At the Study

News - closing

2007-11-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

I've decided to stop posting here for now. I've been posting the same material here as on my other blog, so I've decided to keep my other blog up instead of this one for now since college is keeping me busy and I don't have time to upkeep more than one or two blogs. Be sure and visit http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com as often as possible.

What to do when you get a flat tire

2007-10-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/2007/10/what-to-do-when-you-get-flat-tire.html

First off may I just say, HELP!!! What am I supposed to do with a flat tire on my segway? How am I supposed to make it not flat?

So, for about a month now my friends have been telling my tires looked flat. They did not look flat to me and the segway still worked just fine, until today. Today I had been out for about a half hour when one of my tires randomly went flat. At first I though the sound I heard was just a leaf cauight on a wheel, but then the segway started to act up. A man I passed said, "got a flat tire, huh?" and then I knew, the rumors were true. My segway has a flat tire.

What do you do when your segway randomly gets a flat tire. Well, if you're smart you get off and walk the segway back home. I'm not so smart. I stayed on the segway, made a wrong turn or two, and rode it back to my dorm. I had to go very slowly. Sometimes the segway would randomly slow down. Other times it would lean too far forward or too far back. Some times it started going off to the right as if it wanted to topple over. I stayed on. I prayed. After some difficulties, I got back safely. If this ever happens to you, go no more than 5 miles per hour and keep a constant eye on the key for when the smiley face becomes a frown face (it will do this very frequently).

Anyways, now I have no way to return the DVDs I checked out that are due back Sunday before noon. Everyone is gone for fall break who could take me. What am I supposed to do? How do I make my tire not flat? HELP ME!

I've Been Published!

2007-10-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Ignore the typos, they're the editor's fault, not mine.

www.aboiteindependent.com

Book Review
HOW TO BE HEARD IN HEAVEN
By Eddie Smith
Bethany House, 0764203924, PB, 172 pages, $14.99

In "How to be Heard in Heaven", Eddie Smith reminds readers that "as long as we whine to God about our problems, we'll see nothing. Begin to celebrate God's answer, and He will show it to you"
(p 130).
Smith explores prayer as an intimate relationship with Christ, wherein we acknowledge God's power and submit to His will. We should trust God to provide and should become expectant prayer warriors, praying as if God has already answered us.
Smith uses simple stories, concepts, and verses to support his ideas. His ideas are refreshingly different from those in typical books on prayer. He covers thought-provoking concepts (forgiveness, anxiety, guilt, egotism) with easy-to-understand language. Smith also discusses controversial church issues as faith healing and contemporary miracles. Occasionally you have to read something several times to understand it, but most of the book is a easy to follow. This book fits into church libraries best because Smith writes to mature teenagers and adults who want to enhance their relationship with Christ.

Sweeny Todd Trailers

2007-10-23T10:29:00.001-07:00

So far there aren't many musical elements in the trailers, but here they are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5brXozjbno

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809834155/video/4367764

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdC3aaykl2s

Dumbledore is Gay

2007-10-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

http://hogwartsprofessor.com/?p=196#more-196

J.K. Rowling has officially announced that her Harry Potter books are based on a Christian worldview. However, I also ran into the following article:

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/entertainment/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071020/ap_en_ot/books_harry_potter
That's right, Dubledore is gay. At first it kind of ruined my good opinion of the books, but then I started to think about it. Rowling says it was love that broke Dumbledore's heart, so I like to think that he realized his mistake and turned from it. Rowling also said that she was trying to promote tolerance of gay people. I like to think that she meant that gay people should not be discriminated against, but it's still a sin to be gay. I'm not against gay people. I'm against their actions, but I won't let that keep me from treating them like human beings. I don't know. I'm tending to think that Rowling is one of those, it's not a sin to be gay, people who think gay people have their rightful place in the church without repentence.

Honk Honk - Riding the Segway Without a Helmet

2007-10-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/2007/10/honk-honk-riding-segway-without-helmet.html

I was extra careful on my segway today. Why? Because I forgot to wear my helmet and gloves! I realized this about halfway to my destination. I was going fast because rain was expected any moment, but I had to slow down. Luckily, it did not rain on me and I did not fall. I have fallen twice already, so I know the importance of a helmet and gloves. They shield your fall and lessen the bruises. They may also save your life if you hit a car (which I have not done). When riding in windy conditions, be sure to wear a jacket or sweater to keep you warm (you don't want to get a cold). Also, do not try to go too fast against the wind; you could lose your balance and fall. Watch for bumps and try to avoid them. Sidewalks will often be uneven. If you come upon part of a sidewalk that has tranformed into a stairway, do not attempt to go over it; get off the segway and walk it over the stairstep. If there's no traffic, it may be better to ride on the road. I often ride on the road in neighborhoods. However, be alert for cars. Keep your ears open for the sound of a car's engine or the sound of a car driving over and crushing fallen leaves. If a car does appear, pull over to the side of the road and let the car pass.

No good reactions today. However, I did not post some of the reactions that I got about a week ago when I went to the local Blockbuster store.

One woman yelled out, "I like that!"

A man told me he wanted to ride my segway. He begged and pleaded, but I said no. He asked me how much a segway costs. I told him $5000. Surprisingly he still said he was going to buy one (but I doubt he will). Another man who appeared to be with him told him he could make his own segway. It's true you can make your own segway. I saw a website for just such a purpose. However, buying one is much easier and may even be less expensive and less time consuming.

Some kids also waved at me. I waved back.

Some other kids I saw were playing with their toy guns. They stopped to look at my segway. One of them said, "Cool, I want one of those!" A friend of mine who saw this happen told me I must feel real good, promoting world peace. I guess my segway is a great way to stop violence. LOL.

Last of all, the best reaction of the day was a man who turned to me and said, "Honk, honk. You got a horn on that?" Unfortunately, I did not have my bell with me at the time or I would have gave it a ring.

Broadway at a stand still

2007-10-06T10:12:00.001-07:00

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/entertainment/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071006/ap_en_bu/broadway_negotiations

NEW YORK - Stagehands and producers negotiated until nearly midnight Friday, hoping to resolve contract issues that could shut down much of Broadway just as the fall theater season gets under way. Both sides agreed to talk again Tuesday, said union spokesman Bruce Cohen. Discussions reportedly had been tense this week between Local One, the stagehands union, and the League of American Theatres and Producers. Most of the conflict has involved the thorny issue of load-ins, the complicated physical setting-up of a show in a theater. Producers say the rules governing load-ins are cumbersome and expensive, requiring more stagehands than needed. The union says the rules are necessary. The League initially set a Sept. 30 deadline to resolve the conflict and threatened to lock out the stagehands if an agreement was not reached, but talks have continued. The union, a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, has been working without a contract since the end of July.

My Nightmares Come Alive

2007-10-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/2007/10/my-nightmares-come-alive.html

I feel extremely stupid right now. I wasn't thinking straight and I wasn't feeling well and I completely forgot to go to my fitness for life class today! My roommarte reminded me about twenty minutes past the time when class was supposed to start. It's my nightmares come true! This has happened to me before in other situations. Luckily I get 3 cuts, so I'll just use one of those. I don't think the teacher makes you makeup your labs anyway. We have to do labs where we test our wellness. Today we were going to test our flexibility. I hate missing class. Oh well.

In other news, my faculty friend cornered me today about skipping chapel so often. According to our Life Together Covenant I get 3 or 4 cuts per semester. They don't regulate it though and I thought I heard someone say at the beginning of the semester that chapel weren't required, so I've only been going once a week. There are 3 chapels every week. Anyway, my friend cornered me and said he wants me to go more often and that he was proud of me for going today. I guess he didn't notice that my roommate also skips chapel as often as I do. I don't know what it is about chapel I don't like. I grew up going to chapel once a week at a Christian school and I hated it. OUr chapels were so boring and I've never liked worshipping in a group setting unless I'm in the mood. I guess I feel pressured to worship the way everyone else does. It's so easy for me to get angry at chapel. I guess that's why I don't usually go.

Two One Dollar Bills

2007-10-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/2007/10/two-one-dollar-bills.html

Two one-dollar bills fit neatly within my pocket. I reached for the money. What was money to me? What use did I have for two measly dollars? Perhaps I could buy some candy. Maybe I could buy a soda. No, I had a credit card for those sorts of things. My parents take good care of me; they pay for everything. They had even given me a fifty dollar gift card to Wal-Mart as a goodbye and good-luck-in-college gift, and here I stood at a Super Wal-Mart in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with the gift card and those two one-dollar bills.

What significance does two dollars have? When a small amount of money comes to you unexpectedly, it can have a lot of significance. Randomly coming into possession of two dollars makes a person wonder why they were given the money. They wonder, “Who would give money away? Why would they give money away?” Perhaps they did not need the money. Perhaps what they needed was the kindness. One act of kindness confuses the recipient. Why would you help someone you do not know?

Nervously, I reached into my pocket, took out the two dollar bills, and leaned over the cash register. Whispering gently to the cashier, I said, “Could you do me a favor? Could you take this money and apply it to the bill of the person behind me or just give it to them and let them use it in whatever way they want to?”

“You want me to do what?” the cashier looked confused.

I guessed I did not say it loud enough.

“Could you give this money to the person behind me?” I repeated.

“But… do you know her?”

“No.” I wanted to do something good for a stranger.

“Then, why? What do you want me do, again? Did I hear you right?”

“Please, give these two dollars to the person behind me.” Irritation rose up in me. Why wouldn’t she just do what I asked? Was it that hard? Why was it so strange for a person to want to do a good deed?

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

The cashier took the cash reluctantly. For a moment, she seemed to consider pushing the cash back into my hands. It was as if she did not want me to freely give my money away. She did not seem to understand why someone would do something for someone else. Coming from California’s fast and furious, self-centered culture, I expected the Midwest to overflow with kind people. I thought the Midwest was the opposite of California. The fact that a small act of kindness would surprise someone in the conservative Midwest came as a shock to me. The United States continues to focus on self, even in the Midwest. I only gave away two dollars, but even this stood out as something that does not happen every day.

I left the register as soon as I had given the money to the cashier, having no desire for recognition. I saw the reaction of the cashier, but wondered about the recipient of my two dollar bills. How would she respond? Rachel Steiner, a friend of mine, observed the recipient’s reaction. The woman who had been behind me in line rejected the money at first. She and the cashier looked around to see where I had gone, but I was no where in sight. After a few moments’ hesitation, she took the money and used to pay for part of her bill. She had two carts full of groceries and four children with her. There was no doubt in my mind; she needed that money and she needed something to brighten up her day.

Rachel took her two dollar bills and gave them to another cashier. I stood nearby to watch how the recipient would react. The cashier took the money willingly and handed it to the two women standing behind Rachel. The older of the two looked puzzled.

“Did you know the person who was in front of you?” the cashier asked.

“No,” the older woman replied.

“I just assumed she knew you.”

“Wow,” the younger woman exclaimed. “Who does a thing like that these days?”

The person behind them asked what was happening and the two recipients started to talk nonstop about the two dollar bills a kind girl had given them

“That’s the way things should be,” one of the women told the person behind them.

“Nobody’s ever done that before for me. I’ve never seen anyone do that for anyone,” the other woman said.

“She must want some good for her,” they continued. “God looks out for you when you do good.”

“What a loyal lady.”

“We don’t even know her.”

“I don’t even see her anymore. She just disappeared.” They were surprised that Rachel had disappeared without any desire for recognition.

They could not hold up the line all day, so they eventually got around to paying for their purchase, but their smiles never left their faces. I wondered what their beliefs were. The way they talked about God and about Rachel’s deed of kindness, it sounded like they believed in karma and some sort of god. So many people believe in some sort of god, but think no further than that. I was unsure of what these people believed.

I do not think that any of the people who gained two dollars from a stranger that day really needed the money. The amount they spent on groceries made two dollars seem like nothing, but I am sure that a small gift of two one-dollar bills blessed their day. It took me a long time to find a line where someone actually came up behind me so I could give them the money. It did not take so long when Rachel gave her two dollar bills to a stranger. I believe God put us in the right places at the right time. Who knows what those two dollar bills did for those who received them, but the money served a much larger purpose in their hands than it did in my pocket.

Rainbows

2007-09-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to twi beautiful rainbows promising a beautiful day ahead, even if it is hot outside and humid. Unfortunately I didn't get my camera quick enough, so I have no pictures of it.

"This is the Day the Lord has made. I will be glad and rejoice in it."

The rainbows seemed to promised hope and escape from the past. I have reason to rejoice in God's mercy and love today.

Gene Kelly on Roller Skates

2007-09-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Segwaying to the Movies

2007-09-23T06:12:00.001-07:00

http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/2007/09/segwaying-to-movies.html

I'm Going to be Published!

2007-09-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Harmony,
Congratulations on hitting the big time your very first month in college. Your review of the Martin book will be published this December in the winter quarterly issue of CHURCH LIBRARIES. Your other review of the Martin book will be published in the Christmas issue of THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATOR.
So, you've cracked two national magazines in your first half-month of being at Taylor Fort Wayne. I see a very successful future ahead for you. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Hensley

Grandma's Verse: Isaiah 55:8-9

2007-09-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Segways and Polo - Sports

2007-09-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/2007/09/segways-and-polo.html

Prince Caspian

2007-09-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.cinematical.com/2007/09/17/exclusive-the-chronicles-of-narnia-prince-caspian-official-o/

There is a God

2007-09-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Some short lessons and fun reactions

2007-09-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/2007/09/some-short-lessons-and-fun-reactions.html

Two days ago I went out on my segway and I didn't fall. For once in my segway career, I did not fall! You see, segways can be safe and fun if you ride them the right way. Just don't get so comfortable that you forget to pay attention to where you're going! I did pick up a few new lessons, however. First of all, do not try to go too fast when riding against the wind. If the wind is blowing against you it can throw you off balance if you're not careful. Second of all, takes bumps slowly. Third, wear Off or some sort of mosquitoe spray to keep bugs off of you, especially if you go out in the evening. Speaking of bugs, you might want to wear safety glasses and go a bit slower when riding your segway near a river or some body of water. Bugs like to hang out near water in mass quantities. I learned this the hard way, hitting tons of bugs at once. I leaned my head forward a bit when I saw them coming so as to make them hit my helmet instead of my face. In the end, however, the bugs came off of me as the wind blew them away. Several actually flew away themselves, unharmed. Lastly, I learned that, while it is a stress reliever to go out on a segway on your own, it is a lot more fun to go with some friends. I try to get some of my friends who like to go biking to go with me. It's nice to have someone to talk to. Just don't fall from turning around to talk to them.I did get a few nice reactions. I can't remember them all now, but some teens commented that my segway was cool and another woman said, "I like your thingy." So far no one has lectured me on how walking is healthier, although I have gotten a few strange looks. Some bikers look at me with a questioning face as if they wanted to say, "Why do I have to exercise to get places? Why can't I have a segway too? I hate that girl because she can have one and I can't." One man gave me one of these looks before smiling the other day. I think my favorite reaction, however, is when bikers genuinely smile at me and nod their heads as if tipping their hats (or helmets) off to my cool contraption. Of course, even cooler than this is when people on motorcycles or in trucks honk at me. Some teenagers who obviously thought they were something yelled something out, but I couldn't understand them over their loud music.

They Were There

2007-09-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

The chill of the morning air brushes on my cheek,

As I remember the good and bad memories of my past.

I remember every time I cried out for love,

Every time I weeped because of loneliness.

I was a star that shone dimly by itself in the sky,

And still I learned things from it,

And the cold air disappears,

When I know that YOU ARE THERE.

My parents that never left my side,

The ones who stretched out a loving hand,

And held me through the night.

What is there in a girl that is different,

That makes gloom seem right for her.

But to stand upright, to be tall inside,

Makes the sky brighten,

And the clouds clear,

Because THEY WERE THERE

Jesus, You're All I Need and All I Want

2007-09-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Ancient Jewish Tunnel Discovered

2007-09-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1615637110x4311772157x4298164926/aol?redir=http%3A//news.aol.com/story/ar/_a/ancient-escape-tunnel-found-in-israel/20070909115009990001%3Fncid%3DNWS00010000000001

Pavarotti Dies

2007-09-06T03:56:00.001-07:00

I'm depressed!

http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1615637110x4311772157x4298164926/aol?redir=http%3A//news.aol.com/entertainment/music/story/ar/_a/luciano-pavarotti-has-died-says-manager/20070905142309990001%3Fncid%3DNWS00010000000001

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/entertainment/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070906/ap_en_mu/pavarotti_reax

http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1615637110x4311772157x4298164926/aol?redir=http%3A//news.aol.com/entertainment/music/story/ar/_a/luciano-pavarotti-has-died-says-manager/20070905142309990001%3Fncid%3DNWS00010000000001

Review: Firewall

2007-09-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Action, violence, and Harrison Ford. “Firewall” has all the ingredients of another perfect suspense film.

Jack Stanfield (Harrison Ford) is your typical rich, family man. All he cares about is his family and work.

The family is complete with a beautiful, faithful wife (Virginia Madsen), annoying little brother (Jimmy Bennet), and rebellious older sister (Carly Schroeder).

Jack owns his own bank, and is a bank security expert. He designed a flawless, top security system for his bank.

Things change, however, when a group of men kidnap Jack’s family and threaten to kill them if he doesn’t find a flaw in his system and transfer $100 million stolen money into their account.

The group is led by Bill Cox (Paul Bettany of “Wimbledon” and “A Knight’s Tale”), who knows almost every single detail about Jack and his family.

It’s up to Jack to save his family and get the money back at the same time, turning the game around and giving the villains a taste of their own medicine.

No matter how similar a plot may be to Ford’s previous movies, there is no getting past how well he plays the roles. You never get bored with his acting. His emotions, facial expressions, and tone of voice always draw the audience in with a perfectly, tense moments.

Bettany takes on a new persona in the film. He normally does more sensitive, shy roles in movies such as “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” and “A Beautiful Mind.” One thing doesn’t change in his roles - he is always the clever English-man with some secret to unfold. Now, he is the brutal, unrelenting, deceiving Cox, who even resorts to giving Jack’s son cookies he is allergic to. Bettany is good at his new role. He is very mysterious. You are never sure whether he has a humane side to him or not. He even gets the kids on his side for a short while.

The plot, although unoriginal, is satisfying. It gets better as it goes along, and better, and better, until it comes to a perfectly thought out, but abrupt ending.

Jack’s attempts to escape the nightmare are put together well. At one point, he has a hidden camera in a pen he has in his shirt pocket. He gets close to his secretary (Mary Lynn Rajskub of TV’s “24”) and sneakily switches the pen to his secretary’s pocket.

The great thing about the ending is that it isn’t “cheesy.” The last fight scene doesn’t just happen. It is detailed and long, ending with an axe in the back of one of the villains.

For a suspense film, though, it fails to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While there are plenty of twists to keep you interested, the film does tend to go on and on, and get a little boring in parts. The first two thirds of the film are all talk and no action. There are no special effects until the finale.

The one complaint I have is the language. The F word is used once, unnecessarily, and there are plenty of other offenses.

Still, director Richard Loncraine has managed to stage out a good drama. It’s not perfect, and it’s very predictable, but hey, that’s Harrison Ford.

“Firewall” is highlighted by its actors, and is sure to please any Ford or Bettany fan.

New Veggie Tales Movie

2007-09-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

Cuz we're the pirates who don't do anything!

http://www.veggiepirates.com/

http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/veggietalesthepirateswhodontdoanything/trailer1/medium.html

Segway Reaction of the Day

2007-09-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

I've posted an amusing story about my segway at http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/2007/09/segway-reaction-of-day.html

New Blog, Again

2007-09-02T16:39:00.001-07:00

I've started a new blog because it's an assignment for my computers class. The description is below. http://segwaythrucollege.blogspot.com/

The name of this blog is "Segway'n Through College." I've given it this name because I own a segway which I have named Brooklyn. I bought the segway as a means of transportation for college as well as a means of stress relief. Right now I am taking a computers class which requires me to start a new blog as an assignment, so here is my new blog!!! I already have three other blogs at http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/ http://declarationphotos.blogspot.com/ and http://confabremarks.blogspot.com/. I will often post the same stuff on this blog that I will post on my other blogs. Still, this blogs has a specific purpose and that is college life, so I will be focusing on my segway adventures and my college experiences. I will often post devotionals and things I write for classes. Since my computers class also deals with ethics I will post my views and opinions on current events and popular trends and well as on my own interests.I'd like to start with a devotional I wrote as I entered college. I also thought it appropriate because it starts out talking about computers.

Sunday: The Lord's Day: Learning not to Judge

2007-09-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Growing up with a mother who works at a large church, I have experienced all the politics that go on behind the scenes. Yes, you heard me right. Even churches often act like businesses with the politics of the haves and the have-nots. No one and nothing comes without flaws.

Romans 3:23For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Should strife and earthly conflicts take place inside the church? No! After all, we are supposed to shine as a light to the world. But we cannot completely avoid these things. The key comes in doing your best to follow Christ’s example and praying regularly for the church community. We cannot help messing up here and there. We are human and messing up comes with human nature. However, we know that Christ redeems us and forgives us for the things we do wrong. He also admonishes us against allowing what we witness to control how we act and think.

More than once, I have allowed my own feelings to take over and control my actions and thoughts. I became bitter towards those involved in the politics of the church and wanted to rebel. God still had a thing or two to teach me. I tried continually to respect authority and keep a healthy attitude about things. Then the other day, I read something that changed my outlook forever. I read Philippians 1:15-18, mentioned in Max Lucado’s book, “Every Day Deserves a Chance.”

Philippians 1:15-18 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Before I go any further, I have to give you a little background from my experience with prejudice. One time, my church discovered that a pastor there had covered up an old sin. The elders offered him counseling and a probationary period in a lower position, but he refused. Although he seemed to have repented of the original offense, his pride kept him from taking his lumps. Instead, he quit and started a new, competing church. Many in the congregation split off to follow him.

At first, I hated the man. I believed such a man should not pastor a church. I failed to realize that God can bring good out of the bad. Although the politics continue in both his church and my church, the important thing is the fact that Christ is preached. Does that make what he did right? No! But it does mean that Christ is now preached to more people!

When Paul wrote Philippians, he was in prison. He had experienced prison and worse in the past and, now, supposed brethren were doing things just to hurt him. He did not let the trials and persecution get him down. He knew God was in control and that God was using him to preach the gospel. He knew that the important thing was that Christ was preached.

In verse 15, Paul mentions that there are some who preach the gospel only for their own gain and with the wrong motives, but in verse 18 he says,

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached, and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

No matter what the politics are behind the scenes, I should rejoice that Christ is preached. Let God judge; I am here to be a light to the world.

The Grasp of Fate

2007-08-31T06:47:00.001-07:00

She had run from her past. She did not stop until the time came, this time in which fate snatched her up in the cold grasp of its hands. It had the power to do anything with her life, anything at all. At its worst, it could even take away her life. She had run into fate's grasp, and now it was up to fate to decide her future. Fate, however, takes kindly to playing tricks on a person’s mind, and so it did with Ginger Kate Tucker.

It was a quiet day in Ginger's life, one that seemed to have no end. As she stood in the familiar garden, she could feel the faint, icy chill of fate's hands on her shoulders. Fate touched her in such a way that she had no other choice. No matter how painful it would be, she would have to remember. Yet fate was not done with her; oh, no, it still had deceiving plans in mind for her.

A strange headache made her dizzy and sure of nothing. Her thoughts circled in her mind. Fate had no mercy. In an effort to relax, she found her way to what looked like a comfortable bench and sat there. The soft feel of the wind eased her in a way she had not known before. Her environment was strange to her.

As she became increasingly familiar with her surroundings, her memory began to kick in. She looked to her right and to her left. It was fall: the leaves were falling, the wind was blowing, and it was cold. The sun prevailed over the dark clouds for the moment, but rain was on its way. She looked about, her sharp, skinny blue eyes rolled from place to place, and all she saw was peaceful. Fate had begun its deed.

A young girl appeared a short distance away. The image was skipping along the paved path, singing a silly song or two. It had a small, cute, rosie smile, skinny blue eyes, and short, brown, braided hair. It looked like a smaller version of her, but in her confusion, she did not recognize the scrawny figure that was once her own, along with the bangs that never stayed straight.

Ginger shivered a little, pulling her jacket tighter. Fate had her where it wanted. She was in a state of madness. Somehow the image of her younger self that Fate had created in her mind awed her. Fate took away what little confidence was left in her. Ginger took pity on the happy, yet lonely, innocent child.

"Child, come, sit next to me. I am in great need of a cheerful song," came the soft tone of her voice.

"Shall I sing for you?" Fate's creation of a younger self asked her.

Fate took up the part of the child and immediately began to sing a song about memories. It knew this would torture the fairly aged woman.

"Do sit," Ginger interrupted.

"Tell me a story,” the young girl asked, “one that is during a happy time, spring, maybe? One that has sad things in it, one that brings pain to one's soul. I can see many things in your eyes. Tell me your story. Does it hurt?"

"Yes, I suppose I could fit a story under all those. I miss my young, innocent days. They were taken away from me, you see?" was the calm reply.

"How was it taken away?" Fate inquired.

"Fate did not agree with me. It left me in misery for some time. After my mother died, my father had a hard time raising me, so he gave me away. I was put up for adoption. Times were hard. The orphanage was not the greatest place to live, but it was there that Fate came back to me," her tone of voice rising a little.

"Do tell me.” Fate was enjoying its hold on her life.

Fate laughed at what she said and refused to leave her be. It would not lose its grasp on her; playing tricks was too much fun. It was pride, as well, that kept fate's grasp. The war would not be lost.

"I met Joseph at the orphanage. We became good friends, and never left each others’ sides," she continued. "Those were sad and tiring times, memories that I will not say out loud. They were all unhappy moments."

Fate continued to laugh at how well all its plans were going and decided to relax, and listen to her telling a story which reminded Fate of the many proud achievements of its grasp on her life. Fate enjoyed hearing it from her. It was all the more painful for her and all the more joyous for it.

"Do tell me more," the image begged, "why were they sad times?"

A tear rolled down Ginger's cheek. One single tear was all it took for Fate's laughter to grow even louder, sharply cutting into a person’s heart and soul. It laughed at her several times as its control over her grew tighter every second.

"Joseph was…," she gave a long sigh. Another tear rolled down her cheek, fell off her chin, and quickly found its way to the pavement beneath her feet.

Fate, it having been a long time since it last meddled with the young man's life, did not at first remember who this Joseph was, and what it had done to his life.

"Yes, I remember!" Fate said to itself.

"I loved Joseph dearly, "Ginger continued. "He died when he was 19. I was 18 at the time. He had proposed to me only a month before. We were going to be married here, in this garden. The doctors could not tell what had caused the death. At the time it seemed that fate did not agree with me."

"Fate has its own pride. It holds every single living person in its hands. It uses the fate of people around you to bring misery to your heart," Fate poured its unloving words out of the image's mouth.

"No!" Ginger screamed out, waving her hands wildly.

Fate had her in denial. She was running again from her past, from the truth. However, this was not the direction Fate had her headed for. Oh, no, it had barely begun its deed. This was but the first step of torture. Now, it knew, she must really call out for her memories, all of them, even the bad ones. This would be the climax of Fate's dealings with her.

"Leave me alone!" Ginger repeatedly yelled.

The image disappeared, but Fate did not. It held its grasp firm.

Ginger sat quietly now, echoes of the past surrounding her. The wind softly blew her once dark, brown hair. What little sunshine was left shined in her deep blue eyes, and the smell of burning firewood brought a strange grin to her face.

Fate whispered in her ears, telling her dark things that made her frown. She knew Fate surrounded her, she knew Fate twisted her thoughts, she knew she had no choice. The past was prying into her heart, her very mind. Like the sly lioness seeking out her prey, Fate crouched low and made its attack. Her past revealed itself. Fate had made its call to Past. Past also enjoyed playing with the mind, sometimes for good, other times for bad. Pride, too, does this, along with Death, Life, Fear, Pressure, and Dreams. However, whatever their powers, Fate is the master of them all.

The orphanage was a dirty, terrible place. It was surrounded by fields that went on and on, fields that never turned green and seemed to be the very earthly image of death. The only place nearby was an old cemetery, but a mile away. It was death; no one dared step foot onto its grounds. The place held mysteries unknown to many. No one had been buried there for years. At night the dead seemed to wail, but the mistress of the orphanage warned the orphans that it was just the wind, and if she heard any more complaints there would be no dinner the next day. Still, there were rumors of the horrors it held. Some said that Fate and all that went about doing its will lived there. Whatever the truth was, no one took to it; the rumors were too entertaining to ignore.

Ginger’s final year at the orphanage was almost good, but Fate hardly plays the role of good; rather, it uses good to make evil even more torturous.

It was spring time. Over the years the Mistress had softened. She was much kinder than when Ginger had first come to the orphanage. They had become friends. The mistress had given Ginger permission two years before to plant a garden. The garden, now finished, was peaceful and relaxing. It was the lone place of beauty in a world without sign of life, the one place the orphans actually wanted to be.

Joseph, once his final year was up, had stayed an extra year to wait for Ginger. He was a sweet, gentle, good, young man. He had taken up a job at the orphanage helping with various tasks. It was not much of an income, but it kept him close to her, and it was an opportunity to stay and wait for her.

This was the special day he had planned very thoroughly. It would plan out to either a good or bad result, hopefully good. It would all take place in the garden.

“Ginger,” called the Mistress.

“Yes, Mistress,” was Ginger’s calm reply.

They were in the kitchen cleaning dishes, one of Ginger’s daily chores about the orphanage. Ginger did not always have to do her chores. She had completed her studies two years before that; there was no more school work to be done. Sometimes she would serve as an aide in the classrooms; other times she would do various chores about the orphanage. There was not much else to be done about the dreary, uncheerful place. This was how she filled her time. She could not legally leave the orphanage until she was 19.

“Ginger, we are almost finished with the dishes, and there is not much else that needs to be done, why don’t you go for a walk and enjoy yourself a bit,” the mistress said.

“Nonsense. I could not well leave you here alone, now, could I?” Ginger replied.

“I keep good company by myself, child. Now get along with yourself. Have a good day and whatever comes with it. And see to it that Fate toys not with your mind today, for there are good things ahead for ya’. I can sense it,” she lectured.

“But...,” Ginger protested.

“Off with ya’. I won’t have you hangin’ round here all day near the dirt and rags of an old lady and her dishes.”

The mistress was a kind woman. She had not always been, but being around children had softened her heart. Ginger had made an effort to see into the woman’s dark, hate-filled eyes. She had been successful and found her way into the lady’s heart over the years, as had many other of the orphans. The days she had spent at the orphanage had been harsh and hard at first. Joseph had come when she was about the age of 11. They had become friends at once. She was his personal tour guide about the old, musty place. Ginger had brought cheer to the orphanage. Even with the bad memories of what had taken place there, it had been worth the effort to soften the mistress. Now all that was once sad and dreaded, had become the very light of love. The surroundings and settings of death did not change, but there was enough change to add a bit of happiness to all that was there.

She left the room after giving the mistress a small hug, and headed for the garden. As she sat on a small bench within the peaceful place, she could not help but look all around her. However, something strange seemed to draw her attention to the old, lifeless grave yard that layed less than a mile away. It seemed to call to her: Fate was calling her there.

“Surprise!” came a starling voice from behind.

“Joseph! What gives you the nerve to come up behind me and startle me like that?” Ginger questioned, turning around to see the young man with his handsome, green eyes and dark, black hair.

Joseph stood tall. Although he had a scrawny figure, he was still very strong and a sight to see when he was proud of himself. He chuckled a little and then came around to where she sat and took a seat next to her.

“I have every right to scare the girl I love with all my heart,” he said with laughter.

“Oh, if that is how you feel about me,” Ginger scolded, turning away from him, also giving a short giggle.

“So what are you doing out here all alone?” Joseph inquired.

“Well, I came to get some peace and quiet, if you do not mind!” she told him with a smile on her face.

“Alrighty then, I guess you don’t want this.” Joseph revealed a small rose that was just a bud. “Open the bud,” he gently ordered.

“What? Is there another scary surprise in it?” she asked.

“Just open it,” he ordered again.

She looked down at the small bud and slowly opened it, careful not to ruin its beauty. Inside there was a shining ring that had a jewel shaped like a flower on it. The ring did not consist of a genuine jewel or of real gold, but it was beautiful.

“Once we start make a liven’ for ourselves, I will be able to afford a real ring. I hope this is enough for now,” he told her.

“Are you asking me to marry you?” Ginger questioned.

“Sure I am,” he answered.

“Yes, of coarse it’s enough! It will last us a life time!” she cried out.

It was a happy moment for both of them. Her smile shined brightly. When she returned, everyone in the orphanage could tell what had happened. They knew it would happen sooner or later, but now it had.

They had planned to hold the wedding two months later in that very same garden.

However strange it may have been, there was still that calling to go to the graveyard. The calling replayed in her mind continuously: that feeling she had had right before Joseph had surprised her. The cemetery called to her. It had been Fate. It was her turn to be taken hold of by Fate, her turn to have her life ruined.

The graveyard was a smelly, gruesome place. It was death in every possible way. Ginger wandered about looking at the gravestones. Each told a story of the person buried there. The stories were all very similar. This seemed strange to her.

“May I help you, young lady?” A strange, unknown voice asked. It sounded like the voice of Fate itself.

“I was just observing all these gravestones. They hold much history,” she replied.

“Yes, the history of criminals can be very interesting. That is why I took up this job. I am the caretaker of this graveyard. I am a lonely man myself. Not many take to my hobbies, so I live a comfortable life out here doing my job,” the old man that had now appeared told her.

Ginger, already having been in a fearful mood, did not think to ask him any further questions of what he used the money for if he never left the place, or where he got his food from. None of these questions or even the thought to suspect something crossed her mind.

“Criminals?” she inquired.

“Yes, criminals. All buried here, away from the respected, good people. Suppose they deserved it. Somethin’ bout this place spooks me in wonder and awe. Sometimes I think they haunt the place with their ghosts, but I’ve never seen em’,” the crooked man mentioned.

Fate had entered her life for good at that moment. It had beckoned her there to show her where her fate in many ways lay.

A sudden shadow had come over her at that moment that made her want to leave immediately. She knew that she had to, but how? The old man seemed crazy and out of his wits.

“I really must go. They are waiting for me back at the orphanage,” she told the man kindly, but with a distinct tone to her voice that made her sound tense.

“So soon?” the elderly man asked.

“Yes. It was nice meeting you,” she told him, and quickly ran from the place back to where she knew safety was.

As she arrived back at the orphanage, a chill came over her. One of the younger orphans ran up to her mumbling words at a fast pace that she could not understand.

“Slow down, child,” she said, putting her hand on the child’s shoulder.

“We don’t know how it happened so quickly but...” the child paused to catch her breath.

“Yes, what happened?” Ginger said anxiously.

“Joseph, he has come down with an awful temperature, Miss Tucker. He is very sick. The mistress has called for a doctor, but seein’ that we be so far away from any place with medical resources, it will be a day or two before we can get any help,” the child finished.

“Take me to him,” Ginger said, “at once.”

The doctor came three days later. They did their best, but within the month, Joseph had died of an unknown cause.

“We have no money to bury him all fancy and like,” the mistress told Ginger.

They were sitting in the hallway outside of the room where Joseph’s dead body lay.

“Not even anywhere nice and full of life. I am sorry Ginger,” the mistress said.

Tears rolled down Ginger’s face. Her eyes no longer had happiness in them.

“Mr. Drob, who lives down at the old cemetery has offered to bury him there.” The mistress knew this would not make anything better.

“Buried with criminals. What history would lie on his gravestone? Here lies Joseph, a good man, not a criminal. But not rich enough to not be buried with such terrible people. May his ghost haunt with them forever!” Ginger yelled out.

“At least then he’d be buried. His corpse is no thing to be left to disappear in the wind, nor placed upon fire to burn to its crumbs of ashes,” was the remark of the mistress.

“I will not see him dishonored by those criminals!” Ginger’s tears doubled now.

“I am sorry Ginger. I know you love him, but this is the best thing there is. I know it will torture you to see him buried among such others, but just as much as to see his body burn in flames.” The mistress leaned over and gave Ginger a hug. “Ginger, you have brought love and life to this dead, forsaken place. Do not let the loss of Joseph ruin your life forever.”

Ginger had eventually consented to the deed. She had known in her heart that it was the best thing. However, she could not dwell on her memories forever, and when the chance came, she had left the place, intending to never come back. She had run.

Now she sat in that same garden near the orphanage that was filled with so many memories. She did not dare visit the place because it scared her to let herself dwell on her past once again. She had let her past get to her, she had cried out for it, and now Fate held its grasp tight over her life. The graveyard stood within walking distance. She could make out the very gravestone which stood above the burial place of Joseph, the man she had loved for so long. Fate had made her remember. That was enough for her. She did not wish to go any closer to the haunted cemetery which contained her beloved.

“No!” she cried out, screaming as hard as she could.

The image of her younger self appeared once again. She could see the child, so innocent, so brave.

“Go away, do not let Fate get you, too!” she yelled.

All was a blur now. She could not see well enough to distinguish what anything was.

Then came the silent pause of a moment or two. Not long afterwards, the image said in a low, evil tone, “Are you mad? I am Fate.”

Ginger screamed. The image changed shapes and circled in her mind. Everything was changing shape and colors, and Fate revealed itself to her now. Continuously she screamed. Her cries could be heard from miles away.

“I am Death!” she cried out louder and louder, “Fate has entered my life and will not let go!”

There was a sudden silence. Fate had lost its grasp.

Ginger fell to the ground in shock. She was dead.

When Daddy Smiled

2007-08-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

Everything seemed to be going so well. My brother got saved at church that Easter Sunday. Daddy was able to go too. Daddy was so excited about seeing my brother get baptized, but he was getting weaker. He was too weak to go to church. We doubted that he would last long enough to even be alive on the scheduled date. So we brought out a horse trough, filled it with water, and brought dad outside to see brother get baptized. Daddy's eyes were still closed. It would all be pointless if dad wasn't even conscious of what was happening. When it finally took place, daddy stood up and opened his eyes. He didn't seem to care if people wanted him to stay sitting and resting. He had that attitude where he was determined that no one would get in his way. For the first time in a long while, tears of joy streaked down my cheeks. Our family was happy. Light seemed to shine from heaven. Daddy was looking better after that. His tumors didn't show so much. Our prayers seemed to be answered for a short while. It didn't last long though. Daddy died four days later. I sent my son home. Six is not an age to be troubled with such things. My sister brought her son to the funeral. I remember just watching him as he stood and stared at the vase that contained daddy's urns. Sis sent him home after that. He was only five years old. Sis wanted to put coffee beans in with daddy's urns. Daddy loved to drink coffee. When it got to where he couldn't drink it, we got him some coffee beans just so he could smell them. The funeral was beautiful. Daddy would have liked it. Still, no matter how sad things may have been, God had answered our prayers, just not in the way we had expected. I'll never forget that day when daddy opened his eyes, stood up, and smiled. Even though the happiness only lasted a short time, it was a happy time, and I'll never forget it.

Silence - A response to the sudden stop of a bird's squawking

2007-08-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Why the sudden silence?

Coming so swift and so fast.

Nothing to warn.

Just a quick entrance,

leaving all behind.

Show me your meaning,

dear sir.

I know not what it is.

This strange moment,

it fills my ears with nothingness

I hear nothing.

I see nothing.

I feel nothing.

I am alone in the world with you.

You who jump from around the corner.

You who bring fright to all,

and at other times peace.

So, why not tell me your meaning?

I am puzzled and befuddled.

Personal Monday: An Old Weight Loss Journal

2007-08-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Thursday, November 03, 2005

My mom and I talked about weight loss the other morning. I have decided to write down what I eat. Writing down what you eat can really help. You do not realize how much you eat until you stop and think about it. Writing down I eat reminds me of my commitment and makes me think about what I can do to change my eating habits. Drinking water helps a lot too. It helps me suppress my appetite.

Wednesday, I walked over to my mom's work after school. She works at the church that is on the same campus as my school. It is not that far of a walk. It takes me about 10 minutes to walk over. Today, however, I actually found myself enjoying it. I knew I had to walk faster and faster. Walking can be a good exercise if you do it often enough. The longer I walk, the faster I go, the more of a work out I get. I will have to walk more often from now on. I have two dogs. I should take them on walks more often. It is a simple thing to do and does not take too much effort. The more I do it, the healthier I get. I can't just walk and do nothing else, though. Not if I want results.

I watched Biggest Loser on TV last night. That show really inspires me. I would like to be on it some day. Not for the money, but for the results. It would teach me how to eat right and would push me to the limit. I would have to persevere and not give up. The people on that show make a choice to change their lifestyles, and gain a healthier body in return. I hope I can do that. I ma not be on TV, but I do have a choice to make and I choose now to be healthy and to do what is right. I will have determination, I will persevere, and I will lose weight!

I actually weigh more than some of the people on "Biggest Loser." How embarrassing is that? But I am not embarrassed! I weigh 280 pounds, so what! I have seen girls go around complaining about their weight and saying how they are chubby. Others do not want to say how much the weigh. They want to keep it hush hush. Me, I do not care. I do not see what the big secret is. I am not negative by saying how much I weigh to myself. I may be outright with it and talk openly about it, but it is o big deal. I am not wallowing in self-pity. I am now trying to do something about it.

It can be so hard sometimes to say no to my craving. I have had enough to eat. So what do I do when I want to eat but have already eaten enough? I literally have to think to myself, "I do not need food, I do not need food. I will not crave, I will not crave." Just the other day in my speech class at MJC a girl came in with McDonalds. She said she had to eat because she was "starved." As I saw her get the food out, my mouth began to water. Of course, I could not eat right then, but I surely could have gotten some fast food after class on the way home. I had to ignore this craving. I wanted food, but I did not need it. I may have gotten past it this time, but I still craved that food. That is the key. I need to train myself to not desire those foods. There are other, healthier foods to eat. I do not even need caramel to make an apple taste good. I can still eat fast food every once in a while, but I need to control how much I eat. Instead of a medium French fry, maybe a small. Even at home, when I am relaxed, I need to find something to do when I think I am hungry, but really am not.

Writing things down in a journal really helps. It reminds me of what I am doing and gives me a place to write down all my feelings. It has helped me a lot.

Sunday Comic

2007-08-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

taken from reverendfun.com

Cross Country Trip

2007-08-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well I'm at college now. I drove cross country and took LOTS of pictures. I'll be posting them on and off over the next month or so. I've been taking lots of pictures and will be posting them at my photo blog: http://declarationphotos.blogspot.com/

On my Way

2007-08-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

I'm on my way to college, so I won't be posting very often in the next week. Feel free to check out my older posts.

The Lord's Day: Come as You Are

2007-08-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

Taken from http://www.reverendfun.com/

Proud Owner...

2007-08-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

of my own official segway!!! I bought a segway for college today (can't afford a car). This afternoon I took it out for a little practice. It was so much fun! I did not get one "Walking's Healthier" yell, thank goodness. The reactions were positive. Some people pointed. Some teens honked the horn on their car. Some just yelled out, "cool!" The best reactions came from the kids, though. Two kids were playing and I could see they liked the segway. I talked to them a few short moments. My favorite reaction came from a little boy and girl who turned to their father and said, "I want to try!!! Can I do it!" Unfortunately its not safe to let anyone else ride it. Even I was having trouble with it every once in a while. It was fun, though. I got used to going up and down the rounded curbs of the sidewalks and the bumps stopped bothering me after a while. The nice thing about the newer models, which I got a good deal on a used one, is that you turn just by leaning the handles the way you want to go. So, I got to do a lot of fun maneuvers. I am thinking about riding it to church tomorrow morning! Won't that be fun. For now, I'm tired. It's hot our, and you have no idea how much exercise it takes to run one of these things. I'll post pics when I get a chance.

Saturday at the Movies

2007-08-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

I've been watching a lot of movies lately and thought I would post some quick short reviews on them.

Stardust
Rating: four out of five stars

Comments: I can see why it did not get the best reviews in the world. The book is probably better and the film can slow in parts. However, I loved the acting and the story was not half bad. Most of all, I loved the soundtrack. The story is fairly predictable, but fun and enjoyable.

Christian Remarks: Twice in the film sexual activity is implied. There are also dark witches in the film. Ghosts appear often (as the comic relief). It is not the best film for a younger child, but mature Christian teens might enjoy the film for what it is: fiction. I certainly plan on buying this one.

Becoming Jane
Rating: Five out of Five stars

Comments: I was very surprised at how much I liked Anne Hathaway in this. She has grown a lot since Princess Diaries. I only wish she had a stronger English accent. Maggie Smith was wonderful. All the acting was great. Acting combined with script had me guessing throughout the entire film what Austen characters are based on which people. The story was fairly predictable. We already know that Austen never got married. The filmmakers did a good job with aging the characters as time went on in the film. The scenery and sets were beautiful. The soundtrack was beautiful. The story was beautiful. Any Jane Austen fan will enjoy this one. Another film I plan on buying.

Akeelah and the Bee
Rating: Five out of five stars

Comments: This film is truly a feel-good movie. It encourages you to go after your dreams. The acting is good. The script is good. The movie is good. Can you believe it was made by Starbucks?

Christian Remarks: The race that Akeelah makes, pushing onward to the end of the spelling bee, reminds me of the race we as Christians must run. The film points out that the only fear holding you back is the fear of yourself, the fear that you're not good enough, the fear that others will mock you. But you must press forward. Akeelah gets help from her community, the same way we get help from each other in the Christian community. When Akeelah lies about her parental permission for the bee, she gets the full consequences. There are a few swearwords, but other than that it is a fairly clean movie.

Here are some other films I watched this weekend that you might enjoy:

Scoop: Although its perception of the afterlife is wrong and the film has several sex scenes, overall this is a good and hilarious film, although predictable.

Hollywoodland: The first third of the film is fairly clean, but the rest is chalk full of dirty jokes and bad language. The story is good. The acting is good. I recommend it to anyone who can handle the R rating. Just watch how it affects you afterwards.

Invincible: A great, clean film about following your dreams.

Christadelphians

2007-08-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.allaboutcults.org/christadelphians.htm

My dad pointed out a sign to me the other day. It was a sign for the Christadelphians cult. He said he had heard of it a long tyime ago and disagreed with it. I asked him to look it up for me and he sent me the link above. Looks pretty messed up to me. basically they believe in Jesus but deny all of the major Christian doctrines. I'm not sure what to make of it. I don't even know what they really believe, juts what they don't believe. What do you think?

Entertainment Friday: Movies

2007-08-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Beowulf
http://www.beowulfmovie.com/

I'm looking forward to this one. It'll probably be rate R, but I just want to see it because I was forced to read it in high school. Looks like a good cast, other than Angelina Jolie.

The Scorpian King 2
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/16/dreams-do-come-true-a-scorpion-king-prequel-minus-the-rock/

I liked the first one overall. Didn't like the Rock's acting, but it was a good movie and good blot, even if the costuming was overly unmodest for the women.

The Jungle Book
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/13/bbc-to-make-live-action-version-of-the-jungle-book/
BBC is making a movie of Jungle Book. Is it just me, or have too many versions of this book been made already?

The Wackness
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/11/ben-kingsley-mary-kate-olsen-and-method-man-to-star-in-the-wac/
Can you believe Mary Kate Olsen is doing something without her sister? Can you believe she's even doing something? I don't think she's a very good actress. Every movie she's made has plopped. Maybe she'll do better without her sister.

Jurassic Park 4
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/13/jurassic-park-4-to-feature-gun-toting-dinosaurs/
Can't they make any real good and original movies any more instead of boring sequels?

Dan in Real Life
http://www.apple.com/trailers/touchstone/daninreallife/medium.html
This one does not look half bad.

Driving's Complicated

2007-08-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

I was going to take my driver's test today just for the experience, but guess what? I didn't know I was supposed to bring proof of registration for the car! That's not all. My dad had his registration in his car (the car I was going to use), but it was from 2006, not 2007! My mom thinks God was saving me from the rude woman who would have given me the test. I guess that's possible. Anything's possible with God. Given this, I thought it appropriate to repost the following (which I wrote after I took my third permit test):

I had a wierd dream last night. In the dream, I left my driving permit at home and needed to drive somewhere. So, I went ahead and started to drive, but in a training wheel car that resembled a bike. It told police I was a driver in training. There were police out everywhere looking for student drivers. I made too wide a turn and one of them pulled me over, not to give me a ticket, but to make me redo the turn and practice it until I got it right. I never found out how things ended for me, though, because the phone rang and woke me up.

If there is any person qualified to write a book review of the California Driver’s Handbook, it’s me. No, I do not work for the DMV, and no, I am not a perfectionist driver. In truth, I am very afraid of driving. While still on my first permit, I got in an accident. With my driver instructor, my sandal got caught on the pedal and I pushed the gas pedal instead of the break. This caused me to get into a minor bumper accident, no damage. I cried when I got home. Needless to say time came and went and I did not go for my license. My permit expired. Since then I have taken the permit test two more times and gotten better at passing each time. I always passed, but each time the number of missed questions lessened. I actually was scheduled to take my permit test earlier this month for the third time, but my mom lost my passport. A weeks worth of reading was wasted. Luckily, this time I highlighted the important parts and when my mom found my passport a month later I only had to skip read the highlighted parts. Two days ago, on June 28th, 2007, I took the test and only missed two questions. My picture would have turned out good if my double chin had not shown up. It has a way of coming out like that. I hate being fat, I hope to lose weight. Nevertheless, I will not let my bad health drag me down. I did dream once that my double chin saved me from a man who tried to slit my throat. The knife did not go deep enough to kill me, although I did lose some blood. It’s a real dream I had. Anyway, back to the driving thing. As already stated, I hate driving. I’m always afraid I’ll do something wrong. I remember my first experience with driver’s rage. I pulled over to let people pass, but when I tried to pull back into the lane a driver got mad at me and followed me to my turnoff where he proceed to honk at me and flip me off. I eventually got over my fear and got back on the road, but then college came. When you live in NYC you don’t drive much. Thus, it has been over a year since I last drove and my old fears have returned this summer. Since I am attending a different college this fall, I will need to drive and I will need a car. Needless to say, I have so far avoided all my parents attempts to get me on the road, but I really do need to try. Maybe I should go back to that handbook for some help, but don’t expect a book review of it. I already hate it enough, I doubt I would be able to keep from becoming overly judgmental and bias.

Bookmobile Wednesday: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

2007-08-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Plot: Angel's past has haunted her all her life. Sold in to prostitution at age eight, she has never known real love. When Michael Hosea comes along, asking her to marry him, she refuses. Hosea refuses to give up. He feels God calling him to break down Angel's barriers and to marry her. He takes her to his home, but she runs away. He goes after her and brings her back and she runs away again. Angel must learn that real love does exist and that Jesus awaits her acceptance of His forgiveness.

Comments: Angel is not the only character who must learn a thing or too. Michael Hosea must learn to trust God and not let His anger or desires control him. Paul, a friend of Michael's, must learn to let go of his prejudices towards Angel.

Francine Rivers cleverly brings characters and events into the lives of these people in order to break down their barriers. Michael shows Angel true love. A family moves in nearby Michael’s farm and shows Angel what a real family can look like. When Angel tells them her previous occupation they do not judge her; they tell her they want to become good friends with her. One of the members of that family falls in love with Paul and softens his heart, helping him to see past his own stubbornness. Every time Angel runs away something happens to save her from the past that seeks to control her.

Rivers does a wonderful job of developing these characters and their relationships. She spends a good twenty or thirty pages just on the prologue so the reader has an idea of Angel’s past. She tastefully describes the sex scenes without going into too many details. She never pulls a “too much information (tmi).”

As usual, Rivers spends a great deal of time bringing Biblical principles and ideas into her book. She shows the proper relationship between a married man and woman. The story parallels the book of Hosea and the thoughts of the characters as they transform liken to what goes on in the head of most believers. Throughout the book God whispers to the characters in a subtle way as if He were the conscience of the characters developed by their knowledge of the Bible. Satan also has his say in the book, but as always ends up defeated.

One of River’s most popular reads, “Redeeming Love” deserves a chance from any Christian man or woman over the age of fifteen (it may be fit for some younger, but should only be read by mature readers who can take its themes seriously and can understand the sexual part of the book).

Charles Billingsley

2007-08-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

As I lay in bed tonight, trying to fall asleep, I couldn't get the chorus to a certain song out of my head. The song is sung by Charles Billingsley, who is a great Christian singing artist. I've seen him in concert twice, both times I met him in the lobby and he seemed a very humble man stuck on praising God. He also has a great voice! I believe he is currently the worship pastor at the local church connected with Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Anyway, here are the lyrics to the chorus I could not get our my head (I don't remember the name of the song or the lyrics to the rest of the song, but just these short sentences and verses have a whole lot of meaning in them - I think that's why I can't get them out of my head - they popped up pretty randomly - it's like God wanted me to take a short time to sit and reflect in awe of His great mercy):

He paid for all my sins with love
And at the cost of His own blood
He paid for all my sins with love
Love that has completely,
Love that has forever freed me

http://www.charlesbillingsley.com/

Hollywood Stars Losing Weight

2007-08-14T14:35:00.001-07:00

http://news.aol.com/entertainment/television/story/_a/bertinelli-talks-weight-loss-with-alley/20070810095109990001

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20050577,00.html?xid-bertinelli-alley-cover-story-aol-entertainment-news

Remember those Jenny Craig commercials with Kirstie Alley? Well now she's talked about losing weight a little more. The video of the interview has expired, but I read the short article and the short excerpts from the interview in the article and I have to say what they state is all true. I've copied it below for you:

On Feeling Ashamed

Bertinelli: You just don't want people to see what you look like, because you can hear their brains going.

Alley: You don't want them to see what you've become.

On Getting Past It:

Bertinelli: We're taking responsibility. No one shoved that food in my mouth except me.

Alley: Exactly. It's making me more ethical as a person who's taking responsibility for how she got there in the first place.

Gay Memorial Canceled

2007-08-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

http://news.aol.com/story/ar/_a/church-cancels-memorial-for-gay-vet/20070811110009990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

A man's memorial was canceled at a church in Texas when the church found out the man was gay. The church claimed they did not know about his homosexuality until pictures were provided for a movie, to be played at the memorial, of the man and his partner together. The church also offered to pay for hosting the memorial somewhere else as well as for any food or services needed.

What do you think of this? I believe homosexuality is a sin, but I am not sure what to make of this. It seems to me that if the church truly canceled the memorial on principile they would have canceled it all together and not offered to pay for holding the service somewhere else. Then again, I understand that the church was trying to state that it was not being judgmental of the man, his partner, and his friends and family. However, if this is what they wanted they could have held the service anyway and just requested there be no mention of the man's homosexuality and not played the video. I'm sure there were many other options available as well. Surprsingly enough, the pastor's wife is the sister of Joel Osteen. If you ask me, the whole thing could have been handled better. It could have been talked out and sure could have used a lot more prayer over the issue. I think it should have been canceled all and all, but that's just me. I won't be judgmental of the man or the church. That's for God to decide. The church certainly stood out and made the news with this, though, didn't it?

An Old Weight Loss Journal Entry

2007-08-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post my weekly weight loss entry yesterday, so here it is. Mind you, it's two years old.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

How appropriate is it that my last day of freedom was on Halloween?

I could burn all the leftover candy. It would be my official commitment to letting go of “fat food.” Perhaps I should save it and it will be there for a reward every once in a while.

I am going to have to shun temptation, unless I want my “diet” to fail.

Diet is such a broad term. There are so many possible “diets” out there. You might see a diet as a prison that takes freedom away.

But what is freedom? Don’t I truly gain freedom if I gain health and lose weight by exercising and eating right? It opens a door to respecting my body, but still being myself.

Going on a diet will not mean eating only healthy food. I can still eat other foods; I just need to watch my proportions and how much I eat. I will not stop eating or go on any specific diet, although I may try one method or another in the process. I will eat less, have a more balanced diet, snack on fruit when I get a “sweet tooth” craving, drink water when my mind tells me I am hungry but my stomach says I am full, and I will not put off going to the gym because of homework, TV, computer, or church.

Once I have changed the habits that prey on my health, then I will transform into a healthier young woman; then I will be truly free.

My parents are encouraging these changes. My mom is trying to lose weight too. It is a lot easier when you have someone else to go through it with you.

There is a long way to go with this. It is not going to be easy.

Just tonight, I was tempted to snack on some left over pizza. Instead, I reached further back into the fridge and grabbed a water instead.

I may not have done so well on my first day, but I am determined to respect my body and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

Personal Monday: Faith, Music, Segways, Trips to the Doctor's Office, and More

2007-08-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Now Listening to: Spamalot (I know it’s dirty in parts, but I can’t help but enjoy it, the music’s so hilarious. I don’t mind the gay stuff because it makes fun of gay men, not that I would ever make fun of them myself. Plus, we all know Lancelot will leave the prince for Guinevere.)

I have way too much to talk about today! I don’t know how I’ll remember everything. So stick with me on this. It’s going to be a long post.

I got up early this morning (around 3:30 AM) to go lay in my front yard with my dad to watch the stars. Why so early in the morning you ask? Because that is the best time to watch a meteor shower and reflect on God's glory while doing so. It was amazing. There was a about one meteor per minute for an hour straight. Most of them weren't very bright, but every once in a while there were some real good ones! I love watching the stars and listening to the crickets! It's my favorite activity other than going out in the morning to sit and read in the park and to watch the sun rise.

I’ve started reading my Bible every morning and it’s helping me keep a positive outlook throughout my days. I am reading Proverbs and Jeremiah right now. If anyone has any favorite passages, feel free to post them as comments. You have no idea how much of a difference it makes reading your Bible every morning until you actually start doing it.

The Bible says to meditate on God’s word daily.

Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 119:27
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

I don’t often pay attention to verses like these. I can be lazy that way. I find that I only read my Bible when I’m on an emotional high peak. I want to change this. I know God wants me to spend more time with Him during good and depressing/stressful times.

Two recent events sparked these thoughts in my mind. First, I have spent a lot of time worrying about college lately. I didn’t want a roommate, but I got one. I have no transportation, so I am worried about that. I worry about making friends, doing well in classes, and getting a job. I cried and whined about all of these things and then I woke up and realized I cannot snap my fingers and make my problems go away. Neither will God snap His fingers and make things better; I must wait on Him. In His own timing, He will answer my prayers, and He won’t always answer them the way I want them answered. He knows what I need and will provide that much. I must put my faith in Him and count on His own good timing and purpose. I plan on posting a short devotional that expands on what I’ve learned from this some time in the future.

Second, some family friends came through town the other day and I had lunch with them. They were very encouraging and one of them kept telling me I should start memorizing scripture. I find that the few times I see them during the year they lift me up spiritually. They live out their faith. I look up to them as role models. Talking about college with them got me thinking about how much faith I really put in God. I need to trust God more with my life and pray more often from my heart, not just out of selfish wants and desires. I selfishly want my own dorm room and I selfishly want some reliable mode of transportation for college.

I have found partial solutions to some of the things that have been stressing lately. Have you ever heard of a Segway? It’s a battery powered transportation vehicle that goes about 12 miles per hour and can be used on sidewalks (I’ve included a picture of one). It seems a good option for transportation during college, but comes with a large price tag (anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000). On the bright side, it saves money compared to a car (I have yet to get a driver’s license – speaking of which, I’m very nervous about my driving test this Thursday seeing as how I haven’t practiced much). Still, I have a feeling that I don’t need a segway. I sure want one, but do I really need one. You still get exercise. You have way more fun. But I just have a feeling that I am being selfish in wanting and asking for one. I don’t want to let the segway control me. On the other hand, it might help me get a sign twisting job for a place like Little Caesars’s.

Transferring to a new college requires an even more stressful, time consuming health evaluation that I have been working on with my doctor all summer. Today I got a TB shot and will have it tested on Wednesday. This is my third shot this summer (I also got Hepatitis A and Whooping Cough shots) on top of numerous needles piercing my skin to take my blood for tests. Not that it hurts any. The only hurt came when I got a week long fever from the Whooping Cough shot. It’s just a lot of hassle in a short time. I should have had my health form in to my college long ago, but now I have to wait until I get there to turn it in.

I must have been to the doctor’s office at least ten times in the last few months (I might be exaggerating a little). The worse part of going to the doctor’s office for me is talking about my weight. They just love to lecture you. Luckily, I’ve been doing fairly well. I’ve lost a pound a week, going for about six pounds total this summer. Eating healthier and eating smaller portions isn’t easy, I’ve splurged one too many times, but I seem to lose weight anyway. Not a lot, mind you. Besides, once college starts up I’m sure I’ll gain the freshman 4-15 or whatever it’s called when you gain weight from all the cafeteria food. I do want to become healthier. I want to represent God well with my body. It also helps not being fat if you want a segway (a segway can only hold 300 pounds max, which I’m pretty close to). From what I’ve read, if I get one I’ll get a rude remark from time to time (“Walking’s Healthier!” – But segways do take a lot of exercise; plus they’re certainly healthier than driving a car). I won’t worry about that right now, though. I know I can handle one. I took a tour of Angel Island on one last Friday and had a great time. Besides, I am slowing learning to take things day by day and to not become anxious about the future.

On one last note, I’d just like to recommend a couple of movies. First, “Fat Like Me.” It’s a Lifetime TV Channel Original Film about a skinny girl who wears a fat suit to see what it’s like to be fat. She finds that it’s a lot harder than it sounds. People make fun of her and treat her like an animal or monster when she’s in the fat suit. It’s a good movie, although I did not like the ending. The only way I know of to get it is through itunes, but I’m sure there are other ways.

The second film I wanted to recommend is “Hairspray” is still in theatres. I loved this film. It’s taken me way too long to get around to posting on it. It’s about a big girl making her dreams come true despite her size. The only problem I have with plots like these is that the obese characters show pride in their size. I see no problem in showing pride in who you are and what your abilities are, but I do not think it right to take pride in your size when you should make every effort you can to be as healthy as you can. I do have one short complaint about “Hairspray” and that is that the main character’s mother is played by a man, John Travolta. The scenes with the mother and father made me smile and laugh, but then I would remember that the mother was a man in a fat suit and I could not enjoy it any more. I find cross dressing just disgusting. I won’t judge those who choose that lifestyle, but I will never support the lifestyle itself along with the homosexual, bisexual, and sex change life styles.

Just to show you how long it took me to write this post, I am now half way through the soundtrack to “The Pirate Queen.” It has some nice songs, but the show was boring and lacked character development. You don’t feel attached to the characters when you should (rather like the movie “Eragon”). Still, it’s a good soundtrack with a good cast, even if it is too similar to “Les Miserables.”

Sunday: The Lord's Day: Woodpecker Mayhem on Noah's Ark

2007-08-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

New Blog

2007-08-11T18:17:00.001-07:00

I've started a new blog called Confab Remarks at http://confabremarks.blogspot.com/.

Here's a Description:

Confab: A casual talk; confabulation. To engage in casual talk.

Remark: To say casually, as in making a comment. to note; perceive; observe. comment or mention. a casual or brief expression of thought or opinion.

Welcome to Confab Remarks!!! This blog is where I will post all the blogs I read and my comments on their posts. In a way, it's a tip page. In another way, it's a page for discussion. Please join me in the world of blogging!

Consuming Technology

2007-08-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

An article on yahoo.com from the AP states that there is a battle going on between HD DVD players and Blue-Ray Discs. Consumers are urged to pick sides, because one or the other will come out on the top and regular DVDs will be fogotten forever, just like VHSs. Is it just me, or are we way too consumed by technology today? I mean, there are so many different new technologies coming out I get completely confused. What is HD TV and such? Etc Etc Etc!!! It seems like it was just yesterday they came out with DVDs, and now this. I have a large DVD library (more than I should have. I think buying movies and music is my weakness I need to learn to control). I used to have a large VHS library. Honestly folks, I think all they want is your money. They'll just keep coming out with more and more new technology and you'll keep throwing out the old technology and replacing it with the new technology. What do you think?

To read the AP article, click here.

Entertainment Friday: Articles and Movie News

2007-08-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

Christian Features

Interesting Christian News
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) acquired the Holy Land Experience theme park in Orlando, Florida. Attendance at the Holy Land Experience has slumped since the park opened in 2001. tbn hopes to boost attendance by promoting the park through its extensive television network. tbn also plans to reverse policies that banned Pentecostals from working in the park.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/august/8.17.html
Do you think this is crazy? Part of me wants to say this is a silly way to create another fad and go with the worldly way of things, but most of me wants to say this is another opportunity to witness to others. What do you think?

Christian Articles of the Week
On Not Transforming the World
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/augustweb-only/132-42.0.html

Some Interesting News Articles

Laura Bush is writing a children’s book.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070809/ap_en_ot/books_laura_bush

Luciano Pavarotti in Hospital
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070809/ap_en_ot/people_pavarotti

Movies

Hollywood Remakes of Old Cartoons
Hollywood is getting into a habit of making remake films of old cartoons. Here are some links that might interest you.

Speed Racer
http://movies.aol.com/movie/speed-racer-2008/28066/main
http://www.bww.cinematical.com/2007/07/15/nayo-wallace-will-play-minx-in-speed-racer/

Johnny Quest
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/08/first-speed-racer-now-here-comes-jonny-quest/

Spider Man the Musical
While another late Hollywood trend has been to turn musicals into movies, we now find that they are considering turning movies into musicals. I’ve heard rumors of an “Ever After” Musical, a Spider Man musical is now in the works.
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/08/marvel-announces-media-line-up-movies-games-and-even-a-musical/
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/107378.html

The Little Mermaid
Disney is also in the process of turning “The Little Mermaid” into a musical. It comes out this winter.
http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelittlemermaid/index.html

Other Movie News – Jack Black’s New Film
This film just reminds me of a Nickelodeon’s All That sketch, but looks good. It’s called “Be Kind, Rewind.”
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/09/first-trailer-for-jack-blacks-be-kind-rewind/

Pink Panther
In other news, they’re making a Pink Panther sequel. This is ridiculous considering how horribly stupid and boring the first remake was.
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/09/pink-panther-sequel-nabs-excellent-cast/

Fahrenheit 451 Remake Starring Tom Hanks
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/06/tom-hanks-to-star-in-fahrenheit-451/

Snowyville – Another Christmas Movie – Starring Tim Curry
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/06/tim-curry-and-jim-belushi-head-to-snowyville/

Monopoly Board Game the Movie
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/06/ridley-scott-talks-monopoly-movie/

The Other Boleyn Girl
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/06/new-art-for-the-other-boleyn-girl-with-scarlett-johansson-and/

Creative Thursday: The Free Iccee Man

2007-08-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is somewhat spiritual, considering it's introduction and ending, but if you read the story by itself, it's a short story. I based this one on a dream that I recently had. I know, I speel iccee wrong, but whatever.

The Free Iccee Man
My life is like a bed sheet or blanket. No matter how hard I try to straighten it out, there is always a wrinkle. Sometimes big, sometimes small. Big wrinkles are the worst. They make me feel like God isn't there. I think Satan likes to play with my mind. How do I get rid of Him? How do I resist temptation? Does God still love me even when I do the same wrong thing over and over again? What about when I do it so much I don't even feel guilty any more, I just feel empty? Every time I ask forgiveness, but then I turn around and do it again. I don't want to be a bad person. It's like this:

There once was a young girl. She loved icee cones, but they were never free. Not until this one man came and put on a contest for a free iccee. As it turned out, He was only going to choose a few out of many to get that free iccee. And those few would have to take good care of their iccee. They couldn't spill it, or drop it, lest they should lose the wonderful taste of the iccee. So, the time came for the man to chose the winners. The young girl wanted an iccee so bad. She just had to get that free iccee. She didn't have enough money to buy one from the other vendors, and even if she did, she knew the other icees were not nearly as tasty as the free ones. They were fake and icky tasting. The young girl knew this very well. Her stomach growled. She was hungry for an iccee all right. But how was she going to get it. Not everyone would get chosen. She had little chance. But low and behold her name was the first to be called when it came time to give away the free iccees. She jumped for joy. To think that she had been called, out of everyone in the entire area. And she knew that her iccee would be delicious. She slowly walked up to the man who was giving away the free iccees. "Why are giving me a free iccee?" she asked Him. "Because I love all the children of this playground," he replied, "And I would sacrifice everything to see them all smile. But they had to come to me first. They had to put their name in my box so I would know they sought my free iccees. Then they could win no matter what. You did that. You gave up everything else on that playground and all those other iccee stalls to come and receive my iccees. Now take you iccee and go. Tell the other children about me. But be careful. They may want you to get another vendor's iccees. They may want you to play on the playground when you have not yet finished your iccee. Take care of your iccee. Do as I say until you have eaten all of that iccee and then I will return to give you more when the time comes. That will be your reward." So the little girl went along on her way and sat down on a bench for a bite of her free iccee. It was delicious. She wanted to gobble it down fast, but she knew that would give her a brain freeze. She slowed down a bit. Across the way she saw another child with an iccee from one of the other vendor stalls. The other child called out to her to join him. "Come and try my iccee, it will be better than yours," he said. The girl knew better than to listen to the invitation, but the temptation was strong. A bit of another iccee couldn't harm her. She would still have her own iccee if she needed it. So, she went over to the boy. His iccee was good. The boy could tell she liked it, so he let her have some more. The second bite was even better. In no time the two had devoured the iccee together. The girl still had her free iccee in her hand. She hadn't eaten any more of it since her first bite. It was starting to melt. Another boy came over and said hi. He asked her if she would play with him on the playground. Well, this did sound tempting. The boy was very cute, and the playground looked like fun. So, she forgot she had the free iccee in her hand and she began to walk over to the playground. On her way over she tripped and the free iccee got all dirty when it hit the ground. The girl began to cry. She had forgotten how much she had wanted that free iccee. An iccee was starting to sound good again. She picked up the dirty iccee and began to study it. Slowly, but surely, the dirt disappeared as she picked it off with her fingers. Even still, there were some spots on it in the end. She tried her iccee, but it was even more melted now and the dirt had turned the flavor somewhat bitter. Not knowing that she could have just scraped off the top to find a fresh new layer, she sat on the ground, crying. The two boys from before and a few other kids came over to find out what was wrong. She told them. They tried to comfort her with their smooth voices and funny jokes, but nothing helped. She still felt empty. One child asked her to play on the playground. "It will make you forget your troubles and burdens," the child said, "you can be a beautiful princess and I'll be your prince charming." The young girl smiled. Being beautiful did sound nice. Maybe pretending to be a princess would make her forget how ugly she was. So, she went along with all the other children to play with them on the playground. But when the end of the day came, everyone had left and the young girl was all alone again. The next day came and went with no free iccee. The girl just sat there feeling empty inside. She tried different things in the following days, but none of them made her feel better. Then, one day, she remembered the kind man's words. He said he would come back, and she could have another free iccee. But she couldn't remember where in the park he was located. She searched for days and days until she finally gave up. The children of the playground invited her back. She tried that, but she just knew she would never find happiness in the playground. She had to search again. It was a big park, but she found that kind man and his iccee machine. He told her he had been wondering where she had gone. She confessed everything. To her surprise, he forgave her and gave her another free iccee. She knew she had to take good care of it this time. But temptation came again and she fell. She went back again and again to the kind man asking his forgiveness. One day she finally asked him, "Will the iccees ever taste as good as they did the first time?" "That's up to you," he replied. "I've been so bad," the young girl said, "and for so long. I'm no longer young, but am a young lady now. Can I ever change myself to be good again?" "That's up to you," the man said, "You must learn to have faith in me, and to no longer fall to temptation. You must turn from your sins." "Was I ever saved?" she asked him. "From the very beginning I chose you," he told her, "So, you figure it out for yourself. Remember, though, I am always here with my free iccees. You just have to come to me. Now go, and tell the others about my gift to them."

That's what my life is like. I know the truth and the facts that support the truth in my head, but my heart does not feel saved. I believe in my head but I feel like my heart does not believe. I feel empty. I know I shouldn't rely on my feelings, but what do I do? Even when I search I have trouble finding the Kind Man (God/Jesus). What should I do? Does God forgive me?

Interesting Articles on Harry Potter and Christianity

2007-08-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/7821452/5972044/135030/0/
This article talks about how strange it is that people get so caught up in Harry Potter, but not in God. The author suggests that if we spent the time to read the Bible and watch the characters develop as if we were waiting for the next book to come out, Christianity might have it's own fad going. It's an interesting read that really makes you think about the modern church and modern ministry. Plus it's a great Christian article about Harry Potter.

http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/7821452/5972044/135029/0/
This article talks about the similarities between Harry Potter and Matthew 6. The author points to various characters in the books who try to serve two masters or try to use earthly means for good. These characteristics line up with the Sermon on the Mount. The author bases his thesis on the fact that Dumbledore quotes the Bible twice. I never thought about the parallels this article brings up, so it was a refreshing and thought-provoking read. The author also ends the article with a short bit on Rowling's faith and what Christian critics say about it.

Woman at the Well Video

2007-08-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

I know how it is to want to be loved. To want people to know how I feel and realize only God can truly understand who I am. I'm a plus sized girl. I want to be beautiful. I've nver had many friends. I like to brag sometimes when I do well on something or to talk endlessly about something because it makes me feel special.

That being said, I found the following video at http://emergingwomen.blogspot.com/2007/07/woman-at-well.html. The video is so amazing! The poem is wonderful but what really got me were the questions at the end. Just beautiful and thought provoking. I've been reading a book called Redeeming Love that deals with this too, based on Hosea. I'll post a review of that book next wednesday.

Do you remember who you were when you found Him?

Who are you now?

Bookmobile Wednesday: God at Your Wit's End

2007-08-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

Rating: five out of five stars

Synopsis: "'I know God loves me but does he like me? Can I really trust Him with my life? Are my prayers not answered because I don't have enough faith? Maybe these problems I'm having are because God hasn't really forgiven me…' These questions and more constantly plague our minds and weaken our faith in God. In God at Your Wit's End author and counselor Marilyn Meberg probes the corners of our mind to uncover the faulty thinking that leads to an uncertain faith. She then explains how God affirms and even welcomes our humanity in the midst of our brokenness. As she continually points us to the awesome power of God's majestic truth, she helps us reshape our thinking as we re-establish the foundations of our belief in a loving God. Complete with thoughtful applications and probing questions, each chapter is designed for either group or personal study and in-depth reflection." (taken from Amazon.com description)

Comments: It's been a while since I read this book, but I remember that it was very encouraging and I could not put it down. It's a great picker upper for those of us going through hard times that make us want to question our faith. On top of that, Marilyn Meberg is an excellant writer. I love the Women of Faith speakers! I think I may need to read this book again. I've been going through a lot of stress over the smallest things lately. Too bad I have so many other books I want to read. Sometimes I think I get too caught up in finishing a book to actually take the time to think about and remember what the book teaches.

Personal Monday: Act of Faith in Prayer

2007-08-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,
I meant to post one thing yesterday (Monday) and ended up posting another thing. Although I still feel the way I did then, I admit that I let my emotions run wild and control me. I cried desprately, even though there was no fix at the time. Lord, help me to put my trust and faith in You. Help me to realize and to truly believe that You are in control. Let Your will, not mine be done. May I be humbled by this experience. Show me thy ways, Lord, and I will follow. I will prepare for what seems to be coming, and when the time is right you will answer my prayers or use me for something I could never imagine. Thank you for your providence, Lord. Thank you for your beauty.
In Jesus name, Amen

Personal Monday: The Screaming Vent of a Christian

2007-08-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

I need help. I thought repeating the words "God is in control" and "God's will, not mine be done" would calm me down. I thought praying would bring an answer. But I'm tired of it. I want it fixed now. I want to know if I made the right decision. I'm mad. There's so much anger built up in me right now, I just want to scream at God. And all this over such small things, but I can't help it. I've been trying to look at the positive side for a long time and now it seems a lie to pretend I can think positively. I've been crying all afternoon about it. Maybe I'm just being stubborn and proud. Maybe I'm looking for a reason to be mad at God. I'm not sure, I just don't know what to do about it. I need a sign from God that He's there. I've seen Him do amazing things in my life, so why can't He do something now! Why does He make me hate Him so much? I've been waiting and I'm sick of it. I've put my faith in Him, I've prepared the fields for rain, but the rain is not coming and I'm tired and sick of waiting. I want to throw things about and have a temper tantrum. I want to scream and cry. Why can't things be fixed? Why do things have to be the way they are? Why can't I be positive? Why am I so angry inside? Why doesn't anyone understand? Why? Why?

Personal Monday: Old Weight Journal Entry #1

2007-08-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Why is it so difficult to give up fast food?

Food will be food, what is the difference? Do we trick ourselves into thinking healthier food does not taste good and thus is not worth eating or even trying?

I have done this before. I know there are some foods I have never tried, but have already determined that I would not like them; and I am the one who has been to Europe twice! I have even tried escargots!

If I can have the courage to go to another country on my own, why can’t I have the courage to try a new meal?

Even in visiting foreign places, I had to be willing to try new things.

I remember when I went to Montpellier, France in the summer of 2004. I stayed with a complete stranger who did not even know English. The woman I stayed with was French; she had been brought up in France; she knew a different culture than I did.

Naturally, the food she offered was very different. I had the courage to try escargots, yes snails, but it took me a while.

However, I could not help but have nutella (chocolate peanut butter) on toast and hot chocolate for breakfast every morning. I found myself sneaking away every once in a while to get a little piece of America, not to mention something that tastes good, at McDonalds.

So, why is changing your eating habits as hard as learning a whole new language? Why are we so stuck on fat foods at time?

Because it tastes good!

But is the good taste worth risking your health over?

I know that I am not healthy. I am fat, plain and simple. I know I need to change; but how?

You would think that with all the pressure I would have changed by now. I am not going to be one of those who overdo it and change way too extremely. I want to still be myself.

Television, movies, ads, and models all imply who we “should be.” Of course, everything has to be “politically correct” as well.

Then there are reality shows such as “Biggest Loser.” I am not going to lie; this show is very inspiring to me. It makes me want to lose weight; but I have not done anything with this inspiration. This show does not “teach” me anything. It is just there for entertainment.

Food businesses and fast food restaurants seem to promote themselves in a such a way that is contrary to the “healthy” image.

Even so, even in their commercials there are “skinny” people.

How often do you see a “fat” person on TV who has a complete positive aspect to him?

I feel pressured in other ways.

I have very few friends. I am not “pretty.” I do not have a boyfriend. I do not have any guys to have a crush on, or any guys who have crushes on me. I have never been asked out. I feel crushed when I go to a school event by myself.

Shouldn’t I naturally desire these things? Isn’t that what society says makes you “happy.” If it is pounded on you long enough, don’t you start believing it.

Don’t get me wrong. It is not always like this. Although these things may contribute to my “negative self talk,” there is more to it.

I want to be healthy! I want to look nice and display myself in a modest way, positively representing my God and those close to me (parents, friends, teachers).

How different life might be for me if I had not grown up to be “horizontally challenged.”

Alas, to my regret, I, like many teens, am lazy.

Laziness is one sole word that would truly describe my life when it comes to exercise. I may be a hard worker in school, but I never have the “strength” to make time for working out.

I have a short that perfectly describes this. It says, “This working out thing isn’t working out for me.”

So, how do I lose weight, lower my cholesterol, and become healthier?

Do an extreme makeover: Harmony edition.

Now it remains for me to change, to do my best to care about my body, to live, to represent those around me well, and to make my best effort in, not just grades, but also in working out and having a balanced nutrition.

Here it goes! I think I am ready. Are you?

Monet Paintings Stolen in Nice, France

2007-08-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

Found this to be an interesting story. I've been to France, so it's more interesting to me than it might be to you. I also love art. So there you go. I guess some famous paintings were stole in broad daylight at a museum in Nice. Here's the link:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070805/ts_afp/cultureartcrimetheft_070805193247

This has nothing to do with Nice or the article, but a memory has been sturred. Do you know where the term "Denim" came from? During may stay in France, I learned that denim was originally created in Nimes, thus the name denim, de Nimes (the city of Nimes). Interesting fact, isn't it?

Morning

2007-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more wonderful or more beautiful than to watch the sun rise and to listen to the birds twitter God's glory about. I need to go on morning walks more often.

I won't be posting today and maybe not tomorrow. I'm going on a short trip and will be back tomorrow evening or late tonight.

Entertainment Friday: National Treasure - Book of Secrets

2007-08-03T23:54:00.001-07:00

Click here to watch the newest trailer for "National Treasure: Book of Secrets."

It does not look like it will be as good as the original. The plot seems to be that an ancestor of Nicholas Cage's character turns up as a conspirator in the assaination of Abe Lincoln. To find the truth, Cage's character must solve the mystery by going throug various obstacles, including kidnapping the president.

The Great Potter Debate Updated

2007-08-03T06:08:00.001-07:00

If it interests anyone, I have updated my conversation with Lincoln about Harry Potter at http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/great-potter-debate.html

Entertainment News Friday: Upcoming and Rumored Movies

2007-08-03T04:02:00.000-07:00

The Jane Austen Book Club

I'm rather excited about this one. Of course, it could be that I'm a sucker for anything that has to do with Jane Austen. I predict that I may just have to read the book after the film comes out. The story follows the lives of the members of a Jane Austen book club. They discover that their lives are similar to the Austen books. It's a novel concept. After all, that's what's so wonderful about Jane Austen. We can relate to her novels. Sometimes we just plain get inspiration from them in our own lives. Other times we just need a good laugh or a good chick flick to cheer us up. Looks like this film will have a good cast as well, so it should be good.

Becoming Jane

Speaking of Jane Austen, I can't wait for to see the film "Becoming Jane." I'm not too keen on Anne Hathaway playing Jane, but it should be good.

Snow and the Seven

Disney is in the process of making an updated version of Snow White that takes place in Hong Kong. For more details, go to the link above. If you ask me, this just sounds like a made for the big screen version of Wendy Wu, one of the Disney Channel movies. Not so interesting. The way it looks, though, it'll be a while before anything gets done with this one. No casting has been done and the article makes it look like the script has a long way to go.

The Lost Adventures of Stone Perlmutter Jr.

Not too thrilled about this one. I'm a fan of Jack Black, but I can't stand spoof films. This film is a spoof on Indiana Jones and looks like it will be going along with the style of Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, and Tenacious D. I wish Black would stick to the more serious roles. He's good at the serious roles. I loved him in "The Holiday." I just plain don't like stupid films that gain popularity because they are stupid. It's stupid. What is happening to the intelligence of America? On top of that, I'm just a little offended because the said hero goes in search of the tomb of Jesus. He'll probably never find it, and if he does he won't find a body.

Jack and the Beanstalk

I actually like the cast for this one. They're all character actors. It does not bother me that they are old and not so popular any more. And what do you expect from a low budget film? At least it will be a family film. I wish there were more clean family films out there. There are probably a lot of chick flicks that would make good family films if all the sexual content were cut.

Star Struck

Simon Cowell is making a film (Star Struck) that follows the top ten on a talent show like American Idol. Should be interesting. Considering Cowell's own humor and style I would assume there will be a lot of crude humor elements to it. Looks like a promo for American Idol that will not be very successful.

Opening Today:

The Bourne Ultimatum - I've only seen the second Bourne film, but I might go see this one since I liked the second one.

Bratz - I'm not sure whether to go see this one. It's obviously a promo for the doll line, but if it's similar to Mean Girls I might go see it. I'll probably wait for this one to come out on video.

El Cantante - Not too keen on this one. I'm not a Jennifer Lopez fan and this just looks like another boring feel good biopic film with a bunch of sexual, dirty, R rated content.

Hot Rod - Another one of those stupid films I hate and will never see.

Underdog - I can't wait to see this one. I'll probably go with my mom since she's a big Underdog fan (she's old and grew up with those kind of cartoons). Honestly, I miss the old, clean cartoons. We need more of them and less of the modern cartoons that are dirty and filled with things that kids should not see. The old cartoons are more fun to watch anyway. My only worry about this film is that it's made by Disney. Disney tends to make their films kind of cheesy.

Becoming Jane - I'm very excited about this one.

The Ten - Another stupid movie, only this one makes fun of the Bible and the Ten Commandments. Very offensive. Not sure what else to say. It's just wrong. Good thing it's only coming out limited release.

Creative Thursday: God's Presence

2007-08-02T00:55:00.000-07:00

I look up at the stars and see,

A world full of comfort, for me.

When I am near nature,

I feel only one thing,

I feel God's presence,

It is swift with the wind,

And shows me the way.

All the troubles that are on my mind disappear,

And I sing out with praise.

I can’t stop,

The feeling’s so sweet.

I feel the wind,

And see God's creations,

They stare back at me,

And send a message,

That God is watching over me no matter what.

God is everywhere,

His light shines into the darkness,

Protecting all those who seek it,

And I know that no matter what I think,

No matter how much I abandon Him,

He is always there.

And so at night,

I look up high,

Seeing God's presence I make a wish,

The wish upon the first star I see.

It is like a prayer to me,

A silent one from me to Him,

A hope that he will hear,

For the only place that I truly feel God's presence,

Is when I am near nature,

And see his creations around me.

I look up at the stars and make my wish,

Knowing that he heard me.

America's Got Talent?

2007-08-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

I missed America's got talent last night. The only reason I regret this is that I was unable to find out if Boy Shakira/Brittney got kicked off. He should have gotten kicked off long ago. It's just disgusting. It's just plain wrong that he would cross dress and dance around the stage flopping his fat everywhere. It's morally wrong and gross. I have nothing against plus sized people, I am one of them, but I still think they should dress tastefully and I'm certainly not for cross-dressing or homosexuality. I'll support any person in their right to choose a lifestyle, but that does not mean I have to support or respect the lifestyle they choose. Honestly, things are getting ridiculous in America! We need to start standing up for what is right and standing against what is wrong! To my relief, I've logged on the America's got Talent website and found that Boy Shakira did get kicked off, something that should have happened a long time ago. Personally, I'm rooting for Terry Fator , the Dutt ons, or the Glamazons.

I've already written one post on this subject that goes more into detail on my opinions. If you wish to read that article/post, click here: http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/americas-got-talent-more-like-americas.html ot-talent-more-like-americas.html

Bookmobile Wednesday: "The Last Sin Eater"

2007-08-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Rating: four out of five stars

Plot: Cadi Forbes suffers from guilt. The only person who ever made her feel free of that guilt was her grandma, but one day her grandma dies. Thus the adventure that will lead her on a search for the ultimate truth begins. In light of her grandma's death there is need for the sin eater. When the sin eater comes to take away all of her grandmother's sins, Cadi dares to do what no other has the courage to do: look the sin eater in the eyes. Cadi's guilt weighs her down and she decides not to rest until she can find the sin eater and get him to take her sins away. Her plans complicate when a man of God appears at the nearby river, preaching the story of Christ. Many secrets lay waiting to be found and Cadi's quest to rid herself of guilt is only the beginning of it. Much more awaits for you to learn.

IMDB.com Descriptions:

In seeking her own redemption from the one man of whom she is most afraid, 10-year-old Cadi Forbes discovers a secret sin haunting her community of Welsh immigrants in 1850s Appalachia.

In 1850s Appalachia, 10-year-old CADI FORBES feels responsible for her little sister's death, so she searches out the one man she feels can take away her sin -- The Sin Eater. But in her quest for redemption, Cadi uncovers a dark secret that threatens to divide her family and community.

My Comments: My first introduction to this story was through the film. The film confuses those who have not read the book until the very end, but is very inspiring overall. The mystery makes the story what it is, however, and I would not ask the film writers to reveal everything at once at the beginning. I checked out the movie version a while back to view it again. Now that I understood what was going on it meant a lot more to me than it did before. I cried through the entire film. Ironically, the only complaint I have about the book is that Cadi cries too much. The book surpasses the movie immensly. If you're going to choose between the two, choose the book. As usual the book contains scenes, characters, plots, and mysteries that the movie cut. The real attention getter, however, comes from the fact that Francine Rivers writes with such incredible talent. The descriptions she gives are beautiful and full of imagery. On top of that she develops the characters and the plot in a way that will keep you guessing through the entire story and have you attached to the characters by the time you finish reading. What I find most interesting about this book is the way Rivers narrates what the characters are thinking. Readers can relate to all the characters and feel like they are in the characters shoes. Along with that, Rivers inserts the questions and answers of a new believer or even one who already believes.

Links to Articles on Harry Potter

2007-08-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here are several links to articles on Christianity and Harry Potter. I have not had time to read all of them, but the first of them is a great post on a recent interview with Rowling and what she says about her struggling faith.

http://hogwartsprofessor.com/?p=144

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/DN-weiss_28edi.ART.State.Edition1.2758dd6.html - a great article on the presence and absence of Christianity in HP

http://www.pres-outlook.com/tabid/1676/Article/5310/Default.aspx - this one is from a Presbyterian point of view

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/LaShawnBarber/2007/07/30/harry_potter_and_the_inevitable_end?page=full&comments=true
http://justindburton.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/a-really-really-ridiculously-insightful-dont-forget-long-harry-potter-post/ - discusses several HP themes

A new Johnny Depp Film - Sweeny Todd

2007-07-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen the musical "Sweeny Todd" you probably won't understand all of this post. I know it seems dark and dirty, but Sweeny Todd actually is a very good musical. I know my dad would disagree with me, but I believe it has some beautiful music in it and that the story is wonderful. It is a dark show, but a beautiful one full of meaning. And it's not about how everyone should go around killing everyone. Nor is it about taking revenge. I know that vengence is the Lord's. I do agree with Sweeny's statement that we all deserve to die. However, as a Christian I realize that we don't have to fear death and we don't have to continue in our slavery to Satan. Christ will set you free!

Romans 3:22-24

"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

http://www.cinematical.com/2007/06/16/paramount-shares-some-sweeney-todd-story-details/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408236/

The Great Potter Debate

2007-07-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I get so worked up about debating whether Harry Potter has Christian symbolism or not and whether the series is evil or not. I do not think that your opinion on such a thing will decide whether or not you go to heaven. In many cases we'll end up having to agree to disagree. I don't want to become obsessed over the series, or anything for that matter. God matters. The Bible matters. Christ matters; He is our Savior. It is only by faith through Him that we are saved. Still, I can't help but defend poor Harry, so here's another conversation I am in the process of having at the following site: http://www.habitationofjustice.com/2007/07/23/christianity-gone-bonkos/i-hate-harry-potter-and-the-christian-morons-who-adore-him/

My reply to the post at the above link:
I’ve never been for obsessing over worldly items or things. In fact, the last book on the Potter series warns against allowing your weakness of wanting, taking, and using wrongly to control your life.

I do strongly believe that there is Christian symbolism in all of the books, especially the last one (I have posted serveral posts on the topic on my blog). Rowling, herself, claims to be a Christian. She refused to give details away of her faith because she knew it would spoil the ending.

I’ll never put the Potter books over the Bible, but I do not think that we should shun the books because some idiots go too crazy over them. The books were merely a series well written and highly enjoyed until I started looking at the Christian symbolism in them. I’ve found that they’ve given great menaing to my faith and pushed me forward. That is, my faith has made the books mean something to me. I do see the harm in making the books into a fad and joining that fad as you described, but I see no harm at all in discussing the books and learning from them.

The site you provided actually seems a good one to me. Besides, why should you hate Harry Potter? It’s a good series. Don’t hate it just because the world loves it and tries to turn it into something evil. Just because an interpretation is evil does not mean the books are evil. By the way, I forgot to mention that I was one of those who went to get the last book at midnnight (although I never did it for any other books). However, I made a promise to God that while I would be rushing through the final book to find out what happens, I would still take equally as much time out to read my Bible and spend time with the Lord as I did with the Potter book, and I did that. So, I think that the series is good and is full of Christian themes. I think that a love of the series can be tastefully measured. That we can still enjoy the series and get a lot out of them, but get even more out of the Bible and our relationship with Christ. If you are interested, the following link will take you to a post by someone other than me that has a similar opinion to yours (I commented in reply to that post as well). http://www.sicarii.net/2007/07.....s-hogwash/

Lincoln's reply to my reply:
@Harmony: There seems to be a trend today where Christians attempt to inject Christian symbolism into just about every secular genre there is, whether in literature or in films. Not even Star Wars survives unscathed, which is apparently so rife with Christian symbolism that one one guy actually wrote a book about it.

Are you suggesting that God is only worth 50 percent of your time, while Harry Potter takes up the other 50 percent? Do you really believe that God would be well pleased with how you’re setting your priorities here?

Regarding Rowling, she stated that she was a member of the church of Scotland. That’s like saying I’m a member of the human race. What does it mean really? In addition, you write that she did not want to disclose her Christian heritage so that the series ending for Harry Potter wouldn’t be spoiled. Remember that Jesus said whosoever would deny Him before men, him would He also deny before His Father in Heaven. It strikes me as odd that Rowling would refuse to proclaim Christ as her Savior just so a book’s ending wouldn’t be spoiled. Well THAT’s certainly a healthy perspective to have in light of all of eternity.

She also started a One Parents Group that seems to devalue marriage and the need for children to have two parents, and prescribes to leftist ideology that would seem antithetical to Christian faith (unless you’re one of them liberal type Christians who take umbrage at this remark of course). On the other hand she donates 1 percent of her billion dollar estate to charity. That’s nice of her.
I wonder about the naivete of Christians today. The Bible used very strong language in condemning witchcraft, equating it with rebellion against God. You would think those who become saved and “put on the new man” would tend to shy away from all appearances of evil. Why make an exception for Harry Potter? Because it’s pure fantasy?

Truthfully, I don’t understand how a work ensconced in wizardry and witchcraft, written by a woman whose Christian beliefs could be described as nominal at best, could lead any person into a deeper understanding and relationship with Christ. Isn’t that what the Bible is for? Why this endless need to supplant Scripture for what is sure to be an inferior alternative?

If you want to read Harry Potter purely for the entertainment value, that’s one thing, and I won’t begrudge anyone having a little bit of fun. But the degree of obsession that I’ve witnessed regarding the Harry Potter phenomenon leads me to believe that there is a much more deeper spiritual issue here than meets the eye. I only wish more Christians would see that.

My reply to Lincoln's reply to my reply to Lincoln's post:
I try not to put other things above God, but it’s human nature to do so. I don’t think God expects us to read our Bibles and pray 24/7. I know he expects us to live Godly lives and confess our sins, etc. I know he expects us to spend daily time with Him and to put Him above other things, to not let the world go to our heads, to live in the world but not of the world. And I don’t think spending time reading books that aren’t the Bible will offend God. I certainly do not believe that God is worth only 50% of my time. But to spend 100% with Him would be to read your Bible in your sleep. I still try to live 100% for Him, but I believe there is a difference between living 100% for Him and spending 100% of my time with Him one on one (although He is always there, He’s everywhere).

Regarding Rowling, even if she faults in that she does not proclaim her faith before everyone (don’t we all have faults. I’ve been scared out of witnessing more than once), and I’ll give you that (I agree that she should proclaim Christ despite spoilers), but just because she refuses to proclaim Christ does not mean we cannot proclaim Christ. And I think that one of the wonderful and amazing facts about God is that He places Himself and the greatest story of all time in so many places. Nature declares His glory. Christ’s story appears in literature. It appears that we cannot get away from Him, so why not use it to proclaim His glory. I’ll not put the Potter series over the Bible, but use it as a tool to introduce children and nonbelievers to the ultimate truth.

By the way, I am not a liberal. I confess I don’t know much about politics, and I wish I did, but it’s not my forte. However, I do consider myself a republican and conservative. I do believe that children should have two parents: one father and one mother. Some people, however, get themselves in a pickle and do divorce or their spouses die, should that mean they should not have support as single parents? I do not know much about the group you listed, so I won’t go any further on that. But it’s beside the point. To attack Rowling is to attack the person instead of the books. I used her in my argument and you have shown me another side of that and some of my views on Rowling have changed as a result, but that does not stop me from enjoying the books and learning from them. Separate the books from the author and you still have a great series full of Christian symbolism. Maybe some of that symbolism was intentional, maybe some it was not, but the fact remains that it is there, available to be used to promote the one true faith in Jesus Christ.

The Potter series is inferior to the Bible, I admit I believe that much, but that does not mean it cannot be used. There are children and nonbelievers out there who would never come to Christ if we focused on just the Bible and made everything else in the world evil. Do you hate the Wizard of Oz? Do you hate the Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings? You say that the Bible tells us to stay away from witch craft and wizardry. It does say that. You then say you can still get a little fun out of reading the series if you want. If you define the series as containing real wizardry and such and say that the Bible thus tells us to stay away from it, then you should not be reading the series at all, not even for fun. Even in reading what others belive to get an understanding of nonbelievers so we can witness better to them is warned against in the Bible. The Bible does not say not to do this, but it does caution that it should not be taken lightly and that it is easy to get involved in those things if you are not careful. I won’t get involved in witch craft because I choose to see the Christian themes in the Potter series.

And the wizardry in the books is not real witch craft. I’ve not heard of anyone going into real witchcraft because of it. I know real witch craft members try to promote their ways using the series, but that does not make the series evil, that makes the interpretation evil. Wby not fight back against that evil interpretation? It really is a fantasy series. It is not meant to be taken as real life events. I doubt that those who started reading the books at a young age still believe there’s a real Hogwarts. Will you begrudge a child for pretending there’s a real Santa Clause or Easter Bunny? You seem to not mind reading the books for fun. I certainly don’t approve of the high obsession of the books. You’re not going to die if you don’t get the next book right when it comes out. I see the same kind of obsession for movie stars and video games. I don’t approve of that. But that does not mean there cannot be a tasteful way to handle things and to read these series and get something out it.

The way you put it it seems like reading the Bible is the only way to learn morals, etc. I don’t take Harry Potter books as truth. I see the allegories within them and they add meaning to the books for me. But I’d never put the books up against the Bible. The Bible is the only source I draw truth from. However, I can take the Potter books and look at the evident themes and symbols and compare them to the Bible, put them against the Bible and say this is fact and this is fiction. The Harry Potter series implies this, but the Bible says this, and I follow what the Bible says. Sometimes people need something to get them excited about the Bible. It’s human nature. The Potter series does that for me. Once I look at the parallels, I go to the Bible and dig deep into God’s word.

Lincoln's Reply:
@Harmony: I wouldn’t expect anyone to live up to impossible standards, my point was to consider whether Christians give things like Harry Potter more time than it deserves.

I think Rowling’s actions are more of a devious nature rather than simply shortcomings in character, but that’s just me. If her charity group for single parents were simply to support single parents struggling with poverty, that’s one thing, but I get the distinct impression that it’s more about promoting single parenthood over that of the two parent family.

Truth be told, there’s Christian symbolism in even the world’s most anti-Christian religions, but that doesn’t mean we should be promoting these religions or use them as a tool to bring others to Christ. God specifically tells us to come out and be separate from the world’s many cultures, and touch not what is unclean. We have to apply that in our own lives, and if we continue to color our Christianity with secular fads and worldly cultures, the true meaning of the gospel would be polluted and even made of none effect if we’re not careful.

The fact is, if you find Christian symbolism in Potter, and you believe that’s a personal witness to you, fine then, but not in a million years would I support using things like Harry Potter as a witnessing tool to bring others to Christ.
BTW, I understand those involved in real witchcraft have confirmed that some elements of Rowling’s references to the craft were quite accurate. Make of that what you will.

Also, I don’t say that the Bible is the only way to learn important truths, rather that it’s the superior way. This is about getting our priorities right, not shunning alternative sources that could being us into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. But it’s my belief that the Harry Potter series should not be one of them.

My Reply:
I think I have to agree with a lot of what you’ve said, Lincoln. There are a lot of books out there that are better for witnessing than Harry Potter. If I had children I’d certainly rather they read the Bible or children’s books with Biblical stories and specifically referenced themes in them than Harry Potter. As they’d get older, though, they’d probably become more interested in more adult or young adult oriented reading, which there isn’t much of out there for Christian teens.

I liken the Potter books to Chonicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings in that they all have Christian themes, but were not specifically written to be Christian. They are all classics and well known books. They all have had movies made of them. I would not mind my children reading books such as these as they grew older, but I would still take the time to discuss the books. I think there are many Christian children we won’t be able to keep from reading these books and as long as they are reading them we should remind them of the true story of Jesus and other elements of the Bible that inspire certain parts of these books.

I, myself, did not like the Harry Potter books at all at first. Not because of my Christian beliefs but because I thought them confusing. But as I grew older I started to read them again and gain appreciation for the literary talent Rowling has. It was not until I read John Granger’s book that I started to appreciate the Christian symbolism within them. Such books can be read for enjoyment, as you’ve said, and can add meaning to a person’s faith. Actually, it was my faith that added meaning to the books. I wouldn’t be very interested in rereading the books if it weren’t for that.

I don’t suggest we go around preaching at nonbelievers that the Potter books are Christian and that readers should repent and turn to Christ because of it. You’ve convinced me on that much. After all, the Bible does say that certain things may be harmless to a believer (in the Bible it was things such as sacrificial meat) but if they are a hindrance to new believers or nonbelievers we should avoid them around those people.

Still, I do think it’s ok and a good thing to talk about the Christian themes in varous sources among believers and on the internet, etc. If a nonbeliever comes upon it, so be it. Maybe they will come to Christ from it or a seed will be planted. After all, I’m sure there are many nonbelievers who think Christians are close minded because they refuse to give any approval to books such as Harry Potter.

I do agree with you that we as Christians should stand out among all other religions because we have the one true religion. We should live in the world but not of the world. However, if we are to disassociate ourselves with all things we’ll end up being in our own little corner hidden away. I believe we need to stand up for what is right and stand up against what is wrong. You’re right. There are elements of Christianity in anti-Christian religions and in worldly things. I don’t believe in promoting these things and using them as witnessing tools, but I do believe in comparing them, learning about them, and knowing what they believe so you can show them to those around you and say, “see, this is what the world would have you believe, but I have the one real truth that is in Jesus Christ and let me tell you why.” It is also good to have a background in other religions so you can understand and relate to others you wish to witness to who are unbelievers.

I know you must be careful in this, though, because the Devil can easily snare you into a trap when you explore such things. I would never want to color my Christianity with secular fads or worldly cultures. Yes, the Bible is the superior truth. It should be our number one priority in everything: in life and in witnessing. I think the Potter series still has something to offer, though. I won’t go around using it as a witnessing tool. As you say, there are far better books and sources that can bring us to a deeper understanding of God. But if someone I know who is not a Christian starts talking about the Potter series, I won’t negelect sharing the reason why I enjoy the series so much. I won’t start right off with the Christian symbolism in the books. The conversation would most likely be mainly about the plot elements of the book and Rowling’s writing style. The first thing I wrote about the last book on my blog was a plain book review. But I’ll still bring up my faith in the conversation. I’ll still talk about it on my blog a little. No one really reads my blog anyway.

I know there are real witchcraft elements in the Potter books. I have read a little about that and addressed it in my comments to another post at: http://www.sicarii.net/2007/07…..s-hogwash/

As far as Rowling as a person goes, I agree with all the comments you’ve made about her and the groups she supports. I do not think the person defines the books, however. One of my favorite authors is George Macdonald, whose stories are full of Christian symbolism. But I disagree with most of the doctrine he preached. So I think that on much of this we’ll have to agree to disagree, but we have already found much that we do agree on.

Grandma's Verse: Isaiah 41:13

2007-07-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I'll have a small surprise waiting for me in the mail: a letter from my great grandma. I love reading her letters because they're so simple. She talks about her daily life and every day ordinary things. What grandma does not like to talk? She always leaves me with a verse to think on, so I've decided that whenever I get a letter from her I'll post her verse on this blog. Today's verse is Isaiah 41:13.

"For I, the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13

God's Wrath - A funny half hour news hour video

2007-07-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

The Power of Schmooze and Fechr

2007-07-31T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have been given the honor of being an Award Winning Schmoozer. “The Power of Schmooze” award was created by Mike at Ordinary Folk and Danielle at Pink Reviews to help “recognize those people that were [are] exceptionally adept at creating relationships with other bloggers by making an effort to be part of a conversation, as opposed to monologue.” The rules: If, and only if, you get The Power of Schmooze Award, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think, or have schmoozed you into submission.Link to this post and Mike so that people can easily find the exact origin of the memeOptional: Proudly display the ‘The Power of Schmooze Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.

This award was passed to me by Proverbs31WomanWannaBe. I'm new to the blogging world, so I don't have many readers yet. I chose to give the award to those who have left at least one comment on one of my blogs.

1. Chopper - http://miragechopper.blogspot.com/

2. http://digitalflowerpictures.blogspot.com/

3. Jackie - http://shinade.blogspot.com/

4. Peg - http://getstarted.wordpress.com/

5. http://www.sephyroth.net/

This is a great little traffic site. Pronounced "feature" you can be put on the home page for free, and get a guaranteed 100 visitors. Note this is free at the moment, but will soon be a paid service. The difference is you get more visitors. Why don't you check it out and tell me what you think?

Personal Monday: Questions for Believers and Nonbelievers

2007-07-31T03:17:00.000-07:00

Why is is that I have such a hard time concentrating some times, especially when I pray. I barely pray at all (never out loud, always in private). I try to pray privately as much as possible, daily. It seems, however, that every time I pray my mind always strays to other thoughts and I get off track, especially at night when I'm trying to fall asleep. On top of that, I don't think I've spent enough time with the Lord lately, not even reading my Bible. How do you keep concentrating? How do you convince yoruself to read your Bible even when you don't feel like it? And another random question, why is it that when you're supposed to go to bed and be sleeping at night you never can get yourself to fall asleep, but it's so easy to take a nap or fall asleep for a long period of time in the middle of the day? It's really annoying me tonight. I just can't sleep, as evidenced by the fact that I'm up at 3:21 AM writing this and contemplating watching a movie or reading a book. It's still Monday on my clock. No worries, now that I've gotten these thoughts off my shoulder I'm sure it will be mutch easier to fall asleep.

Pictures taken from Blingo.com image search

Personal Monday: Obesity on the Move

2007-07-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

I am obese. I admit it. But looking back at my own life and seeing the way obesity has affected our culture, especially in the US, I have to say that I know I need to eat healthier and exercise more, and so does the rest of the world. Now, based on that short and simple fact, I have to say I do agree that obese parents should get their act together and direct their children in a healthier direction. A recent study shows that birds of a feather stick together.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/25/health/25cnd-fat.html?ei=5087%0A&em=&en=fd81b301c6df0431&ex=1185595200&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1185467061-wnsD/zDEeY3LN6VrprXcig
The more you hang out with plus-sized people, the more likely you are to become one. I'm not saying to go dump all your friends who are obese, but you could go on a diet and go exercising with those friends. Friends can keep friends in check, right? Besides all this and a very interesting study on obesity that has just been released, I found the following article on obese people trying to adopt versus homorsexuals trying to adopt. http://lists.christianitytoday.com/t/7775828/5972044/134860/0/
I do believe that in either case many things should be taken into consideration. I've always been against homosexual adoption because I believe homosexuality is wrong and is pointed out as wrong in the Bible. I also think that homosexual parenting affects children negatively and takes away the balance of having both a mother and a father in the home. Although, I have nothing against single parents. In the case of obese parents, I do not think children should be taken away from parents or guardians unless it is a matter of life and death. An obese parent who spoils their child so much that the child could die before they reach adulthood should not have the right to keep that child. In the case of the family in the article, I believe they should have the right to keep the child. Emotional effects and such should be taken into consideration.

Hogwart’s Hogwash

2007-07-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hogwart’s Hogwash

Note to reader: this article (no spoilers) is shorter than my previous article (spoilers) on Christianity and Harry Potter, but it is not broken up into paragraphs and is more of a rebuttal to the post at the following link than an actual full length article on Christian themes in Harry Potter.

http://www.sicarii.net/2007/07/12/hogwarts-hogwash/

I'd first like to point out that Rowling herself is a Christian (I believe a Presbyterian) and claims that her faith defined much of what she wrote, specifically the ending. Second, I do believe that one can enjoy the series without knowing that it points to Christianity, but for me the series only adds to how much my faith means to me. I see the series as no worse than The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings. I also see it no worse than letting your kids pretend there is a Santa Clause or Easter Bunny at a young age. I think that allegories are great ways to bring the true story to light for younger children who are not old enough to keep the attention span needed to read or take the Bible seriously or to even understand the Bible's story completely. Even if the series were evil, we should still explore it for the sake of knowing what the other half believes. And who's to say God can't use something bad to bring something good. Why ignore the Christian parallels when professing them could bring more to Christ? I know there is wizardry in the series, but that's where discernment comes in. We as Christians should have the Holy Spirit in us and should pray for the ability to discern fact from fiction. We should be able to discuss the parallels between the Potter series and the Bible, and we should be able to discuss the differences as well. Rowling takes much of her writing from the influence of the writings of Plato and other classics. She also bases the development of the story on the process of alchemy. The spells used in the series are not real; they are made up words that come from Latin roots. I do not think any of the wizardry in the series is real world witch craft and if real world witches choose to take it that way we should rebut them and show them its not. I do not know about you, but I have not heard about any children or teens going into witchcraft because of the books. Even if there are, that does not make the books evil, it makes the interpretation evil. People could interpret the Bible wrongly and use it to promote their own agendas such as the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses, but that does not make them right or righteous and it certainly does not make the Bible evil. I doubt that the many adults today who started out reading the series when they were 10 years old still believe in the truth of these novels the way they did when they were younger. But they do still believe in the magic literature can create in your heart. Not casting spells magic, but the magic that is a special feeling inside of you. The magic that makes you remember how the series encouraged you, got you to start reading, or other things. I know of several books that have done that for me and I certainly don't think that kind of magic is evil. I doubt you do either. Now, I certainly do not approve of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and many of the dark movies that show up today on the big screen and on television, but I think these shows and movies are much closer to real world witch craft than Harry Potter ever will be. There is a strong difference between them. Most of these dark films are meant to entertain and nothing else. They have no morals and no positive elements, even with happy endings. They are just there and they suck you in. These are the films that are not appropriate for your children. But not Harry Potter. While the series does get darker as it goes it never reaches the level of evil, dark, just plain wrong content that other films have. I do not recommend the later books or movies to children. I did not start reading the books until the movies came out. I too thought they were evil until I sat down and realized how much I can learn from them. Even the dark elements, such as the end of the 5th movie, make me cry because I realize how similar my life really is to Harry's and how I too need to make a choice, among other things. The series means more and more to me because it helps make my faith more real. I know I don't need the series to make my faith real. It already is real and I trust in the Bible at the only ultimate truth and absolute truth. Still, that does not mean I cannot enjoy the Potter series and get something out of it. So maybe there are parts of the books that also parallel real witchcraft as you say. You point out that the hand of glory is used. But it is used by those who are evil. Perhaps you could look at it as the good wizard (Christians) versus the bad wizards (those who practice witch craft). That's a real deal in the real world. It's a truth and it's in the books. What's so bad about that? Looking at it that way, Christianity is the only true religion and witch craft is evil and under Satan. We should fight against the evil that presents itself to society. Putting it this way, it seems to be a parallel that we should take to heart. The drinking of blood in the series is also still presented as evil. It is Voldemort who drinks the blood of the unicorn and he is eternally cursed for it. If we view Voldemort as Satan, it seems obvious to me that both are evil and both are afraid of defeat. Both refuse to accept the fact that Christ (or Harry/Dumbledore's side) has already won or is winning. It's only a matter of time before his ultimate doom arrives and until them he scours the earth looking for people to possess and people to make stumble in their faith. Voldemort continually looks for ways to stay alive by feeding on those around him. He makes his followers do his bidding and he often makes his enemies stumble (for example, he uses Harry's weakness to draw him the Ministry of Magic to get the prophecy for him). Besides this, did you ever consider that the fact that Rowling uses binding and possessing curses could be a reference to such things in the Bible? I refuse to believe that these books are evil and that Rowling meant them to draw children to witch craft. I'll listen to further arguments with an open mind, but I do not see why we can't use the series to fight against others who would use them to promote evil ways. Despite all the parallels you draw between the series and real witch craft, I would draw your attention to all the Biblical parallels. The wizards even go to church in the 7th book and Rowling quotes scriptures on the gravestones in the church graveyard. I know that Rowling draws from countless other influences beyond the Bible, but I know that the Bible is one of those influences and there are many parallels to be found and discussed. Parents would not have to worry about their children thinking of the books as real witch craft and going into real witch craft if they would sit down and discuss what is fact and what is fiction, and what we can learn from the series, with their children. I do not think the series teaches children "the fallacy that they can solve their problems and become successful in life by invoking spells and spirits," but rather it truly does "teach the values in life that are important for personal growth and a good grounding in moral values."

Discussing Christian Themes in Harry Potter

2007-07-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

This is a very long post, so be warned. I did break it up into sections with headers to you can skip read or pick and choose, but I think it's worth reading and discussing. Most of the parallels presented I thought of on my own, although a few I got off of this site and put them in my own words: http://hogwartsprofessor.com/?p=134#comment-11951

Before I get started, I want to know what you think of the Harry Potter series and other classic books such as “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Lord of the Rings.” Do you think they are similar? Do they contain Christian themes? Can a book with occult themes have Christian parallels?

If you have read any of my previous posts on Harry Potter (linked at the end of this post), you know I believe that the series imagined and written by J.K. Rowling is full of Christian symbolism. I do not claim that Rowling inserted Christian meanings in her books on purpose; I only want to bring out the Christian meanings I personally found within the books, specifically “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” I find it wonderful how you do not have to look very far to come across the great story of the Bible showing itself, even in secular media. I do warn that the following review contains major spoilers in the plot. If you have not yet read the seventh book in the series and do not wish to know what happens before you read it yourself, do not read more than the next paragraph.

Introduction
Harry Potter became an instant hit the moment it was published. Ironically, the character of Harry Potter never wants to become famous. Content with becoming an average wizard, greatness is thrust upon him. I’m sure J.K. Rowling never expected a similar greatness to thrust itself upon her name. I wonder if a single person exists in America or Britain who does not know who Harry Potter is. What about this young wizard boy intrigues so many? Perhaps we find comfort in reading about a hero we can relate to. On the other hand, Harry’s popularity may simply come from the wonderful stories that abound in these books. Maybe we enjoy reading about a nobody becoming a somebody. The list goes on and on. I would like to suggest that one reason exists above all others: the stories and characters found in the Harry Potter series echo the greatest true story of them all, the story of Jesus Christ.

You may burst out laughing or completely disagree, but I think Christian themes and morals have a way of making it into literature without anyone realizing it. Everything seems to exist and to have come into being that way. No matter how hard you try to get away from the truth, it will still keep popping up. God created things so that they would point back to His glory. We can even find parallels between the Bible and Harry Potter.

Some Small Pieces
Although Rowling may not have intended the Harry Potter series to be "Christian," it nevertheless contains strong Christian themes. From the many sacrifice characters must make to keep friends safe to small characters such as the snake, Nangini, that follows evil Lord Voldemort around, Christian elements are everywhere in these books. George, trying to protect Harry, loses an ear to a spell cast by Snape, who actually cast it in an effort to protect Harry, but missed. This incident harkens us back to when Peter cut a guard’s ear off to try to defend Jesus. After Dobby the house-elf dies to save Harry and friends, Harry buries him outside Shell Cottage, which belongs to one of Ron’s brothers. Harry watches as Luna Lovegood, one of those saved by the elf, arranges “sea lavender” on Dobby’s grave three days after burial. Although a simple scene, the number of days since burial and the arranging of sea lavender points to an important point in the Gospels: When the women came to Jesus’ grave three days after burial to anoint Him with spices. During Christmas time, Harry and friends visit Godric’s Hallow. People are gathered at the local church and outside the church the graveyard where Harry’s parents are buried lays. On their gravestones are quotes from the Bible. When Harry walks to his death willingly towards the end of the book, spirits of those dead walk with him, including a James (Harry’s father), a Peter (Sirius), and a John (Lupin). Harry pretends to be dead until the right time to fight arrives. As the fight breaks out, he uses the invisibility cloak to disappear. Everyone wonders where his body has gone, a reference to the empty tomb of Jesus. These are just small Christian pieces in “Deathly Hallows,” there are much larger themes yet to explore.

The Theme of Good Versus Evil
When you think of themes in Harry Potter, one of the first topics to hit your mind will most likely be good versus evil. Lord Voldemort wants to rule the wizarding and non-wizarding world. Fate drops the job of destroying Voldemort on the shoulders of Harry Potter. As Harry grows from boyhood to manhood, he must solve the mystery of how to destroy Voldemort’s evil. This battle of good versus evil resembles the battle between God and Satan. Christians realize that God has already won, but Satan will never give up until God does Him in permanently. Satan continues to do his best to keep us from bringing others to Christ and to keep others from coming to Christ. Similarly, Voldemort refuses to accept his probable defeat and does his best to bring as many pure-bloods to his side as possible. He does not understand the meaning of love. In early books, he finds that he cannot harm Harry because Harry’s mother sacrificed herself to save Harry’s life. Satan does not understand the importance of the sacrifice Christ made to save us from the consequence of our sins. Once we accept Christ, he can only harass us; he cannot possess our souls.

Purebloods and Mudbloods - Jews and Gentiles
Voldemort’s agenda in the wizarding world also resembles the way many Jews treated Christians as Christianity began to spread. Some Jews were too proud to admit they were wrong. Others did not want to believe that Gentiles could have equal salvation with the Jews. The Jews were God’s chosen people, but many did not understand that God chose them to act as a light to the nations. Salvation was not just for the Jews. Even James and Peter had trouble understanding this, but God corrected them. Likewise, many of the pure-blood wizards in Harry Potter believe that only they should have magical abilities and the right to rule. They do not want mudbloods (wizards with non-magical parents) and half-bloods (wizards with only one magical parent) to have equal status with them.

In but not of the World - Snape's Example
The character Severus Snape originally pledges his loyalty to the dark lord; but once he experiences love (in this case, he loves Harry’s mother, Lily), he changes sides and risks all for Harry’s sake. We find more than one lesson in Snape’s story. Snape’s work as a reformed death eater parallels the way we as Christians must be in the world, but not of the world. He lives with the death eaters, but works with and for Dumbledore.

In another chain of events, at Dumbledore’s order, Snape kills Dumbledore. Some may think of this as another Judas betrayal, but I prefer to see it as another sacrifice. Voldemort has ordered Draco Malfoy to kill Dumbledore, who sees the damage his murder would cause to Malfoy’s soul. Dumbledore accepts his death willingly, forcing Snape into an unpleasant but necessary role reminiscent of the Old Testament priesthood. The Old Testament priesthood, in turn, should remind us of how God the Father sacrificed his only begotten son, the righteous for the unrighteous.

Dumbledore: God-like figure or Human?
In the first few books, Dumbledore shines as a God-like, father-like figure to Harry. I believe that this impression still exists, even if his character takes on a completely different meaning in the final book. First, in “Deathly Hallows,” rumors circulate about Dumbledore’s past. Is he as wonderful as he seems? Or does he have a dark past that changes everything? As it turns out, Dumbledore is not perfect. He has his faults. Still, not all of the rumors are true. In a similar way, Satan will circulate rumors in our world and put thoughts into our mind that make us question the truth of the Bible.

Second, Harry wonders why Dumbledore never told him the complete truth during their times together and finds that he cannot have a complete understanding of the mysteries until the very end. We can’t expect to understand everything in the Bible, but we can ask God for the ability to discern what we read in the Bible. As Harry learns, we must have patience. There would be little point to the mystery if it were unveiled to us all at once. Sometimes we must discover the truth for ourselves. When we’re ready, we’ll learn what we want to know and will be able to use that knowledge wisely.

Third, because Dumbledore has faults, we see that no one is perfect. The fact that Dumbledore has faults agrees with what the Bible tells us about human nature. All sin and fall short of the glory of God. No one is perfect.

It is worth mentioning that although Dumbledore does not resurrect in the final book, he does return a few times in two forms. His brother, Aberforth, becomes essential to Harry’s survival. Also, Harry meets Dumbledore’s spirit in a place called “King’s Cross.” Only here does Harry learn the complete details of Dumbledore’s past and how to defeat Voldemort permanently. Similarly, only in heaven will we learn the complete details of the mysteries of our roles in God’s grand scheme.

King's Cross and the End of the Story - The Afterlife
There are six (the anti-Christ’s number) main horcruxes, but Harry learns from Snape that he, himself, is a seventh horcrux. Horcruxes are pieces of Voldemort’s soul stored in random items. In order to defeat Voldemort, Harry must willingly allow Voldemort to place the killing curse on him. He faces death bravely, knowing that death is inevitable, and sacrifices his own life for the lives of his friends, reflecting the character and actions of Christ. When Harry dies, he wakes up at King’s Cross railway station, an otherworldly realm where he meets Dumbledore. Dumbledore explains an error by Voldemort that enables Harry to return to life. His sacrifice, however, defeated the piece of soul that attached itself to Harry, leaving him with a clean soul of his own. God attached our sins to Christ as the King of Kings died on the cross --Part of Voldemort’s soul was attached to Harry as he made his journey through death to King’s Cross. This sacrifice parallels the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us when he died on the cross (pun intended). Harry died so his friend could live, but also rose again to defeat Voldemort once and for all.

For a short period, Voldemort really does believe he’s killed Harry Potter. Satan probably thought he had defeated Christ when Jesus died, but instead, the resurrection defeated Satan. We find another example in this part of the book. At King’s Cross, Dumbledore tells Harry, “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.” This has a two part meaning. First, Dumbledore makes the statement in reply to Harry’s reaction to a crying baby nearby. He tells Harry there’s nothing they can do for the child. The baby represents the soul of the unsaved at death. Those who die unsaved cannot find comfort because they are separated from God forever. Second, we must not let the deaths of those we love keep us from shining as a light for Christ in this dark world. We are needed in the world. Harry must choose whether to heed that call and return to save his friends, or to run away. He chooses to stay. We will always have the comfort of Christ by our side while we go through trials, as Harry has Dumbledore to comfort him at King’s Cross. Second, with Harry as a Christ figure, as Harry comes back for those he loves his sacrifice places protection on his friends. Voldemort can no longer permanently bond any of those Harry died for.

Death and the Theme of Sacrifice
One of the main themes of the seventh book is death. Harry must die to himself in order to live. We must pick up our crosses, dieing to ourselves, and follow Christ. Without Christ, our sins pronounce our death sentence; but with Christ, we no longer need fear death.

The theme of sacrifice recurs throughout the entire Harry Potter series. Lily, Harry’s mother, sacrifices herself to save Harry from Voldemort. This leaves a mark on Harry and keeps him safe from harm for many years. Dumbledore sacrifices himself for the soul of Draco. In the fifth book, “Order of the Phoenix,” Harry saves his cousin Dudley from the Dementors. In the seventh book, Dudley finally pays Harry back for the service. Dudley pronounces he does not think Harry is a waste of space and leaves tea by Harry’s door as a present. At the beginning of “Deathly Hallows,” several of Harry’s friends risk their own lives to keep Harry safe and one of them, Mad Eye Moody, dies. When Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Luna are captured and imprisoned in the Malfoy mansion, Dobby the house-elf rescues them, but dies in the process. Countless others die throughout the book, mainly in the battle for Hogwarts.

The Battle - Community
The battle for Hogwarts reflects a theme that came out full force in the fifth book: community. In most of the book, Harry, Hermione, and Ron are on a secret mission. The three rely on each other; without any one, the other two cannot do well. Harry’s friends provide support and loving care to him, encouraging him in his fight against evil – not to mention his fights against his own hormones. Also, by the end of the book, they find that they still need the help of others to accomplish their goals. Members of the Order of the Phoenix and other good wizards join together to fight the death eaters, giving Harry time to find and destroy the last horcruxes without interference. Likewise, we as Christians have many battles to face. We find support in community. We pray for each other and treat each other as we wish to be treated. We find that we all have a part to play in the building up of the church, and no individual God-given gift can accomplish anything on its own.

The Decision is Yours - The Deathly Hallows
In the end, however, we cannot make decisions for one another. We cannot save another person by praying the salvation prayer for them. The individual must make the choice to accept Christ into their heart on their own, and Harry alone can conquer his own arch enemy. He must decide to run and stay safe or to confront death and sacrifice himself for all his friends.

The choice of the individual becomes important in more than one way. The name of the book is “Deathly Hallows,” but what are deathly hallows? The deathly hallows are three items that, when united, make the possessor a master of death. The items include a resurrection stone, a wand called the Elder Wand that always wins a duel, and an invisibility cloak. Dumbledore attempted to find the three items at a young age, but found that he could not trust himself with such power. The items are tempting and in the wrong hands can create chaos. From Dumbledore’s experience, we learn that gaining items we desire will never fill our empty spots. We cannot find fulfillment in earthly power or possessions. Only Christ can fill the holes in our lives.

The three deathly hallows carry individual significance, as well. Harry finds use for the invisibility cloak throughout all seven books. It serves as a shield that keeps him from the eyes of others. Faith serves as a shield for us. God always protects us, even when it does not seem like it. Harry must choose to put on his invisibility cloak. When he uses it, it protects him. Without it, his presence is discovered and he loses his shield. He must discern when to use it and when not to use it. Similarly, we must choose to act by faith, but we must do so with wisdom, not blindly.

The resurrection stone brings allows people to talk those they have lost, but users find that those they bring back often do not want to come back. We learn to let go of those we’ve lost. Also, there is always hope. As Harry finds in his short time at King’s Cross, we will one day join those we have lost. Dumbledore hides the resurrection stone from Harry in a snitch that he leaves Harry in his will. Only at death does Harry realize how to take the stone out of the snitch. He whispers, “I am about to die,” and the snitch opens. Now, Harry has become mature enough to use the item properly. He conjures up the spirits of those he has lost to encourage him and walk with him as he faces death.

On a side note, Dumbledore leaves a book that tells the story of the deathly hallows behind for Hermione and a deluminator, a device that controls light, to Ron. The story book resembles the Bible in that it contains the truth and the path to ultimate deliverance. Ron finds that his gift has more significance than he thought. At one point in the book, Ron does not expect the heroic voyage to take so much time and effort, and tires of waiting for the destruction of Voldemort. Realizing things aren’t going to be as easy as he hoped, he decides to leave Harry and Hermione. When he recognizes his error, a light from the deluminator enters his body and leads him back to Harry and Hermione. Similarly, Christians often expect that once they accept Christ, all will go perfectly well for them. They forget that many will persecute them for their faith and that the Bible will not always make sense to them. This misunderstanding often leads us to turn away from God, but God will plant lights and seeds in our lives that will lead us back to Christ. Ron’s journey also resembles Peter’s denial of Christ before returning to Christ and becoming an even stronger witness and missionary for Christ than ever before.

The final deathly hallows item, the Elder wand, has a long and dark past, but finds its ultimate significance in the final battle between Harry and Voldemort. The Dark Lord possesses the wand and believes he has gained its allegiance. As it turns out, the wand really belongs to Harry and will not kill its own master. When Voldemort casts the death spell on Harry, it backfires and kills Voldemort instead. Similarly, according to scripture, Satan attempted to use God’s Word against Christ, but Jesus used scripture to rebut and defeat Satan.

Conclusion
“Deathly Hallows” contains much of the great story found in the Gospels. We have more than enough reason to read and enjoy the Harry Potter books. Many may balk at my statement or laugh at me when I say I am both a Christian and a Harry Potter fan, but I say that this statement is not a contradiction. You may think that many are led astray by these books, but I say Harry Potter is no worse than the Easter Bunny or Santa Clause. We can teach our children what is fact and fiction in these books and discuss the evident themes found within them. By discussing them with an open mind, we can learn from the series. Harry’s story is full of Christian themes and is a great way to introduce others to the greatest story of them all: the story of Christ.

Previous Harry Potter Posts
Click here to read a short on a TIME Magazine article that claims Harry Potter has no God-like character: http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/who-dies-in-harry-potter-not-god.html

Click here to read my book review on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows": http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/bookmobile-wednesday-harry-potter-and.html

Click here to read my joyous exclamation at getting the 7th book: http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/finally.html

Click here to read a short on the leaked endings to the 7th book: http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/ending-to-harry-potter-7-leaked.html

Click here to read my review of the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix": http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/movie-review-harry-potter-and-order-of.html

Click here to read some random thoughts on Harry Potter and to watch a clip from the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix": http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/harry-potter-week.html

The Two Roads

2007-07-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

I wrote this a year ago when I was deciding where to go to college. Since I'm transferring this year to another college and the emotions are rising again, I thought it would be an appropriate post. On an extra note, I'm going to post my Christian review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows some time late tonight.

The Two Roads
I never knew I could paint abstract before that moment. One could assume I knew how to paint. I had painted other things, but I had never tried abstract before. I was never that good at painting realistic pictures. But I did paint. My heart and soul screamed out through my paint brush. Who can describe the feelings an artist had when he first puts paint to canvas? Paul Cezanne knew all about that. He studied his subjects for hours before putting one stroke of paint on the canvas. Even once he had painted one stroke, he would stop again to continue studying before applying any more paint. He must have had a lot of dedication and patience. I've never been that dedicated. Painting is just a hobby for me. Besides, I'm not very patient. Never the less, I am a painter, and on that fateful day, I learned to blend colors, lines, and shapes to create a painting with much meaning. It was of the country side leading into the city. Like much abstract art, it had great meaning to me. Or did it? Now that I look back, I'm not sure what it meant to me. Which college was I meant to go to? I know I chose the one in the city, but should I have gone to the one in the country? It stops me in thought, remembering what it was like. All the memories of college years, everything I had made myself. I am a city girl, I was a city girl then, I just didn't know it. I always told myself I was a city girl. I said, "I am torn between the country and the city." I am two different people in two different locations. But who am I really, as a whole? I sweetly remember the painting now. Every detail, every color, shape are vivid in my mind. The city was dark and gloomy. Just the presence of it darkened the sky. A main road led to the city, but there was a side road, a dirt road. It led t o the country, where everything was light and beautiful, pleasant. The sky was blue. It beckoned you to risk the old, dirt road for a better ending. I recall finishing the painting. I looked at it intently. It seemed unfinished, but I was happy with it and left it as is. I sat down on my couch to think. Did the colors represent my mood and the way I really felt? After all, the painting was nothing like I had first intentioned it to be. I had thought the road to the city was the rough road. Was the painting inaccurate? Was it just a painting? Or did it have meaning? Did it really come from my heart? I started to cry at that point. My tears ran down my cheek and onto the floor. I bent over and put my head in my arms, saying a little prayer. My tears hit the floor. That would be my next painting: a puddle of tears. Did I make the right choice? I'm still not sure. But God can use even the worst situations to His glory. Whatever His plan may have been for me, I'll never forget the day I painted that picture of the two roads, and which road I chose to take

Horton Hears a Who and Alvin and the Chipmunks

2007-07-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.cinematical.com/2007/07/27/horton-hears-a-trailer/

Here's a new film coming out that should be good: Horton Hears a Who. I liked How the Grinch Stole Christmas and hated The Cat in the Hat. Horton Hears a Who is animated. It looks good. Although I'm not much of a Jim Carey or Steve Carell fan, it still looks pretty good.

I'm also excited about this one:
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/07/26/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-trailer/

Beginning of a Novel I will Never Finish

2007-07-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

The Novelist

The day it all began clocked in long ago. October 5, 1940. The screams inside the small home echoed and resounded outside to where Jonathon Wheeler sat in a nearby woods hiding. The evil man would not hurt him, not this time. He would run away. Jonathan knew the only way to survive pointed away from home. It was not a real home, not really, just a place to live. The screams echoed again. He could not take it. His sister mattered too much to him. She and he were the only ones left, other than ma and pa. He ran back quickly to the only place he knew. He heard yelling, and the screams continued.

Jonathon awoke. Years had passed and he had run. The hands on the clock ticked. Sweat slowly ran down Jonathon’s face. He paced about the room in his worn out shoes and hole-infested t-shirt and jeans. With his dirty body that smelled of the wilderness, he hardly qualified as a professional writer. Most publishers would not talk to applicants personally, but something about this man intrigued those around him. Another author working with the publisher recommended Jonathon to the publisher; that got Jonathon the meeting. Jonathon walked into that office with a tired face. He placed his transcript on the publisher’s desk and quietly waited for an answer.

“I understand that you show potential as a writer,” said Charles, the publisher. “However, Janet did not warn me you would come in such style,” he chuckled.

“You must forgive my appearance, sir, but I do the best I can,” came the answer.

“Normally I would not take a new writer like you. If Janet had not insisted I meet with you I never would have considered you. The look you have chosen to sport does not match my expectations. I expect any writer to dress professionally.”

“Sir, if you would just read my manuscript,” Jonathon interrupted. His nerves began to reach their peak. Fidgeting with his fingers, Jonathon looked at the floor in embarrassment.

“Look. I do not judge based on looks. Certainly you could sue me for that. Give me a day and I’ll see what I can do for you. You may go. Come back the same time tomorrow.”

With simple resignation, Jonathon left the room. Closing the door behind him, he went to the reception desk and made an appointment for the next day.

“Jonathon,” a pure voice rang out.

“Janet, what are you doing here?” Jonathon asked.

“I have a story to pitch to the company. How did your meeting go?”

“He did not care much for the way I looked, but said he would read my stuff.”

“Oh, you’ll get used to it. He’s rough on the outside, but once you get to know him you’ll see how sweet he is.”

“And sour,” Jonathon laughed.

“Well, you seem in pretty good humor for coming out of your first meeting with him. You’ll do fine.”

“It barely lasted. I’m almost tempted not to come back tomorrow.”

“Oh, come on. You’re better than that, Jonathon. You have a story to tell. Don’t let anything keep you from telling it.”

They both paused for a moment. Janet grinned wide and Jonathon’s frown soon turned to an awkward smile. They stood staring at each other in silence. Eyes locked, a long lost connection seemed to reignite. Jonathon broke the silence.

“Anyway, thanks for recommending me, Janet. It means a lot to me.”

“No problem,” she quickly replied, coming out of the short trance the two had held. “Listen,” Janet paused, “if you ever need anything, just let me know. If this does not work out or something bad happens, you need to tell me.”

“I’m fine, Janet. I can take care of myself.”

“Do you need a place to stay tonight?”

“I’m fine,” he repeated.
With that, Jonathon moved away from her and headed for the exit. At the exit he stopped to look back, but she had already gone in to talk to the publisher.

“Great writer you sent me,” Charles told Janet as she entered his office. “Where did you find this cowboy of yours?”

“Oh, out of the middle of nowhere. Not some place you would know of,” she replied.

“Who is this guy anyway? His manuscript has no name on it.”

“He likes to go by the name of John to strangers.”

“Are you a stranger?”

“I know his real name if that’s what you mean, but I can’t betray his confidence. Once you’ve earned his trust, he’ll tell you who he is.”

“You really think he has talent, huh?”

“I know he does. Have you read his stuff yet?”

“Only the first page. It’s the most depressing thing I have ever read.”

“Depressing? In the times I remember he had the best fairy tales and happy stories to tell.”

“So he’s a story teller, not a writer. The point is, he’s not publishing material.”

“I think you’ll find he’s both. I know there’s a good story deep down within him. He’s not so depressing at heart.”

“Well, he does not seem so happy go lucky to me. He looked so sad in here when he came in. He had deep hurt in his eyes.”

“Don’t we all?” Janet questioned.

“I suppose.”

“He mentioned you hated the way he looked.”

“Oh, so you ran into him in the waiting room, I guess?”

“Yes.”

“He looked like he came from a swim in a trash dump.”

“He’s mysterious that way,” Janet looked into the sky through the window.

“I don’t call it mysterious when a man enters a rich man’s office smelling like rotten eggs and looking like a homeless man.” He noted the dreamy look on Janet’s face. “Our own little love birds! How cute! No matter, I can’t publish this guy just because you say he’s good. The readers have to like him. He has to sell!”

“And he will!”

“Does this sound like something that will sell?”

Charles handed Jonathon’s manuscript to Janet. She read,

“I can still hear their screams at night. I toss and turn at the thought. If only I had been there, if only I had died with them that night. I do not know why it happened or how, I did not even see it happen, not even the last second of it. Still, my mind imagines every moment of it.

My name is John, and I have no middle or last name, at least not true ones known to the people of this world. As soon as I found out, I changed my name, only keeping my first. I tell no one who I am, and work in secret, writing novels under the name of Wicker.

I aspire to be a great novelist whose identity is a mystery. As for now, although I manage, I doubt many people read my books, which are my only way of showing others my life.

I am here to tell you my story. I must tell you of the screams that echoed the small house in the woods that night. I must tell you of what I witnessed. My brothers and sisters are dead. Only I am left. Perhaps I shall tell you of dark things that haunt this world. Perhaps I shall tell you the gruesome details of the blood that was shed that night. I saw the blood and I fled. Before I can tell you any more, however, I must start at the very beginning, where these terrible things all began.”

A tear dropped down from Janet’s left eye.

“Depressing?” Charles asked.

“He’s shared all this with me before,” Janet said as she began to bite her finger nails, “but I never thought he would open up this much.”

“You look like you need to recover a bit,” Charles remarked.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Your friend shows promise, Janet. I can see it in his eyes. He’s proud and has lots to discover, but it’s not enough. You only cry because you know where the inspiration for this dark work comes from, but our readers are not guaranteed tears.”

“They’ll want to know the background of his story.”

“So it’s a mystery novel, then? I suppose it might work. I’ll need good editors for this, though. It needs a lot of work. Before anything is decided I need to finish reading his manuscript. At the way things are going in this office, I’ll never get to it.”

“I have faith in you.”

“You always do. Now, what’s this pitch of yours that you so desperately needed to tell me?”

“Charles,” Janet began.

“I know, you shall write a story about us.”

“No, Charles.”

“I see. You only made this appointment to make sure I considered this mysterious man! You must care very much for him.”

“Not as much as I care for you,” Janet replied as she left the office.

Charles chuckled to himself. How long had it been since he last wrote something.

“Maybe I’ll write something about a mysterious young author,” he thought to himself.

Work beckoned Charles back to reality and he started reading Jonathon’s manuscript.

“Charles,” an employee interrupted his reading about thirty minutes later, “your next appointment has arrived.”

Reluctantly, Charles pushed Jonathon’s writing aside. The rest of the work day he went back to the novel whenever he got a chance. The more he read, the better it got. Jonathon’s story became darker and darker, but kept Charles’ attention. It was not your typical horror story. It took on more serious subjects that meant something to the world. Charles’ wanted to know if justice would conquer all the evils served up in this platter of sad circumstances. The story drew him in and he could not let go. He felt emotionally attached to Jonathon. It all seemed so real. Charles did not go home that night. As the clock hands moved on, a light sweat broke out on his brow. Around four in the morning he came to the end, but found it unfinished.

“How could he leave the reader hanging like that?” he thought to himself.

Charles would have to publish this novel, but on one condition, Jonathon must tell him how it ends and agree to write a sequel to tie up the loose ends of the cliffhanger in this book.

Creative Thursday: Why the Sudden Silence?

2007-07-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

Why the sudden silence?
Coming so swift and so fast.
Nothing to warn.
Just a quick entrance,
leaving all behind.
Show me your meaning,
dear sir.
I know not what it is.
This strange moment,
it fills my ears with nothingness
I hear nothing.
I see nothing.
I feel nothing.
I am alone in the world with you.
You who jump from around the corner.
You who bring fright to all,
and at other times peace.
So, why not tell me your meaning?
I am puzzled and befuddled.

Harry Potter Arrived and On its Way

2007-07-26T02:23:00.001-07:00

A new Harry Potter article on its way! I'll post a Christian review of "Deathly Hallows" and its Christian themes within the next couple of days. Look for it! For now, content yourself with the following shorts I've written about the series:

Click here to read a short on a TIME Magazine article that claims Harry Potter has no God-like character: http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/who-dies-in-harry-potter-not-god.html

Click here to read my book review on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows": http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/bookmobile-wednesday-harry-potter-and.html

Click here to read my joyous exclamation at getting the 7th book: http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/finally.html

Click here to read a short on the leaked endings to the 7th book: http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/ending-to-harry-potter-7-leaked.html

Click here to read my review of the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix": http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/movie-review-harry-potter-and-order-of.html

Click here to read some random thoughts on Harry Potter and to watch a clip from the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix": http://atthestudy.blogspot.com/2007/07/harry-potter-week.html

Who Dies in Harry Potter? Not God!

2007-07-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1642885,00.html

According the article, "Who Dies in Harry Potter? God," (link posted above) written by Lev Grossman and published in TIME Magazine, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series aligns more with modern secular and atheist ideas and books than classic Christian based ideas and books (such as C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" series and J.R.R. Tolkein's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy). I disagree.

If anyone wants any evidence of the presence of Christian themes in Harry Potter they should read the book "Looking for God in Harry Potter" by John Granger. Apparently Rowling is a professed Presbyterian. Separate from that, her books are chalk full of Christian themes. Even if she did not insert them on purpose, they came out. That's something that I find just amazing. The Bible tells us that even nature declares God's glory. I'm finding more and more that the great story found in the Bible also declare's God's glory in numerous secular accounts/stories that don't even try to bring up Christian parallels. It's just like how we find that Christian morals are often universal morals.

It seems to me that Lev Grossman has a habit of making things out to be anti-Christian or against the existence of God. I believe he has a right to state what he believes, but I also must state that I disagree with what he has asserted. In his article, "Harry Potter's Last Adcenture" he says that finding out that Dumbledore has faults cancels out any image we may have of a God in the series. Actually, the fact that Dumbledore has faults parallels what the Bible tells us about human nature. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. While in earlier books Dumbledore seemed a fatherly figure, finding out that he has faults as a human wizard goes along with this teaching we find in the Bible. No one is perfect.

Bookmobile Wednesday: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"

2007-07-25T00:35:00.001-07:00

I spent two days reading this book. It only took me one day to read the sixth book, so I was surprised at how long it took me to read this last installment. I went to the midnight party at my local Borders. I had not pre-ordered the book, but I got lucky. I ran into a friend who had accidentally ordered two books instead of one, so I got her second order. We waited in line until 1:30 AM to buy our copy. It was worth the wait. See my review below. Don't worry, there are no spoilers. This is just a simple, quick review. I'll post a spoiler post later on Christian themes found in "Deathly Hallows."

Rating: four out of five stars

Plot: We discovered in the sixth Harry Potter book that the only way to get rid of Voldemort for good is to destroy the 6 horcruxes Voldemort created. Horcruxes are items containing pieces of a Wizard’s soul. As we enter the seventh book, we find that Voldemort has taken over Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic. Harry must go into hiding to stay safe. Hermione and Ron join him. Before Dumbledore died, he left the three of them the mission of destroying the horcruxes, but how ill they do that if they must stay in hiding? A new mystery complicates things even more. Dumbledore left each of them an item in his will, but not even Hermione can figure out the meaning of these items. On top of this unfolding mystery, Harry deals with unearthed facts about Dumbledore’s past. He struggle with discerning truth from fiction and begins to doubt everything he ever believed about Dumbledore. What’s the truth about Dumbledore? Is Snape evil? Will Harry and friends ever defeat Voldemort? You’ll have to read the 7th book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” to find out (Or you can find spoilers on the Internet).

Analysis: As the series grew closer and closer to its end, you knew it had to get more complicated and darker. From the fifth book on Harry Potter became less of a child and more of an adult. While the fourth book was the first to truly have a darker element to it, it did contain its own plot. The demise of Voldemort was merely a subplot. However, once Voldemort rises again in the fourth book things aren’t so easy for Harry. Individual plots within the books disappear and the main story becomes the story of how “the boy who lived” defeats Lord Voldemort. In the last three books we see Harry developing as a character. We focus in on the connection between Harry and Voldemort. These three books are about the larger story, the ultimate story. Because of this, it takes a lot longer to get hooked on these three books. If you keep reading, however, you find it worth the time and effort. I’ll always be a Harry Potter fan, but just to be truthful for a moment I must criticize “Deathly Hallows” a little bit. The first thing that bothered me about the final installment was the way Rowling had Ron use the word “effin” several times. She uses other foul words in the book, but not very often and she never actually uses the F word. Style and language faults pop up often in the seventh book. “And then this happened” appears continually throughout the book. Also, more than once I found I needed to go back and reread passages several times to make sense of them. However, although Rowling’s grammar and style have worsened, making it harder to read, she is still a master story teller. In this area the seventh book does not fail. So much happens, I have no idea how they’ll choose what to keep and take out in the movie version. In fact, there are already events in the seventh book connected to pieces of the other books in the series that were taken out of their movie counterparts. It’s a long read, but worth the effort.

The Music Man fails again

2007-07-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

I often go to nearbye shows for fun - even shows more than a couple of hours away. That being said, I did go see the show "The Music Man" which is totally overrated. I've been in that show, and this production stunk. Anyway, there was a review of it in the paper here: http://www.modbee.com/arts/reviews/story/13800559p-14378804c.html

I completely disagree with this review. I know a lot of people who aren't as experienced as I am with Broadway and Local shows would enjoy any show, even if it was the worst production in the world. Sometimes I wish I could be that simple, but I can't. MPA's production of "The Music Man" really is not that great. I hate to say it, but Paul is loosing his touch as he gets older. His sets are nothing special and his chorography is much too simple and boring to watch. Debbie was a mutch better chorographer. As for the costumes, they are very unrealistic. First of all, at the beginning of the show the costumes should seem dull and boring, reflecting the attitude of the townsfold. Sure, a little color would not hurt by the end of the show to bring out the transformation of attitudes, but having pastel colors for the entire show against the dull sets is just rediculous. Second of all, the costumes are inaccurate. For pete's sake, as much as I liked Grace Lieberman in this production, she was wearing Sandals for part of the show! They didn't wear neon green sandals back then. I was also dissapointed with the Well's Fargo Wagon, which was puny and small. Not much to it and not at all matching up to the excitement the song that builds up to its entrance. Marian and Professor Hill also have terrible looks. Hill has a mustache and little sideburns that are very non flattering. His jackets also seem way too big on him. Marian has terrible posture and her costumes blurr her out and give her no figure. She's just plain, nothing special or pretty. I would not mind that if it weren't for the fact that she has no figure. She's supposed to be pretty. At one point in the show a salesman says he'd like to spend m or etime with her, implying she's very pretty and he wants to make out with her. If I were a man judging on looks, I wouldn't want to make out with her. Another thing that bothered me was that her dresses did not touch the floor. It was scandalous back then for a woman to wear a dress that did not touch the floor (unless you were a youngster). I also have to disagree with the comments Lisa made regarding the acting and singing in the production. Many of the leads, including Marian and Professor Hill, were often flat. They were also boring in their performances and did not look the part. Jacob Bronson's high pitched voice also got on my nerves. The rest of the cast was so so, I did enjoy Barbara as Mrs. Paroo, but overall it was just a boring show. Not as bad as "Oliver." "Oliver" just plain lacked energy and any good quality at all. I must admit, however, that Tovi Wayne has improved, he was less distracted in "Music Man," although I still don't think he can sing very well. The only great thing in this show was the chorus. With so many people of so many different ages in your chorus and a musical director like Darrel Lingenfelter how can you fail? Still, I just could not enjoy this show at all. This is not the first review I've completely disagreed with of Lisa's. I'm not sure I'm going to trust her reviews any more.

Personal Monday: Teeter Totter

2007-07-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

This week has been a giant teeter totter. First off, I’ve been learning a lot about pride and prejudice this week. I love the Jane Austen book, but I’m talking about the real thing. More than once this week I’ve found myself torn in the middle of conflicts between people. When this happens, it becomes easy for me to let my own opinions concerning the people involved get in the way. If I’ve had differences with one person involved, they’re the one I dislike. It’s hard to learn to just back off and let things resolve themselves. I’ve found that I just need to listen to the people involved and support them without taking any sides.

Besides my own pride and prejudice problems, my emotions have gone haywire this week. I have not kept up with my food journal and have kept up my pigging out. I’ve been out a lot this week, and when you are out you eat out. Even so, at home I pig out on candy and chips. I get mad at myself every time I realize what I’m doing. I’ve cried more than once this week about it. At least I eat more fruits and vegetables now, but I have a long way to go. My doctor won’t be happy when I have no record of what I eat to show her. I’m hoping there won’t be much else for her to lecture me about. On the bright side, I found out I don’t have to get any moles removed, but I did start taking cholesterol pills, as well as acid reflux pills, yesterday. Tomorrow I go in to get my blood tested again, this time for Hepatitis A. Needles don’t bother me much; I’ve had my blood drawn so many times. Speaking of needles, that whooping cough shot gave me quite a flu, but after about 5 days it went away. Glad that’s over. Now I just hope there aren’t any bad results from the Hepatitis test so I can get that shot done and over with.

I lost my driving permit today. I’m really starting to worry because I don’t drive very well. I have to take the test within the next two or three weeks, but I don’t practice very often. Most of the time I am reading or sleeping and I never get out of the house.

The only really exciting thing I did this week was getting the 7th and final Harry Potter book. I went to the midnight part at my local Borders and bought it around 1:30 AM. Long lines. I’ll post a review of it tomorrow or Wednesday. I finished reading it last night at 11 PM. It took me a lot longer than I thought it would.

Since I didn't have much to say today or for the past couple of days (I've been reading Harry Potter since it came out) I'm posting some long lost weight journal entries. One today and another next Monday and so on until I run out. Here's the first one:

11-10-05 So, Wednesday I decided I wanted to go to the gym, even though I had a midnight flight to Indiana that same night. When I actually got to the gym, however I felt quite the opposite. For the first time I did not want to go to the gym. It was a strange feeling, knowing that I did not want to work out. I felt bad for not wanting to go. I also felt bad for making my dad take me, so I went ahead and worked out a little. I did 20 minutes on the elliptical, but as soon as I stopped, I instantly felt sick. I had to go home. It was not the best timing I guess. I needed to rest up for the flight anyway. Now that I am here, in Indiana, and have had about 2 hours of sleep, I have been pigging out. But what can I say? So far I love it here! I can't avoid food when it is offered. I know I should. I will have to take it a little easier tomorrow.

11-16-05 WOW! Vacations and sicknesses can only make it harder to keep up with this journal. Next time I go out of town or get sick I will have to persevere more. While I visited colleges last weekend, I didn't exactly do my best to eat right. In fact I did my worst. Now that I am sick and stressed back at home, I only eat more, especially popsicles. They seem good for a soar throat and do not activate my sensitive stomach. I like to eat. I admit it. We all go through trials. That is the beauty of a thing like this. It is all about picking yourself up again. I remember a line from the movie "Batman Begins" that asks why we fall. The answer is simply "so we can pick ourselves up again." That is so true in our society. I believe it has always been true. If we want something bad enough, we will do anything in our power to get it. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. It is hard on me to come to the realization of the truth. I have always been frank about it. Nothing has changed. But I don't want to die, and I don't want my parents to die either! My mom had to buy three seats on the airplane for the two of us because of our size. I just barely fit with the seat belt and my mom had to get a seat belt extender. People our size have been forced to buy a second seat because they are so big. Some of them have sued over it. I will never sue. Having that extra seat between my mom and I was worth every penny for the comfort it gave us. We were not squashed together. But I am sick of looking down and seeing a huge, floppy belly. I am sick of playing with my arms because they are like built in bean bags made of fat instead of beans and skin instead of fabric. I look at myself. I know I am big boned. I will always be bigger. But I can be healthier and I can get rid of these huge stretch marks that cover my body. I refuse to let go. I will be healthy, one way, or another.

Separate from all that, I just came up with a thought. Without all the pigging out on food, if one was to go visiting colleges several times, they would most definitely lose weight just from all the walking they do in campus tours.

Finally

2007-07-21T01:43:00.000-07:00

After hours of waiting, I have the 7th book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"!!!!!

Footloose and other films

2007-07-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.cinematical.com/2007/07/11/zac-efron-to-star-in-footloose-remake/

I'm not too crazy about them making another Footloose film. I'm glad that if they're going to make another one they're going to do the musical version, but I never liked the story of teens rebelling against their parents. Nor did I like the impression given that all Christians are strict people who only care about following the rules and are people who hate any kind of dancing. It's not true in all cases. I'm not keen on Zac Efron taking the lead role, either. He'll pull in fans of High School Musical, but, following the pattern of other Disney channel stars, there will most likely never be a High School Musical 3. Zac is not that great of a singer or actor, either, so I don't think he'll last very long or do a very good job in the Footloose film.

I am, however, looking forward to the new Batman movie in the making with Heath Ledger as the Joker. http://www.bww.cinematical.com/2007/07/15/dark-knight-update-new-joker-pics-eckhart-confirms-two-face/
http://www.bww.cinematical.com/2007/07/15/dark-knight-teaser-trailer-probably-hitting-on-july-27/

Sources say the trailer for the new Batman film will come out with the Simpsons Movie. I guess I'll have to wait. I despise the Simpsons and will not be going to the Simpsons Movie. Just 30 minutes of that show brain washes you. It lacks morals and is just plain stupid. To think, kids watch shows like this and The Family Guy. No wonder why the coming generations are so full of sex and drinking.

One movie I am looking forward to is Underdog. It should be good. In future makings is "Speed Racer." I never watched that show, but ti's nice to see older shows being remade. http://www.bww.cinematical.com/2007/07/15/nayo-wallace-will-play-minx-in-speed-racer/

Last of all, can you believe they're making more Shrek movies. The third one stunk and they plan two more as well as a movie about Puss and Boots! UCK! The first two were good enough, but unless they change fast the next two won't do so well. http://www.cinematical.com/2007/07/17/shrek-will-probably-stop-at-five-films/

Karaoke on TV

2007-07-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

Has anyone noticed that both Fox and NBC have exactly the same show with different names, sets, and hosts. Fox airs "Don't forget the lyrics" and NBC airs "The singing bee." On both shows, contestants must listen to a song and complete it when the music blacks out. The concept is cute, but nothing special. I would love to be a part of the live audience, but I'm not so crazy about watching either of them on TV. If I had to choose, I would choose "Singing Bee" because it's cuter and has a better host. The colors resemble those of a bumble bee and there are dancers dressed in bumble bee colors. "Don't Forget the Lyrics" is more like a classic karaoke game with its boring sets and only so so host. Another thing I like about "Singing Bee" is that a lot of the songs are oldies, and I like oldies a lot more than I like old songs. They often have a cleaner, more innocent feel to them and aren't as dark, more fun.

http://www.nbc.com/The_Singing_Bee/
http://www.fox.com/dontforget/

Bookmobile Wednesday: I'm not Wonder Woman but God Made Me Wonderful

2007-07-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Rating: four out of five stars

Description on back of book: “Somewhere between being Wonder Woman and wondering what’s wrong with you is a great reality: God created you to be a wonderful woman. Instead of trying to live up to an unrealistic role, best selling-author Sheila Walsh invites you to take off your cape and boots, set aside your crumpled suit, and discover the authentic woman, beloved and valued by God. In this book, Sheila helps you understand that in God’s eyes, you are already a beautiful and creative woman. Heartfelt and delightful, I’m not Wonder Woman will encourage, inspire, and challenge you. Discover the real you, embrace life, and celebrate the joy of being a wonderful woman.”

Issues discussed: Sheila starts out where all problems started: the fall. Ever since Eve took a bite of that forbidden fruit humanity has been cursed. First, the blame game started. “Adam blamed God and the woman; Eve blamed the snake – but God would hold each one of them accountable.” Satan became our enemy. Women gained birth pains and desire their husbands, but their husbands will rule over them. The sex battles began. Men are cursed with the burden of providing for the family. They must work in a difficult and frustrating process to gain a living. Shame and guilt also entered the world. God still gave us hope, though. We feel guilt for what we’ve done and shame for who we are. God tells us we’re made for a purpose and have nothing to be ashamed of. While we may feel guilt from our past deeds, we can put those deeds behind us if we accept the hope offered to us through Christ. Although women are cursed with birth pains, they have hope in the new life that comes from the pain. Christ, the ultimate deliverer and our savior came from a woman’s seed.

“We used to be swans, but instead of a snowy white coat, we wear one that is brown and rough. We were made for more, and when we were displaced from Eden and turned pit into this earth, there was no way that we could ever feel at home. When Jesus came, He offered to take our filth onto His snowy white back and let us rest under His feathers so that when the father looks at us, He see us as we were always meant to be – swans!”

Sheila lists various emotions women go through and talks about how to deal with them. Pushing away the temptations Satan sends our way becomes a choice. You have to choose to have faith in Christ and choose to say no to Satan when he whispers in your ears that you’re not good enough. “We are asked to show up with whatever God has packed for us that day and trust that it will be enough.”

An example Sheila frequently refers to is “The Wizard of Oz.” Like the Wizard, we tend to cover our real selves with masks and costumes, pretending we are wonder women. Sometimes, God will have to send a Dorothy along to take the curtain away and humble us. Even broken, God uses us. We’re not perfect, but God is in control and will always be there for us. He loves us the way we are and all we have to do is lay down our masks and worship Him. God uses broken people so He can show that He is in control.

So, what do we do next? We ask god to expose our faults so we can become more Christ-like. That’s what David did. We take the trash out and offer everything we have up to God. We may not have much. The boy who went to hear Jesus preach with only a few loaves of bread and a few fish did not expect much to happen that day, but when he offered up what little food he had, it multiplied and became a blessing to many people. “When we are able to give the broken pieces to the Lord, the loaves and fishes of our stories, then Jesus will bless it, break it, and feed His people.” Once we accept Christ and allow Him to change our lives, we become lights in the darkness. Troubles will come, sometimes as attacks from Satan, sometimes as tests and opportunities from God for our own good. “Often it takes a crisis to reveal to us how hungry our spirits are.” Joseph found himself in the worst of places, but God always pulled Him out of the pit and used Him to bless others. We can’t save ourselves, only God can save us. Jesus is our hope, and although tough times may come now, we have a much better life to look forward to. “We can spend the rest of our lives beating ourselves up for being human or accept that Jesus loves and receives us in our humanity.”

Analysis: Sheila does a good job with this book. There are questions and prayers at the end of each chapter to help you develop your thoughts on topics and issues. Chapters are also short enough for anyone with eye trouble or who, like me, often get headaches from reading for too long. Using her own testimony (she has depression), Sheila gives the book even more credibility. She uses a lot of scripture and relates everything she says to the modern woman. Even men might get something out of this book. I was very encouraged by Sheila’s story. I never need to try too hard to become something I’m not. I don’t need to try to impress others. God loves me as I am. He’s in control and will take care of me. I can put my full faith in Him. Sheila communicates this all very well. There is much more to the book than what I’ve listed here. I highly recommend this book. It’s an easy read that you can get a lot out of.

Ending to Harry Potter 7 Leaked

2007-07-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

So, the latest in news is that some guy who agrees with the Pope that the Harry Potter novels are evil has decided to steal the seventh novel and leak the ending. I've read the letter this guy sent out, and I'm hoping it's a hoax for the said goal. The guy claims that Hermione and Hagrid die. I can see both these deaths happening. Hermione because her death, according to the source, is a sacrificial death (some sort of sacrifice occurs in every book) and Hagrid because he is a minor character. Still, I'd hate to see both of them go. The guy who wrote the letter has terrible English skill, so, for now, I won't give him much credit. Plus, I don 't agree with his assessment of the books at all. I think Christian themes and morals can easily be found in the books. Besides, releasing the ending is just going to make people want to read to confirm whether it's true or not, so the goal of this guy is up in smoke. On another note, people will still read the last book if they are already fans, after all this is the last book in the series. Anyone new to the series will have to start with the first book. I already knew the ending of the first book, from the movie, when I read it, and I still enjoyed it.

Edited (7-23-07): The leaks put out by the guy claiming Hermione and Hagrid die in the 7th book are false. However, other leaks that are photos of the first and last chapter of the book are accurate.

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2007-07-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Anyone who loves Harry Potter will have seen the fifth movie by now, but I figured I'd go ahead and write something about it. Only, that something turned out to be a lot longer than I thought it would be. So, enjoy.

I only just got to see it last Sunday on IMAX. "The Order of the Phoenix" does not contain very many special sets or scenes that make it worth watching on IMAX, but it's still a great experience. What I did not understand was why the 3-D part of the film lasted for a mere 20 minutes. If the entire film had been in 3-D it would have been more spectacular. I'm glad they did decide to use it at least a little bit, and for the best part of the entire movie: the Ministry of Magic scene where the battle between good and evil hits its peak. Using visions of a tortured Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, Voldemort lures Harry to the Hall of Prophecies at the Ministry of Magic because He desires to possess a prophecy only Harry can take out of its holding place. Harry brings his closest friends with him, Hermione, Ron, Neville, and new to the series Luna Lovegood. Voldemort and Dumbledore have an ultimate dual during this scene and (spoiler alert) Bellatrix Lestrange kills Sirius. Sirius falls back into an archway in the middle of the room and disappears from site. Harry still hears voices coming from the archway, however. This climactic scene is the only real plot point in the entire film. The rest of the film leads up to this moment where Harry must choose good over evil in order to prevent Voldemort from taking over him.

The film has less of a plot to it and very little mystery. The book builds more on Harry's visions that lead him to go to the Hall of Prophecies, but the movie, with very little time, must choose what is most important to the film. I am happy with what writers and directors chose to keep. In this film you see very little of Harry's friends and professors and lots of Harry. You will find that the development of Harry's character in this film will become very important in the sixth movie. While the fifth installment lacks mystery, it lays the foundation for future installments. Harry deals with his dark side and must choose whether to give in or stand up to evil.

Part of Harry learning to stand up for himself comes from his experience with Dolores Umbridge and the Ministry of Magic. Too proud to admit Voldemart has returned, the Ministry turns to lies and deception to keep up their reputation. They take over Hogwarts in the form of Professor Dolores Umbridge, who tidies things up by enforcing harsh rules, firing some questionable professors, and preventing the students from practicing spells. In response, students form their own secret society where Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Death Eaters, or Voldemort's followers. Harry grows as he teaches them, but still struggles with teenage hormones. He gains his first kiss with Cho Chang. On top of this, he still does not know what to do about his violent emotions. He says he's angry all the time and isolates himself from his friends. Luna Lovegood reminds him of the importance of community in fending off our foes. By the end of the film, Harry has a better idea of who he is as a person and of what his purpose is in life. Although it has been mentioned in past films, (spoiler alert) he finally understands that he has something Voldemort will never have: love and friendship. He chooses the good and pushes Voldemort out of his mind. Voldemort leans over Harry and whispers, "You will lose." The Ministry walks in and there's no denying the truth any longer.

David Yates directs the film for his first Harry Potter flick and I have to say I really enjoyed it. While the third film was my favorite, I did not like the direction of "The Prisoner of Azkaban." I would not mind the original director of the Potter films returning, but I also dislike the director of the fourth film. The sixth film should be interesting. I did not like the fifth book much, but loved the movie. I love the fourth book, but hated the fourth movie. I wonder what my impression will be of the sixth movie. The sixth movie is the beginning of the end of the series and cleans off looses ends from the fifth film. It will be important that it is done well and that parts of the book left out are tastefully chosen. One thing's for sure, I hope they bring back Nicholas Hooper as the composer. "Order" has the most beautiful and fulfilling soundtrack out of all the films. It builds off the original soundtrack in small amounts, but contains mostly new material that really connects with characters and events in the film. I highly recommend it. The acting in the film is also worth mentioning. Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson have grown so much in their abilities; it's hard not to like them. Newbie’s also do not disappoint. Imelda Staunton is ironically wicked as the cat loving, pink wearing Dolores Umbridge and Evanna Lynch's calm, strangely pitched voice adds character to the role of Luna Lovegood. It really is the best Potter film yet. Helena Bonham Carter also joins the cast as Bellatrix Lestrange. Considering how few lines she has she portrays a lot about her character just by body language and costume.

I found extra meaning in this film because I recently read a book called "Looking for God in Harry Potter" by John Granger. Reading this book and thinking more about the plot lines I found three main Christian elements in the story of this film:

1. Community. Harry tries to go it on his own, but finds he can't. Luna Lovegood reminds him that his friends provide support and loving care to him, encouraging him in his fight against evil, not to mention his fights against his own hormones. In the end, it is the memory of this love and friendship that enables Harry to say no to Voldemort. Likewise, we as Christians have many battles to face. We find support in community. We pray for each other and treat each other as we wish to be treated. We find that we all have a part to play in the building up of the church and no individual God-given gift can accomplish anything on its own. We also find community in the Order of the Phoenix, which bands together to fight Voldemort, as well as in Dumbledore's Army, the group of students Harry secretly teaches when Umbridge forbids the practice of magic. Interestingly enough, throughout history the phoenix has been a symbol used for Christ. Dumbledore also stands as a God-like father figure.

2. Life after death. Harry hears voices coming from the archway that Sirius disappears into at death. From this we gather that there is life after death and we always have something to hope for. Luna Lovegood tells Harry at the end of the film that things have a way of coming back to us in unexpected ways.

3. Good vs. Evil. Like many today, the Ministry of Magic is too proud to admit to its statesments are false and fight evil. Instead, they let evil take over and become evil themselves. Throughout the film, Harry struggles with the possibility that he could become just like Voldemort. A dark side in Harry begins to rise. He questions Sirius, asking why he feels so angry and what exactly the implications of his anger are. Both Sirius and Dumbledore indicate to Harry that everyone has both good and evil in them, it is which side they choose to act upon that matters. As Christians, we find the same thing true with our hearts. We all have a sinful nature that came with the fall. We can't get rid of our fleshly tendencies, but we can choose to say no to the temptation when it comes. It won't stop coming, we can still say no. Satan will try to attack our minds telling us that we, too, will "lose" (and I certainly am prepared to lose everything for God because I know God will provide and that there are more important things than the things of this world and that I have a better life to look forward to in Heaven), but with God's help we can do anything. Once you decide to accept Christ, you belong to Him and Satan cannot take your soul. All he can do is try his best to keep you from bringing others to Christ. We all have the potential to do evil, but it is our choices that matter because God gave us free will.

So, I am a huge Harry Potter fan and I am a Christian. No that is not redundant or contradictory. Harry Potter is a great story that we all can learn from. You'll find that the fifth Harry Potter film will fill you up with a lot to digest. Not just the great special effects (I especially like the transitions, dueling scene, and newspaper headlines) and great acting, but the morals and the continuation of a great story worth watching over and over again.

Personal Monday: What's on Your Shelf?

2007-07-17T00:04:00.001-07:00

So, this is a few minutes later after Monday and it is now Tuesday, but I started writing this on Monday so it still stands.

I think a better name for this blog would have to be “On the Shelf.” My life has tons of stuff on the shelf. Books, music, movies, and such are not the only things on my shelves. In truth, we all have our problems that we tend to put away on some sort of shelf. For me the main things I tend to put on my shelves are my eating habits. I’m fat, plain and simple. I don’t rejoice at it and I don’t take pride in it. I try not to let it keep me from living my life out, but I admit I need to lose weight by eating healthier and exercising more often. My doctor tells me I’m very unhealthy. I have high blood pressure and cholesterol. She says she hates to see someone as young as me have such a high heart attack risk. In case you were wondering, I’m only 19. On top of all this, I have other health problems. For example, tomorrow I am having some moles on my back removed that could become cancerous. I joked around to my parents that at least one thing gone wrong with me does not have to do with my weight, but really it’s not that funny. I am unhealthy. I need to get healthy. I need to take things off my shelf and deal with them. It’s spring cleaning time for the rest of my life and I plan to blog every Monday on my progress. Please join me on this journey. I have started weight journals before, but this time I need to get serious. I started this blog because I wanted to comment on various things, but also because I wanted to take a stand. Obesity is a huge problem today. Let’s take a stand against it. I’ve bought a calorie counter book and a journal for logging what I eat and I’m using it.

A week ago I went to the doctor’s office to get a whooping cough shot. Lucky me, I got a small infection from it and for the last week have had a fever ranging from 99.0 to 102.8. I had headaches, I was light-headed, and my whole body was sore. It finally went away yesterday. Still, I’m weak from it. Nevertheless, when a handicap friend of the family called and asked for my help with her shopping, I could not say no. I love this woman and she needs all the company she can get. She has been surrounded by the worst of people and gone through the worst of pains. Today, specifically, her back and her elbows were in a lot of pain. She’s paralyzed from the waist down and goes around in a wheelchair. She needed me to push the grocery cart around and take the groceries into her apartment for her. I’ve done this once or twice before and always have a great time doing it. She’s a great lady to be around, plus it gets me out of the house. My arm was still bothering me from the shot and I playfully teased her about it and my fever. The conversation quickly became a deep talk about the pains of life. This woman finds herself overweight with a broken wheelchair and almost completely broken-down car. She has her own obesity problems, plus she’s almost deaf. I can’t believe how selfish I’ve been lately with my little fever! She plans to get a surgery done on her stomach to help her lose weight. She can’t exercise much because she can’t walk. She can’t even get her own groceries or fill up a tank of gas without help, and here I am complaining about a simple surgery I’m getting done on the moles on my back tomorrow. I think we all need to start taking better care of ourselves and those around us. I am very thankful for what I have in life and I shouldn’t start counting my blessings too soon. You never know what can happen. I’m already unhealthy as it is. It’s about time that I started to take care of what has been given to me, namely my body. Maybe I can take better care of family friends and others if I’m in better shape to do so. It took me about 7 trips to bring in all my friend’s groceries, and she didn’t buy much! I'm tellin' you, I didn't feel much like bringing those groceries in, but I did it anyway. There will always be times in life when we don't feel like doing things. Sometimes we're lazy. Sometimes we're tired. Sometimes we just need a vacation or just need to be able to do something without any extra luggage to carry (in my case it was groceries). Thinking about it, however, I now see that although we may not always feel like doing something, sometimes it just needs to be done. I don't feel like making an effort to lose weight, but I need to. I often won't feel like being a good witness to others. I sometimes don't feel like discussing doctrine. But I need to get over my own feelings. Life will be life. We have purpose in our life and we should not push it aside for personal comfort.

Upcoming Movies

2007-07-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809355123/video/3365397/standardformat
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809355123/info

"Last Legion" looks interesting. The plot summary says nothing about Excalibur, but the trailer makes it look like it has something to do with both the end of the Roman Empire and with the beginnings of Excalibur. It has that girl from "Bride and Prejudice" in it, but more interestingly it has Colin Firth in it. I'm a fan of Firth, even if not all his movies are good. I'm hoping this will be one worth seeing.

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809420758/info
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809420758/video/3328557/standardformat

What caught my eye with "December Boys" is that it includes Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter. Normally I would not like this sort of movie, but since it has Radcliffe and it seems like a feel good movie I may go see it. I just hope the PG-13 rating for sexual content, nudity, and drugs and smoking isn't too blatant.

Speaking of Harry Potter, I saw the 5th movie yesterday. Look forward to a review tomorrow, hopefully.

Personal Monday: Review of California Driver's Handbook

2007-07-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

I had a wierd dream last night. In the dream, I left my driving permit at home and needed to drive somewhere. So, I went ahead and started to drive, but in a training wheel car that resembled a bike. It told police I was a driver in training. There were police out everywhere looking for student drivers. I made too wide a turn and one of them pulled me over, not to give me a ticket, but to make me redo the turn and practice it until I got it right. I never found out how things ended for me, though, because the phone rang and woke me up. Still, in honor of this dream I thought I would post something I wrote last month below:

If there is any person qualified to write a book review of the California Driver’s Handbook, it’s me. No, I do not work for the DMV, and no, I am not a perfectionist driver. In truth, I am very afraid of driving. While still on my first permit, I got in an accident. With my driver instructor, my sandal got caught on the pedal and I pushed the gas pedal instead of the break. This caused me to get into a minor bumper accident, no damage. I cried when I got home. Needless to say time came and went and I did not go for my license. My permit expired. Since then I have taken the permit test two more times and gotten better at passing each time. I always passed, but each time the number of missed questions lessened. I actually was scheduled to take my permit test earlier this month for the third time, but my mom lost my passport. A weeks worth of reading was wasted. Luckily, this time I highlighted the important parts and when my mom found my passport a month later I only had to skip read the highlighted parts. Two days ago, on June 28th, 2007, I took the test and only missed two questions. My picture would have turned out good if my double chin had not shown up. It has a way of coming out like that. I hate being fat, I hope to lose weight. Nevertheless, I will not let my bad health drag me down. I did dream once that my double chin saved me from a man who tried to slit my throat. The knife did not go deep enough to kill me, although I did lose some blood. It’s a real dream I had. Anyway, back to the driving thing. As already stated, I hate driving. I’m always afraid I’ll do something wrong. I remember my first experience with driver’s rage. I pulled over to let people pass, but when I tried to pull back into the lane a driver got mad at me and followed me to my turnoff where he proceed to honk at me and flip me off. I eventually got over my fear and got back on the road, but then college came. When you live in NYC you don’t drive much. Thus, it has been over a year since I last drove and my old fears have returned this summer. Since I am attending a different college this fall, I will need to drive and I will need a car. Needless to say, I have so far avoided all my parents attempts to get me on the road, but I really do need to try. Maybe I should go back to that handbook for some help, but don’t expect a book review of it. I already hate it enough, I doubt I would be able to keep from becoming overly judgmental and bias.

pic taken from: http://calstaging.bemidjistate.edu/en3160f01/bsustudentgallery/driving.html

Beverly Sills

2007-07-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

htt p://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/news/photos/s ills .aspx

I only just discovered that Beverly Sills recently died. I was a huge fan of hers and loved her voice. She was a brilliant singer and actress and a great personality.

Sunday: The Lord's Day: Trials and Temptations

2007-07-15T00:26:00.000-07:00

Just a quick side-note: this is a long post (I don't post long posts very often) so if you want to skip ahead and read other posts I suggest using the archive or labels. Thanks, and I'm open to your comments (I wrote this with my dad's help in 10th grade for Bible class).

Trials and Temptations Sermon
Trials and temptations (Based on James 1: 1-12) Copyright Harmony

A. My message on trials and temptations comes from James 1:2-18, which we’ve already read.

1. With recent events such as 9-11 and a tsunami in the Indian Ocean, many people are asking: Why?

2. Why do we have trials?

3. How do we get through them?

4. What attitude & response should we have?

B. Body

1. Before we can answer this question, we must first define what a trial is.

a. The NAS NT Greek Lexicon defines a trial as:

· the test of a person's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy

· a temptation, whether arising from desires or outward circumstances

b. Biblically, we must understand that:

· Satan is the Tempter; he, the corruption in the world, and our own, sinful desires create trials, or the testing of our faith.

c. We must also understand that there are different kinds of trials:

· unfortunate circumstances tempt you to lose faith

· uncomfortable duty tempts you to disobey

· good circumstances tempt you to sin

· something good tempts you to pass up the best that God has for you

c. Example

· When I went to France last summer, I expected the best. However, I found myself in a quite different situation. Peers and adults pressured me to drink and smoke, I had to defend my faith, and I had to get through hard circumstances.

2. Attitude

a. We need to look at our trials with Joy.

· James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds”

b. When we do not have this attitude of joy, we ask “Why,” and often blame God.

i Example

· In France, I found myself questioning God, asking why He brought me there, why I even wanted to go there in the first place. I was placing blame on God that should have been on my self, even though it was my choice to go there. I was not looking at things with joy.

· I John 2:16 says, “For everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father, but from the world.”

· ii. This “selfishness” of our desires tempts us to stray from what God has planned for us.

Example

· Greg Knapp: Had a sailboat that provided relaxation and family time that he really needed. After becoming a Christian, he realized that the time required to go sailing kept him from going to church. He was tempted by what seemed good in the world’s eyes, but he chose God’s best by selling the boat so he could go to church.

c. God always provides relief from temptation and trials.

i. God provides a “right” decision; you always have a choice.

· 1 Cor. 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

ii. God will help you see the right decision.

· James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

iii. Under hard circumstances, God will help you get through. He can provide the smallest ways to bring relief.

d. Example

· Once again, I recall my experience in France. Even though I had questioned God, I found the strength to put faith in Him. When I was tempted, I said no. When I was homesick or just plain sick of the circumstances, God provided ways to cheer me up. Twice, I saw Christian groups performing in the streets. My parents found a church that I was able to go to. The people at the church were good to me: they gave me rides and invited me into their home for dinner. Finally, the night before my flight home, I could not get a ride to the airport. I tried calling the pastor of the church to get the number of a lady who I knew would give me a ride; but when I went to call her, my phone would not work: I was out of minutes! By this time it was nearly midnight. You can imagine my panic. I gave a final prayer and headed out the door to find a pay phone. As soon as the door close behind me, my phone rang. It was Dorcus, the woman I was trying to call! She drove me to the airport and I got home safely. The Lord provided for me and got me through my trials.

3. God has a purpose for trials.

a. Trials lead to perseverance and maturity. In the end, rewards await us in heaven

i. God can use temptations to test us to confirm the strength of our faith and the sincerity of our love for Him. When the heat is on, we reveal who are and what we truly believe.

ii. Painful situations produce character the same way regular exercise tones muscles. As they say, “No pain, no gain.”

· James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

b. God uses trials to correct and train, because he loves us.

· Hebrews 12:5, 6 says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

c. example

On December 26, 2004 an Indian Ocean tsunami caused destruction, suffering, and death along the shores of Africa, India, southern Asia, and islands of the Indian Ocean.

i. Why?

· Gregory Boyd, author of Is God to Blame? says, “Because the first humans sinned, the laws of nature have been corrupted and don’t all operate now the way God originally intended them to…. If it wasn’t for the angelic and human rebellion, we wouldn’t have tsunamis or hurricanes or AIDS or anything of the sort.”

ii. God won’t fix the problem of evil because separating good from evil would end the current world system early.

- Judging good and evil before the Second Coming would be like choosing the winner of a ten-mile race after only nine miles.

- God would no longer get to show how He can bring good out of evil

- God’s children would no longer grow

- God’s children could no longer earn rewards

- No one would be left for God to save

· In the Parable of Weeds, found in Matthew 13:29-30, it says, “No, he answered, because while you are pulling the weeds you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.”

· Author John Blanchard says, “In short, if God tweaked the laws of nature billions of times a day merely to ensure everybody’s freedom from trials, we would never know which physical laws were operating from one moment to the next.”

iii. In the end, God will judge evil, Christ will come again, and the righteous will be rewarded.

· James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

iv. There are many reasons that we could never understand. It is not up to us to decide what we should and should not know.

· To know exactly why, we would have to know the mind of God

o I Corinthians 2:11 says, “In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

C. To summarize:

1. You will be tried.

a. Bad circumstances will test your faith

b. You will need to do things that you don’t want to do

c. Desire for good things will tempt you to sin or will keep you from the best that God has for you.

· 1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

2. Choose the right attitude when going through trials and temptations: Joy!

· I Peter 4:13 says, “Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”

3. Resist wrong attitudes

a. Realize that our desires can be evil and destructive

b. Don’t blame God

c. Don’t expect to know the Big Why

c. When you fail -- and you will -- don’t give up. There is always a way out.

· Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

4. Persevere

i. You will grow stronger and more mature,

ii. You will gain rewards in heaven

iii. Going though trials won’t last forever.

· In closing, James 5: 8, 11 says, “You, too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

A. My message on trials and temptations comes from James 1:2-18, which we’ve already read.

1. With recent events such as 9-11 and a tsunami in the Indian Ocean, many people are asking: Why?

2. Why do we have trials?

3. How do we get through them?

4. What attitude & response should we have?

B. Body

1. Before we can answer this question, we must first define what a trial is.

a. The NAS NT Greek Lexicon defines a trial as:

· the test of a person's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy

· a temptation, whether arising from desires or outward circumstances

b. Biblically, we must understand that:

· Satan is the Tempter; he, the corruption in the world, and our own, sinful desires create trials, or the testing of our faith.

c. We must also understand that there are different kinds of trials:

· unfortunate circumstances tempt you to lose faith

· uncomfortable duty tempts you to disobey

· good circumstances tempt you to sin

· something good tempts you to pass up the best that God has for you

c. Example

· When I went to France last summer, I expected the best. However, I found myself in a quite different situation. Peers and adults pressured me to drink and smoke, I had to defend my faith, and I had to get through hard circumstances.

2. Attitude

a. We need to look at our trials with Joy.

· James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds”

b. When we do not have this attitude of joy, we ask “Why,” and often blame God.

i Example

· In France, I found myself questioning God, asking why He brought me there, why I even wanted to go there in the first place. I was placing blame on God that should have been on my self, even though it was my choice to go there. I was not looking at things with joy.

· I John 2:16 says, “For everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father, but from the world.”

· ii. This “selfishness” of our desires tempts us to stray from what God has planned for us.

Example

· Greg Knapp: Had a sailboat that provided relaxation and family time that he really needed. After becoming a Christian, he realized that the time required to go sailing kept him from going to church. He was tempted by what seemed good in the world’s eyes, but he chose God’s best by selling the boat so he could go to church.

c. God always provides relief from temptation and trials.

i. God provides a “right” decision; you always have a choice.

· 1 Cor. 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

ii. God will help you see the right decision.

· James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

iii. Under hard circumstances, God will help you get through. He can provide the smallest ways to bring relief.

d. Example

· Once again, I recall my experience in France. Even though I had questioned God, I found the strength to put faith in Him. When I was tempted, I said no. When I was homesick or just plain sick of the circumstances, God provided ways to cheer me up. Twice, I saw Christian groups performing in the streets. My parents found a church that I was able to go to. The people at the church were good to me: they gave me rides and invited me into their home for dinner. Finally, the night before my flight home, I could not get a ride to the airport. I tried calling the pastor of the church to get the number of a lady who I knew would give me a ride; but when I went to call her, my phone would not work: I was out of minutes! By this time it was nearly midnight. You can imagine my panic. I gave a final prayer and headed out the door to find a pay phone. As soon as the door close behind me, my phone rang. It was Dorcus, the woman I was trying to call! She drove me to the airport and I got home safely. The Lord provided for me and got me through my trials.

3. God has a purpose for trials.

a. Trials lead to perseverance and maturity. In the end, rewards await us in heaven

i. God can use temptations to test us to confirm the strength of our faith and the sincerity of our love for Him. When the heat is on, we reveal who are and what we truly believe.

ii. Painful situations produce character the same way regular exercise tones muscles. As they say, “No pain, no gain.”

· James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

b. God uses trials to correct and train, because he loves us.

· Hebrews 12:5, 6 says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

c. example

On December 26, 2004 an Indian Ocean tsunami caused destruction, suffering, and death along the shores of Africa, India, southern Asia, and islands of the Indian Ocean.

i. Why?

· Gregory Boyd, author of Is God to Blame? says, “Because the first humans sinned, the laws of nature have been corrupted and don’t all operate now the way God originally intended them to…. If it wasn’t for the angelic and human rebellion, we wouldn’t have tsunamis or hurricanes or AIDS or anything of the sort.”

ii. God won’t fix the problem of evil because separating good from evil would end the current world system early.

- Judging good and evil before the Second Coming would be like choosing the winner of a ten-mile race after only nine miles.

- God would no longer get to show how He can bring good out of evil

- God’s children would no longer grow

- God’s children could no longer earn rewards

- No one would be left for God to save

· In the Parable of Weeds, found in Matthew 13:29-30, it says, “No, he answered, because while you are pulling the weeds you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.”

· Author John Blanchard says, “In short, if God tweaked the laws of nature billions of times a day merely to ensure everybody’s freedom from trials, we would never know which physical laws were operating from one moment to the next.”

iii. In the end, God will judge evil, Christ will come again, and the righteous will be rewarded.

· James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

iv. There are many reasons that we could never understand. It is not up to us to decide what we should and should not know.

· To know exactly why, we would have to know the mind of God

o I Corinthians 2:11 says, “In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

C. To summarize:

1. You will be tried.

a. Bad circumstances will test your faith

b. You will need to do things that you don’t want to do

c. Desire for good things will tempt you to sin or will keep you from the best that God has for you.

· 1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

2. Choose the right attitude when going through trials and temptations: Joy!

· I Peter 4:13 says, “Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”

3. Resist wrong attitudes

a. Realize that our desires can be evil and destructive

b. Don’t blame God

c. Don’t expect to know the Big Why

c. When you fail -- and you will -- don’t give up. There is always a way out.

· Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

4. Persevere

i. You will grow stronger and more mature,

ii. You will gain rewards in heaven

iii. Going though trials won’t last forever.

· In closing, James 5: 8, 11 says, “You, too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

Movie Saturday: Evan Almighty Review

2007-07-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Considering the dirty jokes of the first “Almighty” movie, “Bruce Almighty,” and the unclean humor of other films of Steve Carell (“40 Year Old Virgin”) you would not expect the second “Almighty” film to come out clean either. Surprisingly enough, “Evan Almighty” cleans up pretty nicely. Not only that, “Evan” also keeps to Christian beliefs and contains many Christian themes.

Newly elected congressman, Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), must make good on his promise to change to world, but he knows he can’t do it alone. His new job keeps him from spending time with his family. When his wife (Lauren Graham) tells him she prayed for the family to grow closer Evan decides to do a little praying himself and asks God for help. Of course, help never comes in the way we would like it and God (Morgan Freeman) responds to Evan’s prayers, making Evan the modern Moses.

First, God sends Evan several clues pointing to Genesis 6:14 which says, “Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch.” Next, Evan receives tools and wood from a company whose logo is a gopher. God, himself, shows up every once in a while to remind Evan of his assignment. Two by two, animals start to follow Evan wherever he goes. Evan tries to ignore God’s instructions, but the animals and a beard and long hair that grow back when cut and shaved get Evan in trouble at work. Evan’s wife leaves him and takes the children with her for a while. God gives her a pep talk to convince her to return. Everything seems wrong. God tells Evan He only does the things He does because He loves His people, but Evan does not understand and wishes God would love him a little less. Finally, the flood comes.
As a Christian, I worried that the flood would come from rain and wipe out a lot of people, thus ruining God’s original promise never to flood the earth again. The flood in “Evan” has little to do with rain, however. It does rain for ten minutes, but not enough to flood the earth. God does not commission Evan to build an ark to save a family from eminent doom and God does not condemn the world to drowning. Instead, God uses Evan to preserve the beauty of His creation. Another congressman (John Goodman) wants to make profit off of development in national parks and has already damned up the local river to make room for the valley Evan lives in. He also tries to get Evan in on his scheme, but God has other plans.

While I am no “tree hugger,” I do recognize that God commissioned humanity to take care of the earth. Yes, we are dominant over the rest of creation. Creation has its purpose, but as stewards of God it is also our job to take care of God’s creation.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. (Genesis 1:28-30)

Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)

“Tend” and “keep” also mean to “serve” and guard.” In Numbers we see that these same terms are used to describe the priest with respect to taking care of the temple. Adam served as priest over all creation. Humanity should serve and guard the earth. We are unable to keep God’s original commandment to Adam to serve and guard the garden because of the fall. Our fallen, sinful nature keeps us from expanding the garden to the entire earth, but we can still strive to take care of God’s creation. That includes our fellow human beings. Christ brought hope, establishing the beginning of a new kingdom that will one day enable us to live in the perfect garden state once again. See Romans 8 for more detail.

Creation also forms a type of revelation that reminds us of our creator.

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12: 7-10)

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" (Revelation 5:13)

“Evan” also gives a description of God that does not hound the Bible or make fun of it. When God talks to Evan’s wife he comments on how most people think of Noah and the Ark as a story of condemnation, but in reality it is a story of love. God loved Noah and his family. He saved them from the flood. In the process, Noah’s family became closer. God explains that while everything seems so terrible at present, He is merely answering prayers. He asks Evan’s wife if a mother prays for the family to get closer together whether He would bring the family close or give the family the opportunity to grow closer. If a congressman asked for help in changing the world should God change the world in a flash or give the congressman the opportunity to change the world? Here we find that God answers our prayers, just not always in the ways we expect.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? (Matthew 7:7-9)

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Matthew 21:22)

In His talks with Evan, God tells Evan the way to change the world is with one act of random kindness (ARK) at a time. In other words, God wants Evan to learn to do the right think and to think of others above himself, another Biblical principle.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:34-40)

We find another Christian lesson in “Evan” in Evan’s reluctance to building the ark. God has a purpose for Evan’s life, but Evan does not want any part in it. Building the ark pushes Evan into hard times and trials. Friends at work make fun of him and his family almost leaves him. Despite his dragging of feet, Evan finds he cannot get away from God or God’s purpose. God is everywhere and no matter what you do He will always bring about His purpose. This reminds us of stories like Jonah and Esther. Jonah did not want to go to Ninevah, but God sent him there against his will and consequently saved many people. Esther took a risk and did the unthinkable to save her people.

When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:12-16)

Evan also feels unqualified and ill-equipped to change the world once he gets into office. Although he wears a mask of pride, things are not as great as they seem and he goes to God in prayer for help. There are two things to learn from this. First, we learn that when we go through times of trouble, we can take our mask off and go to God for help. Second, we learn that God created us for a purpose. Sovereign and in control, we can always trust in God that all things will come out for the good.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. (Psalm 71:6)

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. (Exodus 9:16)

God is mighty, but does not despise men; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose. (Job 36:5)

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:8)

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me. (Psalm 57:2)

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

In some areas “Evan” misses. It forgets God’s ultimate purpose: to declare His glory and the hope we find in Jesus Christ. “Evan” hits the mark in many areas, but it never mentions Jesus and places God’s job around human needs. Besides this, one has to wonder if God would actually ever appear in person. God hardly ever fully appears in the Bible. The people of the Old Testament were not allowed to approach God improperly. If you mishandled the ark of the covenant you would die on the spot. Priests would wear a string around their ankles when they went into the holy of holies once a year. If they died in the presence of God others could pull their body out. Moses saw God in the form of a burning bush. Jacob wrestled with God, but this is the only place you really find someone in the full presence of God in person. Keeping God in person form with supernatural powers does not seem so bad when you consider how a loud voice from the heavens would make the film cheesy. The film also forgets that God does have wrath, He's not all happy man. In reality, He did judge the people of the earth with the original flood, but He loved the people of the earth as well. God showed His perfect judgment and good will with the flood.

The film does have a few inappropriate moments. One of Evan’s sons makes one or two crude comments. Evan finds himself naked in front of the mail lady when he tried to sneak his way out of building the ark to go to work. Lastly, a few mild swear words pop up here and there. Despite these few elements, “Evan” comes out fairly clean and will not offend Christian movie goers. So if you are a fan of "Bruce Almighty" and can't nejoy a movie without a bunch of lousy sex jokes, don't go see "Evan."

The acting is excellent. Wanda Sykes adds punch when needed and John Goodman once again tackles the role of the badguy. Nice to see, or rather hear, him in something other than the Dunkan Donuts commercial for once. Overall, the script is well written, the comic relief is well placed, and the audience is unlikely to fall asleep. "Evan" even ends with a rainbow and doves. How appropriate for a happy ending.

Disney Musicals

2007-07-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hollywood has given audiences a lot of remakes of musicals lately. I hate to say it, but it all started with Disney. As much as I like seeing musicals appreciated in society once again, I must admit that I have not liked Disney since I was a child. Sometimes I’ll watch the Disney Channel, but I really don’t see anything worthy in it. I miss the family friendly aspect of it. These days all you see is a teenage friendly channel. I’ve seen better efforts come from Disney in past years with the weekly movie on ABC, but there has not been much of that going on lately. I miss the days of the Mickey Mouse Club, Anne of Green Gables, Zorro, and old shows. Even the Broadway shows have deteriorated. Tarzan was a flop. It closed on July 8, 2007. Mary Poppins is doing well, as well as The Lion King, but Beauty and the Beast is closing this summer. I love Beauty and the Beast, but late productions of it have lacked energy and good acting. I’m finding that only original casts are any good, and Tarzan did not even have that. Disney shows are choppy and half the time are cheesy. As much as I like "High School Musical," I can't help but think it makes fun of old fashioned Broadway. I don't think we need new, modern shows like "Spring Awakening" that lack any moral. In my eyes, these are the end of the Disney days. I’m sure it will exist a lot longer, but without the integrity it once had. I miss the days when shows were clean and taught kids good morals. That was the original Disney.

I was reminded of this when I checked out the Disney remake of “The Music Man.” The Disney TV musicals have kept fairly clean and family friendly, but their casting remains unimpressive. Besides this, when was the last time they made a musical movie? The last musical they made was “Once Upon a Mattress.” While I dislike the Disney musicals (they have not made a good one since “Cinderella,” and even that was not as good as the original Julie Andrews version), I wish they would make more of them instead of playing all these soap operas and sex driven TV shows.

In a more specific look at “The Music Man” I recommend watching the original instead of the Disney version. Maybe what we need is more promotion of the old films rather than the creations of remakes that include all the modern day politically correct add ins. The acting in “Music Man” definitely fails. It starts out on a good foot with the train scene where all the salesmen are chattering about Professor Harold Hill, a con man who takes their business away when he fools towns into thinking he can start a real band with their young ones. After this scene there is not much to look forward to. There are a few scenes here and there that are memorable for their dance content, but overall the film bores audiences.

Kristin Chenoweth plays the hard to get librarian, Marian. Hill must woo her in order to keep her from telling everyone he’s a con man. I do admit I find it refreshing to see Kristin Chenoweth in a clean role where her boobs aren’t hanging out, but her acting also fails. She’s not strict enough, no matter how wonderful she sings. When she does sing her acting improves. I find it amazing the way she speaks with such a babyish tone and then opens her mouth with such a beautiful voice. She also has little chemistry with Matthew Broderick, the leading man. What little chemistry we see from any of the characters in this film comes from the beautiful sets, costumes, and direction. Chenoweth finds her fame in her origination of the role of Glinda in “Wicked” the musical. Ever since she left “Wicked” all she’s done is sex appeal roles. To think, she calls herself a Christian!

As for the leading man, Matthew Broderick, whose name precedes the title of the musical because of his fame, he does not even come close to impressing viewers. Broderick has never come across as manly. The only performance I’ve ever enjoyed of his was when he played wimpy characters in the movies “The Producers” and “Stepford Wives.” Broderick does have a good voice, but Hill’s songs are mostly talk singing.

I do enjoy Debra Monk’s performance as Mrs. Paroo. More recently she’s performed in the new Broadway musical “Curtains.” I had the pleasure of seeing her in “Curtains” earlier this year and she is brilliant. Her acting varies from role to role. She’s one of the few actresses out there who get so in touch with their character they look and sound genuine. She can really make you feel involved in the plot.

However, the small parts are played without any chemistry at all. The chorography is one of the few pluses. Kathleen Marshall, known for the current director and chorographer of the upcoming musical “Grease”, choreographed the movie and did a good job. Too bad the acting didn’t match. Even Victor Garber failed to impress as the mayor of River City.
Stick to the original.

Potential Aida Movie

2007-07-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.cinematical.com/2007/07/07/beyonce-in-talks-to-lead-disneys-aida-source-says/

I love the music in Disney's version of Aida (even if the opera is better), but I never actually saw the musical on stage. I've only listened to the recording. I think I'd be open to a movie version of it. I guess disney is considering making their own musical movies. Musical movies has been a trend lately. Hairspray and Mamma Mia are on their way to the bigscreen. I'm glad to see how musical movies have progressed since "Moulin Rouge" came out, which was a total laugh, but the musicals today lack the classic, clean humor and light heart aspect of older musical films, but it's still nice to see them appreciated again. It does seem strange to me that Disney would choose to do a movie version of Aida, however. If I remember right, it was not out for very long and did not get very good reviews. I'm not too keen on Beyonce playing the title role, either. She has an ok voice, but she's a terrible actress. Plus, I hate how she dresses: just like all teenage girls today she refuses to dress modestly. I can only hope.

America's Got Talent? More like America's got political correctness

2007-07-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Got_Talent/

Give me a break! The only person with any sense on this show (America's Got Talent) is David Hasselhoff! He's the only person with any real talent or experience. I've never like the Osbournes and Piers just is a Simon Cowell wannabe (and he pulls it off better than Cowell). What really ticks me off is how they put through people to the top 20 tonight who had no more talent than Napoleon Dynamite. Some of the groups they let go should have been put through. I'm glad they got rid of the gay pride guy with the extravagant costumes and girl backups who just stand there and look good. Still, "Boy Shakira," whom they did put through, just makes me want to throw up! It's bad enough that it's a guy dressed up as a girl, but he's also a little too large to be belly dancing. It's morally wrong and just plain disgusting to watch. Not that I'm prejudice against fat people; I'm fat myself. One group that got sent through was a group of plus sized pusscat dolls, but they dressed tastefully and they weren't crossdressers. Maybe Boy Shakira wouldn't be so terrible if he lost some weight and danced as a boy and not as a girl belly dancer. Still, while I have nothing against him as a person and I respect his choice to dance the way he does, the does not mean I respect or agree with the act itself, especially since I'm Christian. Honestly, what is the world coming to? And then you have the Ballywood dancer who doesn't dance any better than Napoleon Dynamite. He's not nearly as bad as Boy Shakira, but give me a break. I don't care how much magic he may create for the judges, it's just a laugh. Ballywood is there for a good laugh and does have it's positive sides. I love the movie "Bride and Prejudice." But randomly moving about on the stage does not count as real star talent and most definately is not worth a million dollars! You've got to be kidding me! Please, America! Get some sense into your head, since obviously the judges don't have any sense. I know they want diversity, but this is not diversity in talents. This is just plain political correctness. Sure their acts are unique, but they're not up to parr and they don't contain true talent that is worth a million dollars. Give me a break! I wish everything didn't have to be so politically correct! On top of all this the judges are always having hissy fits over the contestants. Hasselhoff is the only one I agree with and I really do wish he would walk off teh show for good out of rage against the decision to put Boy Shakira and Ballywood boy through. I bet if Simon Cowell was a judge he wouldn't let them through (although Paula would probably side with Osbourne). As a last comment I must say that surprisingly enough, other than Hasselhoff, Jerry Springer as host is the only one who comes through to the audience. He does not cause as much controversy as you would think and he seems rather sensitive and loving. I'd like to see more of this and less of the Jerry Springer Show (another show which I despise - won't even go there).

Bookmobile Wednesday: Review of "Cobra King of Kathmandu"

2007-07-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

The “Children of the Lamp” series, written by P.B. Kerr, finds itself in line with a long list of well known children’s books. In fact, it’s making its way to the top, right behind Harry Potter. I started reading the series when the first book, “Akhenaten Adventure,” came out. Ever since, I’ve been watching book stores for the following books. I’ve just finished reading the third in the series, “Cobra King of Kathmandu,” and a fourth is scheduled to come out in September. I’ll make a few short predictions for the fourth book later. The series follows the Potter books in more than one way. It’s magical, it’s creative, and it’s a good series for both children and adults. The plots get better in each book. Before I get on with my short review of the third book, here’s a review of the plots in each book, in case you haven’t read them:

Book 1:
A one armed chauffer? Plus two djinn? Plus three wishes? Qwertuiop! What does it all add up to? An amazing adventure, for sure (and that’s not counting the Rottweilers. Alan and Neil, who are not exactly the pets they seem to be. Meet John and Philippa Gaunt, twelve-year old twins who one day discover themselves to be descended from a long line of djinn. All of a sudden, they have the power to grant wishes, travel to extraordinary places (and not necessarily on public transportation), and make people and objects disappear. Luckily (and luck does have something to do with it), the twins are introduced to their eccentric djinn-uncle Nimrod, who will teach them how to harness their newly found power. And not a moment too soon! Because John and Philippa are about to embark on a search to locate a monstrous looking (but supposed to be dead) pharaoh named Akhenaten, and his tomb, which may be holding seventy lost djinn. Will the twins be strong and skilled and clever enough to outwit Ilbis, the most evil djinn in the universe and live to see another say – another city – another adventure?

Book 2:
John and Philippa Gaunt, twelve year old twins who recently discovered themselves to be descended from a long line of djinn (which are commonly called genies) and who are now in possession of great magical powers, have only just returned from their adventures battling an evil djinn in Cairo and London. Now the mystery surrounding a powerful book of djinn magic lures the twins straight into their next extraordinary adventure. When the Solomon Grimoire is reported missing, John and Philippa are called upon to retrieve it. They travel across the globe, from New York to Istanbul, but, little do they know, a trap has been set and the djinn twins are about to walk right into it. Soon, John must embark on an epic journey to save his sister… before it’s too late.

Book 3:
Break-ins, a mysterious talisman, murder… too many bizarre events that just don’t add up. In the third book of the bestselling Children of the Lamp Series, the djinn twins, John and Philippa Gaunt, are on the trail of another magical mystery. As they travel from New York to London to Nepal to India on a whirlwind adventure, the twins try to help their friend and fellow djinn Dybbuk find out who murdered his best friend, using the venomous snakebite of the king cobra. All too soon, John and Philippa find themselves caught up in the lethal world of the cult of the Nine Cobras, only to discover that they themselves are a target of the creepy cobra cult. Now, the twins must find the invaluable Cobra King talisman, and stop the cobra leader’s deadly plan!

“The Cobra King of Kathmandu”

Rating: four out of five stars

Analysis: Out of the three books released so far, the third is by far the best. While the plots in the first two are entertaining and well written, the third book’s plot comes in as the most big screen worthy. Actually, following the example of the hit “Harry Potter” movies and other films based on children’s books, Dreamworks studios plans to make a movie based on the first book. The first and second book come together in the third book. Cliffhangers from the second book and enemies from the first book come back and new enemies are raised. “Cobra” starts out slower than the first two books and takes longer to capture your attention, but once you are deep into the book you can’t put it down. All the characters are separated and each holds a piece of the mystery. You don’t know the solution to the mystery until everything comes together in an unpredictable way. The book opens with a prologue taking place long before the first book. The opening seems pointless and irrelevant to the rest of the book. At the end of the book the opening prologue makes sense. New cliffhangers are created, as well. Kerr makes it obvious what forthcoming plots might include, but there’s no way to predict how they will unfold. Ilbis, the villain in the first book who is present in the background of the third book, has yet to get his chance at revenge against the twins. We are also introduced to the character of Faustina, the sister of Dybbuk, a friend of the twins. She has been missing for years and there is a chance that someone will find her in a future book. The twin’s mother leaves them to take on the ultimate djinn job in the third book. Kerr implies that Faustina could take her place. We also learn that Ilbis is Dybbuk’s father, so there is potential conflict there. Whatever happens, we can expect great things from this series.

Christian Content: Reference to stories from the Bible appear here and there in the books. Raised a Baptist, Kerr does have a Christian background, although he professes to believe in no particular religion. The djinn element in general plays more on the Islamic side of things, although even there it is not completely in tune with Muslim beliefs. Angels are also present in the third book to reward those who help them. Still, the series contains the classic battles of good versus evil, which I expect will show itself even more in future installments. Kerr’s books are no worse than stories of Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny. As long as you don’t take the non-Christian elements as truth they make a good read.