Dry Ground

Secure Vessel

2012-01-29T22:08:00.002-05:00

I’ve always wanted to name a boat.

If I ever really had the opportunity, what would I choose? Name it after a person I love, a favorite book or movie, or a clever, ironic phrase to make people smile?

Recently, I discarded all those notions and decided I’d name my boat “His Will.”

Why?

Because, then, no matter if the boat is big or small, grand or simple, even new or old, I would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that boat won’t sink.

No matter how difficult or easy that boat is to operate, I can believe I won’t be stranded on high or stagnant seas.

No matter how long it takes to get to the ‘golden shore’ as it were, I can trust that my boat will indeed make it there safely.

“His Will’ is the only vessel I want to be on. Getting on board is the best move any of us will ever take.

Blessings, my Dry Ground friends.

(photo by Yours Truly)

The Center of the Universe

2012-01-20T15:23:00.005-05:00

It's only been a few hundred years since a majority of the world's population believed that the world was flat. It was only after they proved that the earth is not the center of the universe did people begin to believe that traveling toward the horizon did not mean falling off any cosmic ledge.

Think about the people living during that time. What an astronomical (literally!) perspective change they faced! I wonder - would I be one who went to my grave not accepting the Truth that Earth is round and revolves around the Sun? Or would I be enlightened and embrace the Truth and all the exciting revelations that come with it?

We can't imagine that kind of choice - whether or not to believe the earth is round or not? It's universal knowledge now, right? Everybody knows the Sun is center of our solar system.

Actually, maybe we can imagine that kind of choice - because it's kind of like discovering that your own personal planet isn't the center of the universe either. You find out that it isn't you holding all the other bodies in alignment. Right relationships don't happen because the other planets revolve around YOU. Harmony and balance occur when all bodies, including yourself, revolve around the Son, have the Son as the source of life.

When you embrace the Truth of that, an exciting perspective shift occurs. And other exciting revelations fill your life with peace, direction, love and contentment.

(photo by photobucket.com)

NOT a Morning Person

2012-01-09T22:34:00.004-05:00

I'm not a morning person. Funny, then, that morning glories are my favorite flower. I just love how they open up to the first rays of sunshine and strain for the sky to soak up as much as possible. I wish I woke up like that. But my bigger wish is that I open up, strain upwards and soak up as much as possible of the Son on a daily basis... even if it isn't quite at first light. Hope all my Dry Ground friends are having a blessed week! I know I am!

POV Wednesday - Mercy

2012-01-04T01:00:00.001-05:00

When a troublesome roadblock presents itself, how do you react?

Complaining?

Fear?

Anger?

Offense?

Anything frustrating our plans and desires can sting like a splinter or burn like a dagger blade. Either way, it’s usually uncomfortable and we don’t like the delay, detour or what seems like a dead end.

The Israelites encountered frustrating events even in the midst of their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. They went from bondage to the barren wilderness when they thought they were headed to the Promised Land.

Well, I guess I’ve never read this carefully. I always thought they ended up in the wilderness because of their sin. But that’s not true – at least not to start with.

They were headed to the Promised Land, but not in the way they expected because God planned it that way.

Yep, He led them purposefully into the wilderness.

While His action may be construed as unkind, it’s actually a display of His great MERCY.

How?

He’s good enough to tell us. Exodus 13:17-18 reads:

When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, ‘If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led them a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.

This passage tells us so much! God doesn’t always lead us the shortest or most direct route. He displayed great mercy by protecting His people from fierce, deadly battles with the Philistine giants. And He loved them so much, He didn’t want them to return to slavery. He wanted them to experience the Paradise He destined them for. He also led them toward another barrier, the Red Sea, but only to show His glory and might by performing another stunning miracle.

Think of your own journey. Can you see God’s mercy? I promise you, it’s there.

Be blessed, Dry Ground friends! And remember, take God at His Word!

(photo by photobucket.com)

2012

2012-01-02T01:00:00.001-05:00

I want to apologize for my unexplained absence.

You see, I gave up on 2011 about two weeks early. It’s hard to imagine now, but my flame of hope was a mere whisper, like a wick that has already begun to smolder. Dark, I know. Again, sorry. I literally couldn’t help myself.

Christmas was a pick-me-up, but its effects didn’t last very long. In fact, on the car ride home, I started to sink inside again. Until…

A near car accident – and when I say ‘near’ I mean near – woke me up to the fact that God’s not done with me yet. If He was, my Daniel and I had definitely been dead.

Sounds morbid, I guess, but I see it as quite the opposite. It was precisely the spark my smoldering wick needed. Without any other change in circumstances, I suddenly began to hope again. And it’s a hope that has lasted. I actually expect 2012 to be stellar.

This short but poignant experience helped me look at things from a different perspective.

Bottom line, I’ve got to start taking God at His Word.

So that’s my New Year’s resolution, as it were. To take God at His Word.

I pray God’s will, His great and perfect will, for you and your life in 2012, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday – Hope

2011-12-21T01:00:00.002-05:00

You’ve heard the phrase, ‘Keep hope alive’?

I’d forgotten where that came from until I looked it up. Though I disagree with the source on most things, he’s not the reason I’m disagreeing with this phrase.

I’ve been thinking about it lately. And on my walk this morning, it occurred to me…

We don’t keep hope, hope keeps us.

In fact, hope literally keeps us alive.

Circumstances can be so heavy, difficult, and stressful that we can’t muster the courage or energy to lift a finger, let alone keep something so powerful as ‘hope’ alive. In those moments, I depend on hope to keep me alive.

Christmas is about hope. Hope in the form of a baby, who had just moments before been sitting on the throne of the universe surrounded by unbelievable glory and honor because He is God. But He chose to confine Himself in a human body, become one of us – that which He created – because He loved us so much He couldn’t let us live hopeless lives that only could end in death. This was the only way for hope to endure.

We hope for lots of things in this life – love and friendship, jobs and prosperity, health and amusement. But storms roll in and deprive us of those hopes. Sitting in the rain, we often find ourselves disappointed in hope.

But it’s not hope’s fault that we were disappointed! No, it was what we put our hope in that failed.

Hoping in that which is certain, although we have not yet seen it, that hope will never disappoint. It’s the hope of heaven – the path paved by Jesus, beginning with His birth that we celebrate at Christmas, and continuing in His death and resurrection we celebrate at Easter.

Without that hope, we will be disappointed, tempted to give up, depressed and shackled with life’s problems.

With that hope, we have everything – a future, a basis on which to praise God continually, promises with the backing of God for whom it is impossible to lie, a home and a family.

I pray that your Christmas is saturated with hope as you celebrate the birth of Hope.

Merry Christmas, Dry Ground friends! Thanks for sticking with me through this wintry season of life.

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-12-19T00:55:00.004-05:00

Sometimes when us movie geeks say 'Christmas movie' we don't mean movies about Christmas. We mean blockbusters that open in theatres Christmas week, one of the few coveted release times on the Hollywood calendar. Every year, an anticipated film or two opens on or around Christmas pretty much guaranteeing that they are worth seeing.

This year, I was looking forward to two 'Christmas' films: Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol and Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows.

So far, I haven't been disappointed. I've only seen MI4 (Sherlock is next on the list), but it delivered everything a 'Christmas' movie should. CLICK HERE for my review of it, posted on Billings365.com.

I hope your holidays have been full of fun and family while also remembering the Reason for the Season. This week before Christmas Day, be blessed, hug some necks, and appreciate your friends and family with a little more effort than usual. Maybe you all can pack up the cars and treat yourself to one of the many new releases in theatres now.

6 days until Christmas!

(photo by photobucket.com)

POV Wednesday – True Gift of Christmas

2011-12-14T01:00:00.003-05:00

I’ve been dealing with some tough stuff lately. Maybe you have too. Well, it’s been driving me to God’s Word looking for answers! I have no idea if this will make sense or help, but I do know that it helped me.

James 1:2-4 says: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

The desire for perfection has all but disappeared in this age, I admit even in my heart. ‘Enough’ to get by with as little pain and suffering possible, we accept a level of mediocrity and are done with it.

But we’re meant for so much more. We’re meant for perfection – to be perfect ourselves and to be perfect for our Perfect Lover, Jesus Christ.

Problem is, our fallen world has twisted this to make us believe that we are to obtain this perfection on our own, which is futile. When we believe that, though, it is impossible to see ‘troubles’ as James calls them as ‘opportunities for great joy.’ We can only see them as setbacks and obstacles.

But the writer of Hebrews says in 10:14: For by one sacrifice [Jesus’ death] He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

This tells me that I have nothing to do with my perfection. It’s only through His suffering that He is making me perfect and holy. I am only the clay, He is the potter forming and shaping me on His wheel (Isaiah 64:8).

This process, sanctification, being made perfect, is not a painless one. To be made perfect, which is to share in His glory, we must also share in His suffering. (Rom. 8:17, 2 Cor. 1:5, 2 Cor. 1:7, 1 Peter 5:1).

Here’s a reason to rejoice - Jesus bore the hard part – death. The sufferings we experience now are nothing compared to that, or to the glory of the perfection meant for us.

How is this a Christmas post? Pain and suffering hardly puts us in a cheery, holiday mood, does it?

Well, I’m talking about THE reason Jesus was born. He came to earth to suffer and experience our pain because He knows the requirement for our perfection is suffering. And we cannot face that on our own. So He came to take the brunt. He is the comfort and He also provides comfort.

More reasons to rejoice.

1 Peter 5:12 says: My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in that grace.

So don’t be discouraged if you are suffering. It could be evidence that you’re being made perfect. Like God’s grace being sufficient for Paul’s thorn in 2 Corinthians, we should accept it as a gift.

Gifts are always a good opportunity for great joy, right?

Wo! 11 days until Christmas!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday – Christmas Edition

2011-12-12T01:00:00.003-05:00

Ever feel like even though you’re doing everything right, everything just keeps going wrong?

That’s how Queen Latifah’s character. Georgia Byrd, feels in today’s pick, Last Holiday.

Georgia sings in her church choir, watches what she eats, encourages the neighbor kid to watch his language, and works cookware in a New Orleans department store. It’s at the store where she shyly admires fellow co-worker, Sean Matthews, played by hunky LL Cool J. But before the two can admit their feelings for each other, there’s an accident. Georgia bumps her head on a cupboard door in her cooking cubicle at work. Sean carries her to the in-house medical clinic. The doctor does a brain scan with his ‘new to him’ machine and discovers that she has lesions on her brain. Finding out that she only has three weeks to live, Georgia comes out of her shell. She quits her job, liquidates her bank account and goes on one of the adventures she has always dreamed about – spends the holidays at Prague’s Hotel Pupp living like a princess.

Her perspective on life enhanced by the proximity of death, she enjoys every detail of her dream world and in the process makes a number of friends. Meanwhile, Sean notices her mysterious absence at work and investigates. When he finds out where she went, Sean comes out of his shell too and pursues. Question is, does he reach her in time?

This is not a drama. This is a romantic comedy. The imminent death issue is a catalyst for misunderstandings and coincidental comedy of errors, and of course everything turns out alright in the end.

I like this movie because it is funny, clean, fun-loving, romantic, and it has great reverence for abundant life. Georgia’s shedding of her inhibited lifestyle did not count losing her morals or principles or suddenly becoming irresponsible. She just stopped being scared and stepped out of her box.

Hope you are having a fun holiday season and are watching all the best Christmas movies out there!

13 days until Christmas!

(photo by photobucket.com)

POV Wednesday – The “C” Word

2011-12-07T01:00:00.002-05:00

Have you seen this cartoon?

The war on ‘Christ’mas has been heating up for years, played out every day in speech, advertising, decorations, traditions… pretty much everywhere you look, at least subtly.

The anti-‘Christ’mas bullies pick fights with those simple little words ‘Happy Holidays’ and lure us ‘Christ’ians into confrontations that dare us to defend our Faith during this time of year.

I don’t deny that it is a battle, or that we should stand up for Truth. I’m all for that.

But the Bible warns us that we are not fighting a battle of flesh and blood, but against principalities in the spiritual world. (Eph. 6:12) That means, we are not armed with physical weapons such as guns or a sharp tongue, but with God’s armor (Eph. 6:10-17).

It also tells us that a gentle word turns away wrath. (Prov. 15:1)

Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ deliberately instead of ‘Happy Holidays’ is a statement, yes. But ‘how’ we say it says even more.

We should think of what we’re saying and why we’re saying it. To stand up for a belief system? Well, partly. But that’s the gravy. The meat should be for compassion’s sake. The person to whom we say it may not understand why we insist on saying Merry ‘Christ’mas. They may never have heard the amazing story of Jesus’ birth, or at least not believed it as real and pertinent to their lives. They may be fully aware and just not as aware of their words. They may be having a bad or sad day. The ‘love’ behind the words, in that case, would mean much more than words themselves.

I think of it this way - it should feel more like a ‘hug’ than a ‘slap.’ If it isn’t delivered with the full backing of Christ’s love, the ‘reason’ for the Season as it were, then we might as well be saying ‘Happy Holidays.’

Wo! 18 days until the day! Happy Wednesday!

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday - Christmas Edition

2011-12-05T01:00:00.002-05:00

As life rolls along and the scenery changes, my mode of movie consumption changes too. For years, during what I like to call the ‘glory’ days, we got free first-run movies. Then I got free rentals when I worked at Movie Gallery. My first DVR opened up any and every movie that sounded interesting to me on Turner Classic Movies.

For the time being, Netflix has been the available venue. A brand new user, I was excited at first, but it turned out not to be as wonderful as I expected. Still, I manage to put it to good use some of the time. They redeemed themselves a little, however, when what should appear on the ‘recently added’ section but a blast from my past that immediately congers the warm, fuzzy nostalgia feeling. And since I just saw the new Muppet Movie in theatres now (CLICK HERE for my review on Billings365.com), I’d already been primed to experience those remembrance goose bumps to the fullest.

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (A Muppet TV special from… eh hem… 1977) takes us back to pre-computer graphics entertainment. Sure, it’s possible your kids may run screaming from the room with boredom. But this kind of kid show was cutting edge back then. And it always taught us something.

Emmet Otter and his Ma manage a meager existence operating a laundry service. Christmas Eve is days away, but they don’t feel much like celebrating because Pa’s gone ‘where the river meets the ocean’ and they don’t have much money for gifts or decorations. They hear about a talent contest offering $50 of reward money. Each sign up without the other knowing, and each sacrifice something important to be able to enter.

They just don’t make ‘em like this any more.

Do kids these days even appreciate a masterful puppetry display or quirky songs in a variety of genres that aren’t pop or rap? I wouldn’t know, because I don’t have kids, but judging from what’s popular these days, I’d imagine not.

Maybe it’s because I love music, or maybe it’s because I love the Muppets. Whatever it is, watching Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas made me laugh (in a funny-haha way, not an evil or sarcastic way). It’s a good one to blow off the dust and stick in the queue and travel back in time for a sweet 48 minutes.

20 days until Christmas! Where is time flying off to? (I’d go somewhere warm… Fiji?)

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up - Christmas Edition

2011-12-02T01:00:00.002-05:00

I have reached the point in my life that I need a little assistance from the ‘younger’ generation to keep current on the music scene.

My source for the best, hippest, Christian music is my niece, Katelyn. I thought I was a TobyMac fan, having been introduced to DC Talk in college by my Daniel. But my niece is a sic (that’s a good thing, fyi) fan! I wouldn’t have even known TobyMac released a Christmas album this year if it wasn’t for her.

Therefore, adjust your attitudes, improve your moods, wear a smile as you listen to one of her favorites from TobyMac: Christmas in Diverse City.

23 days until Christmas 2011!

POV Wednesday – Pay It Forward

2011-11-30T01:00:00.002-05:00

The Christmas Season has started, even for those of us waiting until it’s actually the next holiday.

Christmas is important because it is one of two events in the history of the universe that make salvation possible – the human birth of the one and only God. It puts in motion the ultimate example of grace anyone’s ever seen or imagined. We accept that grace without one single thing to give in return. We don’t earn or pay or barter for it. When we come face to face with wrongs we’ve done, the term ‘amazing grace’ comes alive. We depend on it when we mess up. We’re relieved to hear ‘there is therefore now no condemnation.’ More often than we’d like to admit, we expect it… maybe even before we follow through on an action or attitude that we know isn’t quite right.

Grace is a beautiful thing when we’ve learned to accept it.

But living like Christ is not just about accepting His grace.

It’s also about imparting it to others. Forgiving when we don’t feel like it, even those who, like us in comparison to God’s holiness, don’t deserve it.

If you’ve ever been hurt, you know this is a difficult task.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), God’s Word makes some pretty strong statements concerning the necessity of doing just that.

Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Romans 5:6-8 “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

He’s adamant about it because He loves us. He wants us to understand what He did for us to such an extent that we would do the same to others, and in doing so learn to love Him more as well as to know how high, long, wide and deep His love is (Eph. 3:17-18). The parable Jesus told, recorded in Matt. 18:21-35, illustrates this.

So I was thinking that this Christmas season, while we celebrate Emmanuel, God with Us, the epitome of Grace, that we will not only learn to accept His grace, but to impart it to everyone else as well.

It takes practice, as well as the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and encouragement from God’s Word.

But with this mindset, won’t shopping and family gatherings be less stressful? Won’t ‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Deck the Halls’ sound better? Won’t celebrating Christmas take on a deeper meaning?

Remember, it’s not easy. It doesn’t come naturally. But then, like my Daniel says, if it was easy, everyone would do it.

25 days until Christmas!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday - Christmas with a Capital C

2011-11-28T01:00:00.003-05:00

I realize it isn’t quite December yet, but it is after Thanksgiving, which in my book means all things Christmas are fair game.

So this week’s pick is a Christmas movie, one I watched on Netflix at the suggestion of my Daniel who went to high school and college with the film’s writer! So cool seeing her name in the credits. The best part is, though, that this movie’s worth watching!

It’s called Christmas with a Capital C, which according to the credits is based on a song with the same title by Go Fish (see sidebar!).

A small town in Alaska, Trapper Falls, is looking forward to the Christmas season including the church pageant, the annual Christmas Cup ski race, and displaying its nativity scene on the courthouse lawn. Just as they’re getting started, a blast from the past shows up, Mitch Bright. He also just happens to be the mayor’s old high school rival in sports, student council, academics, even the same girl (who ended up marrying the mayor).

Anyway, Mitch has come back to stir the pot. He files an injunction to prohibit the nativity from being displayed on government property. This starts a fight with those for and against his argument that church and state should remain separate. Once again, the mayor and Mitch are butting heads.

But an all-out war is circumvented when some people in the town, like the mayor’s wife and daughter, peek under the surface of Mitch’s tough exterior, which leads to the discovery of Mitch’s true reasons for coming home.

Christmas with a Capital C is a great discussion piece for those political talking heads that like to debate the Christian origins of the Constitution and the freedom of religion and speech. It also encourages a compassionate, humble response to those claiming to be against religion of any type. It shows a loving way to stand for a belief system without alienating a contender. It reminds us that Love is the Reason for the Season, not ideology or a set traditions.

But this story isn’t all business either. It’s fun, and funny. Brad Stine, Christian comedian, plays the mayor’s brother, and adds a great deal of relief from the seriousness of the subject. The setting is beautiful, as it was filmed in Seward, Alaska. And the outcome is right in line with Christmas cheer and spirit.

If you like getting to the end of a movie, smiling and exclaiming, ‘That was so good!’ then Christmas with a Capital C is for you!

Happy movie watching, Dry Ground friends!

27 days until Christmas! Yeah!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-11-25T01:00:00.001-05:00

My Thanksgiving was great. How was yours? Continuing the attitude of gratitude with this Weekend Tune Up. Have fun shopping - but shop with grace. :-) Haha. Love you, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday – Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T01:00:00.003-05:00

A recent devotion I read said this: Thanksgiving is the language of Love.

It’s true, right?

How great would our relationships be if we’d just say ‘thank you’ on a regular basis?

We can get so bogged down with irritations, hurts, pettiness, self-centeredness, doubts, disagreements, disappointments, weariness, busyness, responsibilities, tragedies, misunderstandings, blindsides, distractions, detours, mountains, valleys, highs, lows, wins, losses… uttering a simple ‘thank you’ ends up being more painful than a root canal.

That’s why the Bible tells us to give thanks in all things, and to think of things that are lovely, noble, pure and of good report. If we don’t, it’s like sledding down Mt. Everest on a tiny square of cardboard – a.k.a. a slippery slope.

This year, though ‘things’ aren’t exactly ideal as far as living the dream, I have learned something about what it really means to be grateful and to give thanks to the Lord in everything.

It’s a matter of perspective.

I can either start at the bottom or the top. Let’s go bottom up, shall we?

My heart currently beats.

I haven’t missed a breath for 37+ years.

Though I was born with one hip out of joint, I’m capable of jogging several miles at a time if I’m so inclined thanks to the doctor who noticed a slight abnormality before I left the hospital for the first time.

I can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.

I can speak, think, communicate and comprehend.

I grew up knowing my dad, mom, and relatives loved me.

When I was young, God introduced me to the love of my life, my Daniel, and I got to marry him. He’s been more than a blessing, a complete joy, ever since.

We’ve experienced together the varied sub-cultures of this great United States of America, met scads of beautiful and special people we cherish, and had the opportunity to see amazing wonders and treasures God’s put in this world.

We’ve got friends and family who’ve loved and supported us unconditionally despite our mistakes, failures and misfortunes.

I’m warm in the cold weather, cool in the hot weather, fed (maybe a little too well), enjoy a comfortable bed, and have a packed closet.

Look, I could go on and on – and I haven’t mentioned one thing that is not of good report. Listing that which I am thankful for doesn’t make me forget those things, because they definitely exist, but it sure does shine a brighter light on the whole picture.

But the most important, most amazing, most indisputable reason I have for being thankful despite anything I see or experience is that my Creator, the Perfect Lover Jesus Christ, loved me so much, He rescued me from my demise – a death that I deserved – and invited me to spend eternity with Him in paradise.

One of my favorite lyrics in all of music is from David Crowder's "How He Loves" - "I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves." (See sidebar for link to listen to the entire song!)

No matter what is happening in your life, even if there’s not one thing going right, even if you are on your deathbed, you can be thankful that Jesus loves you. Accepting that gift is the first step toward living the language of love and discovering a new existence.

I’m thankful for each one of you, too, Dry Ground friends. I pray your Thanksgiving celebration is saturated with Love. Remember to say ‘thank you’ as often as possible!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday -Temple Grandin

2011-11-21T01:00:00.002-05:00

Sadly, for some, another season of the Twilight Saga has passed. Next year will be the last of the movies, and also the last of the Twiblog when I’ll highlight the inspirational messages and symbolism I picked up on in the fourth part of the story, Breaking Dawn. But that will have to wait.

For now, we’re back on schedule, which might be a relief to the Twi-haters out there. That means, Movies You Might Have Missed Monday is back!! And of course, I’m excited to tell you about today’s pick.

Temple Grandin is the name of the movie, but it’s also the name of the extraordinary, real-life person the movie’s about. Temple currently teaches at CO State University, holds a Masters and Ph.D. has written six books (and counting) and is an inventor as well. What’s so special about that? Well, she’s been able to accomplish all of this and more while having what they call high-functioning autism.

The movie highlights the struggles she experienced growing up with this condition. From not speaking until she turned four years old to the social conflicts encountered throughout childhood and on into adulthood, Temple Grandin’s story tells of heartbreaking challenges as well as remarkable courage.

It shows the tireless persistence of her mother to help her achieve her potential despite the hurdles autism presented. It shows the dismal prejudice and unkindness Temple met as she grew up in a time that neither understood nor empathized with ‘different’ people. It also shows those few individuals who looked past the social flubs and phobias to see an incredible mind as well as a tender heart.

Though it happens more often as I get older, I’m not generally a ‘crier’ when I watch movies. Stories deeply affect me, but the tears are rarely the outward expression. Therefore, I’m so glad I watched Temple Grandin alone because I cried almost through the entire movie. Before that deters you from watching, they weren’t all sad tears. Some of them were, but I was so impressed with the guts this woman showed I couldn’t help it. Not only was I impressed, but I was also a little ashamed of myself for what I complain about, what I think I can’t accomplish, for what I haven’t done.

Temple had, and still has, an amazing amount of value to contribute to the world. What a shining example of the success and importance of a person the world would have institutionalized! What a testament to the value of every life. She tirelessly works to fix the problems her picture-thinking mind shows her. She has great compassion for her co-autistic peers as well as their families. In the movie, she emphatically states that she wants to matter. How beautiful of her, especially since she encountered so many people who told her she didn’t (or at least treated her that way).

The film itself is well done. Claire Danes won a Golden Globe for her performance as Temple. Julia Ormond, David Strathairn and Catherine O’Hara also contribute their talents and lend their professional credibility. And like I said, it’s presented in a way that touches the core of even the thickest (emotionally) personality.

I had known about this movie for some time before I watched it. Believe me when I suggest that you not waste another second before watching it yourself. You won’t be sorry. I hope you’ll be inspired and challenged.

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends! And happy Thanksgiving Week!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Fans Will Love Breaking Dawn Part 1 – Movie Review

2011-11-18T05:02:00.004-05:00

Of the entire Twilight Saga, I love the first part of the story in Breaking Dawn the most. So my hopes were cautiously high, wanting so much for the movie version to ‘get it right’ as far as my imagination prescribed.

I am happy and relieved to report that it did not disappoint!

As the Saga progressed, the novels increased in page number. Already a difficult task to translate novel to screenplay in a tidy yet thorough manner, Breaking Dawn, the fourth and final book, will hit the silver screen in two installments. I realize this means the franchise will automatically make more money, but honestly I don’t think the fans mind. Especially if the films can do a good job on the parts that matter, which in the case of Part 1, they did.

This film starts out with the wedding of Edward Cullen, Vampire and Bella Swan, Human. The long-awaited event turns out beautifully, aside from a bittersweet visit from Jacob Black, Werewolf, who happens to be in love with the bride. No one who is in-the-know expects Bella to return from her honeymoon ‘alive.’ The shocker comes when she does come home a living human, but pregnant. Not only pregnant, but appearing several months pregnant after only being gone several weeks. And the half-human/half-vamp growing so rapidly in Bella’s womb is inadvertently killing her.

Fear of the unknown ‘creature’ Bella carries spurs a violent conflict with the werewolves. Jacob still can’t endure the thought of hurting Bella, so he defects from his pack, joining the Cullens in doing all they can to protect and save Bella’s life.

For those not having read the books and therefore unaware of what’s coming, Breaking Dawn Part 1 might startle with its stark messiness. In a word, its themes are serious. Gone are the adolescent dramas of who’s dating, who’s going to prom, who’s failing chem lab. We’ve moved on to marriage, sex, pregnancy, life, death, and destiny.

But for those who’ve read the books and know and love the beautiful intensity of this story, the film succeeds. Without being gross or gory, the ‘messy’ parts, essential in every way, make a forceful impact. While I wouldn’t recommend it for pre-teen eyes due to the adult nature of the subjects at hand, the sensitive scenes are dealt with tastefully without losing credit or watering down the story.

Besides a few minor details that change from book to film, Breaking Dawn stays truest to the series of all the films so far. I only felt that cringe of cheesiness once or twice, far less than when watching the others. Most of the time, I sat riveted, exalting in the parts they got ‘right’ and looking forward to when I can see it again.

Breaking Dawn may not be what you expected, but you might enjoy the surprise.

Thank you, Dry Ground friends, for sticking with me through this series! I can't wait to share with you the inspirational thoughts I have about the Breaking Dawn story. That will appear here sometime in the near future - How Reading a Vampire Book Showed Me a Picture of the Holy Spirit. In the meantime, Movies You Might Have Missed Mondays returns next week!

Be blessed!

(photo by photobucket.com)

How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will – The Perfect Lover

2011-11-16T01:00:00.005-05:00

Edward wields the greatest power in influencing his Beloved because he grants Bella the power of choice. The beautiful irony in this –that he has the most effect by letting go.

Edward steps back and leaves Bella’s free will alone. Yes, he prevents her from seeing Jacob on several occasions, but only because he really believed the werewolves were a threat. Once that issue resolves, he steps back and lets her choose every course of action even though many of her decisions cause him great pain. In so giving Bella the gift of free will, he risks losing her because he knows it is possible she’ll choose Jacob. Even though he knows the depth of his love, his ability to protect her, the possibility and implications of Jacob imprinting on someone else in the future… all the risks to Bella… he still leaves the choice to her.

Gentlemen are like that. He knew that in any love relationship, the proof is in the choice.

This is made most evident in Eclipse during the tent scene before the battle between the newborn vampire army and the combined Cullen/Wolf Pack defense. Edward has taken Bella far from the proposed battle site to keep her safe. Jacob is with them up until the battle begins, providing his watchdog services over night. An unseasonable winter storm with freezing temps pops up, not a big deal for Edward and Jacob but life-threatening for Bella as she shivers away in her sleeping bag. Edward can’t get anywhere near her to keep her from dying of frost bite as he would make matters worse since his skin feels cold to Bella. Jacob, with his higher-than-average, 100+ degree body temperature, thanks to his werewolf genes, is Bella’s only hope to keep warm. Therefore, Edward, Jacob and Bella end up in a tent together to ride out the storm.

The storm rages both outside and inside. While Bella tries to sleep, warming up against Jacob’s hot skin, Edward and Jacob talk, in essence, about Bella’s Free Will.

Jacob is in full special ops tactics as he shares the sleeping bag with Bella. He’s taking advantage of the awkward (for everyone else) situation. He’s actually gloating. To needle Edward more, he baits him with, “The jealousy… it has to be eating at you. You can’t be as sure of yourself as you seem. Unless you have no emotions at all.”

In this, Jacob hurls two accusations. First, that Edward should be enraged with jealousy, perhaps to the point of starting a fight (because Jacob would love that). Second, that Edward is as heartless figuratively as he is physically/literally.

I love Edward’s response. “Of course, it is,” Edward agreed, no longer amused. “Right now it’s so bad that I can barely control my voice.”

As I read this part, a vivid picture and interpretation of God’s jealousy came to mind. Yes, God gets jealous. He says so repeatedly in the Old Testament, which is why He wants no other gods replacing Him. In the New Testament, Paul writes, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him.” (2 Cor. 11:2)

So often, people turn up their noses at verses like this and accuse God of being petty or bitter or unreasonable. But jealousy is not always a bad thing!

If in this scene Edward had said he wasn’t jealous, we’d think something was wrong with him, right? Why? Because of how much he loves Bella! There’d be something amiss in the Gospel if God did not admit to being jealous. It is a sign of PERFECT LOVE!

But Edward’s jealousy does not lead to his taking away Bella’s Free Will. Instead of selfishly demanding her affections, he waits in agonizing silence while she’s in her Choosing Fields. Even in the tent, when his jealousy blazes under the circumstances, he expresses his respect for Bella’s Free Will.

“And if she were to decide that she wanted me?” Jacob challenged. “Okay, it’s a long shot, I’ll give you that.”

“I would let her go.”

“Just like that?”

“In the sense that I’d never show her how hard it was for me, yes. But I would keep watch. You see, Jacob, you might leave her someday. Like Sam and Emily, you wouldn’t have a choice. I would always be waiting in the wings, hoping for that to happen.”

Honoring Bella’s Free Will does not mean Edward stops loving her if she would choose Jacob. He’d always be waiting, unconditional love in tact, to welcome her back should she change her mind or if Jacob imprinted (a supernatural werewolf phenomenon) on someone else, meaning he’d have no choice but to leave Bella. Edward’s love doesn’t change for her no matter what her choice is for him. That is true, perfect, selfless love.

That is the picture of Jesus.

He has been clear – He loves us with an everlasting love, more perfectly than any other love that could ever vie for our attentions. He’s proposed an eternal relationship covenant. He knows the risks of losing us, both to Himself and to us. He has endured the pain of our rejection time after time. Yet, he still leaves the answer up to us. We get to choose.

Because Jesus is the ultimate gentleman. He never forces our hand.

He knows that the proof of love lies in choice. If we don’t choose Him, the love isn’t real.

His love never changes, though. Whether we accept Him or not, His love endures. He’s waiting with open arms, hoping for us to change our minds, ready to respond when the Other Choice leaves us or lets us down, waiting for us to allow Him to comfort, protect, redeem and reward us with His perfect presence.

For benefits beyond our imagination await the Bride of Christ that cannot be bestowed on an unwilling Beloved.

Our Perfect Lover is so good to allow us time in the Choosing Fields as we examine satellite influences that reflect Him. Testimonies, Experiences, Fears, Contenders, Fear, Pride and a whole host of other things vie for focus and importance as we are in the process of choosing. Some of those things recommend the Perfect Lover, some deter, and others attack the very thought of Him.

But after all is said and done, the most powerful influence should be the Perfect Lover Himself.

Everything the Perfect Lover says and does proves His complete, unconditional, self-sacrificing, perfect love. From the time He knit you together in your mother’s womb throughout each second of your life, He’s desired, chosen, waited for, pursued you. He sacrificed the glory of Heaven for human flesh. He bled and died for you, making atonement (or payment) for your sin debts. He fought and conquered Death for you so that living with Him for eternity is possible. And He did all this before you uttered one word of affection or thanks back to Him.

It’s His proposal, His declaration of perfect love, His hand outstretched in invitation to life abundant, eternal life, and all the benefits that only a willing Beloved can receive.

All we have to do is… take that Hand. Choose to be His Bride.

Bella eventually makes her choice, Edward. Breaking Dawn opens with their wedding. I’m looking forward to seeing how they portray it in the movie opening this weekend! I’ll let you know what I think on Friday! Be blessed, Dry Ground friends!

(photos by photobucket.com)

How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will – The Other Choice

2011-11-14T01:00:00.006-05:00

Every choice has a contender. Otherwise, there’d be no choice involved.

The more valuable or important the choice, the more pressure the contender applies.

When it comes to our hearts, arguably the most important and valuable treasure we own, we have the power to choose what we do with it. What we choose reflects our beliefs on life, eternity, and God.

Our heart’s value is so great that we are not the only ones to treasure it. Cosmic forces pursue it like Indiana Jones goes after an ancient relic.

While it seems like our heart is tugged in thousands of directions, really only two camps war for the privilege of our heart’s loyalties and affections. Let’s call those camps Light and Dark.

Bella experiences this war in the battle between Edward and Jacob to win her heart. From the beginning of the series, Edward has represented Light and Jacob Darkness. They both claim being in love with Bella, and we believe them both. But she can’t have them both in the same capacity. She avoids choosing by categorizing them. She loves Jacob, but not that way, even though she believes she can’t live without him. Problem is, he wants more than friendship.

In the first two books, Jacob is the sweetheart, the best friend who helps hold Bella together when her Love seemingly abandons her. Opposite of Edward, he presents an attractive alternative as guardian of her heart. The problem arises when Bella’s Free Will swings from almost choosing him to going back to choosing Edward.

Just like Jacob’s inner werewolf is revealed physically, his true colors are revealed in response to his disappointment – he lashes out, for starters tattling on her to Charlie about their motorcycle riding, which gets her in trouble. It’s a small, somewhat insignificant action with titanic implications.

Those implications? The true nature of Jacob’s ‘love.’ While in her Choosing Fields, Bella can’t see that what Jacob wants is selfish, openly hostile to her true Love, and in conflict with the choices she’s already made via Free Will.

At the beginning of Eclipse, Jacob is done playing nice. He’s determined to fight for Bella’s heart. On the surface, a noble intention drawing many votes his way when we’re picking Teams. But it’s the way he goes about fighting that proves his feelings suspect.

Jacob demonstrates a selfish attitude in his pursuit of Bella. In chapter four, Jacob riles her with questions about why and how she could love a ‘monster.’ Bella defends her choice, but a seed of doubt and discontent is sown. Conversations between Jacob and Bella turn argumentative because in order to elevate himself, he reminds her of the pain Edward caused by his absence. In fact, in chapter fifteen, Jacob claims he has a right to contend for her heart because of the place she allowed him to have while Edward was gone. This absolutely strikes a guilty chord with Bella because she feels like she owes Jacob. His capitalizing on that point is the definition of selfishness.

Several instances of Jacob acting hostile, disrespectful and aggressive toward Edward keep the edgy conflict going throughout the story. When Edward agrees to Bella visiting Jacob for the day (he’s worried because of his belief werewolves are uncontrollably dangerous and therefore a threat to his beloved), he gives her an affectionate yet appropriate kiss before she walks across the invisible boundary to Jacob’s reservation. When Jacob greets her, he sweeps her up into a monstrous and inappropriate bear hug with the expressed intent of ticking Edward off. Bella doesn’t even like it. But he’s gloating because he perceives it as winning a battle in the overall war.

Perhaps the most unloving thing Jacob does, however, even as he tries to prove that he loves Bella, is overstep the boundaries of Free Will.

It’s pretty bad when your supposed best friend wishes you were dead as an alternative to you following through on a decision you made. Jacob does this to Bella in chapter eight. Implying she should feel guilty over a choice she’s made impedes Free Will.

After Jacob admits to loving Bella and wanting her to pick him instead of Edward, he kisses her… against her will. His delusional display of grandeur shows his desperation to force Bella to see things from his perspective, to agree with him, to change her choice to reward him with the rights to her heart.

The beautiful part about that scene to me is that when Edward dropped Bella off to see Jacob before this conversation, he knew what Jacob was going to say/do because he read his mind. His loving act to let her go face that scene with her Free Will in tact speaks volumes of how unselfish he is and how much he values her. His reaction when she comes home with a broken hand (because she punches Jacob for kissing her, but since he’s supernaturally ripped her bones had no chance of winning) is equally beautiful. He insists that if Jacob ever has the notion to kiss her again, he’d better ask first. He didn’t throw some testosterone-driven hissy-fit about Jacob infiltrating his territory or messing with his girl. No, his first and major concern was that Bella’s Free Will right to choose remained supreme. Jacob’s taking it away caused pain and injury too, which Edward could not tolerate.

But we’re not talking about Edward yet. I could go on and on, though I won’t. The time has come to get to the point!

The Bible warns us that Satan desires your heart so much that he is like a prowling lion. Prowling gives the idea that the lion is hunting, stalking something with the intent to claim it by force as its own. Like a lion camouflaged in the wild, we don’t see this threat right away. Danger can come in some pretty attractive forms, luring us into a friendship and mounting debts we can’t pay. The nice guy façade soon morphs into a dangerous beast without warning, especially if we contemplate choosing the Light, our Perfect Lover Jesus Christ. Suddenly, our ‘friend’ is easily angered, unrepentant, selfish and manipulative. He employs guilt trips, distractions, and ultimatums – all attempts to arrest our Free Will to keep our hearts from choosing the Perfect Lover. He even wishes we were dead rather than choose anyone else but him, especially if we want the Perfect Lover instead.

The Bible also describes Jesus as a lion, the Lion of Judah. This is a different kind of lion, though. Instead of hunting our hearts, he extends an invitation to us (we’re described as lambs) to lay down with him. For a lamb to accept such a thing from a lion requires trust, faith, and an active choice – all exercises of Free Will.

Which lion would you rather?

The ultimate basis for a choice such as this does not depend on our own capacity for choosing, however. It depends on the trustworthiness of the Lion. When it comes right down to it, the Lion’s all we need to know.

We’ll talk about that Wednesday, the last post before the movie review!!!! Breaking Dawn opens this Friday! Wahoo! Got your tix?

Have a great Monday! Be blessed, Dry Ground friends!

For the next chapter, The Perfect Lover, CLICK HERE.

(photos by photobucket.com)

How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will – The Self-Obstacle

2011-11-11T01:00:00.005-05:00

To begin, I'd like to salute all the veterans out there and extend my deep thanks and appreciation for your service that results in my freedom here in the United States. Freedom that makes this blog possible, among many other much more important things. We can't thank you enough! At the very least, I picture a stadium full of us citizens giving a roaring standing ovation.

Okay. now today's Twi-blog.

Surrender.

The first image that comes to my mind when I hear that word is arms reaching for the sky at gunpoint – being taken hostage unwillingly - but only to avoid a worse fate, death.

A bad thing.

With popular quotes such as, “Never give up! Never surrender!” we equate surrender with quitting, which just adds to its negative connotation.

Surrender, however isn’t quitting. Both are acts of Free Will, choices that result in actions. But quitting has to do with how you feel about yourself (i.e. I can’t do this…), while surrender has to do with how you feel about the one asking you to lay down your weapons.

In other words, do you trust the one asking you to surrender?

Emotional surrender compares to physical surrender except it’s much harder because the trust issue is of greatest importance while being the most delicate. Emotional hurts impede trust. Without trust, you can’t surrender. Without surrender, you grasp for control and keep up your guard just in case pain fires a shot.

This is where Bella is in Eclipse.

Somewhere between following Edward with blind trust to their sanctuary in Twilight and surviving her wilderness experience during his absence in New Moon, Bella has taken the reins. By the time Eclipse starts, she intends to control what happens from there on out.

She filters information to protect her parents, deciding what they can know about her future and what they can’t.

She acts as ambassador between Edward and Jacob, determined that they will get along and fit into her life in a way that appeases herself but ignores their view on the matter.

She lobbies for a vampire conversion experience on her terms despite the wise counsel from Dr. Cullen and Edward, and even Alice.

She argues with and ultimately convinces Edward not to fight in the battle with the newborns based on her fears as well as her logic jockeying that gets Edward to admit he is not needed to win.

Funny thing is, in all of her attempts, she doesn’t end up controlling anything at all. Part of the reason is that she is attempting to control others’ Free Will with her own choices, and that never works. The other reason is that she trusts the wrong person for the facts to base her choices - herself.

In almost all of the situations listed, plus dozens more, Edward asks Bella to trust him with the results. In other words, to surrender to his wisdom and knowledge of each matter. Not to stop thinking or deciding for herself, but to listen to all the perspectives first, base her decisions on Truth, not her own understanding.

This is most difficult for Bella to do when it comes to his proposal of marriage. The bottom line is that she thinks it’s stupid. Based on her own worldview, her own experiences, and her own code of right and wrong, Edward is the stupid one when it comes to the subject of marriage. For all of her eighteen years, she really believes that she knows better, that somehow all of his education and experience and insight over the past century make him less reasonable, out of date, irrelevant to the present.

What’s causing Bella to see herself in such an elevated manner on this issue?

Pride. Plain and simple.

When we’re wielding our Free Will all over the place, it’s difficult sometimes to step back and admit that we don’t know everything. If wielded irresponsibly, the right to choose gives us the impression that we are the source of knowledge, the pool of right and wrong, the spring of Truth.

And that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Surrender itself is a choice, an exercise of Free Will. We don’t choose surrender often because it is a confession that we don’t know everything and a release of control. Our pride keeps us from wanting to do that. SELF gets in the way of Free Will.

At this point in the story, Bella has plenty of evidence that Edward is trustworthy. She has proof of his unconditional love. It’s only SELF that keeps her from surrendering to his proposal.

It’s true that when our Perfect Lover Jesus asks for our hand in marriage, He is asking for us to surrender to His way, many times asking us to trust Him when we don’t understand what’s happening. In doing so, Our Perfect Lover does not remove our Free Will, rather He invites us to see more of the Truth, a purer basis on which to make decisions, which leads to a deeper, more intimate relationship. He’s proved Himself trustworthy time and time again. There’s no need to keep Him at a distance. We balk because SELF gets in the way. We believe that in all our years with all our experience, we’ve seen and heard it all. And, quite frankly, we think His way is stupid.

Really, that’s just another way of protecting ourselves, though, isn’t it?

Remember, in the most important circumstances if you don’t surrender, you face the worse option – death.

This is one of those circumstances. And our Perfect Lover has the right to request surrender because He surrendered Himself in our place so we wouldn’t have to face death. He surrendered and faced AND conquered death because He loves us that much.

The great thing about surrendering to our Perfect Lover is that it is rewarded with benefits, blessings far beyond our imagination we never could have comprehended if we hadn’t made a choice to accept Him.

We find out what belonging to Him means, like Bella does in Breaking Dawn when she finally walks down the aisle to marry Edward. She perceives the wedding in a new way, even thinking to herself in the middle of it, “I saw just how silly I’d been for fearing this…”.

Surrendering is a precious gift Free Will gets to give. The object of surrender is the most important factor. While the Perfect Lover asks for this gift, others less deserving also seek to demand or take it. The world can put a lot of pressure on us while we’re in the Choosing Fields, especially when it’s impossible to choose both. We’ll explore that next. Hope you’ll tune in!

To go to the next chapter, The Other Choice, CLICK HERE.

(photos by photobucket.com)

How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will – Leave and Cleave

2011-11-09T01:00:00.006-05:00

Have you ever been back to a place from your childhood that you haven’t seen since then and wonder at the differences between your memory and current reality? For example, childhood memories of my elementary school gymnasium are vivid pictures of a giant room where we held PE, school plays and movies during rained-out recesses. I mean, we got hundreds of people in there at a time, at least. But when I went back to that gym once a few years later, I marveled at how small it was. Same with the cafeteria.

Now in this case, size is insignificant. I mean, who cares about my perception of a couple of rooms at George Washington elementary school? But the same concept applies to our childhood memories of people, especially relatives. I mean, I remember my grandfather a certain way, but he died when I was 13. I don’t have adult memories of him. But my mom does of course. And I have to check myself sometimes when I’m talking about him because I can’t just say ‘grandpa was so-and-so’ when I should be asking my mom if how I remember him is accurate.

Perceptions from childhood stick with us whether they are accurate or not. They shape our morals, beliefs, behaviors, and ideas and often lead our feelings, actions and reactions of our present.

While Bella is in her Choosing Fields, what she believes her parents, Charlie and Renee, would think deters her from accepting Edward’s marriage proposal at such a young age.

She’s using a perception of a perception as an excuse to drag her feet.

A perception of a perception is a dangerous thing. One perception alone can lead to gross misunderstandings. Making an assumption about someone else’s perspective can be a communication catastrophe.

Charlie and Renee married early, had Bella early, divorced early. From Bella’s perception, marriage in general didn’t work so well. Bounced back and forth between parents, Bella grew up quick and relied heavily on her smarts for a worldview. Her experience gave her an idea about marriage that was true in her case, but not necessarily true in all cases.

This idea automatically turned into Bella’s perception of her parents’ view on the same subject. She remembers Renee making remarks born from her own experience with Charlie that she took, without asking for clarification, as a strike against the institution in general. The fact that Renee remarried translates to Bella that wisdom and a more adult view of the situation made the difference the second time around. As far as still-single Charlie, Bella never asks (in the book).

Bella’s marriage perception, then, is prime to conflict with Edward’s. And he’s wise enough to explain his side to her.

“You see, Bella, I was always that boy. In my world, I was already a man. I wasn’t looking for love – no, I was far too eager to be a soldier for that; I thought of nothing but the idealized glory of the war that they were selling prospective draftees then – but if I had found… I was going to say if I had found someone, but that won’t do. If I had found you, there isn’t a doubt in my mind how I would have proceeded. I was that boy, who would have as soon as I discovered that you were what I was looking for – gotten down on one knee and endeavored to secure your hand. I would have wanted you for eternity, even when the word didn’t have quite the same connotations.”

Even after this beautiful speech, Bella rolls her eyes. If any of it sounded good to her, swayed her in the slightest, the pull of her upbringing and experience quickly snuffed the desire to accept it.

The kicker comes later when she discovers that her perceptions of her parents’ perceptions were inaccurate! If she had only remembered to trust Edward, as she’d learned over and over that he was trustworthy, much of their strife in her Choosing Fields could have been avoided.

My point is not that parents and their perceptions are full of crap. Quite the opposite, really. I love that Bella loves and respects her parents so much throughout this story, and that she takes into account their feelings. But many times our perceptions of our parents’ perceptions are full of crap. And if we’d muster courage and take time to communicate, not fearing the response, we’d find out the truth instead of basing monumental decisions on assumptions.

When it comes to accepting our Perfect Lover, the past can be a heavy factor influencing our freedom to choose Him. Like testimonies, the past can have negative, positive or both impacts, but rest assured it always has an impact. If we, as children, witnessed our parents or some other adult have a bad experience, that bad experience plants a seed in our young, vulnerable brains and sprouts into a belief that defies all other facts. That belief results in actions. If someone in the Church harmed (intentionally or not) someone in our family or close to us, we gain a perspective on religion/the Church/God. No matter what happens later in life, questions from that experience need answered before we even think of believing the Truth our Perfect Lover represents. Scars from the past will hinder our ability to step into an eternal Free Will commitment with our Perfect Lover.

Communication and investigation become necessary. We ask questions, make sure our perception of the past is accurate. If it is, we find a way to heal. But so often it isn’t. So often what we thought all along wasn’t true!

Where fear and guilt hinder Free Will, pain gives us an opportunity to exercise it because healing takes a massive effort to choose. Every step in the healing process starts with a choice – to identify its source, to stop wallowing, to stop picking at the scab, to move beyond it, to release bitterness, to forgive, to allow the Perfect Lover to comfort and apply His restoring balm.

Bella has the opportunity to choose Edward and allow him to show her how fulfilling and beneficial marriage can be. That step, however, requires surrender to his way of thinking, and that can’t happen until she hurdles the obstacle of SELF.

That’s next on How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will. Hope I see you then!

For the next chapter, The Self-Obstacle, CLICK HERE.

(photo by photobucket.com)

How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will – The Influence of Testimonies

2011-11-07T01:00:00.004-05:00

The testimonies of Bella’s would-be in-laws, Alice, Rosalie and Jasper, all give Bella perspectives to consider with looks at their pasts, their conversion experience, and their lives since becoming vampires and living the Better Way as a Cullen.

Rosalie offers her story first. She’s not been subtle in her dislike of Bella, so Bella is sufficiently frightened when Rosalie takes the opportunity on a night when Edward is out hunting to speak her mind. But from Rosalie’s perspective, her intentions are one hundred percent honorable.

Rosalie Hale grew up the princess of her little southern household, set to marry town catch Royce King. However, one night close to the wedding, an intoxicated Royce and his friends attacked, assaulted and beat Rosalie leaving her in the street to bleed to death. Carlisle found her, and after assessing her vitals, determined she would die if he did not change her into a vampire. He did and brought her home to his then only companion Edward. Rosalie unwillingly endured the pain of transformation, accepted what Carlisle had made her, then accepted his Better Way… but only after she went on a revenge binge, killing everyone who had hurt her that night. Though beautiful and not dead, Rosalie mourned the loss of her humanity and held on to the bitterness stemming from the events that led to her vampire existence. Even with a strong and loving relationship with Emmett, she still yearns for the past. She believes, based on her experience, that Bella is making the wrong choice in wanting to become a vampire just for the sake of being with Edward.

The next testimony Bella hears is Jasper’s after a training session the Cullens and the werewolves have learning to fight newborn vampires. Bella asks how Jasper knows so much about it. He tells her how he came to be a Cullen.

Jasper Whitlock was in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Young and responsible, he demonstrated admirable leadership skills. A trio of lady-vamps found him one night along a deserted road and purposely attacked and changed him so that he could train the newborn vamps they were making into an army as in that time there were vicious territorial wars among vampire covens. So Jasper sparred with a lot of newborns, received hundreds of scars, and hunted humans all as a part of his job. Doing his job well was the only thing that kept him from being destroyed as well. What made it worse was Jasper’s special power, that he can control the moods of people as well as feel other people’s moods as if they were his own. This added stress to his brutal employment since he took on all the fear of his victims. Many of his victims were newborns who had no more use to Jasper’s boss. Without meaning to, Jasper had befriended one of them, Peter. When he was told to destroy his friend, Jasper couldn’t do it and let him go. Years later, Peter came back for Jasper and helped him escape. But Peter was not a veggie-vamp, and Jasper’s continued human hunting got him more and more depressed. He began wandering alone, lost and unsure of his options. But that’s when he found Alice, waiting for him in a Philadelphia diner. Since Alice sees future events, she saw Jasper coming, like she’d seen the Cullens and their Better Way. So they went and joined the Cullen family at once.

Alice’s testimony is as short as her future-sight is long. She couldn’t remember anything from her human life. As far as she was concerned, she’d only always been a vamp. Seeing the future helped her find the Cullens and the Better Way, so she did not suffer long as a lone vamp and she never had to taste human blood.

Bella had lots of information to process as she absorbed these histories from three different perspectives. They each had a different motivation in telling their stories – Rosalie aimed to deter, Jasper to inform, and Alice always aimed to invite. The only two things these testimonies had in common were first that the transformation itself was the most painful thing imaginable, and second that the Cullens were safe, kind, noble.

Every Christian has a story of how they came to an eternal, committed relationship with Jesus the Perfect Lover. The way we live those stories and speak about those stories impact people still in the Choosing Fields. Testimonies can deter, inform and invite depending on what part of that Better Way path we’re standing on.

Believers like Rosalie may not intend to deter others from choosing our Perfect Lover, but baggage from their past can weigh them down with bitterness and regret to extent that their testimony paints a sad picture.

Others more like Jasper have a horrible story of pain and immorality and sin. Finding the Better Way saved his existence. Though committed, he still falters because of the potency of his past. But surrounded by a loving family keeping him accountable, he can walk in the Better Way forgiven, growing, improving and free.

Some people are like Alice. They don’t remember anything different and are glad for it.

I’m sure we’ve all encountered Rosalies, Jaspers and Alices along our own journeys. Question is, which one are you?

While our fictional friends did not choose to become vampires, they did have the choice to follow Dr. Cullen’s Better Way. In Bella’s case, she has the opportunity to exercise her Free Will from the very beginning and choose a lifestyle based on her relationship with the Perfect Lover. The testimonies from the Cullen siblings paint a picture of her future and affect her thought process as she lingers in the Choosing Fields. But the tug of the past seems to hold her back more because she’s worried sick about what her parents will think.

That’s next on Dry Ground! Hope you join me!

To go to the next chapter, Leave and Cleave, CLICK HERE.

(photos by photobucket.com)

How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will - The Better Way – A Living Example

2011-11-04T01:00:00.005-04:00

Part of choosing Edward is choosing his way of life.

In the Twilight Saga world, not only is Edward a vampire, but he is a ‘vegetarian’ vampire, meaning he does not kill humans to slate his vampire bloodlust. He and his family only kill animals for sustenance.

This is not an easy lifestyle for a vampire for many reasons.

The smell of human blood can overwhelm the strongest control and send a vampire into an instinctual frenzy – like Jasper at Bella’s birthday party at the beginning of New Moon. Also, animal blood does not satisfy like human blood would. It’s fine, but not delectable. Animal blood does not strengthen like human blood either, so when preparing for a fight against non-veggie vamps they are at a disadvantage.

However, the Cullens and the few others like them adhere to this Better Way because they value life far above satisfying their own lusts. And not just the lives of their would-be victims, but of each other’s as well. Their choice in following this lifestyle makes building relationships with each other much easier and the relationships end up being stronger, actually based on love and affection instead of relationship-busting power struggles and violence.

Each Cullen is on a different place along the path as far as following this Better Way, and they hold each other accountable with encouragement, fellowship and forgiveness when needs-be.

The founder of this Better Way is Dr. Carlisle Cullen who despised what he had become so much that he was desperate to find redemption. It had not occurred to him that vampires could even survive on the blood of animals. Determined as he was to maintain the integrity of human life, he trained himself for centuries to deny his thirst for human blood. His journey was a lonely one as he fought to conceal from other humans his identity, and he even faced ridicule from other vampires who felt his pro-life efforts would be in vain. Eventually, though, he succeeded, becoming so immune to the alluring aroma of human blood that he was able to become a doctor and apply his skills to save lives instead of giving into his basic nature to take them.

Dr. Cullen perfected living the Better Way to such an extent that he could disciple others. Edward was his first convert, and immediately Dr. Cullen considered him his son. Over the nearly hundred years of their relationship, Edward chose the Better Way for himself (after running away from it for a time) and began deferring to Dr. Cullen, his father, in all his decisions. Dr. Cullen became Edward’s main influencing source.

Dr. Cullen is not only father and mentor, but an evangelist as well. While living the Better Way flawlessly, he also offers it as an alternative to any vampire willing to explore its merits. In Twilight, Dr. Cullen gets to talk to Laurent about the Better Way, convincing him to visit the other veggie-vamps in Alaska to learn more. Unfortunately, Laurent does not commit to the Better Way and meets a grizzly end in New Moon when he threatens Bella’s life. In Eclipse, though, Dr. Cullen offers the Better Way to a willing seeker, Bree, a newborn vampire roped into fighting for Victoria’s army. Carlisle offers her mercy and the promise of a Better Way if she would stop fighting against them, and she accepts. The sad part is the Volturi sweep in with their whitewashed righteousness of their Law and destroy her. How devastated Dr. Cullen must have felt.

Dr. Cullen is an ambassador of mercy. He was the one who negotiated the treaty with Jacob’s werewolf ancestors and continued reaching out to them when Victoria’s presence reignited the werewolf gene in the next generation. Dr. Cullen was the one who invited the werewolves to fight with him against the newborn vampire army, laying the foundation for more cooperation between vampires and werewolves. Dr. Cullen showed great mercy to Jacob as he put him back together and aided in his healing process after the battle. Far into the final novel, Dr. Cullen demonstrates unwavering faithfulness, love, grace, service, and mercy.

On one hand, I see him as God the Father, at least as far as his relationship with Edward goes. But he’s also a prime example, a saint of sorts or more accurately an apostle, of living the Better Way. And in that context he is a strong influence in Bella’s decision-making process. Besides being a good example, he makes himself available to answer Bella’s questions pertaining to Edward, her impending conversion, and the nature of vampires in general. He answers honestly, passionately, but always leaving the way for Bella to draw her own conclusion – to exercise Free Will.

Many of us believe in our Perfect Lover today because we had a Dr. Cullen influence in our lives – someone to observe, question, learn from and respect because of their integrity in living out the Better Way. That Better Way values all life, has compassion for the struggling, sick, lost and weak, and extends mercy where the Law demands payment.

In the case of our Perfect Lover, He paid the price the Law demands for us – death. That’s why choosing Him is choosing the Better Way. Because not only did He die, but He kicked death’s butt so that it no longer has power over Him or anyone choosing Him. He’s made us immortal through His life-giving blood.

But only if we exercise our Free Will and choose Him.

Thank God for the Dr. Cullens in our lives pointing to the Better Way through our Perfect Lover.

Dr. Cullens, however, are not perfect no matter how much it seems so. No, they’re just older, wiser, have seen more, had more time to practice and change. Though a wealth of knowledge, they may be a bit difficult to relate to. And when you’re in your Choosing Fields, aspiring to be a Dr. Cullen seems out of reach.

That’s where testimonies of your peers come in. People closer to your age and attitude following the Better Way sharing their stories.

Bella had the privilege of hearing some testimonies from Edward’s siblings. We’ll explore those next! Hope you stay tuned!

For the next chapter, The Influence of Testimonies, CLICK HERE.

(photo by photobucket.com)

How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will - Influence of Fear

2011-11-02T01:00:00.007-04:00

Ironically, exercising Free Will requires taking into account many influences outside our own power. Whether we realize it or not, many things affect our decision-making process that results in the ultimate choice we claim as our own.

Eclipse is full of people and circumstances pulling Bella to consider a certain point of view. Her actions show she is listening, perhaps trying to listen to them all. In the next couple of days, we’ll look at these influences Bella encountered in her Choosing Fields. You might recognize some of them. Not only do they pop up when we are making a decision for our Perfect Lover to begin with, but also every time the world attempts to draw us away from Him.

One large and looming influence everyone battles is FEAR.

While it is key to dramatic storytelling, it is also something most people contend with at some point in life. It’s something that easily snowballs into a larger-than-life force that drives people to do illogical, nonsensical, unusual things. Bella’s plate is full of things to fear.

For starters, the Volturi, the ruling class of vampires, will be checking in at some point to make sure that the Cullens have made good on their promise to change Bella into a vampire. If Bella isn’t a vampire ‘soon’ then the Volturi will carry out their authoritative ‘responsibility’ and kill her since it is illegal in their world for humans to know of their existence. And the Volturi are not keen on offering second chances.

Then, a certain vampire named Victoria has returned to the Forks area, looking for Bella to make good on her vendetta to kill her. At the end of book one, Twilight, Edward killed Victoria’s mate James because James was about to kill Bella. Victoria operates on an eye-for-an-eye mentality and has been after Bella, Edward’s mate, ever since. Though Edward and his family as well as Jacob and his wolf pack have assured Bella that Victoria has no chance to get to her, Bella is terrified of her.

One other fear has everyone concerned – escalating unsolved murders in nearby Seattle, which to the trained eye implies an army of newborn vampires running amuck. This poses danger on many fronts. One rogue, discreet non-vegetarian vampire sniffing around is one thing. A group of unruly, sloppy, conspicuous newborns with insatiable bloodlust is another. Besides the toll it is taking on the human population, this type of activity draws the eyes of the Volturi intent on policing such behavior. Their attention focused so close to Forks would warrant a visit to see if Bella had been changed yet, which she hadn’t.

So fear comes full circle.

But those are only the external factors.

The internal struggle she’s having with her choices is greatly affected by the fear of loss.

This stems from several perceptions and experiences.

First, she did lose Edward for a time (in a manner of speaking). That experience ranks as worst ever, the worst pain she could possibly imagine or endure. Her fear of his leaving out-terrifies her fear of the vindictive, bloodthirsty Volturi. Though he’s promised not to leave her again, other things threaten their relationship. Mainly, Victoria coming for revenge. Bella holds an irrational fear that Edward will be harmed in a battle with Victoria, or that the other Cullens (even all of them put together) would be harmed, or that Victoria will succeed in killing her and then Edward would kill himself, either way severing their bond. Although Edward reassures her ump-teen times that Victoria alone is no match for him and his family, she frets.

She believes becoming a vampire as soon as possible the best course of action so that she could be more durable and useful in a battle with Victoria as well as eliminate the need for the Volturi to come snooping around, but the fear of losing her humanity also haunts her. Both Edward and Jacob agree on this point and urge her to wait, but their motives are different. Bella is so obsessed, especially with all the talk of newborn vampire armies, with how outrageous with bloodlust she’ll be after her conversion that she rethinks human experiences she’s yet to have that she thinks she must have or forever be without.

Concern with things of the flesh keeps her yearning for Jacob. She’s certain she will lose his friendship as soon as she makes the transformation. Because of the natural feud between vampires and werewolves, she’s already in danger of losing him. Her fear drives her to make decisions in attempts to keep both Jacob and Edward, which ends up hurting everyone.

Fear always skewers perception which messes with beliefs, even deep-seated ones. Fear of loss makes an even bigger impact, like a nuclear explosion instead of a stink bomb.

Fear is a difficult thing to conquer. It strikes when we’re at our most vulnerable. It knows our weak spots. It convinces a threat so real that worry suffocates its victim until hopelessness takes up permanent residence. Even when we think we’ve beaten it, it comes back with a terrible and debilitating force.

Bella has all she needs to face, fight and overcome the fears she’s facing because she’s already won the most important battle. The events concluding New Moon showed her that Edward won’t leave again on his own accord. He loves her unconditionally and forever. She believes him, even. So why isn’t it enough for Bella to fear not?

Love requires more than belief, it requires action. Because she has not made the ultimate choice quite yet, to tie herself to Edward with a Free Will Choice of eternal commitment, that love has not yet won the war on fear.

Similarly, loving our Perfect Lover Jesus requires more than belief that He loves us unconditionally and forever. It requires action on our part in the form of a commitment to be bound to Him in every way. Love and trust go hand in hand. To believe you love and trust someone is far different that acting on that belief. Worry and fear are symptoms of an uncommitted or partially-committed heart. Worrying when God’s Word tells us it is unnecessary and a waste of time shows we don’t really trust Him. (Matt. 6:30-32) Fearing when God’s Word tells us to walk by Faith and not sight proves our love is not complete. (2 Cor. 5:7)

Like Bella, we have the freedom to choose trusting our Perfect Lover with our whole hearts. (Lk. 10:27) Though situations seem dangerous, though people threaten to hurt us, though past experiences leave a residue of fear infecting our thoughts and feelings, we can choose every time to trust our Perfect Lover. It’s called taking our thoughts captive and placing them under the authority of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5) Our thoughts can lead us astray because they are vulnerable to fear. But if we crack the whip, take authority over them in Jesus’ Name, we can lock those little buggers away for good! While we ourselves can be free to live in the secure light of our Perfect Lover’s love because perfect love casts out all fear (1 Jn 4:18).

What fears are keeping you from choosing your Perfect Lover wholeheartedly? Are you afraid that He’ll abandon you? Are you worried you won’t be able to keep your friendship with the world, the Other Choice, the competition to your Perfect Lover’s affections? Are you afraid that if you dive into this all-or-nothing relationship, that parts of who you are will die? Afraid of what others will think? Afraid that what your Perfect Lover is telling you isn’t true because it isn’t quite the same as the religious upbringing you remember?

Fear is an untrustworthy source on which to base decisions. While it is an inevitable force influencing the process of choice, it is rarely based on fact. (Guilt is another one of those unreliable forces!) Don’t allow fear to have the last word on your choices. If you do, your Free Will is compromised. Fear enslaves. If for nothing but the sacred preservation of your power of choice, check out a different point of view and allow other influences to put fear on the back burner.

Take the time to observe, for example, someone already living The Better Way.

That’s up next on Dry Ground.

To go to the next chapter, A Living Example, CLICK HERE.

(photos by photobucket.com)

How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will - The Choosing Fields

2011-10-31T01:00:00.004-04:00

First, I'd like to make note that 19 years ago today, I met my Daniel. What a blessing he is to my life!! I'm so glad my cousin, Shannon, and I went 'reverse' trick-or-treating that night. Love you, babe!

Well, it’s that time of year again. The next installment of The Twilight Saga is hitting movie theatres soon, November 18^th . So it’s also time for inspirational reflections based on the novels here at Dry Ground.

The first installment of my “Twiblogs’ focused on the first book, Twilight. I called it How Reading a Vampire Book Brought Me Closer to Jesus and it explored Edward Cullen representing in many aspects the Perfect Love of Jesus Christ. (To read CLICK HERE!)

The second section, called How Reading a Vampire Book Taught Me More About Faith, drew lessons from New Moon in which Bella’s faith in Edward’s love is put to a trying and difficult test. (To read CLICK HERE!)

This time around, I’m going to look at the third book in the series, Eclipse, and what it has to say about making choices. I call it – How Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will.

We start with an obvious question…

What is Free Will?

Simply, the inherent right to make our own choices.

Theologians debate the exact meaning of the phrase and bring into question satellite issues such as the omniscience of God, muddying the waters to the point of confusion. But I’m not here to argue the full extent of free will philosophy. In this case, I’m just counting Free Will as the right of an individual to make decisions absent of coercion or force.

Now I will contend that no decision is completely without coercion in the sense that every decision is based on influencing factors, be they fact or feeling or perception. However, Free Will means that when all factors have been taken into account, the decision to turn left or right ultimately hinges on our own determination.

In context, Eclipse is the turning point of the entire story, the Choosing Fields.

While in New Moon, Bella is tested, in Eclipse she is testing.

In New Moon, the choices are presented, and in Eclipse, the choices are examined. Though it seems the outcome is obvious, Bella’s resolve wavers in light of the permanence of the choices she’s about to make and the persuasion of those claiming to want the best for her.

Bella faces two major decisions that will determine the course of the rest of her life.

First, Edward has proposed marriage. She, in a move I didn’t see coming the first time I read it, refuses him. She loves him, she wants to be with him forever, but agreeing to marriage strikes a nerve of fear inside her. Consequently, she hasn’t really chosen him yet. Not completely. Alternative choices include Jacob, who declares his love openly in Eclipse, remaining alone or continuing on in a partial commitment with Edward.

Second, to be or not to be a vampire. Bella believes she is decided, but her actions prove otherwise. Again, fear messes with her resolve. Also, she is distracted by the possibility that Edward, though he does not want her to become a vampire, will change her himself, but that hinges on the marriage proposal.

So her two major choices are intertwined and multi-faceted.

In Eclipse, we find Bella in the middle of her decision-making adventure. Her future depends on the result of those decisions just as our future depends on the choice we make when Jesus asks, “Will you marry me?”

Our Perfect Lover, Jesus Christ, also has proposed marriage to every one of us on an intimate and personal level. It’s up to each of us to accept or deny that proposal. We examine many factors in life to help us decide – what we read and what we’re taught/told, the examples of others who have made the commitment to Christ, what we ourselves experience and feel, as well as our own perceptions of life and living which can involve our personalities and preferences.

During this examination process, Our Perfect Lover steps back, allowing us time and space to choose. He doesn’t leave us completely alone. No, he’s always there, reminding us and showing us how deep and wide and long and high His love is for us. Allowing Free Will does not in any way mean giving up the fight for our affections. But it does mean that He will never force us to choose Him.

I hope you’ll join me for the next couple of weeks as I attempt to show you how Reading a Vampire Book Revealed to Me the Gift of Free Will.

For the next chapter, The Influence of Fear, CLICK HERE.

(photos by photobucket.com)

POV Wednesday – Chasing Your Tail

2011-10-26T01:00:00.002-04:00

In September, my mom and Jay got a new puppy – Samson. He’s just a little tyke. I’m partial to big dogs, but this tiny one has made a mighty impact worthy of his name.

One of the things he does that totally cracks me up is chase his tail. Twirling and growling, he makes monumental efforts to catch that spry, white-tipped wagging thing.

Dogs have been doing this for centuries, of course, but for some reason it amuses me that it hasn’t gone out of style in the canine world. It’s so amusing.

I suppose from Samson’s POV, his tail is both catchable and something worthy to be caught.

Sometimes he succeeds. I can’t tell if the look on his face is a victorious one or communicating a mite bit of disappointment.

I wonder if there is anything in my life like Samson’s tail that I’m chasing, under the full belief that whatever it is, it is both obtainable and worthy to catch. But more often than not, I’m just spinning in circles wondering at the same time why what I want seems just out of reach.

We chase lots of things in life. The chasing isn’t in and of itself bad. But chasing can easily lead to craving/worshipping, and that’s idolatry. Fine line, sure. Entirely possible, though. Easily possible actually.

Personally, I know I waste a lot of energy chasing my tail because my focus is on the world and all the pursuits it wants me to crave. When I don’t catch them, I get discouraged at first and that quickly leads to coveting and then I start feeling sorry for myself. All of which is so tiring and stressful.

Peace comes only from focusing on God and what He has planned for our lives. (Isa. 26:3) Sometimes that means waiting. Waiting is hard, and if you’re a doer, chasing your tail at least gives you something to do. Being still and knowing God is God almost seems like a waste of time. But the opposite is true.

So, in the days to come, I’ll try to leave the tail chasing to Samson. He’s cuter doing it anyway. When I do it, I just look plain silly.

What are you chasing?

Happy Wednesday, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by Yours Truly)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-10-24T01:00:00.003-04:00

Well, here we are, almost October’s end, and I have one more ‘scary’ movie to recommend. Next week, Twi-blogs return as we count down the days until Breaking Dawn part 1 hits theatres. If you don’t know what that means, CLICK HERE to start with the first Twi-blog series that appeared here on Dry Ground.

So, I don’t have any phobias. I mean, there’s nothing that strikes fear into me so badly that I am rendered paralyzed or helpless.

Heights thrill me. Snakes fascinate me. Close spaces comfort me.

But one thing that can make me jump – things that ‘scurry’ – a.k.a. uncontained bugs or spiders or animals that move faster than I do.

Example, one time a teeny tiny gray mouse had taken up residence in the office space I worked in. It visited my desk one day. I stood on my chair like a typical, hysterical female. While ashamed of my behavior, I still did not volunteer to descend and catch said mousey. Why? Because it was a ‘scurry-er’!!!!

Therefore, today’s movie pick is about another kind of scurry-er, a classic from my growing up years – Arachnophobia!

Most classic ‘scary’ movies make me laugh, truth be told. I went to a homecoming dance with this one guy who thought watching Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original, mind you, from 1974) would be a good way to start the evening. He mistakenly identified me as a weak-stomached girly-girl who would be so scared that I’d cling to him for protection the rest of the night.

Good grief.

Anyway, Arachnophobia, which I saw in the theatre with a friend, definitely gave me the creeps! Spiders that big… well, I have seen a few in person actually (another story entirely)… but that many with such vindictive attitudes is bad news!

The trouble starts when a scientist who is doing research in South America dies of an unidentified disease. His coffin arrives back in his hometown with a stow-away on board, the gigantic spider that killed him. No one knows this, of course, until the spider mates and breeds, and an army of killer spiders overtakes the town. When neighbors start disappearing, a couple people notice and investigate. It’s a battle to the end!

The freakiest scene, the one that really got me and my friend never let me forget, was the shower scene. A teenage girl is taking a shower. While she washes her hair, she closes her eyes, like many of us do. One of the killer spiders falls on her and slides down with the water. She doesn’t even know it is there.

I enjoy these kinds of ‘horror’ movies because a good case of the creeps makes me laugh. Arachnophobia is a good flick that causes my nose to wrinkle, for me to cringe and utter ‘EW!’ and then laugh off. It’s just my kind of ‘scary’ movie.

After reading about the scary movies I can handle, I’d love to hear which ones you love. How about phobias? Do you have any?

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

POV Wednesday – The Elephant in the Room

2011-10-19T01:00:00.002-04:00

Have you heard that ancient Indian fable about the seven blind men and the elephant? Ed Young has a children’s book out in which the men are portrayed as blind mice, but it’s the same concept.

Seven blind men encounter an elephant, except they all run into a different part of it. When asked to describe what they ran into, their descriptions differed because of their experience. One had encountered the trunk, another the tail, still another the leg, another the ear, and so on. Based on each limited perspective, each man had a different take on what an elephant was. They didn’t know that they couldn’t have an accurate description of an entire elephant without pooling their discoveries.

This story has a lot of applications and is often used to argue against Christian belief in One True God.

But I have a different perspective, and it’s about perspective itself.

First, no matter the description, whether individual or collaborated, you still have an elephant. And an elephant is an elephant no matter how you describe it. The Truth of the matter is not a perspective. It is what it is. We don’t change the elephant by describing it in our own words. How we see it doesn’t make it that way.

So Truth is Truth. I know Truth because Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Any other religion touting multiple truths or saying any path is an acceptable path disregards the essence of Truth. They would say that if you want to believe that an elephant is all trunk, you go right ahead. It’s all right no matter the facts.

I’m not a theologian or an expert on apologetics, though, so the illustration I’d like to make with this story is for those who’ve already made it over the Truth hurdle.

Within the church, different perspectives abound as well, don’t they? Even when we all use the Holy Bible as the Authoritative Word on Truth, our perspective and treasure of experiences make us read the same words and have a different take. Not different like redefining Truth, but different angles of the same Truth.

Paul tells us in Romans and Corinthians about the church body, how there’s only one body but many parts. Those many parts unify to make one body. And as an eye, we’re not supposed to tell the foot they are not as good as an eye. And as an ear, we’re not supposed to tell the kneecap that it is useless. Of course, all members of the body are important to the function of the whole.

So why do we still tell other parts of the body that they are useless, unimportant, lesser, or wrong? If there is arrogance in perspective, it’s here, not in the argument between ‘religions.’

It’s just that some people are SO involved at being the eye or ear or foot that they cannot, nor would they care to, imagine what it would be like to be a fingernail, spleen or elbow. Unfortunately, that leads to pride and short-sightedness, and that results in the fingernail, spleen and elbow feeling insignificant and therefore acting as such. In both cases, the perspective is wrong. Pride motivates both reactions.

The point is two-fold.

Don’t be an apathetic elephant.

Don’t be a blind mouse.

Do your job/function to the best and highest quality you can possibly accomplish, whether eye, elbow or earlobe.

Then, remember that your function is not the only one keeping the body alive.

Have fun exploring perspectives, Dry Ground friends! There’s so much to see!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-10-17T01:00:00.003-04:00

OK, no one will be able to argue with me on this one. This is a truly scary movie, the story written by scare-master himself, Stephen King. It’s The Mist.

I admit, I’ve never actually read a Stephen King novel. Shameful, I know. But remember that little issue I have with fear-adrenaline? I think the scariest thing I’ve ever read was The Oath by Frank Peretti, and I wouldn’t even read that after dark!

Additionally, the only story of King’s I’m really familiar with is Shawshank Redemption, not exactly your typical horror flick (but darn-good storytelling for sure!).

So… how in the world do I know anything about The Mist?

Well, I’m shocked I went to see it all. Don’t remember my motivation. The weird thing is, it was the exact story I needed to hear at that time in my life because it taught me a valuable life lesson in the process.

The plot is not rocket science. An unusual mist has rolled into small town USA, casting a murky pallor over its innocent inhabitants, including Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden and some other recognizable faces. But it’s not the mist that has the folks running. Monsters live in that mist, and citizen after citizen is getting snatched, drug away and presumably killed.

Most of the movie happens at the local grocery store where a handful of brave people have barricaded themselves inside, hoping their defenses keep the monsters out long enough for the mist to roll along. Too bad for them, the monsters are hungry and find ways to penetrate their forces, including luring lone prey out into the open.

It’s an interesting study on the psyche of fear as the community reacts to this siege. The part that made such an impact on my life, however, comes right at the end. Thomas Jane’s character, David, along with four other people including one child who happens to be David’s son, decides to make a run for it. They make it safely to a car. They are terrified, but they’ve seen what happens to people left behind getting caught by these monsters, and they are determined for that not to happen to them. Immediately, the monsters pursue them. It’s a pretty even cat and mouse game, but alas, it gets to a point where it looks like the monsters are going to win.

SPOILER ALERT – because I just have to share why I like this flick so much…

At that moment, the one gun in the car is brought out. Five people, four bullets. The one doing the mercy shooting will have to face the fate of the monsters. David volunteers, but that means he’ll also be shooting his own son in order to save him from the horrors of the monsters. Shockingly and devastatingly, he carries this heinous act through.

The ring of the gun has not stopped echoing when David hears something else – the rumble of heavy machinery. He steps outside of his truck, where the bodies of his loved-ones lie, and sees National Guard tanks and soldiers marching up the road, spreading some sort of fog that drives back the mist. The monsters are defeated and must move on.

So the irony of this is the big whack meant for good storytelling, especially in King’s fashion of turning your guts inside out. The impact it made on me, however, turned on the light of hope.

See, I was facing ‘monsters’ in my life that had me afraid, hurting, hopeless and desperate. My Daniel and I were on the brink of even losing faith, I think. It was at one of those despairing moments we saw this movie. And immediately I realized… it’s always too early to shoot yourself (or anyone else) in the head. Not literally, of course (though I can’t say it never at least joked about in our depressed state). In other words, it’s always too early to give up. Rescue is right around the corner.

God promises. He won’t give us more than we can handle. He gives us everything we need to live according to His will. When the going gets tough, His Word is full of promises of comfort, strength, perseverance, rescue and joy. When life seems like a dead end, we have to remember that the very next second could be our second of redemption. If not that second, maybe the next. If not that one, the next.

In The Mist, they felt like they had run out of seconds, only to find out too late that the next second would have been the one to drive away the monsters.

I’ve had friends and acquaintances who have felt like they’d lived all their seconds up to a dead end and did not wait for the next one to receive their rescue. Please, my friends, no matter how bad it looks, don’t give up. It’s always always too early to give up.

Be blessed, Dry Ground friends!!

(photo by photobucket.com)

POV Wednesday – Stories of ‘Least’

2011-10-12T01:00:00.003-04:00

I have issues with feelings of inadequacy.

I’d go into all the reasons for that, but I am not here to feel sorry for myself. Not at all! I just wonder if anyone out there feels the same way. If so, I wanted to offer some encouragement.

It’s so easy to see through the world’s eyes since we live right in the middle of it. The truth of the matter is that people keep score. People compete. From sports to the work place, from academics to politics, rank exists. There’s always someone better, there’s always someone worse, and somehow that determines how bad or good we feel about ourselves.

It’s even found in the church.

Problem is, there’s no such thing as a ‘good’ Christian.

Consequently, the same is true for ‘better’ Christians and the ‘best’ Christian. They don’t exist. (Neither do ‘worse’ or ‘worst’ for that matter!)

The only qualifying word that should ever be attached to the title ‘Christian’ is ‘least.’

“Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’” (Matt. 18:2-4)

“But many who are the greatest now will be the least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” (Matt. 19:30)

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matt. 10:42)

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn. 15:13)

“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but it you give up your life for me, you will find it.” (Matt. 10:39)

Throughout the Old Testament, God uses men and woman who are considered ‘least’ to do something ‘great’ for Him. One example is Gideon. His story is in Judges 6. Israel has, yet again, turned their backs on God, worshipping idols and doing evil in His sight. Many consequences have ensued making life miserable for all Israelites, including the ones who still love and worship the Lord. Because of His great love and mercy, God calls Gideon to “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” (vs14)

Instead of rejoicing that God is sending a rescue to his people, Gideon balks with this excuse: “But Lord, Gideon replied, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (vs. 15)

I think this story says it all because Gideon’s being weak and ‘least’ is exactly the point. The victory comes from the next verse and God’s promise: “I will be with you.”

All things are possible through Christ.

Of course, Gideon had to accept the directive and leave his threshing floor to face the enemy. He had an action to employ. But the trick is to employ that action with the full knowledge that God is with you and God is your strength.

A lovely partnership, don’t you think?

Too often I allow Gideon’s excuse to be my own, but I stay sitting on my threshing floor laboring over something when I should be out fighting and leading. Don’t let feelings of inadequacy, especially by the standards of this world, keep you from heeding God’s call for your life. He’s looking for the ‘least’ because only He is the greatest!

Be strong and courageous, Dry Ground friends!

For a little bit more… to those of you who like finding Truth nuggets in modern stories…

This is one of the reasons I loved this past summer’s blockbuster movie, Thor, so much.

In the beginning, Thor has the opposite problem as me – over confidence. He’s the son of a god, he’s strong and brave, and a skilled and powerful fighter. He believes he has everything it takes to be a great ruler. In fact, he’s confident he will be greater than his father before him. His arrogance, however, leads him to brash actions that disrespect, dishonor and disobey his father. For these actions, he is banished and stripped of his power.

Though stronger than a mere human, Thor finds himself on Earth with far less abilities than he had in his paradise home. This does not deter him altogether, though, as he believes he just needs his hammer to regain his god-like status. He believes he will overcome this slight hiccup in his life through force of his will and his power.

He encounters a rude awakening, however, when he battles and overcomes SHIELD officers who have surrounded and secured his hammer only to find he, like all the other humans, can not budge it. In his own strength, he has failed.

He goes on to learn through the rest of the story that one thing that eludes so many of us… humility. In his weakness, he is shown what true strength is, the strength his father has been trying to teach him. He couldn’t learn it until he was a mere mortal, the ‘least’ of all. When the light bulb does go on for him, though, he acts with a noble self-sacrifice, and in that alone – laying down his life for his friends – is his power restored to him.

Now, he is exponentially powerful as his heart and soul match – maybe even exceed – the strength of his body and mind. What’s more, his relationship to his father is restored, perhaps the most important result of all.

Both sides of the coin, over-confidence and lack thereof, are sins. Why? Because they both leave out all account of God and His power within us. Relying solely on His power and presence balance and focus our outlook. Only then can we ‘accomplish’ for His glory.

(photos by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-10-10T01:00:00.002-04:00

Ok, I promised a true horror movie this week as October plods along toward Halloween.

Does it count if it is also a musical?

In my book, yes, it definitely counts. It’s probably the goriest movie I like.

You know what I’m talking about, right? It’s the Sondheim Broadway musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a 2007 Tim Burton-directed film starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

First off, Mr. Todd is not a demon. He’s a bitter, hurting man bent on revenge. Years ago, when he was known as Benjamin Barker, he had a rosy life – beautiful wife, new baby daughter. They were happy, and it showed. Judge Turpin, a dark-hearted man filled with envy, noticed, fell in lust with Mrs. Barker and contrived to take her for his own benefit. He fixes a false accusation and conviction that sends Mr. Barker away to prison for twenty years. But when he tries to force Mrs. Barker into a relationship, she mentally snaps and no one ever hears from her again. The Judge takes the Barker’s daughter and raises her as his own.

When Mr. Barker returns, he’s in disguise as Sweeney Todd, a mysterious, quirky fellow looking to open a barbershop as a cover to his murderous plans. He meets Mrs. Lovett, who runs a pie shop on Fleet Street and happens to have a room upstairs perfect for a barbershop. Mrs. Lovett’s not exactly pristine in her food preparation habits as anything that scurries across her counter makes it into the pies, so eating a pie at her shop probably isn’t such a good idea. But that warning doubles… triples… quadruples when she gets into business with Mr. Todd.

Mr. Todd is so captive to the hurt he’s experienced in life that everyone strolling in his path is in danger of being a victim of his wrath. A trip to the barber Sweeney Todd means a dismal end in one of Mrs. Lovett’s pies.

What a strange story to make into a musical, right? But the songs eerily fit, and hold a deep message if you listen to the words. One of my favorites is “Have a Little Priest,” a song sung by Todd and Lovett just as they decide to combine their businesses. It’s tongue-in-cheek, but it cleverly turns symbolic language about our ‘tastes’ in different kinds of people into literal ‘tastes.’ Creepy, but also funny in a dark, satirical way.

Of course, this movie isn’t meant to be comedic, though there is some such relief in places. It really highlights the destruction of a life lived for revenge as well as the damage sins like envy, false accusation and greed can cause. That’s why I like it so much.

Yes, it is gory. Our demon barber slits the throats of several of his customers and the blood splatter is significant. The ending shocks and startles, and yet is an apt conclusion. Sometimes seeing the dark side and all its consequences, like seeing the inside of a jail cell, is a great motivator to avoid such sadness. This story shows what blind rage can keep us from seeing, and how the outcome could be different if we could just see beyond the need to pay someone back for hurts they’ve inflicted.

The acting in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street kills (haha). Depp and Carter of course (I think they excel in most everything they do), but also Alan Rickman as the sinister judge and Sacha Baron Cohen (yes, crazy Borat himself) as a competing barber give spectacular performances. Though Burton usually directs fantastical, over-the-top celebrations of strange, this story is strange enough so that his influence is present but not over powering.

So, if you dare, try a little Sweeney Todd for a scare and to be made aware of the dangers of revenge.

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-10-07T01:00:00.001-04:00

As my pride and confidence war within, Toby Mac's song helps me focus on what is real. Hope it encourages you today too!

Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday - Hair Care

2011-10-05T01:00:00.002-04:00

I shed.

I have long hair, and it seems like I’m always pulling a strand from my husband’s shoulder or twisting around like a dog chasing her tail looking for what’s tickling my arm. Every morning after drying my hair, I brush it out and inevitably a bunch of it ends up in the hairbrush. And yet, thankfully, I still manage to have a head full of hair.

Seems like a silly thing to notice, sillier still to write about it. But here’s my point.

Have you ever heard this verse? “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Luke 12:7)

It’s a comforting verse on the surface, but the depth of it quickens my heart – as evidenced in what I said above, the number of my hairs changes every day and sometimes multiple times a day. That means He’s constantly re-counting the number of hairs on my head because it’s always changing. He’s with me all the time. I am not alone or forgotten. The God of the Universes, my Creator and Savior, is continually paying attention to me, even down to the number of hairs on my head.

So whether you have hairs to spare or few enough that even you can count them, be encouraged that God always knows how many there are – a clear indication that He values you, Dry Ground friends!

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-10-03T01:00:00.001-04:00

It’s October!! Wow. Can’t believe that. Time flies.

I know lots of movie lovers who look forward to this time of year because they are fans of those stories that are designed to frighten them into peeing their pants. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, my fellow film fans love to load up on horror, monster and generally scary flicks.

Me… not so much. It’s not that I’ve a frail constitution. My theory is that the adrenaline rush that is ‘fear’ does not give me a thrill, as in the thrill of riding a roller coaster, rather it makes my joints ache as if I have the flu. It’s just not pleasant for me. It’s the one genre of story that’s not my favorite.

But I do like suspense and mystery. So over the next couple of weeks, I’ll share the films at least remotely related to the season that fit into my comfort level.

The first one is about as ‘monster’ movie as I get. It’s a modern take on a classic fairy tale, and of course it communicates a worthy moral.

Earlier this year, a little movie by CBS Films called Beastly hit theatres starring up-and-coming cutie pie Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) and Vanessa Hudgens of High School Musical fame. It’s a live-action, modern telling of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Alex plays Kyle, his high school’s prince, gorgeous, rich, cocky and mean. Vanessa plays Lindy, a hard-working beauty and fellow student of Kyle’s who doesn’t have it so easy at home with her addict father. Early in the plot, Kyle plays a cruel joke on the class Goth, a self-proclaimed witch named Kendra, played by Mary-Kate Olsen. In order to teach Kyle a lesson, Kendra places a curse on him. Kyle’s inner beastliness mars his good looks making him ugly with scars, blemishes and tattoos including the image of a tree on the inside of his arm. The curse remains unless someone tells him they love him before the tree goes through all the seasons – basically, a year.

Kyle goes through a gamut of emotions as he copes with his biggest fears, his own prejudices, and the ugliness of his soul. On a sharp learning curve aided by a sympathetic housemaid, a blind tutor, and an unsuspecting Lindy, Kyle discovers the meaning of true love and beauty.

I like this story and how it fleshes out in this movie. It’s not brilliant as far as writing is concerned, and yes it gets a little sappy (but only a little!). Though the story is perfect for young people, the PG13 language puts it more at young adult, so I think the producers didn’t have their target audience clearly in focus. Still, Beastly is clever enough, teaches a timeless and important theme, and makes for a pleasant evening of movie watching.

Okay, okay, next week a true horror movie… promise.

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-09-30T01:00:00.000-04:00

I know I need to listen to this one over and over. Enjoy, and let it give you a heart tune up heading into this weekend. Mandisa's "The Truth About Me."

Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday – Keep on Swinging

2011-09-28T01:00:00.003-04:00

Recently, I saw Brad Pitt’s new movie, Moneyball, based on the true story about the Oakland A’s baseball team rebuilding to compete in the Major Leagues at a fraction of the budget of other powerhouse clubs. (For my review CLICK HERE).

This post, however, is about an important POV I garnered from the movie, something I think the game itself teaches.

Here’s the gist. A loss does not automatically equal failure.

See, in the movie, Pitt’s character, General Manager of the A’s Billy Beane, took a team of has-beens and hurt players, paid them the minimum because that’s all he had, and ended up with a winning season. They even set a League record of most consecutive wins (20) in a season. At the end, though, Beane laments over their loss in the post-season that ends their bid for the World Series. He felt that if they didn’t win the big game, the rest of the season was a failure.

He discovers, however, through the help of a colleague and his 12-year-old daughter that what he and the A’s had accomplished that season was phenomenal, record-breaking, and impressive. He’d ‘won’ in a manner of speaking. He just couldn’t see for the forest for the trees, or the trees for the forest. Either way.

How many times did Babe Ruth strike out during his career? In reality, he struck out twice as often as his contemporaries, 1330 times in regular season play. Yet, he’s known as one of the best, if not the best, player of all time.

It’s because baseball is about milestones – stats and records and reaching bars set by those who came before. Sure, they tally losses and errors, but a successful (or winning) career is based on much more than that column in the stat book.

Life is the same. No one can get to the end of it with ‘wins’ in every column. No one bats 1000. No one pitches perfect every game. No one never drops a fly ball.

Perfection is a tough business. In fact, no one can do it. Only one Person in history has, and He was not only human, but God as well.

We should give ourselves a break. What’s more, we should give other people a break.

Yes, Jesus said to be perfect, as He is perfect. Thing is, He didn’t mean for us to do that in our own power. He knew we couldn’t do it apart from Him.

I think I’ll try looking at life a little more like baseball. Of course, the aim is to catch the ball every time, throw a strike every time, win every contest – aka Do My Best. But when I don’t, I’m going to keep on swinging - concentrate on milestones, on my step by step journey as I move forward. I’m going to live free of condemnation because Christ has paid everything for me to have the privilege. In fact, His name in the ‘win’ column is all that’s needed.

Hope you’re having a great week, Dry Ground friends! Be blessed! Remember, to quote a movie fave: Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game! (Cinderella Story, 2004)

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-09-26T01:00:00.001-04:00

You’ve heard of the Man Who Knew Too Much, but have you heard of The Man Who Knew Too Little? Well, that’s Bill Murray in a movie of the same name from 1997. And it’s hilarious.

Bill plays Wallace Ritchie, an average Joe from Des Moines, IA who flies to London, England on his birthday in order to surprise his brother, an up-and-coming finance banker, living there. Problem is, brother James, played by Peter Gallagher, has important investors coming over for dinner and having Wally around just wouldn’t be a wise idea, as we soon find out why. So, figuring out a way to get Wally out of the house for a few hours, James signs his brother up for the Theatre of Life, a reality television program that plunges the ‘contestant’ into a dramatic situation that expects them to ad lib through a virtual adventure. It starts with a phone call. Instructions are given to get the ball rolling, then the rest is a glorified evening of Improv.

James takes Wallace to the prescribed public phone booth and waits with him to get the phone call. But a group of spies and assassins happen to be using the same phone booth, and their call comes in first. James and Wallace believe that’s the Theatre of Life call they’ve been waiting for. So Wally dives into a world of murder and mayhem, all the while believing everything is an act. His unintentional ignorance creates laugh after laugh.

With the help of Alfred Molina, Joanne Whalley, and other satellite characters, Bill Murray follies his way to saving the world without even realizing it.

I like this movie mostly because I laugh every time I watch it. But it also gets me thinking. Wally’s able to accomplish what he does because all his actions are free of fear due to the fact that he believes it is all make-believe. Short of ignoring the realness of real life (we shouldn’t be ostriches with our heads in the sand), how different would life be if we lived it without fear? Throughout Scripture, God is encouraging us, imploring us, not to fear. Maybe that’s because He knows how potential blossoms when freed of fear.

So in a way, Wally’s an inspiration. He’s also a great source of entertainment.

Check out The Man Who Knew Too Little! And Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends.

(photo by photobucket.com)

POV Wednesday - 20/20

2011-09-21T01:00:00.003-04:00

No one wishes for a trip to the emergency room.

From traumatic accidents to blind-siding illnesses, there’s never a pleasant reason to visit the ER.

Of course, the good thing is when the doctors and nurses are able to help, and life is saved or remedied enough to regain a measure of comfort.

Let’s face it, we’re better off that emergency rooms exist even though we never want to have to go to one.

When was the last time you went to the ER? I bet the whole time you were there, you were thinking to yourself, Man, this is SUCH a blessing!!

Am I right?

It’s difficult for us to perceive suffering as a good thing let alone something to be thankful for. Any benefit we garnish from suffering usually comes to light after the fact, not in the middle of puking out your stomach lining or holding your split chin closed or trying to keep from looking at the bone sticking out of your elbow. I’m pretty sure that time I had the stomach flu, I was not praising Lord Jesus for the monster mash twisting my guts like a Tasmanian devil.

Perhaps my relative, however, after this past weekend, will see trips to the ER differently from now on. And because of him, we can too.

See, he lives in Reno, NV. And last week, he had to take a trip to the emergency room. I’m not even sure why. But it was bad enough to keep him at home and in bed all the next day. That was a bummer, though, because he had been given free, expensive, choice, grandstand seats to a local event and he was looking forward to attending. But because of his emergency illness, the whole family stayed home.

You know what that local event was?

The air show that you heard about on the news, the one during which a plane crashed into the grandstand, killing and injuring dozens.

Yea, the same grandstand my relative would have been sitting in were it not for the emergency room visit he’d suffered through the night before.

Now, from my perspective, naturally since we’re talking about my loved one, I see this as the hand of God protecting him and his family. Of course, I grieve for those who did lose their lives. I don’t know about the hand of God in their situation. Since He knows every day we live before we’re even born, it could be that Saturday was those people’s appointed time to die. Doesn’t help the family members mourning them now.

But it wasn’t my relative’s time, and God used suffering as a way of making sure of it.

We all experience suffering and disappointment in life. Some day-to-day irksome things and other huge, life-changing things. But if we’re still breathing, then it is all for a reason, His reason, His perfect plan. Often times, we find this out way down the road, and can be thankful circumstances played out as they did even though they hurt. Other times, we have absolutely no idea why we endured such a painful experience. And rarely do we ever thank God in the midst of the suffering.

But I think this example in the life of my relative proves that we can and we should praise the Lord Jesus in all things, maybe even especially in the sufferings. You never know what He’s protecting you from that could be much, much worse.

God is sovereign. He’s also good. He’s not causing or allowing pain to be a jerk. He loves us so much, He causes or allows it for a good reason that is always, always for our good. (Rom. 8:28) So we can thank Him. In all things.

Be blessed, Dry Ground friends.

(photo from office/microsoft.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-09-19T01:00:00.001-04:00

Stanley Kubrick directed such cult classics as A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket, and 2001:A Space Odyssey, none of which I have seen. I mean, when I was growing up, everybody knew that his movies were just freaky. I’d also always heard of today’s pick, but its notorious title and surreal clips shown on TV specials kept me at bay until I started working my way through the Academy Award Best Picture nomination list.

I’m talking about Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb from 1964.

This political satire filmed in black and white stars funny man Peter Sellers (in three roles), and the much funnier (in this case) George C. Scott. In fact, Mr. Scott is the main reason I watch this one over and over. His performance is off the charts.

But of course, there’s a story. Here’s what happens. A paranoid Brigadier General, played by talented Sterling Hayden, goes off the reservation, locking down the base he’s in charge of and issuing the irreversible code to the bombers over the Pacific to attack the Soviet Union. The defense department scrambles to undo this potential world-ending event.

Peter Sellers plays the president of the United States, a Captain at the locked down fort, and Dr. Strangelove, the sort of former Nazi who created the catastrophic weapon. He’s amusing and delivers many ironic lines that makes me laugh such as, “You can’t fight in here! This is the war room!”

But as I mentioned, George C. Scott, playing General Buck Turgidson, steals the show in my opinion. The whole movie is worth watching just to see his expressions, his comedic timing, his brilliant performance. From his character’s manic obsession with chewing gum to his arched eyebrow, the man who played Patton gives one of the funnies performances I’ve ever seen.

You don’t even have to get or agree with the politics being satirized here to enjoy the film. And from beginning to end, it absolutely can be considered ‘strange’ but that’s part of the point, right?

It’s smart, though, if you feel like thinking it through, and has some dialogue that might make you go “What?” but then the light bulb flickers on.

If you’re willing to step out of the box for the sake of a few, smart laughs, try Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-09-16T00:41:00.002-04:00

Even though this isn't my favorite version of this song, it's still encouraging because the words are just awesome. Hope it helps you today! In the Waiting, by Greg Long...

Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday – Waiting

2011-09-14T00:51:00.002-04:00

Well, here we are, safe and sound, and temporarily settled in St. Louis. It’s been a busy and tiring, though uneventful yet enjoyable week.

Now for more waiting. Waiting to find out what job my Daniel will be blessed with. Waiting to find out what city that might be in. Waiting to find out where we will live (as in not my mom’s and Jay’s basement). Waiting to see the new thing the Lord has for us.

I feel like I’ve done a lot of waiting in my 37 ½ years. I’m sure I’m not the only one. And not all of it has been bad. But it’s not my favorite. Sometimes, I even complain.

Recently, however, I’ve been reading the story of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, in Genesis. Wo! Talk about someone who did a lot of waiting in her 127 years! Her example gives me great perspective on my own story of waiting.

Firstly, Sarah’s story is told almost entirely from Abraham’s perspective. We don’t get to find out what she thought about finding herself TWO TIMES in the harem of TWO different kings because Abraham told them she was his sister (which was less than a lie, but not the entire truth). Both of these events seem to be long-term happenings, as one of them indicates that the other women of the harem were struck barren as punishment to the king planning on taking Sarah, a married woman, as his wife, even though he wasn’t doing it intentionally. How long was Sarah there before they knew the other women were barren? Had to be several weeks at least, right? Think about the waiting Sarah had to do then.

Next, for thirteen years, Sarah had to watch her husband bond with a son who was not hers. Sure, it had been her idea in the first place, but only because of intense grief over being barren herself. And, I might point out, Abraham didn’t argue the point with her. Sleep with your maid servant? Heck, why not?

Sarah is most known for waiting for her son, Isaac, to be born, a promise of God even though she was nearly a hundred years old.

In my own wait for a child, I’ve thought about Sarah’s situation in depth.

Even if she knew from young adulthood that she’d have a child, but not until she was 90, that’s a long wait. Excruciating, even. But Sarah didn’t know from young adulthood that she’d ever have a child. All she knew was that she was barren.

Abraham received a promise from God for Isaac when he was in his early 80s, so Sarah would have been in her early 70s. If Abraham shared with her this conversation he had with God, then she didn’t find out about even the possibility of a son until she was seven decades old! What if, however, he didn’t tell her? What if she didn’t know until she overheard the Lord and the two angels talking with Abraham over their picnic lunch? The time when she laughed… and all of us righteously think how could she laugh at such a thing?? Well, if she was already 90 years old and been barren all her difficult, dramatic life, then I’d say laughter was quite natural. Honestly, I would have.

Then, whether she believed it or not, she had one more year to wait. The angels told her this time next year. And we think counting the minutes until TGIF is bad.

More than feeling Sarah and I belong in the same club just to bemoan our waiting circumstances, I take heart in her story because God does promise and God does come through … every time.

When Sarah delivers her son, the Bible describes it like this…

The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. And Abraham named their son Isaac. (Gen. 21:1-3)

What are you waiting for? Has God promised you something that has yet to be fulfilled? I encourage you to HOLD FAST. Do you feel forgotten? HOLD FAST! Do you feel like time is running out? HOLD FAST. Why? Because God is good and He is great. His Word is full of promises meant personally for you. Our job is to rely upon and trust in His perfect timing.

Not so easy. Sarah laughed at Him. But God was faithful, even to Sarah, to do what He said He would do.

I hope that thought gives you peace in your time of waiting.

Happy Wednesday, Dry Ground friends! Be blessed!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday – My Man Godfrey

2011-09-12T01:00:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I’m repeating myself a little again, but I couldn’t pass this one up.

This week’s pick stars, along with Carole Lombard, William Powell, whom I especially like in the Thin Man series. However, My Man Godfrey outshines anything these two have ever done, as well as many of its contemporary films.

Set in America’s Great Depression, Godfrey is a ‘forgotten man’ living in a kind of shantytown at the city dump. One evening, a limo pulls up, and out pops three high society swells, two women and a man, on a scavenger hunt. One of the items on the list, the thing that will fetch the most points, is a ‘forgotten man.’ The two girls are sisters, and the older strolls up to Godfrey with great confidence and offers him five dollars to go with them. Her assuming attitude does not amuse Godfrey and he pushes her into an ash heap. That deeply tickles her sister, Irene (Lombard) who is used to seeing her sister win at everything. She sits down to talk to Godfrey, and her childlike innocence convinces Godfrey to go with her so that she can win the scavenger hunt and beat her sister at something.

One thing leads to another and Godfrey is made the butler of the sisters’ household, which also includes their parents and their mother’s ‘protégée,’ a Russian musician and freeloader. Godfrey soon finds out that this family is quirky to say the least, made eccentric by their ridiculous wealth in a time when most have so little. It’s also soon obvious that Irene is in love with Godfrey, while the older sister is intent on disgracing him all on the account that he pushed her into the ash heap. They all find out, however, that Godfrey is more than he appears.

What ensues is comical and chaotic, but not in a confusing way. Every line has a purpose, each wisecrack building an intelligent and socially pertinent story. The end result is brilliant, entertaining, and so delightful you’ll want to watch it all over again.

Of all the classic films, this has to rank up there in my top ten favorites. It’s a true gem.

I hope you’ll give My Man Godfrey a try!

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-09-09T01:00:00.000-04:00

They just don't sing them like this any more. Call me silly, but listening to this song perks me up, makes me smile, reminds me that life, indeed, is grand. I dare you to try it out for yourself!!

Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday – Moving Day... Again

2011-09-07T01:00:00.002-04:00

Well, here we are again – it’s moving day for the Lundquists.

Since this is the 12^th moving day in our 16 years of marriage, I’m pretty used to process. I’ve got an actual routine now, which is either really sad or just good sense.

At any rate, my POV is that I’m always moving toward something better. I don’t know why things turned out the way they did. Despite the sub-zero winters and isolation of living in the middle of nowhere, I was prepared to make a home here in MT. But it was not to be.

So I look to the next step with hope, excitement, sure a little anxiety, but above all else confidence in the One who holds me safe and secure no matter what. In light of Heaven, I can always say the best is yet to come, but I prefer to apply that to the here and now as well.

My point this week, besides letting you know that the dust of MT is being shaken from my toes, is to remember that perspective is a matter of choice, and that’s the truth no matter what kind of day you’re having.

See you in St. Louie, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday – Mr. and Mrs. Smith

2011-09-05T01:00:00.002-04:00

No, not the Jolie/Pitt version from a few years ago, though I do like that one.

This Mr. and Mrs. Smith debuted in 1941 and stars Robert Montgomery and Carole Lombard in a quirky romantic comedy.

One morning at breakfast (after three years of marriage), Mrs. Smith asks Mr. Smith, if you had it all to do over again (get married) would you? Mr. Smith, going along with the rules Mrs. Smith has applied to their relationship, opts to answer truthfully – no, he’d have remained single.

Ooops.

But he didn’t mean it the way she took it. Of course not.

Well, Mr. Smith goes on to work at his law office only to get a visitor. A member of the city council in the little town Mr. and Mrs. Smith got married in arrives to tell him that their marriage isn’t legal due to a licensing technicality.

Mr. Smith thinks he’ll have some fun with this, but Mrs. Smith misinterprets Mr. Smith’s shenanigans. The twist happens when Mrs. Smith tells Mr. Smith she doesn’t want him any more (only because she’s mad). But Mr. Smith realizes that he does want Mrs. Smith to stay Mrs. Smith, and has to re-win her heart.

Directed by the King of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, this story champions the bonds of marriage in a whimsical, entertaining setting.

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up - Special Edition

2011-09-02T01:00:00.001-04:00

To those of you who've lost loved ones this week, like my sister-in-law and family, I hope this song is an encouragement to you as it has been to me.

Be blessed, Dry Ground friends! Hug someone today!!

POV Wednesday – A Father’s Touch

2011-08-31T01:00:00.002-04:00

The church we’ve been attending is a brand new start-up holding services in an old fancy furniture store. My Daniel and I sit up in the balcony where we can see the entire ‘sanctuary’ floor and stage, as well as the sign in tables for the kids’ classes sitting outside their classroom doors.

For the past several weeks, about two songs into worship, I’ve noticed a family arriving. Mom with four boys, the youngest about five. I watch as mom signs little boy up to go into his Sunday school while he has a serious anxiety attack behind her. He seems absolutely freaked out and unwilling to leave his mother as he clings to her legs, pleads with her, shakes his head, tenses up his little hands.

Now this, through my untrained eyes, does not look like a temper tantrum or any other attention-getting reaction. This poor kid is afraid. Even when a nice volunteer lady comes out to escort him in, he panics.

By the way, he doesn’t do this audibly. I mean, he doesn’t disrupt the service going on at all.

He eventually goes in. And I don’t see him until the next week when the same scene occurs.

Well this past Sunday, we are singing song two, I look down, and there’s the family. This time, however, two huge differences meet my eyes.

First, Dad is with them, and is the one signing little boy up for his class.

Second, little boy is calm as a cucumber. No crying, shaking, hiding, trembling. He even proudly puts the sticky name badge on the front of his shirt himself. He walks right in to class unassisted. No problems.

Let me tell you, I got tears in my eyes! I wanted to cheer for him, ‘Way to go! You did it!” I wanted to throw the little tyke a party. Somehow, at some point, he conquered his fear!

Now, I have no idea what happened, of course. As far as I can tell, mom is no monster. She was quite patient with him without being coddling. I mean, he always eventually had to go into the class after she reassured him with hugs and kisses.

But for some reason, I get this feeling that the change hinged on the fact that Dad stood by his side.

It got me thinking.

There’s a lot of stuff we have to do in this life. And we don’t always want to do it. We may even throw a fit from time to time. But if the Father is standing next to us, if we allow Him to usher us to and through the responsibilities of life, then somehow they just don’t seem as scary.

The Father’s presence equals Peace.

So, while I’m privately rejoicing for this kid I don’t even know, I’m also thanking God for him and his example to me, as well as taking time to sense the ever-present Peace of my Father God.

Peace to you, my Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-08-29T01:00:00.003-04:00

I hate to sound redundant. Lacking variety troubles me. But when you see a good thing, well, you can’t argue with it.

What I’m getting at is that this week’s movie (again) features Jimmy Stewart, in one of his first starring roles, this time paired up with Ginger Rogers of dancing fame.

While Jimmy is a shoe in for a good movie, Ginger Rogers also makes an impression. She’s so much more than a dancing duo a la Fred Astaire. She’s gorgeous, for one thing, and a captivating actress.

In this film, Vivacious Lady from 1938, Jimmy plays Peter Morgan, a college botany professor browbeat by his stuffy, prestigious father who happens to be the college’s president. Peter is sent into the city to retrieve his cousin, Keith, who is fond of club hopping and carousing. Peter finds him in a particular club staking out a particular club singer he’s fascinated with. In a quirky twist, Francey (Rogers), the singer, ends up hitting the town with Peter. A whirlwind romance ensues, and within 24 hours, Peter and Francine are married and headed back to Old Sharon, where Peter and his family live.

A few obstacles complicate their newlywed bliss right off the bat, not the least of which is Peter’s parent-picked fiancé awaiting him at the train depot.

The rest of the movie is the couple’s attempts to reveal their nuptials to his parents and the fiancé, to keep hidden their relationship until his parents know, and to overcome the differences in culture and society threatening their marriage.

Vivacious Lady is romantic, comical (LOL moments), and endearing. Peter wears his heart on his sleeve, abounding in tender gestures of love and adoration. Francey delivers snappy sarcasm and shows a lot of gumption.

It ends up being a good lesson in relationships, particularly marriages, but also parent/child ones as well.

I love Vivacious Lady. Maybe you would too?

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-08-26T01:00:00.001-04:00

Um... yea. Couldn't have said it better myself! Check it out and be encouraged!

Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday – Thought of the Day

2011-08-24T01:00:00.002-04:00

I’ve always liked the concept of the ‘Thought of the Day’ because sometimes all it takes is one sentence to get you thinking, to make an impact, to change your perspective.

That happened to me a couple days ago when I read the following in the notes of my Study Bible:

“God exerts Himself to rescue those who desire Him.”

While pondering the fact that I need rescuing, that I have been rescued, or that I should take the temperature of my desire for my God, the thought that strikes me most in this sentence is this: God exerts Himself…

By definition, that means: to apply influence, pressure, or authority in an attempt to have a powerful effect on a situation or to make a strenuous physical or mental effort.

I don’t know about you, but after reading such verses such as:

Gen. 2:7 “Then the Lord Go formed the man from the dust of the ground.”

Psalm 8:4 “…what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

Job 22:12 “God is so great – higher than the heavens, higher than the furthest stars.”

Psalm 103:14 “For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust.”

Luke 12:25-26 “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worry over bigger things?”

…the fact that God exerts Himself when it comes to the business of rescuing me gives me great pause, awes me into silence, and gives me a glorious thought to think of for today.

Thank You, Jesus.

Peace, Dry Ground Friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-08-22T01:00:00.002-04:00

I’ll pretty much watch anything starring Jimmy Stewart. He’s one of my faves in the world of classic film.

That’s not saying that I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve seen (Did not particularly care for It’s a Wonderful World, a slapstick detective story with Claudette Colbert). But one I liked that may not be on the radar for most co-starred Rosalind Russell (whom I also loved in Auntie Mame and His Girl Friday). This one’s No Time for Comedy from 1940.

Russell plays Linda Paige, a Broadway actress starring in a play by new playwright Gay Esterbrook. A native of Minnesota, Mr. Esterbrook is due in town (NYC) any minute to rewrite some awkward scenes in the third act. While the director and producer have serious doubts about the play, Linda goes to bat for the green writer and it ends up a success. The same night the first reviews show up in the newspaper, Linda falls for Gay’s small town charm and Gay falls for Linda’s metropolis glamour. They get married.

Four years later, after four successful plays, the Esterbrooks are at a society party where Gay meets Mandy Swift, the bored wife of a rich investment broker. Her meddling meets with Gay’s serious case of writer’s block, and his marriage is threatened. Mandy’s made him think of everything he doesn’t have and hasn’t accomplished, and in his vulnerable state he falls for it. But he quickly finds out that what he’s gained leaves behind all the wonderful things he did have. It ends on an upswing, but that’s the only hint I’ll give you.

This movie reminds me of the Garden of Eden and how it shows up every day in our own lives. The snake tempted Eve by attacking her sense of contentment. He implied that she should be unhappy with what she had because of what he claimed she didn’t have. He presented the argument, and she chose to believe, that all the perfection of the Garden and her fellowship with God meant nothing without the knowledge of good and evil. Thus, she tasted the apple, and we know the rest of the story because we are living it.

In the movie, Mr. Esterbrook has got it good, better than he seemed to realize. In a state of frustration, he leaned toward the apple that dangled in front of his nose that made the argument that the current condition of his life was nothing compared to his ‘potential.’ Oh, there’s a word to screw with a sense of pride if I’ve ever heard one! Well, Mr. Esterbrook leans, but thankfully does not consume the apple, which makes for a lovely and romantic story.

It got me thinking – when in my life am I tempted by the things I don’t have? When I’m stressed out, for whatever reason, I find so often that my sense of contentment is challenged, which tickles my pride, and results in depression and/or sin.

The solution is to count my blessings and to give thanks to God in all things. He knows much better what I need, what I can handle, even what I would like than I do. Sure, sure, present my requests to Him (Phil. 4:6-7), but after that, I must trust in His sovereignty over my life.

That’s where the Peace that passes all understanding comes from. That’s the secret to contentment.

Anyway, if you’re so inclined, check out No Time for Comedy starring Jimmy Stewart and Rosalind Russell! It’s a good one!

Peace out, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-08-19T01:00:00.001-04:00

Not so easy in the world we live in, but I suggest giving it a try - Be Still by Steven Curtis Chapman. For me, it's the tune up I need to keep on trucking!

Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday - Be Still

2011-08-17T01:00:00.003-04:00

I live most of my life in my brain. What I mean is, that I’m an analytical person. I need logic, order, a system, a reason. Emotions are secondary at best, unless there is a reason to have them. Haha.

Seriously, though, I am constantly trying to make sense of things. Blessings or hardships, ups and downs, good and bad. How often have I said, “There’s a reason for everything!”?

Yes, I believe that to be true, but we’re not always going to know what that reason is. Sometimes the reason is so far beyond our capacity and/or limited eyesight that the only option is faith.

Now, faith is not without reason. However, applying faith in our lives does take trust, often times in what we can’t see.

It’s like a kick in the pants to realize that understanding is not the main goal to life.

When things don’t make sense, when logic has flown out the window, when common sense ceases to be common, when there’s no rhyme or reason for the struggle, when you’ve banged your head up against that roadblock a thousand times and it still hasn’t budged, it’s time to be still.

Tempted to bluster and resist, I have a hard time stopping the striving and sitting still. How will my questions be answered? How will this barrier be moved? How will life go on if I just sit still?

Ultimately, that’s not for me to understand.

Inside, I resist, refuse defeat. At the very least, I will understand what’s going on!!!!

Well, I could keep slamming my head up against the wall if I really wanted to, but nothing will happen until I learn to be still.

Here. A devotional I read a few days ago that said it so much better, turned the light on for me. It’s from Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” daily devotional (Aug. 7). I hope it illuminates for you too, and helps with whatever you’re facing at the moment that is just not making any sense.

Understanding will never bring you Peace. That’s why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding. Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But the world presents you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Me (your Master).

The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace. His vast understanding resulted in feelings of futility, rather than fulfillment. Finally, he lost his way and succumbed to the will of his wives by worshipping idols.

My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. Actually, you are always enveloped in Peace, which is inherent in My Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.

I don’t think this is saying to give up figuring or solving or thinking. Not at all. But in the midst of whatever is stressing you out, remember the Master, remember Who is in control, and listen for His direction. Don’t clutter life up with needless busyness or worrying or barrier-busting when He will take care of the heavy lifting. In the middle of a struggle, we can still experience Peace if we just take the time to be still and surrender the necessity to understand it all.

Peace to you all, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-08-15T01:00:00.001-04:00

If asked to name one iconic actress from the classic beginnings of film, Bette Davis would no doubt make the list. Before I’d seen one movie in which she stars, I knew her name. So when I began this quest to explore the greats, I had to check her out.

One of the first ones I watched was from 1942, Now, Voyager. It’s a strange title, but taken purposefully from a Walt Whitman poem that becomes important to the main character, Charlotte Vale, played by Bette Davis.

At first glance, Bette Davis is no beauty. Her too large eyes and uneven teeth don’t leave an immediate pleasing impression, but as her talent outshines everything else she mesmerizes. Like watching a sunrise, you realize suddenly that she’s stunning.

Miss Vale is a young woman, adult but treated like a child by her controlling, elderly mother. Mrs. Vale tells her daughter what to wear, what to eat, what to do, all while berating her for shortcomings and failures. It’s driving Charlotte to a nervous breakdown.

Thanks to the intervention of a compassionate sister-in-law who introduces Charlotte to a psychiatrist, played by Claude Rains, help arrives. The good doctor convinces old Mrs. Vale to let Charlotte come to his sanitarium.

Months away from her tyrannical mother does wonders, but Charlotte is terrified to go home. With the help of her sister-in-law and the doctor, she goes on a cruise instead for a little extra time to herself. She meets Jerry, played by Paul Henreid, and for the first time feels appreciated. Problem is, Jerry’s married. Not happily, but he’s determined to stay true to his wife. His heart betrays him, however, and he and Charlotte embark on an emotional affair of words and declarations of love.

Still, though parted, Charlotte finds courage to face and stand up to her mother. She even grows enough to impart help to someone else, because, as she explains, someone else had helped her when she needed it most.

While not demonstrating the purest of intentions as far as marital fidelity is concerned (emotional affairs are dangerous too), I still like this story for many reasons. We’re all made to love and be loved. When the heart is a vacuum due to the withholding of love, especially in a parent/child relationship, the human life is deteriorated and scarred. One word of affection can change all that. Charlotte blooms into her own person once she’s set free from her mother’s control and encounters gentleness, but she also continues to serve her mother when she comes back while still holding on to her new self, showing a great deal of forgiveness and mercy to what some may determine an undeserving, bitter old hag. Charlotte also extends this mercy to Jerry’s daughter, Tina, who has grown up in much the same way as Charlotte did with an unloving mother. It’s really a movie about the power of kindness.

Now, Voyager is the perfect canvas for all the drama and unrequited romance of classic era film. It showcases Bette Davis brilliantly, for which she garnered one of her eleven Oscar nominations, and gives us a shining answer to the question: why was Bette Davis a star?

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-08-12T01:00:00.000-04:00

This weekend, lighten up and get your boogie on with Newsboys' Love, Liberty, Disco!

Happy Weekending!

POV Wednesday – Cooking 101

2011-08-10T01:00:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen that bumper sticker/Facebook banner that says, “I understand the concept of cooking and cleaning, just not as it pertains to me”?

That describes me with painful accuracy.

Well, the cooking part.

The weirdness of me is that I’d rather clean than cook.

I don’t like to cook, not to mention I’m not very good at it either.

I mean, my Daniel’s and my first fight was over my inability to boil water and the fact that I make scrambled eggs incorrectly.

Who can’t scramble eggs?

Me, apparently.

At any rate, I am saved from a life of microwave dinners, cereal and salad because my Daniel DOES like to cook. And he’s good at it. No need for measuring cups and recipes, he knows how to improvise and create, throwing in this, trying that, to come up with some five star (IMO) meals that keep me heading for the treadmill every day. Sometimes, I’d much rather stay home for dinner than go out just because I know it will be delicious.

However, I can, and sort of like to, bake.

I figured out that this is because I follow directions. It’s in my DNA to do so, while it is my Daniel’s nature to explore. So he can cook, but baking not so much. This, incidentally, is my only rationale for having a sign hung in the kitchen reading, “Lori’s Room.” That and because it has strawberries on it, which goes with the décor.

Anyhoo…

I’m not always successful at the baking thing either. Several weeks ago I attempted improvisation whilst whipping up a batch of oatmeal cookies. If truth be told, it was Explorer Dan’s idea just to “add some honey” to the batter. Sounded reasonable to me, so I tried it.

Um… yea… that didn’t work out so great. I ended up with… oatmeal brittle? Oatmeal bricks? I don’t know. So half way through the batter, I ended up just pouring the rest of it in one pan and shoving it in the oven. The culinary phantoms had foiled me again.

I even confessed my failure on Facebook.

So my Daniel gets home from work and I rant over the tragedy, having kept all the crispy, sticky oatmeal chips as evidence of what happens WHEN YOU DON’T FOLLOW THE RECIPE.

Funny thing happened.

He liked the cookies (heated up in the microwave and dipped in honey, but still). AND, the one pan full of batter actually turned out YUMMY! I had unintentionally but successfully made oatmeal bars!

As I made another batch of oatmeal bars this morning, I thought about how life doesn’t always turn out how I wanted or expected. I want oatmeal cookies, but end up with brittle. It’s easy to get down on myself or complain about circumstances, compare my shortcomings to what I perceive as others’ successes, pant for the greener grass.

What I need to remember is that, while I might not have the intended cookies, I just might have something better. I have what God has wrought, and that has to be good according to His Word.

Yes, our actions have consequences and not all of them are good. But even then, when the recipe is not always followed to the T, God’s sovereignty and love triumph.

If I can let go of the tragedy that I don’t have cookies, I will be able to see that God has showered me with scrumptious blessings upon blessings, an abundant life. When I’m able to see that, I have a thankful heart.

Are you worried about what you don’t have? Or thankful for what you do?

Have a great day, Dry Ground friends! You ARE blessed!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-08-08T01:00:00.002-04:00

It’s no secret that Marlon Brando is one of the best actors ever. But most people, I would wager, if asked to name one of his movies, would not hesitate in saying, “The Godfather.”

Yes, yes. Marlon Brando played Don Corleone, and did so in memorable, spectacular fashion. I would never say anything to diminish that fact.

However…

Almost every other movie he ever made came before The Godfather, therefore reminding us all that his notoriety came before as well.

I have mentioned previously his performance in the musical Guys and Dolls, proving he could sing and be a gangster-sort at the same time. But he was known more as a tough guy, even before The Godfather. A lot of that image came from today’s film pick, The Wild One, from 1953, in which Brando plays Johnny, the leader of a marauding motorcycle gang.

Johnny is a punk, a havoc-maker wherever he rides, followed faithfully by his dozen cronies of equal toughness and love for havoc-making. There’s no rhyme or reason for the mischief. They’re like locusts, disturbing the peace in every nook and cranny of well-mannered, innocent, white-picket fenced America.

One town delays them because Johnny takes an interest in café waitress, Kathie, played by Mary Murphy. While he figures out what she’s all about, his gang gets rowdier and causes problems for the other townsfolk. It just gets worse when a rival gang shows up, lead by Chino, Lee Marvin in a small but outstanding role. All of the trouble comes to a head when a townsman is killed. Johnny is (falsely) accused and arrested.

During the course of the story, Johnny and Kathie make an impact on each other neither one expected. In Johnny, Kathie finds a terribly hurt, defensive, wounded young man. In Kathie, Johnny finds a grace he’s never experienced before. In the end, redemption is both offered and received. In an unexpected package, it’s really quite a beautiful story.

The script is simple, the acting too, but the effect is enduring. I decided quickly, I love The Wild One.

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-08-05T01:00:00.000-04:00

I like this song. Reminds me to give thanks in all things! Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

Lyrics:
I never like Mondays or bad news
Or breaking in new shoes
And mornings when I can't find my phone

Nobody likes traffic or short nights
Or sit-ups or long flights
But sometimes that's just the way it goes
It's funny what You use to help me grow

So I'll learn to love these days
Life along the way
In the middle of the crazy
God Your love is so amazing
Through the ups and downs
You're the only hope I found, oh
Lord to meet me in the madness
So I'll learn to love these days
I'll learn to love these days

I can see silver lining
When the sun's not shining
Even when you choose to bring the rain
Oh but there's freedom in believing
And trusting You're leading
'Cause You're Lord of all my joy and all my pain

Chorus

I could waste the hundred years
You gave me here
The days when You were near
The days when I was out there
Looking for what comes next

Ohh

Cause every minute, every hour
Every day is such a gift
And I'm content
I'm thankful for each breath

Chorus

I'll learn to love these days (x2)

POV Wednesday – Chin Proof

2011-08-03T01:00:00.001-04:00

I got a pet chinchilla (‘chin’ for short) at the beginning of the summer. Fiona the Fluffy Faced Ninja.

She’s not as time-consuming as a dog or finicky as a cat, but she does have a few particular care needs.

With a sensitive digestive system, she can’t have ‘treats’ or incentive food items. On one hand, her diet is nice and simple. On the other hand, training her is next to impossible.

The temperature must remain cool, strictly between certain degrees, and the air dry. Overheating is very dangerous for chinchillas.

Classified as a rodent, a chin’s dental health is of paramount importance, achieved as long as she has massive amounts of things to chew on. But it must be the right types of things –woods, mainly, in the short and specific category of non toxic to chins.

She needs daily exercise. An exercise wheel in her cage is the ideal arrangement, but we can’t afford a chin palace at the moment and her current enclosure is just big enough for her sleeping log, some hopping room and her food/water.

In order for her to get the exercise and attention she needs, we have play time twice a day, a chance for her to get out of her cage and jump around. This must be in a highly controlled environment because of the chewing habit. So, the bathroom is her playground. However, though fewer than in an entire household, certain chin-proofing things must occur to make it safe for her to play.

For instance, she fits through the tiny crack under the door, the very first thing she headed for the first time we tried play time. So, barricade door with 2x4 of non-toxic wood. Check.

Then, baseboards are made of wood. A succulent buffet in the eyes of a chin, but stained and treated thus toxic to her. So, another slab of ‘safe’ wood to protect the sink cabinet edges and lots of towels lining the walls for the baseboards. Oh, and she likes drywall – so a plastic corner secured over the one exposed corner wall piece. Check. Check.

Chins like to JUMP and can like a grasshopper. So, safe obstacles for jumping and climbing. Check.

An exercise wheel. Check.

A dust bath. Check.

We’ve been at this playtime thing for two months now, and let me tell you, I’m STILL finding things I need to chin-proof because Fi keeps finding ways to get in trouble.

See, chins are CURIOUS. She must find out what lies beyond each barrier. She is fearless, part of her Ninja personality, and will try anything available to try. The word ‘no’ makes no difference what-so-ever. It’s in her nature to chew and to leap, and that is what she will do.

When I physically remove her from chewing harmful material that she’s found, she makes her displeasure known by barking or nipping at my hand.

When I provide ‘safe’ things for her to chew, she finds the place to chew where she ought not to chew.

When I provide ‘safe’ places to jump and run, she finds places to jump and run where she ought not jump and run.

This morning, after deterring her one more time from something she’d gotten into, I thought about how God might see us.

Even living as a Christian, this life is not sin-proof. Though God provides everything we need to live a godly lifestyle, we still find ways to push the boundaries. Though He puts up obstacles meant to protect us, we stubbornly plod through and around them to satiate our incessant curiosity and drive for experiencing the unknown simply because it is in our nature, in our flesh, to do so. When He physically removes us from doing that which we ought not, we sometimes bark at Him or nip His hand.

How lovingly He continues to surround us with protection and ‘safe’ options. He’s so faithful not to give up on us, stick us in a cramped cage and ignore our needs. He just keeps giving us chance after chance.

My Ninja chinchilla acts on instincts. She’s an animal. Thus, I will continue to attempt chin-proofing her life so that she will be safe, even knowing I’ll never get a thanks for it.

But the least I can do for God as He and I work together to sin-proof my life is say ‘thanks.’ If I understand an inkling of His love, I’ll do more than that.

(photo by Yours Truly!)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-08-01T01:00:00.003-04:00

John Wayne did a lot of westerns, gaining a huge and lasting fan base. This week’s movie features John Wayne but is not a western! It’s called Without Reservations, and it’s a romantic comedy from 1946.

Christopher Madden, played by Claudette Colbert (It Happened One Night), has written a best-selling novel about the future of romance and relationships, and she’s headed to Hollywood to collaborate with a producer to make it into a film. Just before boarding the train in New York, she finds out that her first pick for the hero, Cary Grant, is unavailable to play the part. She’s devastated and, while the train gets rolling, sets out to write a temper tantrum telegram to the producer. However, she stops short when across from her sit two marines heading to San Diego. One of them is Rusty Thomas, played by John Wayne, and he’s the spitting image of her hero pictured on the front of her book. She determines to talk him into the part. But as they start talking, and the subject of her book comes up because someone across the aisle is reading it, she discovers he disagrees with her philosophy on men and women. Discouraged, but still wanting him for the part, she conceals her identity and the three, Christopher Madden and the two marines, have a comical cross-country adventure.

Now, I’ve never been one of those girls who swoons at the sight of a man in uniform, but John Wayne wears one like no one else’s business. He’s so handsome and dapper and charming. He pulls off romantic one-liners without sounding whipped or corny. His manly persona made famous in all the westerns shines through in this clean-cut, military man role.

Claudette is cute as usual, showing off her brilliant comedic timing and wit. The supporting casts supports as it should, neither clouding nor distracting from the main performers. The second marine, Rusty’s friend Dink played by Don DeFore (T.V.s Ozzie & Harriet), is an adorable and likeable sidekick.

I like this movie for its sweet romance, frequent laughs, and for the opportunity to see John Wayne outside of his cowboy boots and hat.

Hope you’ll check it out!

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-07-29T01:00:00.002-04:00

Celebrating birthdays, like we did for my Daniel yesterday, always makes me think of 'newness,' a fresh start, a clean slate. And since Steven Curtis Chapman has been a favorite in our household since as long as we've known each other, I thought this Weekend Tune Up timely. I hope you enjoy and that it encourages you! Also, Happy Birthday to my mama this Sunday! Wish I could be with her to celebrate.

Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday: Wishes

2011-07-27T01:00:00.003-04:00

I was watching Voyage of the Dawn Treader the other day, the third installment in the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. While there’s so many great perspective changers in that movie, so many good lessons to learn, the one that stood out this time was the scene in which Lucy wishes herself away.

Lucy perceives herself as plain and her sister, Susan, as beautiful. Lucy believes her life would be much better and more useful if she were beautiful like her sister. During her voyage in Narnia, she encounters a book of incantations, one of which offers to grant her wish. She’s seized with the desire for this and rips out the page, tucking it away for a time when she can use it. When she does, she’s given a vision of the consequences of her wish coming true.

She ceases to exist.

Aslan (the symbol of God in these stories) visits her then and explains that her perception of herself is incorrect and the fulfillment of any wish based on that incorrect POV actually erases her completely.

She learns her lesson quickly. When a fellow voyager, a young girl, looks up at Lucy and claims she wants to be just like her when she grows up, Lucy responds by saying, “When you grow up, you should be just like you.”

We don’t always see God’s plans clearly, especially if we’re stuck in a bog. Sometimes we get to the point of wishing so desperately that things were different, we forget the sovereignty of God. Not blooming where we’re planted results in… no flowers. It’s the equivalent of wishing ourselves away.

But God’s got a plan, and it is for good, for a hope and a future. Oft-quoted verses supporting this fact are Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. I’ve read them hundreds of times, but reread them recently seeking a fresh perspective.

God’s so good. He gave me one!

How awesome, with all the people in the world, with all the goings on and happenings, how amazing is it that God works all things together for my good?

Here’s how I apply it to my current circumstances. My Daniel needs a job – a career. And we need it ‘soon’ as far as it looks in our eyes. The concept of everything working together for good means, then, that not only will the job he gets be good for us, it will be good for those hiring him, for those working with him, for those he comes in contact with during the job, for the friends we make wherever we move, for the church we attend… on and on. That ripple effect over which God is Master!

He’s so great and good! If He is so powerful, why should I worry? And why should I wish myself away? We’re all necessary to make the perfect, beautiful pattern.

My Daniel’s birthday is tomorrow! I am sure glad God had him as part of my plan. I am sure glad my Daniel hasn’t wished himself away at any point in his life. I am so grateful that God knew my Daniel before he was formed and that He has plans to prosper him and to give him a good future. I am thankful for my Daniel’s life! And our life together. He’s my co-adventurer, my best friend, my lover, the one who ‘gets’ me, not to mention my personal chef. Happy Birthday, my Love! God’s plans for you are perfect!

(Photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday - A Whimsical Edition

2011-07-25T01:00:00.002-04:00

What a gem this week’s whimsical movie is!

A Pulitzer-winning play first, Harvey showed up on the silver screen in 1950 and stars one of my favorite classic actors, Jimmy Stewart, and a treat of an actress, Josephine Hull (who gave another unforgettable performance in the great Arsenic and Old Lace).

Stewart plays Elwood P. Dowd. In his community, he’s well-known for being incredibly amicable as well as completely daft in the head for when he introduces himself to every Joe on the street, he also introduces his ‘imaginary friend’ Harvey, a pooka in the form of a 6 ft. 3 white rabbit. Though mostly harmless, he is a bane to his socially-sensitive sister Vita, played by Josephine Hull, and her old-maid daughter. After Elwood unintentionally crashes Vita’s ladies’ tea party, she decides to get him committed to the local sanitarium. But when she tries to describe the problem to the doctor and gets frantic about it, she’s mistaken as the one needing hospitalization and Elwood is allowed to go free.

Stewart sells the existence of Harvey brilliantly while endearing us all to his character. By the end, I get the feeling we should all be a little more like Elwood.

Josephine Hull, though, is the star of this show, which explains her Oscar win for best supporting actress for the role. She’s memorable, over the top, genius in her hysterics, genuine in her affections and concerns, and hysterical in her off-the-cuff remarks and observations.

The charm of this film is in its paradox.

Elwood is the crazy one… but is he really? His perspective of the world is actually more forgiving, kinder, and purer than any of his peers. He speaks to everyone with the utmost politeness no matter their station. He invites down-and-outers to dinner with genuine intent, not even for the sake of charity. He’s complimentary, loyal, and strangely observant. In fact, everyone else ends up seeming crazier than Elwood. In one scene, in fact, the psychiatrist ends up lying on the couch sharing his feelings while Elwood listens, the tables turned.

I also like this story because, to me, it whispers similar themes of the Gospel. Though Harvey is a mythological, supernatural being (perhaps unpleasant to consider for some), the way he’s described by Elwood demonstrates characteristics of unfailing love, acceptance, giving, and forgiveness. It takes a measure of faith to see Harvey, and as the story progresses, it’s obvious that Elwood is not the only one who can see him. And whether or not they can see Harvey, they all have opinions about him.

A quote from Elwood sums it up: Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, “In this world, Elwood, you must be” – she always called me Elwood – “In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.” Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.

If you’re willing to go a little crazy, try out this great, classic film, Harvey.

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-07-22T01:00:00.001-04:00

I like new takes on old songs, especially my favorites! This was from a few years back, but it's still a great rendition of Amazing Grace! Enjoy! CLICK HERE or press PLAY below...

Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday – Soul Garden

2011-07-20T01:00:00.004-04:00

So the day after I wrote last week’s POV Wednesday post about the condition of our “Soil” and posted on Facebook that “my soul garden needs weeding,” I read this verse in Isaiah:

Where once there were thorns, cypress tress will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.” (Is. 55:13)

It instantly became my favorite verse.

How good of the Lord to direct me here and speak to my exact concern!

I got excited because I am trusting in the Truth of this verse to be true for me, and in that case I needed to do some research on cypress and myrtle. I want to know what God’s got planned for me, right?

What I found… well, let’s just say, I’m overwhelmed.

First up – cypress (closely related to cedar) - a 'soft' wood – here’s a list of attributes:

- extremely resistant to harsh weather, insects, fungus and decay

- lacks sap, so it doesn’t ‘bleed’

- Scarce of knots

- Dimensionally stable

- Resists splits, warps, cracks and splinters

- Durable – pieces of cypress from 100-year old structures have been reused in construction!

Next – myrtle - a 'hard' wood:

- tolerates many conditions

- grows best in deep soil with lots of sun and water

- will re-grow if cut to a stump (love that one!)

- strong, deep root system

- aroma from the leaves is a natural insect repellent

- patterns in the wood vary vastly, the color influenced by minerals in the soil and its texture by its growth struggle/stress

- over a course of 80 or more years, reaches its full height of up to 120 feet!

Need I spell it out?

I ponder, then, how will God remove the weeds and nettles and replace them with cypress and myrtle? These are symbols, and He can’t literally plant a seed in my head, right?

Then I realize, He’s already started – it’s through His Word!

I just love it when God turns the light bulb on for me. Gives me a glimpse into His amazing Truth and promises!

I hope it encourages you today as well, especially if your soul garden could use some weeding as well.

(photos by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday – A Whimsical Edition

2011-07-18T01:00:00.002-04:00

How’s your summer going so far? Seeing any good movies? Like what?

Here’s another fun one for you, another romantic comedy that features the late great Walter Matthau as Albert Einstein!

Quite simply, I.Q. is about a regular auto-mechanic, Ed (played by Tim Robbins), who just happens to be a science geek, meeting and falling in love with Albert Einstein’s niece, Catherine (Meg Ryan).

But the path to romance is not simple. Catherine is engaged to a stuffed-shirt psychology professor. Ed doesn’t even register on her radar. But she absent-mindedly forgets her father’s pocket watch at Ed’s auto shop after her car breaks down, and he figures he can see her again if he returns it to her personally at her residence. Instead, he finds out that Einstein is her uncle. Professor Einstein does not like his niece’s finance, and is more than happy to lend Ed a hand. Along with his three brilliant and hilarious sidekicks, Professor Einstein hatches a plan to put Ed on Catherine’s radar – presenting him as a scientific genius.

This comedy of misunderstandings and assumptions delivers laughs, a whimsical romance, and memorable performances with a host of quotable one-liners. It’s a feel-good, delightful movie that leaves you smiling. Hope you give I.Q. a try!

Happy Movie-Watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-07-15T01:00:00.002-04:00

Met these guys a couple years ago when they were just getting started. What a great bunch, sold out and rocking it for Jesus. I like to support them as much as possible, so here's one from their latest released this year. Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

CLICK HERE to listen or press PLAY below...

POV Wednesday – Soul Garden

2011-07-13T01:00:00.002-04:00

I heard a sermon recently about the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20) that gave me a fresh perspective.

I used to think that once I became a Christian, years and years ago, I could check this parable off my list. The seed of God’s Word fell on good soil and I chose to follow Him. Task accomplished.

Ha! I’m so arrogant.

Yes, accepting Christ is a first step. However, the Word is being sown or planted in our lives every day. And every day, we choose how to receive that Word.

What a light bulb for me to realize that I’m not always – in fact more often not – the good soil! I don’t always receive His Word and allow it to grow and produce fruit.

As Christians, we can have hard soil that gives the enemy easy pickens to steal it away. We can have rocky, shallow soil that sparks enthusiastic, emotional response in the short term but does not allow lasting, committed roots to grow. We can have soil infested with weeds and thorns choking out the life of the Word and leaving us unfruitful.

I discovered that I’m at a place where my soil is thorny – I’ve allowed life’s experiences and disappointments to choke out a lot of the good seed.

My prayer of late has been – Lord, please weed my soul garden!

Take a look at your garden from a different perspective – what kind of soil do you have today?

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday – A Whimsical Edition

2011-07-11T01:00:00.002-04:00

To continue with our frivolous but fun movies of July, I bring you the whimsical romantic romp Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day starring Amy Adams (Enchanted, The Fighter, Julie & Julia), Lee Pace (T.V.’s Pushing Daisies, upcoming Twilight: Breaking Dawn), Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes, Green Lantern, Robin Hood), Ciaran Hinds (Amazing Grace, Phantom of the Opera) and the wonderful and amazing Frances McDormand (Raising Arizona, Fargo, Transformers 3).

Miss Pettigrew (McDormand) is an unconventional nanny working for a temp service in pre-WWII London. Her unconventionality gets her in trouble and thus fired more often than not. Desperate for a job, she wiggles her way into an assignment serving nightclub singer Delysia Lafosse (Adams), but not as a governess. Delysia plays the “keeping up with the Jones’” game to maintain a reputation, and since having a social secretary is the in-thing, she must have one. Miss Pettigrew is unprepared for Delysia’s lifestyle, but sticks around for want of a job, unintentionally solving several of Delysia’s immediate problems. In the course of a day, the two influence each other to the point of becoming friends, each having the chance to embrace real love.

McDormand rocks this role, as she does in everything else I’ve seen her in. Her Miss Pettigrew is pitiful yet proud, principled yet forgiving. She inspires sympathy but also admiration, and it is easy to root for her to ‘win’ in her situation. Over all, the film uncovers the insanity of keeping up pretenses while offering forbearance toward those who wear them like this year’s fashion statement. And I love the music. It’s impossible not to tap your foot with all the swinging sounds.

For a whimsical treat, try Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day!

Happy movie-watching, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-07-08T01:00:00.001-04:00

I grew up singing traditional hymns. While I know that a more contemporary sound is preferred now-adays, I still cherish those handful of solid, meaningful lyrics found in classical hymns. Inspirational, musical poetry. Here's a fave... CLICK HERE or press PLAY below...

POV Wednesday – Keep a Weather Eye

2011-07-06T01:00:00.003-04:00

Remember that high school science experiment – a toad sits in lukewarm water, the water heats by minimal intervals up to boiling, and yet the toad still sits there unaware that it’s going to boil to death?

It’s not a stretch to use this scenario as an analogy for the current condition of this world. The heat is on, but it has risen so gradually that we’re not even aware of it – until the first bubbles of the boil pop next to our ear.

Bolder moves that don’t just chip away at morality but seek to redefine it, sizable and numerous natural disasters like floods and tornados along with cosmic events like volcano eruptions and earthquakes, the amount of individual suffering, stories of bizarre crimes, and the immediate means of hearing about all of this via the world wide web.

Hindsight being 20/20, we might be able to track the path that got us here. Gradual and under the radar. But opening our eyes now reveals the full-blown boil, and it’s starting to burn!

Recently, I read Psalm 119. You know, the long one, the one nobody reads in its entirety because it’s so long? That’s too bad because it’s got lots of good stuff in there – the verse everyone knows “Thy word is a lamp until my feet…” is right in the middle of it. (vs. 105)

Anyway, the entire 176 verses are about one thing – God’s Law – how we should love it, obey it, meditate on it, praise God for it, cherish it, delight in it. All 176 verses.

Although I consider myself a conservative, I’m most definitely not the most conservative Christian you’ll ever meet. I’m far from perfect. I’m highly suspicious of religious people. I love to talk about grace much much more than I like to talk about sin or rules or shoulds and should nots.

However, as a follower of Christ, His Word should take top seat in my life, actually be that lamp to my feet and light to my path. His grace is not an excuse to ignore or water down His law. Truth is still Truth.

I’m mentioning this for a couple of reasons.

First, I believe that the signs of the times (Luke 21:10-11) point to the Perfect Lover coming soon to take His bride, the Church, home to get married. The time of betrothal will one day end. In response, whether it is sooner or later, I should be mindful of how I live.

It’s like the end of Pirates 3: At World’s End (2007), when Captain Will Turner is bidding his love, Elizabeth, goodbye for ten years. They’ve exchanged vows, committed their hearts, but he has to leave to do the job that he’s called to do, the price of getting to live though he had died. Right before he leaves, he says, “Keep a weather eye on the horizon.” That means, I’ll be back – watch for me to come for you!

I should be keeping my eye on the horizon, living in a way befitting my Perfect Love Who is coming back for me. (Rev. 16:15)

Second, I believe that a part of being mindful of how I live is not to judge more but to love more. Love is telling the Truth and offering Grace. (Eph. 4:15, Ps. 85:10)

It’s like the awesome line in The Shawshank Redemption (1994)– “Get busy living or get busy dying.” In other words, stop wasting time! Well, I’d paraphrase that as, Get busy loving and get busy forgiving, because people are dying.

I experienced something recently that taught me that I cannot control what people do to or think of me aside from living with integrity. I can only live as close to the Truth as I know how, and then let God be my Judge as well as my Defense. That requires of me two things. One, let God be the Judge of others as well, and not step in there myself. And two, take my example from Christ Himself Who, while dying on the cross, said of His slayers, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Lk. 23:24)

So, my Dry Ground friends, stay sharp to the rising temperatures! Love more! Forgive more! And keep a weather eye on that horizon!

(photos by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday – A Whimsical Edition

2011-07-04T01:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Independence Day! I hope your celebration of freedom goes well!

I’ve decided that July will be the month of highlighting ‘whimsical’ movies – just fun stories that may seem to some to be kinda ridiculous. But you know, summer has finally arrived in my Big Sky state (and when I say finally… you have no idea!). Summer makes me think of vacation and swimming pools and BBQ picnics and kite flying and putt-putt and family gatherings and plain old fun. The time of year to be whimsical!

So today, first up, is a movie from which I get that wonderful word, whimsical, and one that shows a slice of good old fashion Americana alive and well in this cynical modern world. On a day we’re to remember and cherish our freedoms, families, friends and faith, I don’t think Elizabethtown is too far off the mark… in a back door kind of way.

I say back door because its theme seems kind of… well, depressing.

A successful twenty-something, Drew, (Orlando Bloom), gets the news that his creation, a state-of-the-art running shoe, is being recalled. We never find out what the defect is, but it is enough to cause his company considerable loss and it costs him his job. He’s devastated under the scathing label of failure. So, he goes back to his swanky apartment intent on committing suicide. (stick with me folks – back door, remember?) Right before he acts, he gets a phone call from his sister. Their father, who had gone back to visit his family in Elizabethtown, KY, had suddenly died. (wait… hold on… I’m not pulling your leg…) Drew’s given the responsibility of going to Kentucky to retrieve his father’s body and bring him home. Thing is, he’s never met the KY relatives before. And he’s got no idea what he’s in for.

In addition, his flight to KY is stewarded by perky, annoying but endearing Claire (Kirsten Dunst), and her quirky outlook on life ends up being a key factor in his dealing with both utter occupational defeat as well as the sudden loss of the father he didn’t know as well as he thought.

Elizabethtown is one of my favorite movies because it unveils a slice of the Heartland while pointing to the foundational and essential importance of family, no matter who they are or where they come from. I love it because much of the chaotic family scenes remind me of my family gatherings. I love it because I know people just like those lovable KY folks (in fact, they are KY folks!). I love it because it cleverly turns tragedy into triumph, all based on choice, perspective, and forgiveness. I love it because it shows people how they are really – with all their faults and idiosyncrasies – coming together for the sake of family. And I love the legacy this father ends up leaving behind, a beautiful example.

Don’t worry – Elizabethtown is surprisingly hilarious (as well as whimsical) despite its central theme – lots of comedic relief, which I believe is a tool in and of itself to reveal the point of the whole movie – Life. Also, depending on your tastes, the soundtrack is killer.

I hope you give Elizabethtown a chance. Sometimes the best treats are found when you go through the back door!

Happy Movie Watching and Happy Independence Day!

(photos by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up

2011-07-01T01:00:00.002-04:00

What seems like a long time ago, I was a fan of Burlap to Cashmere, a folksy Christian rock band who play killer guitars and have edgy-sounding music with a Message. I got the idea from somewhere that they were no longer touring/recording as a band, however I found out that they are releasing a new album in July of this year! Yea! In the meantime, here's one from their first album. Hope you enjoy! CLICK HERE or press PLAY below...

Happy Weekending!

POV Wednesday – Figure of Speech

2011-06-29T01:00:00.003-04:00

Recently, I fell in love with the comedy Parks and Recreation. Its dry wit and sarcasm crack me up.

The characters amuse me. One of them is played by 80s heartthrob, Rob Lowe. He’s the boss at the little city government office, a health nut, and a positive person. Many of his lines emphasize the phrase “Quite literally…” often when it’s uncalled for (which is all the time, if you ask me). But that’s what makes it funny. At work, in love, about himself, his character has a literal view of the world. That’s just his personality.

We all know people like that, right?

Although I am all for analogy and symbolism (love it, actually), I think that I am one of those ‘literal’ people too.

I know people in general have a sliding scale of what to take literally or figuratively in the Holy Bible. From completely literal, to completely figurative, and everywhere in between, people are all over the place as to whether they believe the Word is actual/factual to poetic/symbolic.

While I treasure the artistic nature of the figurative perspective of the Bible, I believe in the literal interpretation whole-heartedly.

For example, I believe the world really was created in six days.

I believe there was an actual flood covering the entire earth.

I believe Daniel's three friends were really thrown into a fiery furnace and lived to tell about it.

Even though I believe in these literal events recorded in the Bible, I find sometimes when reading the more lyrical passages, like the Psalms, I skim over specific words as ‘figures of speech’ (a.k.a. figurative). In so doing, I miss the literal implications. This came to mind one morning when I was reading the following Psalm:

Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise Him, all you people of the earth. For He loves us with unfailing love; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord!” (Ps. 117)

Short and sweet, constructed with language I’ve heard all my life.

What if, however, I read it with a different perspective? What if I read it as if I read if for the first time, taking each word literally?

In that case, the word ‘unfailing’ should take on a whole new meaning, shouldn’t it?

The phrase ‘endures forever’ should blow my mind, shouldn’t it?

These are not just figures of speech. When God says that His love is “unfailing,” He means it literally. When He says that His faithfulness “endures forever,” He means it quite literally!!

How then shall I live? No wonder my Perfect Lover implores me to ‘rejoice’ so often in His word. There’s so much cause to!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-06-27T01:00:00.002-04:00

When you hear the name ‘Andy Griffith,’ doubtless you think of the ‘60s TV show bearing his name, representing the good ‘ole days of Americana innocence. Or maybe Matlock. Right?

Well, one day I ventured into a 1957 Elia Kazan film (he also directed good ones like On the Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire) because the late greats Patricia Neal and Walter Matthau star in it. But the film, A Face in the Crowd, also stars Andy Griffith… in an amazing departure from his Mayberry days.

Patricia Neal plays Marica Jeffries, a radio show talent scout. At the beginning of the film, she takes a microphone into an Arkansas jail looking for a diamond in the rough. She finds Griffith’s character, Larry ‘Lonesome’ Rhodes, a gritty, crass, loud drunkard with a hefty personality and a set of pipes. He becomes an overnight radio sensation. As his handler/agent, Marcia has her hands full shaping a former nobody into an international star and reining in his wild side. She has a harder time not falling in love with him.

This movie spotlights the destructive nature fame has on the unprepared and immature. It’s not really an original story or even an original take on a common theme. What makes this film worth watching is Andy Griffith’s rowdy, raw, and memorable performance.

Other interesting facts about Andy – he majored in music at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, he won a Grammy for a southern gospel album he recorded in 1997, he starred in one of my favorite movies, Waitress, alongside Keri Russell, and he just celebrated his 85^th birthday! He’ll always be a cool dude in my opinion!

(photo by photobucket.com)

2011-06-24T01:00:00.000-04:00

While surfing You Tube yesterday, I found this mellow, poignant song. A good perspective song, and good for tuning up my weekend. Hope you enjoy as well! Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends!

POV Wednesday - Around the Bend

2011-06-22T01:00:00.004-04:00

This past Sunday, my Daniel and I felt like getting out of town and taking a little hike.

But… it was raining. Dark clouds shrouded the mountains we can usually see on the horizon on a sunny day.

Does this deter Dan and Lori from embarking on another adventure?

Of course not.

We figured if it was raining at our destination, then we’d have the pleasure of taking a scenic drive, maybe explore a little via Pearl (our vehicle).

The trip takes about an hour. The closer we got, the darker the clouds got. We couldn’t see the mountains at all though their several-thousand-feet expanses sat mere miles away.

Our goal of taking a hike seemed less and less likely, so we opted for driving as far as the road would let us.

You see, the road turns into Beartooth Pass, a long and windy, not to mention scenic, path to Yellowstone National Park. But it’s usually closed because of snow. When we went to Yellowstone only a couple weeks ago, the Beartooth way was still closed. June. Still closed.

Since we moved here in September, the road has been closed. We have traveled it several times before and stopped at the large yellow gate crossing the road, dreaming of the time we could continue on down it, wondering what lie around the next bend.

As we got started, a sign told us the Pass was open as far as the MT/WY border. Fine. We’d go that far then.

The terrain looked vastly different than when we’d been there in winter – so green! And Rock Creek sprinted alongside with snowmelt waters. Beautiful.

We reached the point we’d never passed, and the gate was open! We drove on, anticipating what lie ahead.

Funny thing. It was nothing like we’d imagined it.

The incline started climbing right away, hairpin switchbacks that took us high in a short amount of time. Soon, the peaks that had a minute ago towered over us sat eye level across wide, deep valleys. Narrow edges between road and cliff began to disappear under banks of old, dirty snow. The rain clouds from below swarmed us, hiding the peaks and the valleys. We could only see the road in front of our car.

Then, we drove around a bend, leaving the familiar side of the mountain.

White out. I mean, I couldn’t tell the difference between the banks of snow lining the road and the pure white sky. Every once in a while, a buried street sign would peek over the top of the snow, allowing us reference to the depths surrounding us. The road was a complete snow tunnel now, at one point looming nearly two stories high. The curl at the top even had long icicles dangling from it.

At times as we drove, the sun snuck through a ray or two, highlighting the mountains and valleys, casting shadows on the snow, giving us an expanded view of our breathtaking surroundings.

Oh, and the sign earlier telling us the road closed at the border was wrong. The road was open, and we had the pleasure to follow it several miles past what we expected.

Now, I hate snow. Well, the cold, and that’s required for snow. I’d much rather be sizzling somewhere on a sun-bleached, desert rock. However, this experience ranks way up there with all-time best. What a unique treat! Absolutely gorgeous.

It all got me thinking.

Sometimes what we’re looking for sits behind the rain curtain. You’ve got to go through it before you get there. Looking at the cloud and assuming it’s raining everywhere could keep you from going for it at all. But if you move around a little, change your perspective, you find that, like going behind a roaring waterfall, you can venture to the other side of the stormy weather and find sunshine.

Sometimes, the goal you think you’re reaching for alludes you, but going for it anyway puts you in just the right place where God gives you the experience He had waiting for you.

Sometimes the greatest blessings occur in the midst of the one thing you despise the most. Giving thanks in all things allows us to open our eyes to the beauty and majesty around us even if it isn’t the blessing we’d been searching for to begin with.

We don’t get to see around the bend. Sometimes, God permits us only to see what’s right in front of us, tunneling us so to speak. We get to see the beauty around the corner as we continue to trust and press forward.

Sometimes we encounter a sign that warns us that the road leading to our goal is closed. Let not these sign foster doubt! Press on, go as far as you can, and find out that you can go father than you ever hoped.

I could go on and on, but I think the point is clear. God is able to accomplish in and for us infinitely more than we might ask or imagine. (Eph. 3:20) And there’s a reason to give thanks!

(photos by yours truly!)

Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

2011-06-20T01:00:00.002-04:00

In his thirty-plus year career, Cary Grant made more than seventy films!

Even I, as a classic film lover, would be hard pressed to name a dozen of them off the top of my head. The Philadelphia Story, Arsenic and Old Lace, An Affair to Remember, North by Northwest… but he made many films that flew under the radar as well, many that are worth noticing.

One that I particularly enjoy is called The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer. It also stars Myrna Loy (whom I love in The Thin Man series with William Powell), and a precocious teenaged Shirley Temple. Grant plays Richard Nugent, an artist known for getting into trouble, unintentionally of course. Myrna is Judge Margaret Turner, the over-protective guardian of her sister, Susan, played by Temple.

They’re all thrown together when Nugent gives an art lecture at Susan’s school. Susan immediately falls in love with him. An opportunistic teenager, she twists the conversation he tolerates with her and shows up to his apartment to sit as a model for him to paint. Judge/sister panics when she can’t find her and issues an all-out manhunt. Finding Susan in Nugent’s apartment, which surprises Nugent more so than anyone else, the Judge gets ready to throw the book at him. But Susan’s adolescent agenda is obvious enough. To help her get over the infatuation, the Judge ropes Nugent into posing as Susan’s suitor long enough for her obsession to cool. The other hand in the pot, though, namely Margaret and Susan’s uncle, has alternative motives. He’s been looking for a suitor of Margaret for years and thinks Richard fits the bill.

Cary Grant’s comedic talent shines in the light of this fluffy story. The situations they get into are silly, but entertaining nonetheless. And the romance that emerges is delightful.

Sure, there’s a reason The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer isn’t one of the more memorable films Grant starred in, but it’s worth a watch. A dose of good humor is always worth it.

Happy Movie Watching, Dry Ground Friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

Weekend Tune Up - Word to the Father

2011-06-17T01:00:00.002-04:00

Here's a retro jam session for you to get you amped up for the weekend and dancing around for some plain old fun.

Happy Father's Day!

And to those missing their daddies for any reason, or daddies missing their children, I pray the Heavenly Father will wrap His love around you in tangible ways this weekend and give you peace the passes all understanding.

Love you, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)

POV Wednesday – Fathers and Daughters

2011-06-15T01:00:00.004-04:00

Many movies I like feature strong father/daughter relationships. I’m drawn to those stories, I think, because from my point of view, I am blessed with a strong relationship with my dad, who I think is the greatest. Although I probably could have tolerated a few siblings, I enjoy being his one and only baby girl. I wish we lived close enough that I could hug his neck on Father’s Day this Sunday. This cyber-hug will have to suffice.

In honor of great dads everywhere, here’s my top five list of favorite father/daughter flicks!

#5 – What a Girl Wants – A tween comedy starring Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth about a New York City girl who finds out her father is English royalty and hops a plane to search him out. Their awkward meeting and falling in love with each other offers lots of sweet moments and laughs.

#4 – Hairspray – This musical recently redone featuring an updated, star-studded cast is not primarily about the relationship between Tracy and her quirky father played by equally quirky and wonderful Christopher Walken. However, the story advances at key points because he lovingly intervenes on his daughter’s behalf and empowers her to reach for lofty dreams.

#3 – Despicable Me – Steve Carell voices the main animated character, Gru, a ‘bad guy’ who’s not such a ‘bad guy.’ In his line of work, professional villainy, he’s prepared to do anything to get ahead of the other bad guys, including adopting three adorable little girls to use to gain access to his arch-rival’s fortress. Barely tolerating them at first, Gru comes to love the girls, learning much about life in the process.

#2 – Pride & Prejudice – I read this Jane Austen book every year or so because it’s one of my favorites. Though many versions have been attempted on film, my favorite is the Keira Knightley edition from 2005. Whoever acts it, the fact remains that Mr. Bennett has a special calling in life to be father to five daughters, especially in his 18^th Century time period. He excels in his fatherly duties, however, because he knows his daughters and their differences, thus treating them as their disposition requires. His relationship with Lizzy is special because he recognizes her intelligence and does not penalize her for it. His actions and decisions make a happy life possible, and eventually a reality, for her.

#1 – To Kill a Mockingbird – Also a great book, by Harper Lee, the 1962 movie treats the story with great respect and excellence. The late great Gregory Peck plays Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the South a few decades shy of civil liberation. He has a unique daughter in Scout, a scruffy tomboy who also is smart as a whip. I love the scenes he explains things to her and answers her questions, with so much patience and wisdom. He instructs, disciplines and loves gently, consistently, purposefully, bravely – not only with words, but through bold actions and example. And in so doing, he changes Scout’s life for the better forever. No wonder Atticus Finch is rated AFI’s #1 hero of all time.

How fitting that a good father receive such a title.

Happy Father’s Day, Dry Ground friends! Hug their necks, say ‘thank you,’ and appreciate all dads today!

(photos by photobucket.com)