetime” with him rather than facing the ages of the world without him.
We know where Tolkien got that idea, don’t we? “Greater love has no one than this,” said Jesus, “that he lay down his life for another.” And that’s exactly what Jesus did. On the cross, he sacrificed himself for us. That’s agape. He went to Mount Doom for us, dying as us and for us—taking our death to himself, and then rising again on the third day. In doing so, he gave believers eternal life with him forever, and abundant life with him now. He showed us what agape love truly looks like.
“God is love,” said the Apostle John. “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” When we live in love, we experience God—and in the process, we show the world what Jesus Christ is really like.
Without love, it doesn’t matter what we say. Without love, it doesn’t matter what we know. Without love, it doesn’t matter what we do.
But with love, we will joyfully go the distance with each other. You will joyfully go the distance with each other. And so, in the hauntingly beautiful words of Enya from Lord of the Rings:
May it be when darkness falls Your heart will be true… May it be, the shadow’s call will fly away May it be, you journey on to light the day When the night is overcome You may rise to find the sun.
And in the end, we pray that Jesus Christ himself will be the Lord of your rings that you exchange this day—your big day that we get to share with you. God bless you both, now and always. We love you.
Amen.
After the pastoral message, Sonya sang “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris, a song that goes way back but nicely captures the deep affection Jesus has for his bride, the church. And if Drew’s look at An during the ceremony is an indication, Jesus really loves his bride.
Bethany tonight honored her brother and (soon-to-be) sister-in-law with a wonderful speech at the rehearsal dinner. She did it with a nice blend of fun memories, real-life insights, and heartfelt encouragement. I think she did a marvelous job “capturing the moment.”
Hello everyone. If you don’t know me, my name is Bethany, and I have the pleasure of being Andrew’s sister. I’m so thankful to be standing here tonight for this very special moment that we’ve waited for for a long … long … long … long time.
If you know Andrew, you know his creative passion for filmmaking. Because Andrew discovered this passion at a fairly young age, he has been able to do something really special for his friends and family over the years, and that is he’s been able to capture the moment.
Andrew has done such a great job capturing all the wonderful moments in our lives, so tonight I would like to help capture the moment we are in right now. The eve of the day we get to watch these dearly loved people get married and begin their journey through God’s greatest blessing of marriage.
Now, not all of our moments have been captured on camera, so tonight I want to help capture the moment by sharing some moments that weren’t. As you can imagine, growing up with Andrew was certainly an adventure. And if you didn’t know, before Andrew dated An, he never had a girlfriend.
And we have this theory in our family as to why Andrew never had a girlfriend. For most of his adolescence, Andrew really was not boyfriend material. He just wasn’t. And that’s because Andrew has always been husband material.
So, for example, Andrew might not have been great boyfriend material because as a child he was a little…aloof. The kind of aloof that gets you caught in a situation with a police costume he used to have. Somehow while playing with said police costume, Andrew got his ankles handcuffed together … and he had lost the key. All while only wearing … only underwear.
I have this image burned into by brain of Andrew’s feet handcuffed together, him wearing my dad’s t-shirt, while we scoured the front yard looking for the missing key to his handcuffs. I honestly can’t even remember how we got him out of those things. So maybe Andrew wasn’t quite boyfriend material since he was slightly aloof. But he definitely is husband material.
Also in our childhood, I had a season of time that I had bad nightmares. Andrew, in his great creativity and compassion, designed an intricate “bad dream catcher” for my room, made out of strings and laundry baskets and all sorts of things. He had a very detailed explanation for how this bad dream catcher worked and would help get rid of my bad dreams.
Yes, Andrew is husband material because he will always find a way to help you, An. He will come up with a solution to help and protect you in your fears and always wish you sweet dreams.
In our teenage years, Andrew still hadn’t become boyfriend material yet. Andrew had a really great group of guy friends in our youth group at church that he spent time with. My parents hosted an incredible amount of sleepovers in those years. Sometimes for Andrew and his friends to stay up all night drinking Mountain Dew and playing video games, and sometimes for me to have my friends to sleepover and stay up all night watching chick-flicks and talking about those boys in the youth group.
One night, the group of guys found out the girls were having a sleepover. As my girlfriends and I were in the basement watching a movie, Andrew thought it would be a great idea to mess with us. We had a walkout basement with a sliding glass door beneath out wooden deck above. So, Andrew and his friends proceeded to hang his paintball mask from the deck so we could see it through the glass door … and light it on fire. Andrew wasn’t boyfriend material yet because he was much more concerned with scaring the living daylights out of girls instead of impressing them.
However, that same teenage boy was also the boy that literally took someone who had nowhere to go. Andrew had a friend from school that had an incredibly tough home life and was no longer welcome in his home. Andrew invited that boy to live with us and walked through those years with him—all the way through graduation. Andrew is husband material because he is faithful and loyal and a real friend. He will be faithful and loyal to you, An, and he will be the best friend you could ask for.
By the time Andrew arrived at young adulthood, he still was not quite at boyfriend material. On one occasion, he tried to go to the Berkshire Mall in Reading. Somehow, he got lost along the way and wound up in Delaware. Still aloof.
However, once again he proved that he was definitely husband material. Like most college students, Andrew didn’t have a whole lot of money. But when a friend experienced some significant medical problems, Andrew emptied his bank account to pay their bills. Andrew will be a great husband to you, An, because he will give you everything he has without a second thought. He will love you sacrificially and wholly.
So, as we capture this moment now, I am thankful for where we are right here in this moment. Because today makes it all make sense—why Andrew wasn’t boyfriend material before. It’s because he hadn’t yet met An. Andrew wasn’t boyfriend material for anyone else. It was always supposed to be An. Because together, they truly are a perfect match.
And I know, like I’ve always known, that Andrew is going to be a wonderful husband to An because An is absolutely, positively, without a doubt, wife material. She is kind and patient and encouraging and sweet and thoughtful. Andrew will be a great husband because An is going to be a great wife, and, together, their marriage will certainly glorify the Lord.
So, if you can capture this moment in your mind, before your lives change forever tomorrow—in the best way possible, I want to say that this moment is capture-worthy. And I am so glad it’s here.
So, blessings to you, Andrew and An. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight” … and your marriage great.
Lord willing, one week from today I will get to say these wonderful words after giving a brief wedding homily for my beloved son in whom I am well pleased and his lovely bride:
“And now, Andrew and An, by the authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has therefore joined together, let no one ever separate.” *
“Andrew, you may kiss your wife.”
💋
“Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great please to introduce to you for the very first time: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Valentino.”
At that moment, I will get a daughter-in-law, and then we’ll go celebrate with a marvelous reception filled with food, fun, and a few surprises.
Welcome to the family, An. You are God’s gift to all of us.
The countdown is on, and the excitement is growing.
* Since the state has defied God’s definition of marriage, I no longer refer to it in the pronouncement.
Here’s a random picture dump since Easter. The bright yellow daffs have come and gone. Then the flowering cherry tree popped and petered out. Then the multi-colored tulips erupted, only to begin their fade into eleven months of obscurity. But I just started planting the new garden because it’s that time of year again, and because hope springs eternal. It’s the circle of life, and it moves us all, right?
The ladies are all out of town at An’s bridal shower today, and Andrew is off to his bachelor party. I kept Samuel and Levi myself last night, and we all went out to breakfast together after last night’s wonderful pizza-movie night.
I got to see “A Great Awakening” two weeks ago, Sight & Sound’s second major film. It’s the story of Benjamin Franklin’s interaction with George Whitefield two centuries ago. I spotted Andrew twice and Sonya three times along the way. Living in the same house with two movie stars is dreadful, but the film is well worth seeing. 🙂 You know for sure that most of the people in the production are local when everybody sits there to watch the credits.
Speaking of Sight & Sound, I got to see Joshua this past Thursday. That production is also worth seeing. The walls of Jericho came down, and Christ was lifted up. Several lines and moments got me right in the feels. Afterward, we got another back-stage tour, and we got to see some new areas this time. It’s like a small city back there.
Last but not least, Enya’s “Fallen Embers” is routinely said to be one of her fans’ most underrated pieces. I think the fans may be right. Happy weekend.
My son Andrew is getting married two months from today. It’s been a joy having him live with us for the past couple years as he was rebooting his life from photojournalism to tech support for Christian musical theater. Not only is he enjoying his career at Sight & Sound, but he met his fiancé there as well. He also appeared in their second film, A Great Awakening. So, it’s a time of much joy as we celebrate God’s goodness to him and prepare for the big day.
Since Drew will be leaving us soon, I decided to do this year’s Easter opening entirely myself. I’ve been far too dependent on him over the years for video generation and editing. So, I forced myself to learn three new apps for making soundtracks, storyboards, and video compilations. This year’s production is based on the Akedah, the Binding of Isaac in Genesis 22. It’s a heartrending story that leads to Jesus, and my well of tears has been thoroughly drained during the preparations. Drew said, “Now you know how hard it is to edit through tears.” Exactly right.
Let’s just say I have a newfound respect for my son’s skills in this area. He really has a gift. The last two weeks have been nonstop and intense. Part of the challenge has been learning the software and then using it for editing video clips and audio tracks—something I’ve never done until now. I can usually craft a story and conceive the look I am aiming for, but Drew has always been the one to bring it to life. This time I flew solo.
So, I was eager to get his feedback on my first project. He loved it! He said I have some good editing instincts and conveyed the message well. Were he to give me a grade, he said it would be about a 92-95. Not bad for the first try! Since he has a Film and Media Arts degree from Temple University, I really value his feedback. He gave me a few ideas for tightening up the final edit, and I’ll be doing those over the next few days. I’ll post the final version here after the Easter Sunday worship service.
He’s still my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. That’s one of the reasons it’s been such an emotional month. As I’ve pondered Genesis 22 for the Good Friday service and Easter Sunday opening, I’ve been wrecked afresh by the deep and profound love that God has for his creation. For you. For me. For all of us. The hardest thing God could ever ask of us is the very thing he did for us—he gave us his only son. “I scarce can take it in.”
Drew promises to come back for our weekly movie night. (He’s only moving an hour away.) In fact, right now we’re watching Galaxy Quest because we wanted to watch something campy and fun. The cast is quite good—Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and Tony Shalhoub. But the company is better. Thanks for being my movie man, Drew. You will always be loved.
His Only Son
An Original Production by Christ Community Church
Written by Tim Valentino
Narrated by Ken Hunkins
Produced and Edited by Tim Valentino
Artwork by Maureen Logan
Choir Directors Sonya Valentino Shirley Long
Processional Christ Community Church Easter Choir
—
Music by
“Adagio for Strings,” String Quartet, Op. 11 by Samuel Barber, performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Bernstein, Sony Music, 1971.
“Prelude” by Scott Brasher and J. A. C. Redford on Unveiled Hope by Michael Card, performed by the London Session Orchestra, featuring Hunter Lee, conducted by J. A. C. Redford, Myrrh, 1977.
“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” lyrics by Henry Van Dyke, music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Ode to Joy: from Symphony No. 9, performed by the Grace Community Church Orchestra, Sun Valley, CA, 2024.
Video by
His Only Son, directed by David Helling, starring Nicolas Mouawad as Abraham, Sara Seyed as Sarah, Edaan Moskowitz as Isaac, and Dan da Silva as the Lord, Angel Studios, 2023.
Jesus of Nazareth, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, starring Robert Powell as Jesus, Olivia Hussey as Mary, Yorgo Voyagis as Joseph, and Michael York as John the Baptist, ITC Entertainment, 1977.
The Passion of the Christ, directed by Mel Gibson, starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus, Icon Productions/Newmarket Films, 2004.
Risen, directed by Kevin Reynolds, starring Joseph Fiennes as Clavius Aquila Valerius Niger, Antonio Gil as Joseph of Arimathea, and Victor Trapani as Nicodemus, Affirm Films/Columbia Pictures, 2016.
Licensed By
Christian Copyright Licensing International No. 21229380
Christian Video Licensing International No. 21-03851831
My apologies for such a long hiatus. Life has been full and meaningful since posting three weeks ago. I just needed that “long winter’s nap” to recover from everything. 🙂 But I’ve missed you! Anyway, our Christmas Eve candlelight service was rich and wonderful, not to mention well attended. Samuel and Levi practiced their parts (singing “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” while standing next to me with lit candles), and they nailed it.
After worship, we watched—at Drew’s request—the first part of Jesus of Nazareth, focusing on the Gospel Infancy Narratives. Peter Ustinov hits it out of the park as Herod the Great. Olivia Hussey (what a name for someone playing the blessed virgin Mary!) is likewise stellar in her role as the mother of Christ. In fact, except for a few duds along the way, this epic film from the mid-80s is very well cast and perfectly set. I have the script almost memorized.
Our Christmas Day celebration was magical, too, especially with the boys growing in their awareness of what the fuss is really all about. After verifying that Jesus was in the manger, and singing “Happy Birthday” to him, we read together from Matthew 2 and then opened our gifts. Christmas dinner followed, and then the kids were off to their next stop.
The next day we traveled to Delaware and spent half a week with Sonya’s siblings and their families. The food and desserts we enjoyed were amazing, but my stomach (thankfully) can’t hold what it used to, and it (unthankfully) lets me know that in various ways! It’s great to be down 65 lbs., but I’d still like to go 15 more. That might require getting back in the pool. We’ll see.
On Sunday, January 4, we hosted an Epiphany party at our house for neighbors, friends, and church members. That, too, was well attended, and it was fun to connect with all who came. I get a little sad when all the festivities are over, but there’s much to look forward to in the coming year. Leading the list is Andrew’s wedding in May. In addition to planning on all the arrangements, he and An are looking for a house close to where they work.
Right now, Sight & Sound is in their “changeover” period, which means long and strange hours as they get ready for their new show (Joshua). It’s a massive effort to coordinate all aspects of a major theater production. The new cast rehearses during the day, which pushes the tech team to have to work second- and third-shift hours. But I’m already getting hints that it’s going to be amazing.
Additionally, their film, A Great Awakening, is set to release in theaters on Easter weekend. Andrew has a small role in it, and Sonya is an extra—a townsperson attending Whitefield’s revival service. With multiple takes for that scene, she says she got saved seven times during the filming. 🙂
Yesterday we celebrated Micah’sbirthday here at our house, complete with a big dinner from Tosco’s. His boys love him to pieces, as do we. He’s such a good husband and father, and he just got elected (unanimously) to be a deacon at his church. He’s also a big cheese where he works, and they love the value he brings to the practice.
My own research and writing efforts have included a massive study on the Trinity, along with my doctoral dissertation on the torn veil in the temple. Both are going well, albeit slower than I would like. The outside teaching and speaking calendar is also coming into view, and it looks like the year ahead will be full and inspirational. I suppose my main prayer request would be for good health, energy, and focus to accomplish it all. There’s a lot of noise in the world right now, and it’s all too easy to be sucked into the vortex of its never-ending brokenness.
Until the warm weather returns, I’ll be inside the house building forts with Samuel and Levi. They recently discovered the magic of creating their little man caves, and I’m here for it.
Be well.
‘Smores are yummy. And messy.Less on the face means more in the belly!My helpers to clear the snow.I wonder where Andrew gets his silliness from.Every year Micah defiles our Nativity scene. This year it was a Crystal Cave sign.Something for everyone.By the chimney with care.Ready to feast.The stuff we shouldn’t eat.Getting ready for the kids to stop by on Christmas morning.The ceramic tree and the gumdrop tree.Lyrics we were singing to my mom when she went to be with Jesus.Two of my gifts opening a gift.An elf from the North Pole.Microphones for the boys.Inside the latest fort.It’s more like a Bedouin tent.More ‘smores.Happy birthday, Micah!
Speaking of mid-80s, here’s a schmaltzy one from that period. Anyway, it’s nice to be back.
As promised, here are some pictures from Andrew and An’s special day at Longwood Gardens last week. The custom ring is finally here, too. Since Anisa Lord of the Rings aficionado, Drew put an Elvish twist on the presentation. She loved it, as well as the ring itself, which features her favorite gem stones and interlocking A’s from their first names. She also has Drew’s grandmother’s ring to wear. Wedding planning has begun, and we couldn’t be happier for the happy couple.
We are thrilled to announce that our son Andrew is engaged to be married! At around 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, he asked the love of his life, An Le, to be his wife. He proposed to her at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, using his grandmother’s wedding ring, which is loaded with meaning and sentimentality.
Drew actually designed and commissioned a uniquely tailored ring with An’s favorite gemstones in it, along with an interlocking configuration of A’s from their first names. Alas, that ring won’t be ready for another few days. While the delay was initially disappointing, the heirloomring brought a sense of family history into this precious moment.
Drew’s Grandpa Keith worked for an entire summer painting army barracks at Fort Hood, Texas, so he could buy that diamond for his fiancé, the one who would eventually become my mother-in-law. Without him and Grandma Lorena, Sonya would not be here, and neither would Andrew. He was their first grandchild, and the newest joy of their lives—a thrill I understand a whole lot better these days. On bended knee in a beautiful garden, he brought his grandparents’ love and legacy into a sacred event the happy couple will never forget.
An wearing Grandma Lorena’s wedding ring.
More important than any ring, however, is the one wearing it. An is a lovely Christian woman with a deep personal faith and commitment to Jesus. She is gracious, kind, warm, and engaging. She’s also an exceptional piano player, and we love to hear her “go to town” on the ivories. She is able, even from memory, to play classical music as well as hymns and worship songs. She has a captivating smile, and she adores children, including Samuel and Levi, which means she has good taste. (And also because she’s crazy about Andrew!) We love her to pieces!
Drew and An met at Sight & Sound Theatre, near Lancaster, where they both work. Their encounter was made possible when Drew decided to leave the photojournalism business several years ago and reboot his life. It was an act of faith and courage on his part, and I’m exceedingly proud of him for taking such a bold step. The station where he worked would not give him Sunday mornings off to attend church, and they constantly asked him to signal-boost—not just report—events that were contrary to his Christian faith. Not only that, he had seen enough violence, crime, and human devastation covering the news to last a lifetime.
So, providentially, he made his way to Sight & Sound, where he could put his Film & Media Arts degree from Temple University to good use for the kingdom of Christ. Little did we realize at the time that God had a divine encounter awaiting him in the person of An (pronounced “Ahn”) Le (pronounced “Lay”), who works in the theatre’s Hospitality Department.
An and Andrew on a recent date.
Her father Phil is a medical doctor who, at the age of 11, was rushed onto a plane during the fall of Saigon, Vietnam. The Communists were rounding up and killing Christians, and Phil’s neighborhood was scheduled for execution the next day. Blessedly, that emergency flight out of the country saved his life. More divine providence.
Knowing the proposal would be made Monday—and anticipating An’s joyful acceptance of it—Andrew, Sonya, and I gathered Sunday night for a time of prayer to thank God for his goodness to us. There were, of course, tears of delight as we remembered praying—even while standing by Drew’s crib when that first contraction hit and we knew it was time to go to the hospital—for our firstborn’s future spouse.
An, you are an answer to many prayers that go way back in time. Welcome to the family, dear one. We love you, and we pledge to pray for you into the future as well.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Engagement pictures (and snaps of the custom ring) forthcoming.
Last Sunday night our son, Andrew, gave a stimulating presentation on star formation at our church’s Faith & Science Center’s first public event. It was a beautiful evening of Scripture, stargazing, prayer, worship, and discussion at the Myerstown Rod & Gun Club on Route 501. The weather was perfect, and the night sky was clear.
Drew’s knowledge of astronomy is light years ahead of my own, and it was a joy to hear him make connections between biblical truth and celestial realities. We talk often about the apparent expansion of the universe and its implications (e.g., heat death, entropy, the laws of thermodynamics, etc.).
One question that I particularly enjoy exploring with him: If the universe represents all known reality, what is it expanding into? It’s a scientific conundrum featuring inevitable intersections with theology. After all, Christians believe in the invisible/spiritual realm as much as we believe in the visible/natural realm. Drew explains it like a balloon being blown up, but he freely admits that the analogy breaks down because a balloon is always blown up in a room of some sort.
Pascal once said something to the effect that the purpose of rationality is to expose the limits of rationality. So, while it’s fun to watch Drew’s mind work, it’s even more gratifying to watch him take his place as a finite creature beneath the infinite Creator who gave him his wonderful mind in the first place. We share a common conviction that science, in the end, is really a study of God’s imagination.
This past Saturday afternoon, our daughter, Bethany, gave an engaging presentation on how to study the Bible at our church’s second annual Women’s Retreat. In her breakout session, she spoke to a packed room of ladies about a simple yet powerful method called “O-I-A,” which stands for Observe, Interpret, and Apply. She explained the method with joy, humor, clear explanations, and a specific example from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
She had handouts, PowerPoint slides, and a rolling Q&A time as she illustrated the method. I was delighted at how impactful it was. In fact, right now I’m teaching a Thursday night Growth Group at Ephrata Community Church called, “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth,” and I sat there thinking to myself, “She could easily teach this method to my students, and they would benefit greatly by using it in their own lives.” (I need to ask her what she’s doing this Thursday night.)
I especially appreciated her emphasis on authorial intention, historical-cultural context, and the logical development of an apostolic assertion that can be uncovered with patient observation. (“Tracing the argument” is what we call it in seminary.) Particularly helpful was her encouragement to identify, where possible, the persons of the Trinity that may be at work in the passage.
On Friday night Bethany told me she had too much to say and not enough time to say it. It was more evidence she’s not adopted. Like father, like daughter. I encouraged her to do the best she could with the time she had, and she did. Though I’m surely biased, I think she hit it out of the park. And just like her father after every sermon is delivered or every lesson is given, she wasn’t totally convinced it was as good as it really was. (More evidence she’s genetically mine.) Bethany seriously needs to consider becoming a women’s retreat speaker herself. She has a lot to offer others, probably more than she realizes.
All that to say this: I’m immensely proud of my two kids. To sit under their teaching now and learn new things from them is a parent’s dream come true. They know Jesus, and they’re making him known. As the Apostle John put it, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 4). Thank you, Lord, for your goodness to us.
Andrew and Sonya both received parts in Sight & Sound’s second film, A Great Awakening. (Their first film, I Heard the Bells, was a bigger success in the theaters than anticipated.) Drew will play the part of William Pierce, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was also a military officer during the Revolutionary War and member of the Continental Congress. It will be a non-speaking role but one with considerable action. Sonya will be one of the colonial townsfolk, an ensemble that will also have a musical number.
Now in production, A Great Awakening tells the true story of an unlikely friendship resulting in one of the most defining yet untold moments of American history. Known as our spiritual founding father, George Whitefield ignited a different kind of revolution, one now known as “The Great Awakening.” More to come, so stay tuned.
Unrelatedly, thanks to those who inquired about, and prayed for, our family members down south in the wake of Hurricane Helene. All are present and accounted for. Several are still without power and cell service, but they’re all safe. May God comfort those who have suffered great loss.
For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies. Lord of all, to Thee we raise This, our hymn of grateful praise.
– Folliett Sandford Pierpoint, 1864
Andrew finished editing his documentary on The Eclipse of April 8, 2024, as viewed from Ashtabula, Ohio. It’s well worth seeing and will likely plunge you into deep levels of worship. I cry every time I see it. Here is a link to the finished film:
He begins with a glimpse of the partial eclipse from August 21, 2017, and then moves to this year’s phenomenon. It was a social event as much as an astronomical one. After doing several interviews with the sky watchers who had gathered in his location—including one from The Netherlands who would go on to propose to his girlfriend during totality—he gets to the eclipse proper.
At that point, Drew overlays a soundtrack from Sight & Sound’s David production, where Israel’s king worships the God who made the sun, moon, and stars, and everything else in all creation. For believers, the effect is both rich and remarkable. Psalm 19 is still relevant 3,000 years after its composition.
Oh, and everyone was happy that “she said yes” to the proposal. As a father, I am happiest that my son fell to his knees in worship of the Creator at the high point of the cosmic spectacle. As the Apostle John put it:
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4).
I stayed home and watched a partial occlusion from my perch here in Eastern Pennsylvania, surrounded by my stunning flowerbeds, which is a different kind of beauty than found in the skies, but no less glorious. Snaps of those gems are below. Also included are a few shots of our newly expanded garden box. I’ll take more pics when I install the critter fence later today.
Our son had a birthday last week, and we celebrated his life by going to see Daniel at Sight & Sound in Lancaster where he works on the lighting team. We did the usual gifts, dinner, and cake thing with him, but the real fun this year was getting a tour of the backstage, substage, and catwalks where Andrew spends most of his time at work. It was kind of a take-your-parents-to-work day. Not only is the facility massive; it’s also a technological marvel. Broadway’s on-stage talent is phenomenal, but they’ve got nothing on Sight & Sound’s sets and tech operation. Backstage photos are forbidden, so I have just a few snaps below that comply with the rules.
The production itself was fantastic. While David was downright emotional, Daniel was quite cerebral. The former made me cry; the latter made me think. It surely had touching moments in it, too, but the real power of the script was its correspondence to today’s realities. America is just a modern-day Babylon, and God’s people are now in exile, much like the Israelites of old. So be it. God still has plans for us, so we live for the good of the city while we’re a part of it. I know the tickets are pricey, but if you can at all go see Daniel, you won’t regret it.
Drew asked his nerdy seminary prof of a dad if I had seen any historical inaccuracies. There were only two that I noticed—one major and one minor. The major error involved the Star of David Daniel had on his satchel. That symbol originated with the Jewish community in Prague in the 17th century AD. As such, it has neither biblical nor Talmudic authority, and Daniel surely wouldn’t have had it on any of his property in the 6th century B.C.
The minor error involved an incorrect vowel point in the handwriting on the wall scene. The Hebrew samech (“s” sound) in the last word of Daniel 5:25 should have had a chireq vowel (single dot) underneath it, not a tsere (double dot), such that it looks like this.
Actually, the vowel pointings were anachronistic, too, as those dots and dashes weren’t added until the middle ages by the Masoretic scholars. Moreover, the original handwriting on the wall likely appeared in cursive Aramaic (an international language at that time), not the Hebrew block script. But if the Hebrew block script is used, the vowel point they want under the samech is a chireq not a tsere. (My hunch is that that someone mistook a sublinear cantillation mark in the Hebrew Bible as a vowel point.)
Anyway, I shared those things with Drew only because he asked. We don’t go to such productions to find fault. I’m sure there were also fabrics, weapons, helmets, etc., that were likewise anachronistic, but that’s pretty common in these kinds of productions. You do the best you can with the budget you have. Still, I was impressed. And inspired. Daniel is possibly my favorite Old Testament book, right up there with Genesis, Exodus, and Ecclesiastes. I did a sermon series in it last year, and it was a blast.
I love that my son is having the time of his life working for such a wonderful Christian organization. His perseverance has paid off. On top of everything, he was just cast in a small part for Sight & Sound’s second film, which will be in production shortly. Their first film, I Heard the Bells, was the moving story behind the writing of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Christmas carol of the same name. Their second film has yet to be announced, so stay tuned!
A glimpse at our fantastic seats.One piece in the collection of stunning sets.We got to see all the sets and props up close during our back-stage tour.The view behind us.Somewhere up there in the ceiling is our son, harnessed in so he doesn’t land on us.An authorized production photo of Daniel in ancient Babylon.An authorized behind-the-scenes photo.The back of the Sight & Sound facility.The only place where such a sign is not a joke.Barns and other storage facilities for the stage animals.
There are so many reasons for joy in this neck of the woods right now. First, Andrew is thriving in his new role at Sight & Sound. He’s part of the lighting team for their newest production, Daniel, which premiered last week. From his description, theater lighting at that level is much more sophisticated than I had ever imagined, but he’s well suited and trained for it. (His undergrad studies were in film and media arts at Temple University.) Not many people get to say they work in professional music theater—let alone Christian musical theater. He says the show is not to be missed. I get to see it on April 11, which is his birthday.
Second, I got wonderful feedback on my latest dissertation chapter. I’m over the moon about it since this one had heavy doses of Sumerian and Akkadian in it, which I’m hardly an expert in but worked hard to get oriented to. It featured lots of Greek and Hebrew, too, along with a handful of other languages, but I was on edge about the Sumerian and Akkadian because the title of one of my readers is “Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Semitic Languages.” You can imagine the pressure a title like that conveys. It was, by far, the hardest chapter to write, so I really think I can pick up the pace now. Still, academic writing is awfully tedious, so we’ll see how it goes. I’m nerd enough to enjoy it.
Third, the boys continue to grow and delight everyone around them. How cool is it that we live just 10 minutes away from Samuel and Levi? We get to watch them almost every Wednesday and keep them overnight nearly every Friday, which is pizza night. Saturday mornings may involve some cartoons and pancakes. Oh, and the toy room. And yard time. Below are some pics and clips of these precious munchkins.
Fourth, the flower beds are starting to explode with signs of spring. My cherry tree is always stunning this time of year, and the daffs have really shot up, along with the hyacinths. I eagerly await the arrival of the tulips. Maybe they’ll get here by Easter, which just happens to be my birthday this year. But no one’s allowed to call attention to it. That day belongs to Christ alone.
Finally, below is an interesting tune by Coldplay, “Up with the Birds,” voted one of the top songs about springtime. I’m not sure I would have put it on the list, but a reviewer calls it “one of the most hopeful and optimistic things we’ve ever heard. The combination of cheerful lyrics and the enchanting string of instruments in the background has us feeling like we’re floating right into the warmer season.”
How ’bout we just stay in springtime?
Either way, enjoy!
Levi at 8 months.No more pictures, Mommy. I’ve got things to do.Brotherly love.Learning to take turns.Flowers for Mommy.
Micah gets a father-of-the-year award for this.
Double trouble at Home Depot.
Loving little Levi.No poker face on this dude.The view out my home office window.The flowering cherry is a gift I’ll always treasure.The daffs are here.And here.And here. (I need to re-set the decorative rocks.)The flower beds have come alive.The hyacinths await the arrival of the tulips.Home, sweet, home.
Samuel got to hang out with some of his cousins at the pool on Independence Day. Below are some snaps from the great time he had on the bright, sunny day—including a slow-motion clip where he goes under water for the first time. What a cutie! 💙
Meanwhile, the crew on our side of the family yesterday went to see The Sound of Freedom, the incredible story of Tim Ballard, a federal agent who rescued a boy from child traffickers. After learning the boy’s sister was still a captive in the Colombian jungle, Ballard quit his job (because of bureaucratic red tape) and embarked on a dangerous mission to save the young girl from a fate worse than death.
It’s not uncommon for me to get choked up at poignant moments of a good flick, but this was different. I tried three times to stand up and walk out of the theater after it was over, and two times I had to sit back down and continue the blubbering. It was an ugly sight. As I seem to remember, the same thing happened after the last Jim Caveizel movie I saw in the theater.
Yes, everyone needs to see this movie. And, yes, we all need to be angry, sad, disgusted, and—above all—mobilized to action. I’m pondering how our family (and church family) might be able to contribute to the solution. Speaking of angry, Disney stood in the way of this movie’s release for five years. Walt would roll over in his grave if he know what a slimeball enterprise his company has become.
Unrelatedly, this coming weekend we’re headed to Cooperstown, NY for an anniversary trip. Friday will be a Puccini opera, Saturday will be the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Sunday is the art museum. So, we’re checking all the important boxes here—music, sports, and the arts. 😊
Our son took this picture from our front porch as the sun was setting on Independence Day 2023.
