Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is already around the corner- what an exciting time of year it is! May we all reflect upon the many blessings of our Lord as we celebrate his birth. The only reason we celebrate Christmas, is because Christ came to earth and paid the price for our sins. Aside from Christ, Christmas would be empty. Let us not be tempted by anything the world has to offer this Christmas. May the light of Christ shine through us all, may we shout "Merry Christmas" to all those who say "Happy Holidays" let us not only remind others of the true meaning of Christmas, but let us also remind ourselves. We are only human, we are succeptable to influence and our flesh will lust after the worldly version of Christmas, but let us be reminded that the world's version will pass by, but the true meaning of Christmas, will echo through eternity.
Below is a carol I'm sure you are all firmiluar with, but I wanted to write down those lyrics anyway. "What Child Is This" portrays the true meaning of Christmas for what it really is. Christ came to earth to atone for our sins, and that gives us reason to be glad. May you all have a Merry Christmas!

What Child Is This:

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

[CHORUS]
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.


Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

[CHORUS]

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
[CHORUS]

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
[CHORUS]

Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Your Heart Is A Waterbottle...

"What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person." ~Matthew 15:16-20.
Constantly in scripture we hear verses related to this topic, it is time we take it to heart.
We as humans have the tendency to explode on a selfish rampage (whether verbal or silent: God sees it the same) when someone will say or do something we do not approve of. Life is wonderful inside our own cubicle of self, but as soon as someone drops a paperclip or takes a stapler out of that cubicle, we lash back with full amunition determined to put the target to justice. After a bit we decide to blameshift, and let out things like: "Well, I wouldn't have thrown the stapler at them if they didn't take it away in the first place! It isn't I with the problem, it is them!" This verse does not tell us "whoever starts the problem, it is their fault completely." No, in fact, it tells us something entirely different and thought provoking: "What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart." Do you hear that? Paul David Tripp once had a powerful illustration on this topic that stood out to me. He held a waterbottle in front of a crowd, with the cap open saying "watch this." He then shook the waterbottle and out if it spilled-well-water! It is a fairly simple illustration, yet the meaning digs rather deep. Your heart is that waterbottle, and God will use those around you to show you your sin. They will do things like taking your stapler, it will provoke you-in other words, it will shake you. And when it shakes you, the truth will be revealed as to what was in your heart to begin with. Was it love for the other person saying: "I have five more staplers, use it to your hearts content. If needed-you may keep it." Or was it sin trying to justify that, that is YOUR stapler, and that person really had the nerve to steal it without asking. Reguardless of the petty topic, whether it is a stapler or a hairbrush, the real issue is the heart... We as humans all need to take a step back, fix our hearts before God, and thank Him for putting those people into our lives to shake us, remind us, and show us our sin. So that we might in the end become more like Christ, and reflect His image.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader:Movie Review

Here we have before us, an incredible masterpiece that is extremely well done. This film is filled with so many wonderful messages, both small and large, that we can relate and apply to our very own lives. The largest message I found was the vivid picture of sin and temptation. I do not remember the exact words of the quote, but here is the basic message: "Before you can defeat its temptations, you must first destroy the sin inside yourself." C.S. Lewis has an incredible eye for putting things into focus. The way sin and temptations were portrayed was extremely well done and most definitely accurate. Sin can bewitch us from within and make us behave how we do not intend. The scene when Edmond and Caspian were found fighting eachother, Lucy stood as a witness. She was able to view their sin from the outside, and exclaim: "Stop it! Both of you! Don't you see what its doing? Its bewitching you!" They were then able to realize their sin and step away from it. The enemy is constantly trying to corrupt us and make us sin. The trouble is, satan is clearly a proffessional. When sin is attacking us we must realize it, step away from it, and ask for God's help. Just as Lucy did when they were in the epic battle fighting pure evil. They would have been doomed to death, Lucy realized this and called for help, "Help us Aslan..Please." They were then able to destroy the forces of evil.

In between we see a great message that Aslan teaches Lucy. She wishes with all her heart to become like Susan, the beautiful qeen of Narnia, her older sister. After getting a glimpse of what it would be like, a world with no Lucy, she found her wish was not what she really wanted. She failed to realize her importance and value. This is a beautiful message our generation of young ladies need to hear. We were created in the image of God, why would we believe the devil's lies? Our true beauty and only value is found in Christ. I think they did a wonderful job of portraying this message.

Near the end we learn a great message from Caspian. He had always dreamed of going to be with his father in Aslan's country, but near the end he realizes "I don't want to give up the very thing my father died for." He knew there was still more to be done, so he chose to go back. A great message showing us not to be bitter of what we don't have, but to focus and be content with the task at hand.
There are many messages I found helpful in this film, those are only a few. I strongly recomend this film. Though it is not innapropriate in any way shape or form, I do not think it would be wise to take small children to this film. Simply because it may be a bit scary for young eyes.

This film was so well done, I really felt like I was there. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat, inturested and ready for the next adventure.

Now, many of my friends are far more educated in the realm of Narnia than I. I have only read one and a half books of the entire Narnia series, but am hoping to someday complete the entire series. I am fairly new to these films and books, but so far I have found all the movies and books so far, to be deserving of five stars. Putting that aside I realize many are not impressed with how many liberties they take in changing movies from the original book. That is understandable, but aside from personal opinion, and maybe a slight change from the book, I think we can all benefit from this film. Coming from one who never knew the actual story before seeing it, I absolutely loved it.

I hope you have the opportunity to see this film, and enjoy it as much as I did. I also hope you will reep from the wonderful messages within this film. See for yourself why it is titled a masterpiece. Buckle up, and prepare yourself for a great adventure!

Three Jaw-dropping Documentaries:

Recently I have been watching a few documentaries that I found to be most inturesting. So I thought I would share them with you.

First we have "Eggsploitation". This one literally made my jaw drop! I had never even heard most of the things revealed in this film. You probably haven't either, and there is a reason for that, they want it to remain a secret. This film spills the beans and leaves you very aware. The testimonies of others are so impacting and unbelievable. You can't miss it. I won't go into detail, I'll let the film speak for itself. Here is a link to the film where you can purchase it, and watch a trailer. http://www.visionforum.com/browse/product/?productid=63624

Second we have "Divided". This film reveals the issue of our modern churches and youth ministries, it shows that age segregation is in fact, not biblical. Often we know this, yet we know so many who do not. This would be a film to give out to those that you know who are involved and unaware of the dangers of our modern church. It isn't too long, and it is easy to pay attention to. For those that may be uninturested in the topic, this would be the film to get them very inturested. Click the link and see for yourself. There is a trailer available as well. http://www.visionforum.com/browse/product/?productid=63624 

Last but not least I would like to recomend the film "Agenda". It hits on some very controversial issues that are extremely inturesting. Topics such as, communism, socialism, and so forth. http://www.visionforum.com/browse/product/?productid=43622

My favorite:
I must say, I thought all of these documentaries were extremely inturesting and well done, but if I had to pick a favorite, I would definitely say "Divided".

Now, if you are like me, you might say "we'll that's a nice idea, but I think documentaries are extremely boring." Honestly I agree with you. Some documentaries often bring a snore, but these three do not fall into that category. By the time the credits rolled I wanted more, and as you could imagine that surprised me quite a bit! I hope you have the opportunity to see these films. And spread the word! These films along with many others are too good to remain a secret. This isn't all, there are so many more! (via vision forum http://www.visionforum.com/  ) There are so many ways to pass the word. You could lend out a private copy to friends and family, or even hold a movie night!
Let me know...Have you seen any of these? If so feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below. I would love to hear your view of these films. Also if you have any recomendations for me, I'd love to hear!
I hope you enjoy them and benefit from them greatly! Farewell, and God bless!

Tangled: Movie Review

Well folks, it looks like we have ourselves a classic in the making. This fun filled heartwarming family film will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
I find it to be the best Disney princess movie there has ever been. Most of these films are filled with so much unnecisary witchcraft that it just becomes unenjoyable. Yes there is to be a clear distinction from good and evil, but not to the extent where it takes up half the movie and is just downright sick. I was extremely surprised that this movie contained little to none of that at all. Also I was very impressed with how they portrayed love. Most of these films portray love to be something to get, not to give. This however was the complete opposite. As you will see in the ending they truthfully portrayed love to be what it really is...laying ones life down for another. Good triumphs over evil in the end, and yes they all live hapily ever after. Often when we hear the phrase "hapily ever after" we let out a sarcastic sigh and utter something close to "pathetic!" When we as Christians fail to realize the importance of that phrase. The world can sigh if they want to, but not you. We as Christians have been given a hapily ever after. Our future in Christ is bright, all because he paid the price for our sins on that cross. That is something to rejoice about! When we leave this earth those after us will have the privelage to say "this person really did live hapily ever after". Its really a beautiful picture if we pay attention to it. So don't sigh, instead rejoice.

I love the comedy in this movie! Clean humor, something we could use. If you think about it, Christ created humor, and look how the world has twisted it to be prophane and pleasing in satans evil eyes. We as Christians often make the mistake of participating in that kind of humor, we need to step back and realize that sin, repent of it, and turn from it. When we give something over to Christ, He always gives us a better version in return. And His version is far better than anything this world has to offer. Clean humor, that is what you will find in this film. And let me tell you, my family and I laughed so hard it almost hurt!

Movie bonus: I love to quote movies! Who doesn't? The trouble is, most movies we quote really aren't all that funny themselves. Usually the fact that it is an inside joke between you, your friends, and your family, is the only funny thing about it. Well this movie is definitely quotable! Not only that, but it is funny in itself!

Its magical! When I say magical I am not referring to witchcraft or anything of the sorts. What I mean by that is it is beaming with beauty.

This movie has become a favorite of mine, I hope it is to you as well. I could probably go on furthur with positive thoughts about this film, but why? See for yourself why this movie will stand the test of time.

Enjoy!

The Art Of Journaling

Some have asked me the question, "why journal?", so I thought I'd answer that question in a little article. Now if you are like me, you love to journal, so you know there are so many answers to this question and you understand I could not possibly condense them all into one article. Answers to this question may vary between different people, they tend to be personal and often very practical. I hope this article encourages you to either start journaling or pull out your journal and add another page. So, let us begin.
One reason you should journal is this: When your old, grey, and your memory tends to be a bit foggy, it will be an emense blessing to pull out journals from the past and reflect upon all the many blessings of your life. You can share those pages with your children and your grandchildren, that way they will get to know who you really are.
Reason number two: Journals contribute to your legacy. They will be treasured not only by you, but those that come after you. From generation to generation many will learn from those pages and be blessed by them.
Reason number three: Articulating your very own thoughts. I know what your thinking "I know my own thoughts, why write them down?"  When I write my thoughts on paper it helps me to understand them clearly. Often I come away with new ideas, new goals, and so much more. Throughout the day random thoughts tend to pass through our minds, often we don't understand them, but once we write them down they soon become clear.
Those are only three answers, there are many more.
Another question I've been asked is "what to write about?" Well there is in fact one answer that can sum up every personal preference...everything! One of the greatest things about journaling is that you can write about whatever you want! Poems, songs, vacations, even the most mundane things in your life can become adventurous once you write them down.
Be careful what you write about, avoid anything that you wouldn't want others to read that come after you.
Journaling is truly an art. You really should do your best to journal at least once a day. It doesn't have to be long, a short paragraph will do just fine. By journaling once a day you will adapt the habit of journaling and it will soon become natural.
So go! Once you get a spare moment cuddle up on the couch with a soft blanket, a journal, and your favorite pen. Enjoy yourself. In fact, I just might do the same thing myself.

Thanksgiving...

As the leaves continue to fall, the foliage brings us all delight. Such a beautiful sight it is to see, and smells to smell. The crisp air brings smiles to our faces as we look around us and see all the many blessings bestowed upon us. When every plate is set, when the turkey is being carved, when you look around the table and see friends and family who have always been there through the good and the bad. When you laugh so hard it hurts, when your conversations are logged away in your memories forever. When everyone is seated, you pause and thank the one who did it all.
What a beautiful holiday. A day completely set apart for thanking the Lord for ALL the wonderful blesssings He bestows upon us all. We all have so much to be thankful for, down to the very air we breathe. This thanksgiving, we must all remember the true meaning...to be thankful. It is as simple as that. So wherever you are I pray that you will have a very happy thanksgiving indeed. There is so very much to be thankful for, as you look around you and reflect on all the blessings in your life, be sure to recignize the Lord is the one who showers those blessings on us. May the joys of the seasons warm your heart and may the Lord truly bless you this thanksgiving.

Attached is a link to a song called "Thankful" by Josh Groban. May it touch your heart as it has touched mine.
Happy thanksgiving!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2M0GQOgYGg

And remember! "Every good and perfect thing is from above" God bless!