Daniel N. Lee

I find it fascinating that Jesus can take just about any kind of interaction and turn it into an in depth theological conversation that changes peoples’ lives.

Jesus and his disciples were traveling from Judea in the south to Galilee in the north. The region of Samaria lay in between. Most “good Jews” would completely bypass Samaria, going many miles out of their way to avoid stepping foot in the region. But not Jesus. He takes his disciples straight through.

When they got near the town of Sychar, Jesus hung out by the well outside town while he sent his disciples to go find some food. (It’s nice to see these disciples doing the tasks of lowly interns!) While Jesus is chilling by himself around noon, a woman came up to the well to draw water. Instantly, this sends all kinds of messages about what kind of woman she is. Most women in the town would have gone out together early in the day when it was cooler, and they would help each other out and socialize for a while. Not this woman. She waited and came by herself.

Jesus knew all he needed to know about this woman. She has been passed around from man to man. She had cycled through five husbands and then had seemingly given up on marriage. Now she was shacking up with a guy she wasn’t married to. Not exactly the kind of woman your average “good guy” would want to bring home to meet his mother.

Jesus knew all this about her and more. He knew what kind of woman she was. He knew how it would look if he struck up a conversation with her. He should have ignored her. He should have pretended she was invisible – just like everyone else did. He had absolutely no business interacting with her.

But come on, that’s not Jesus.

     When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
     The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
     Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
     “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
     Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
     The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”
(John 4:7-15)


Will you give me a drink?

I really appreciate the glimpses of Jesus’ humanity in the gospels. Sometimes we get too hung up on the fact that he is the Son of God that we forget he is also the Son of Man. He is fully divine AND fully human. He got hungry, tired, angry, sad, and thirsty. He had been traveling all day. He’s thirsty. Here comes a woman with a rope and a bucket.

Will you give me a drink?

It’s such a simple request, yet in these circumstances this was absolutely shocking. Even she was taken aback. She was probably bracing herself to be scorned and ridiculed – at least non-verbally.

My wife went in to talk to one of the after-school program directors about our youngest son’s behavior. He had not been all that pleasant for them. Our older son had told us some things – from his perspective, at least – but we needed to really hear what was happening. When she told me about the interaction, she told me that the director was super tense and bracing to be yelled at. She was timid and defensive and apologetic. But the more my wife reassured her that she did nothing wrong and that we weren’t upset with her at all, her whole body language and demeanor changed. She was relieved. This poor woman was so used to being yelled at by other parents, that was her go-to reaction when my wife just had some questions about our son’s behavior. We felt so bad for her!

I can imagine this Samaritan woman responding in much the same way. Guarded… defensive… skeptical… confused?… relieved… curious…

All these reactions taking place in the seconds after being asked a simple question:

Will you give me a drink?

He is putting himself at her mercy. It’s up to her to say yes or no. He probably could have told her, but he asked. He put the ball in her court, so to speak. His question required her to stop and think through the situation.

Jesus never demands anything from us. He never forces us into a situation. There’s always the option to say no to him. In fact, that’s what plays out in the scariest scene in the Bible. In Matthew 25 Jesus foretells of a time when everyone will be sorted as “sheep” and “goats” to his right and to his left. The “sheep” are those who clothed him, fed him, tended to his needs, visited him. They didn’t know it was him, but whenever they did those things to “the least of these,” they were showing hospitality to Jesus himself. Conversely, those on his left were those who couldn’t be bothered to show hospitality or kindness to “the least of these.” Whenever they turned their backs on someone in need, they turned their backs on the Son of God.

Jesus would also tell his disciples this in Matthew 10:40-42 –
     “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”


Will you give me a drink?


John would tell us in his first epistle,
     If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
(1 John 3:17-18)


Or the preacher in Hebrews reminds us,
     Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
(Hebrews 13:2)


This woman had no idea who was asking her for a drink of water. Jesus, stunningly, reveals to her that he is in fact The Messiah! This was the first and one of the only people to whom he openly unveils his true identity. Would she deny The Messiah a drink of water? More importantly, would she accept the Living Water which The Messiah is now offering to her?

Will you give me a drink?

So often we fall into the trap of thinking God requires big things from us. We think that we’re not really good Christians unless we go on mission trips or lead Bible studies, or convert our entire sports team, or pastor a church, or preach to thousands on TV or in stadiums across the country. But God rarely calls people to great things. More often than not, God calls us to do “little things with great love” (as is the legacy of St. Therese of Lisieux).

Jesus is not asking this woman for anything spectacular, just something to quench his thirst. And in return, he offers her something that will quench the thirst within her, the unsatisfied desires she has within her that keep her hostage in this lifestyle of chasing love from men. This little action of giving a drink didn’t change Jesus’ life, but it most definitely changed hers.

“Will you give me a drink?” Jesus asked.


If you want to learn more about the importance of Christian hospitality, I highly recommend the book Stranger God, by Richard Beck. It’s a phenomenal read.

There’s an interesting little exchange between Jesus and his mother which led up to his first recorded miracle in the Gospel of John:

     On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
     “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
     His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
     Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
     Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
     Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
     They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
     What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
(John 2:1-11)


My wife does this thing where she makes a statement, but I’m supposed to know that she’s actually making a request or telling me to do something. That’s kind of what Mary does with Jesus here. She notices that this newlywed couple have run out of wine for their guests. **May we all be more like Mary, noticing when others are in need.**

She points out the fact to Jesus, and he asks her, “Why do you involve me?”

Whoa. What’s Jesus doing here? Is he refusing? Is he arguing, or “talking back?” He tells his mom that it wasn’t his time yet. But does she listen? Nope. She tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them.

Why do you involve me?

I think that’s a legitimate question for all of us. So many times our prayers are full of requests – for healing, strength, comfort, forgiveness, for a good day, for our needs being met, for our presentation to be successful, for our car to get fixed on time, for our sports team to win, etc.

Why do you involve me?

Let’s be honest. Jesus didn’t have to do anything at the wedding. I’m sure they could have found more wine somewhere else. Or they could have just owned up to the embarrassment and done without. This wasn’t exactly a life-saving or life-giving miracle.

But do we really need the divine power of the Messiah in order to have a good day? Or to do well on our test? Or to recover from a head cold?

Why do you involve me?

Jesus didn’t need to step in and save that party, but I think he wanted to. Mary knew what he was capable of and gave him the nudge to act. Jesus’ involvement at the wedding changed everything. And I think that’s a point to remember.

The fact is that atheists and non-Christians can live a fulfilling life without Jesus. I want to name that. And just because we are followers of Jesus does not guarantee any level of comfort or enjoyment in life. God causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust. Yet in the US everyone wants to have Jesus on their side. They want to involve Jesus in their political and religious and social agendas. What would Jesus do? Who would Jesus vote for? What would Jesus drive?

Why do you involve me?

I don’t want to make sure Jesus is on my side. I want to be on the side of Jesus. I want Jesus involved in every aspect of my life, guiding my way and calling the shots. And Jesus wants to be involved. That’s why he tells his disciples toward the end of John’s Gospel that it’s better if he leaves them. After his resurrection he would send the Comforter to them. The Spirit living in them would allow them to do even greater things than they had seen Jesus do.

There is nothing too big or too small for Jesus. The one who controlled the weather and raised the dead also gave partygoers more wine and washed feet.

     Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7)


     Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
(Ephesians 3:20-21)


“Why do you involve me?” Jesus asked.

Because life is better with Jesus involved. You may never know what will happen.

Who were your favorite teachers? Odds are they weren’t the ones who simply lectured and acted like they knew all the answers. The best teachers are those who ask the best questions.

As I read through the gospels I’m amazed by the questions that Jesus asked. In fact, if you keep reading in Luke 2 after the birth story, the next time we see Jesus is as a 12 year old boy. He ditches his family in Jerusalem after a festival and spends three days alone in the city. Surprisingly, his parents find him in the Temple carrying an in depth conversation/debate with the religious leaders. They were amazed by his understanding that was revealed in the questions he asked.

People asked Jesus questions all the time. But let’s take a look at some of the questions Jesus asked of others. They are the same questions, I believe, that we are asked today.

Let’s begin in John 1. Check out this story:

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
(John 1:35-39)

First of all, John the Baptist amazes me. He knew when it was time to hand off the ministry. He didn’t hang on to his own authority or influence. Once Jesus came on the scene, John gave him his full endorsement.

Second, did you catch the question Jesus asked these two potential disciples? It’s hard to tell from the text what kind of nonverbal communication accompanied that question.
Did he ask, “What do you want?” with a hint of cynicism?
Did he ask it like a grumpy old man opening the door to some kids participating in a school fundraiser?
Did he ask it with the gentleness of a grandparent when a grandchild comes bounding up into their lap?
Did he ask it with the charming sincerity of a store owner to a new patron?
Did he ask it with a squint in his eye and a pensive furrow on his brow?

Was he pushing them away or was he welcoming them in?

I think Jesus asks each of us the same question whenever we decide to become his followers. It may put us on the defensive. It may take us by surprise. Maybe we’ve never thought about it before. Maybe we don’t have a good answer, so we stumble over our words as we try to form a coherent reply.

What do you want?

What do you hope to gain by following Jesus? Some of us may have been baptized because all our friends were doing it. Maybe we wanted to be able to have the cracker and juice that always get passed around during worship. Maybe we wanted to win the approval of our parents. Maybe we just REALLY didn’t want to go to hell, so we made the decision before it was too late – better safe than sorry! Maybe…

Maybe we have forgotten.

What do you want?

If you were able to approach Jesus today, here, now, and he asked you that question – what would you say? You see him sitting alone at the coffee shop. You walk up to his table just wanting to say Hi. Before you can get a word out, he looks up and asks you that same question: What do you want?

Would you ask for a miracle? Would you ask for forgiveness or a second chance at something? Would you ask him a question that’s been burning in your mind for years? Would you want him to give you reassurance of a loved one’s final destination? Would you ask him to repeat that whole water-to-wine trick?

What do you want?

Some people want power. This is like when James and John asked if they could have the places of honor at Jesus’ right and left hand when he came into his kingdom. Some people see Jesus as a means to their own end – authority, influence, power, persuasion. People have wielded an extraordinary amount of power over others in the name of Jesus. Is that what you want? To feel important? To be respected? To control others?

Some people want possessions, more material wealth and luxuries. They read all the promises and blessings in the Bible that suggest a high standard of living in exchange for faithfulness. Maybe if they follow all the rules then God will owe them something. If they “name it and claim it,” then all their financial woes will be over, and they will be living their best life. Is that what you want? More stuff? A bigger home? A nicer car? More toys?

Some people want healing. Or forgiveness. Or therapy. Or a sense of belonging. Or the ability to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Some people want to serve others. Or become civil activists. Or combat poverty and disease.

Some people want a Get-Out-of-Hell-Free card.

What do you want?

That’s the first question Jesus asks, and in many ways it is the most important question to ask ourselves when we consider following Jesus.

What do I want? What do I expect?

These two disciples didn’t ask for any of that. I am amazed at their answer – which is itself another question: “Where are you staying?”

They don’t ask for any thing. They just want to be with Jesus. They want to hang out. He invites them over, and they just chill together for the rest of the day. Wouldn’t that be awesome?

You see Jesus in a coffee shop. As you approach, he asks, “What do you want?” You reply, “Can we just hang out for a while?” And the two of you shut the coffee shop down, just talking and lounging over countless cups of dark roast.

Would that be enough for you?

What do I want? I want the heart of these disciples who are content to simply be with Jesus. They didn’t want anything from him. They wanted him. They wanted his presence. Spending time with Jesus was enough for them.

Is it enough for me? Is it enough for you?

“What do you want?” asked Jesus.

It’s an amazing time to be a nerd.

I’ve found myself thinking and saying that a lot over the last several years. I’ve always been a nerd – Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Monty Python, DC, Marvel, and everything in between.

I remember sitting in elementary school having Star Wars trivia contests with my friends. Who was Luke’s childhood best friend? What was the name of the droid Uncle Owen almost bought instead of R2-D2? That sort of thing.

When I was home sick as a kid, I wore out our Star Wars trilogy VHS tapes.

And yes, Han shot first.

Is every Star Wars movie a masterpiece? No, not by a long shot. But each movie has something I can really appreciate for what it’s worth. I’ve also been getting into the new canon books (especially the audiobooks – those things have incredible production value) and the TV series on Disney+ (The Mandalorian, Clone Wars, Rebels, and Resistance). I appreciate how they are trying to flesh out the fuller story within the galaxy.

So without further ado, here is my Definitively Subjective Star Wars Movie Rankings.

1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
Rarely in the world of cinema is a sequel better than the first. Empire is a near-perfect follow-up to the surprise worldwide phenomenon. We thought that after the destruction of the Death Star, the rebels would have the Empire up against the ropes. But the opposite ends up being the case. The scrappy rebellion is still fighting for survival against the galactic war machine helmed by Darth Vader.

In a masterful piece of story telling, the good guys don’t win the day. The plot is full of betrayals, backstabbing, double crossing, love, jealousy, and “defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.” I mean, it doesn’t get any more Star Wars than this installment. It has the most-quoted lines (“No! I am your father.”) and the most iconic imagery (AT-ATs, carbonite, light saber duels, and Yoda). The Empire Strikes Back is what every movie sequel strives to be.

2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
The indie movie that became a global cultural phenomenon was ahead of its time in many ways. It’s a traditional “hero’s journey” movie that has been copied time and time again – because it works. I will forever be loyal to this movie that introduced us to Luke, Han, Chewbacca, Leia, Obi-Wan, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Darth Vader. For a 1970s sci-fi movie made on a shoe-string budget with practical effects and first-time actors, this movie still holds up surprisingly well 40 years later.

This is where it gets a bit more controversial and subjective…..

3. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
The characters, plot, action, and humor of The Force Awakens make this one of the most rewatchable installments in the saga. Yes, it has a lot of similarities to the original. Yes, Kylo Ren is an angsty emo kid. Yes, ****SPOILERS**** Han Solo dies. But The Force Awakens recaptures the feel and magic of the original trilogy. I absolutely love Rey and Poe and BB-8 and Finn.

4. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The first non-saga movie was a pleasant surprise. I appreciate everything it was trying to do. Yeah, you could say it was a whole movie just to fill a plot hole in the original. But it was more than that. It made the Empire worth fearing. It established the original trilogy within the galaxy ruled under the tyrannical fist of the Empire. Rogue One also shows the moral ambiguity of the rebellion at times.

And come on – that last 90 seconds with Darth Vader was one of the best scenes in the entirety of Star Wars.

5. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
I’ve gotta say that when I was a kid, this was my favorite. I loved the scenes in Jabba’s palace. I loved the Ewoks. I loved the speeder bikes and the space battle. I loved the duel between Luke and Vader at the end with the redemption of Vader. But when I watch it as an adult I realize how much this movie was targeted to kids. It could have been a lot darker and grittier following ESB. But they played it safe in order to sell more toys – which totally worked.

6. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
The Rise of Skywalker brings the “Skywalker Saga” to an alleged end. (We’ll see about that.) I think it did so brilliantly. Was it perfect? No. Was it everything I wanted? Yes! …minus a cameo of baby Yoda. My biggest complaint was that it could have been longer. It could have been two movies. There was a lot that had to happen to make up for The Last Jedi. Some questions had to be retconned (like Rey’s parentage and Leia’s force abilities, etc.). It’s almost like The Last Jedi could have been Episode 7.5. I appreciated Kylo Ren’s story arch to become fully Ben Solo again. I thought his and Rey’s on screen chemistry was absolutely on point without being a weird love story. Rey’s journey, coming to grips with who she really is and could be, was an emotional ride. I loved seeing all the old faces from Lando Calrissian and Nien Nunb to the return of Wedge Antilles. It was sad seeing Leia die, but her send off was well done. It was also hard seeing Snap Wexley die in the battle over Exigol. (Snap got his introduction in The Aftermath book trilogy.) It was also great seeing Ian McDiarmid reprise his role as Darth Sidius/Emperor Palpatine – because OF COURSE it’s been Palpatine pulling the strings as the ultimate puppet master the the galaxy. I’ve been rambling because it’s so fresh on my mind. Do pay attention to the critics. This movie is an epic end to an epic story.

7. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
This movie took a lot of risks. The “fans” complained that The Force Awakens was too much like the originals, so The Last Jedi tried to break away from the common tropes and expectations of the originals – and the “fans” complained again. I thought it worked really well on many levels. It was a very meta movie, telling you the whole time what it was doing – “Let the past die…” “This is not going to go the way you think…” Kylo Ren and Rey both came into their own. They can no longer rely on the past to lead them into the future. I think that says something about Star Wars over all.

The Last Jedi has one of the coolest light saber battles, one of the most visually stunning space battle scenes, and Yoda! It would be higher on my list, but it’s not quite as rewatchable as others.

8. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Revenge of the Sith had the darkness and the grittiness that I wish Return of the Jedi would have had. RotS, however, almost goes too dark. But it captures the transformation of Anakin to Vader in a visceral way. Obi Wan is the hero of the prequels. As unbelievable as Anakin and Obi Wan’s friendship seems at some points because of bad acting/writing, when things fall apart, you feel it. That final duel between them is haunting.

Full disclosure, I’ve seen Revenge of the Sith fewer times than any other movie on this list.

9. Solo: A Star Wars Story
I really enjoyed Solo. It was a fun, campy, action-packed heist movie. Think Italian Job in space. Was it entirely necessary? No. But I’m glad it’s here. Like Rogue One, Solo establishes the Empire as a force to be feared and the rebellion as a fledgling grassroots resistance movement. The actor playing Han offered a surprisingly convincing portrayal of the character. Lando was spot-on. I loved seeing the fresh, new Millennium Falcon pull of the Kessel Run. And when Maul appeared on screen, there was an audible gasp throughout the theater. There’s SO MUCH they could do with the Maul storyline…if they ever do another “Star Wars Story.”

10. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
THE BAD: the writing, the politics (Trade Federation? Are you kidding?), goofy battle droids, naked C-3PO, midichlorians, and Jar. Jar. Binks.

THE GOOD: the worlds, Qui Gon Jinn and Obi Wan Kinobi, Darth Maul with the double-bladed lightsaber, the BEST light saber duel in all of Star Wars, the pod race, expanding the Jedi/Force lore

11. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
I’ve tried rewatching this a few time recently and get the same feeling each time: Bored. I forgot how much of this movie involves slowly walking and talking. There’s action at the beginning and in the last 30 minutes. The rest is just slow and/or annoying. There is absolutely no chemistry between Anakin and Padme. Obi Wan’s skills are wasted. The main villain, Count Dooku, is completely dull and forgettable. If anything, this movie feels like an introduction to the Clone Wars animated series – which I think is better than Attack of the Clones.

How does your list compare? I know this is a pretty controversial subject among nerds, but I’d love to hear from you.

For comparison’s sake, here are the Star Wars movies ranked by Tomatometer Score:
1. The Empire Strikes Back (95%)
2. The Force Awakens (93%)
3. A New Hope (93%)
4. The Last Jedi (91%)
5. Rogue One (84%)
6. Return of the Jedi (80%)
7. Revenge of the Sith (79%)
8. Solo (70%)
9. Attack of the Clones (66%)
10. The Phantom Menace (55%)
11. The Rise of Skywalker (54%) …..what?! Audience score was 86%

The lyrics were written in 1849 by Edmund Sears, a Unitarian pastor near Boston, Massachusetts, at the request of one of his friends and fellow church leaders. The Mexican-American War had just ended the year before. Bloody social revolutions were happening across Europe. The American slave trade was operating in full force with no feasible end in sight. Everywhere he looked there was only violence, bloodshed, oppression, war, and strife.

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men.
Luke 2:14, KJV

Unless you’ve been living under the proverbial rock, you’ve probably heard of the rapper Nate Feuerstein, more commonly known as NF. He’s been on the scene since 2014, but has recently made it big with his 2017 hits Let You Down and Green Lights. NF is a Christian who is a rapper, but not necessarily a “Christian rapper.” His lyrics are not explicit, but they hit just as hard as others like Eminem or Kendrick. His whole business is about “real music.” He writes deeply and passionately about his own struggles with mental health, abuse, and loss.

Since his songs are so personal and packed with emotion, I thought it would be interesting to pair some of his songs with the different Enneagram types. If you’ve never heard NF before, give these a listen. They also happen to be some of my favorite tracks.


**TL;DR**
Type 1: Let You Down
Type 2: I’ll Keep On
Type 3: Motivated
Type 4: Outcast
Type 5: The Search
Type 6: Intro III
Type 7: Turn the Music Up
Type 8: Why
Type 9: Oh Lord

Again, Let You Down is probably one of NF’s most popular releases. He even mocks his own success in a later song (“Let You Down‘s the only song you’ve heard of, well then you’re behind”). As I listen to the song, it’s about the struggle we face to live up to others’ expectations. Sometimes it feels like we can never be good enough, we will never measure up. Unspoken expectation and unreasonably high standards only lead to feelings of disappointment and resentment. Left unaddressed, these feelings can shatter relationships beyond repair. In the song he feels helpless, realizing the endless cycle of hope and disillusionment.

But what if the person you’re letting down the most is yourself? Type ONES have a tendency to be their own worst critic. That inner voice won’t shut up. It’s always there pointing out what they’ve done wrong or could have done better. It’s relentless. ONES need to learn to listen to that inner voice but not be governed by it. ONES need to come to terms with their inner critic, learning when to heed to criticism and when to smile, nod, and move on with life. Easier said than done.

All these voices in my head get loud
I wish that I could shut them out
I’m sorry that I let you down

The opening line of another song, Two by Sleeping At Last, begins with the line, “Sweetheart you look a little tired. When did you last rest?” That speaks directly to the heart of many TWOS that I know. TWOS are the Helpers, they need to be needed. They will give you everything just to feel like they are loved and valued. Their serving can come from a place of pride. It feels good to know that people rely on them and. But that pride can also lead to resentment and bitterness if they are feel unappreciated for all the things they do. A classic tale to illustrate the life of a TWO is “The Giving Tree.” That proverbial tree gives and gives until there is virtually noting left of itself. That’s the caution for TWOS.

But TWOS can also be stubborn in accepting help. They want others to depend on them, but they don’t like having to depend on others in return. Accepting gifts or service from others (or even from God) can be a big step of maturity for a TWO. That’s why this song, I’ll Keep On, speaks so strongly to TWOS. Just check out some of these lines.

Oh these hands are tired / Oh this heart is tired / Oh this soul is tired / But I’ll keep on

It’s like I’m standing in the rain and you offer me a raincoat / But I would rather stand there being wet than take the handout / What’s wrong with me? / You said, you’ve always got your hands out / And I can’t continue on my own so take my hands now / I give you everything, God, not just a little bit / Take it from me, I am nothing but a hypocrite

THREES are…. motivated. They are known as the performer or achiever because they do and do and do. THREES desire to be, or at least appear to be, successful in whatever they do. They dress to impress. They can work a room and win people over. They have vision and goals and dreams. THREES can often accomplish more before lunch than others do for the whole day. No one has to tell a THREE what to do. They already have a to-do list a mile long in their heads. If there’s a task to do, they’ll get it done. They may come off as competitive, but their biggest competition is themselves. THRES don’t necessarily need to be the best. They just need to be the best version of themselves they can be.

This song choice is pretty obvious for THREES. The chorus of the song is very repetitive, as you will hear. But most THREES love routines and efficiency. The verses are almost a freestyle rap, which also connects with THREES who are really good at thinking on their feet and coming up with solutions to problems on the fly. This song can be a little off-putting to some, it might be a little much, a little over the top. But again…THREES. Think Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec.

I put work in this music, you think I’m making this up?
If the songs ain’t sharp, trust me they ain’t making the cut
You don’t like it? 
I’m no teacher, but you’ll learn to adjust
I’m my own worst critic, so critics step your hate game up

I’m high off the music, my head’s in the clouds
I kinda like it up here, I am not comin’ down
I’d rather be alone, I am not good in crowds
Which is kinda confusin’, I’ve not been that way since I was a child
They laughin’, they tell me I’ll never get out
I’m just tryna be me, I am nobody else
I don’t care what you think, I’m just bein’ myself
So I guess for now
I’ll just be the outcast

The Christmas movie craze is in full swing. You probably have your go-to favorites. My family loves Elf, Home Alone, the 2018 Grinch, and most recently Netflix’s animated Klaus. But there is always a contingent of die hard Hallmark fans who would rather spend their holiday season rehearsing the same storyline multiple times over.

Are there good Hallmark Christmas movies? Sure. But they aren’t my favorite. I mean, every Christmas movie is predictable to a point, but there’s just something about Hallmark movies that take predictability to a whole new level.

Here’s an example. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.

A man and his wife are estranged. They aren’t divorced yet, but it’s obviously heading that way. The wife moved across the country to a big city to pursue her career. She has worked her way up the corporate ladder, and she and her husband find themselves taking different paths. The husband is not willing to give up, however. It’s Christmas, and he wants nothing more than to make things right between them again.

He flies to the city, planning to surprise her at work in an attempt to win her back. However, there is a suave, wealthy, European businessman standing in his way. This mysterious, handsome foreigner is the life of the business holiday party, stealing the show and overshadowing this desperate husband. In order to win his wife back, he knows that he will have his work cut out for him.

With the help of friendly locals, this husband must face a series of humiliating and sometimes painful challenges, putting his dignity and even his body on the line to win her back. Against all odds, this husband overcomes all the obstacles and wins out against his suave European competitor. There’s a dramatic reunion with his wife who finally realizes just how much he loves her, and she finds a renewed love and appreciation for him.

They hug. They kiss. There’s “snow.” And everyone lives happily ever after. Merry Christmas!

Of course, I’m not talking about a Hallmark movie. I’m talking about Die Hard.

Die Hard is essentially a Hallmark Christmas movie with more blood and explosions.

Yippy-ki-yay…