Movies

Watched a few movies recently that I thought I'd comment on:

• God's Not Dead - The title song is of course one that I've always liked; and it's good to see movies like this being made.  It's nice that the apologetics of God's existence was presented; and the filming, acting, and story-line were pretty good.
• Captain America - The Winter Soldier - I've always enjoyed superhero movies for the good triumph over evil theme.  This one was interesting to watch, progressed quickly, and had a good story-line.
• Spiderman 2 - This one didn't quite move along as quickly, and the good over evil theme was not so black and white; definitely blurring in grey.  And, it's too bad that Gwen died in the story.
• I Want to Marry Ryan Banks - This is probably not one of those movies that will win any awards.   The story is somewhat predictable, and borrows from reality shows like The Bachelor.  But, it was an enjoyable romantic comedy with a nice ending.  It was "cute".
• When Calls the Heart - This was a movie that was very much in the line of movies directed by Michael Landon Jr.   It was a wholesome family-oriented story with some romance added in.  I liked Stephen Amell in it - quite different from his Arrow character.
• A Ring by Spring - This is a nice Hallmark movie.  It was cute watching how the romance developed between the main character and the owner of the company she was consulting in, and how they ended up together.
• Wish Upon a Star - It was nice to see how the sisters began to develop a true relationship with one another through the switching of roles and learning more about each other. 
• Pompeii - This is one of those large budget impressive special effects movies that would fill a movie theater.  The tragic love story between the gladiator and the daughter of the wealthy merchant was sad but one that demonstrated sacrificial love.
• Jobs - It was interesting to see the history of Apple on the big screen; and they did a good job with the casting of roles.  The movie seemed to capture pretty well the ups and downs that we have heard and seen in the news over the years.

12-Jun:

• Looking for Mr Right - This is another one of those Hallmark Romance movies; probably won't win any Emmys but is enjoyably sweet.  Also, I've always liked Sarah Lancaster, the actress playing the lead.  I could imagine myself doing the same thing the main character did, trying to make things work because it seemed like "fate", thus missing what's right before her, until the very end.
• Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio - This movie suffers from a badly named, hard to remember, title.  However, the movie itself was okay.  Again, probably not award-winning, but, it had elements of mystery, romance, and touching family moments; and also had Sarah Lancaster in it.  It was also interesting to see Kelly McGillis in it.  What a contrast, since the only other movie I've seen her in was Top Gun.  Also, it demonstrated the innocent kind faith of the Amish people.

Haggai

There is always some excitement associated with starting a new Bible Study series.  We're staying in the minor prophets, this time in the Book of Haggai, which is really short and has only two chapters.   So, we went from the most major minor prophet (Zechariah) to one of the most minor minor prophets (next to Obadiah).

We don't know much about Haggai apart from this book of prophecy and the couple of times he is mentioned in Ezra alongside Zechariah.  But, in chapter 1, we already see that he is a prophet who was able to motivate the people of Israel and correct their PRIORITIES.   (In the next chapter, we will see him correct their PERSPECTIVE and their view of God's PROMISES).

The people were procrastinating and made spirtual-sounding excuses saying "The time has not yet come to rebuild the LORD's house".  Yet, while they focused on their own comfort in their homes, the house of the Lord was left in ruins.   God says to them twice:  "Give careful thought to your ways."    That's good advice for us, to periodically re-evaluate our lives and our priorities.  This passage clearly showed that everything they pursued and placed priority on did not satisfy or fulfill.  Listening to the word of the Lord, the people and the leaders obeyed and feared God.  As a result, God encouraged and enabled them to once again begin work on the temple.  It is important to be people with hearts to want to please God and glorify Him!

24-May:  The literal translation of "Give careful thought to your ways" is "Put your heart upon your roads".   It is saying to evaluate what path our hearts are leading us on.   Where are our desires and priorities taking us?

25-May:  I praise God that it was such a good class today; and I could sense God's Spirit at work in revealing His Truths to us.  We are reminded that sometimes we need to press on despite challenges and obstacles; and that we should not wait around for everything to "fall in our laps" before starting the work of God - sometimes it requires us to take action and make effort.  There is also a time and place for correction and rebuke.  The most important thing is to listen to God's Word and be obedient to Him.
It was interesting to see a contrast between the Israelites leaving the temple in ruins but living in paneled homes; and King David wanting to build a house for the Lord, asking himself how he could be living in a house of cedar while the ark of the covenant is in a tent.

26-May:  The thought came to me that since the temple was not rebuilt, it meant that the people were likely not really gathering together for Worship, which would be a reflection of their lack of a strong spiritual life as indicated by their broken covenant relationship when God called them "These people" instead of "My people".

29-May:  God's next message in Chp 2 comes at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles.  The people may have been in need of encouragement because they are reminded that they are not able to fully celebrate the Feast without the Temple and that their harvests were affected by the droughts as a result of their disobedience.  God not only encouraged them and reminded them of His Presence; but, He also corrected their PERSPECTIVE.   Instead of looking at the Temple building itself and comparing it to the former glory of Solomon's Temple, they were to have the Eternal Perspective and look at the glory that is to come when the Messiah will fill the Temple with His glory and reign.
Haggai also corrected the people's perspective on their offerings, showing them through two illustrations that while they are in disobedience their offerings are considered unclean and unacceptable; because righteousness is not transferable, but sin contaminates.

1-Jun:  The class lesson was a blessing today.   Some additional insight we gleaned was that the people are able to "Be Strong" and work because God is with them, and God is the source of strength.   It reminds me of Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
And when the third message comes three months after the construction restarted reminding them that when they are disobedient, their offerings are also unclean; it may be because some were in danger of falling back into their sinful ways; and this is encouragement to continue to be consecrated to the LORD.  But, this also shows us that just as God sent prophets to His people when the broke the covenant, it indicates that when we as His people today are unfaithful, that God will try to draw us back to Him.

3-Jun:  In the latter part of Chp 2, God once again tells the people to "Give careful thought", remembering the difficulties they encountered as God was trying to get them to return to HIM.  But, He also reassures them that from this day on, He will bless them, because they are now obedient.
In the last message, God gives the PROMISE to Zerubbabel that the Messiah will be victorious over all the enemies and will establish His reign.  This PROMISE is given to Zerubbabel, who is in the line of David and in the geneology of Christ.

If I were to give an overall summary for the Book of Haggai, it would be to focus on that phrase that God used four times - "Give careful thought".   We are to evaluate our PRIORITIES, our PERSPECTIVES, and our view of His PROMISES; while seeking to be obedient, having the eternal perspective, and being encouraged by His faithfulness to His promises.

Friendship

Truly good friends are rare; and what a blessing it is to have them!  Yesterday, I had a chance to get together with one of my good friends.  Our time of sharing and fellowship encouraged me spiritually, and she is also someone who always sharpens me intellectually.  We can truly relate to one another and I feel like we really understand each other.  I feel like I can just be myself, and we have mutual respect for one another.  This is a friendship that is equitable, because we equally benefit and contribute to it; and we both get encouraged through it.  She is someone I am grateful and proud to call my friend and sister in Christ.  It says a lot when I already look forward to the next time we can get together again.

19-May:  I was encouraged when my friend wrote:  "Your depth of scripture has led me often to  passages you bring up. Your mention of God sightings from Esther is leading me to look for God sightings daily this week."  Good friends truly are a blessing!

21-May:  Another good friend of mine wrote:  "I feel very blessed by your friendship... one of the calm "pillars" in my life that I can count on! "  Since we often hear more negative than positive things, it is good to remember and focus on these instead.

28-May:  Another friend of mine called last night and we talked for a couple of hours.   She told me some of the things that she is going through that she hasn't really mentioned to others.   I shared things that I had learned through similar experiences.  And, at the end of the call, she said that she felt better for having talked to me.

1-Jun:  Yesterday was like a day of celebrating with friends.  I got together with my college prayer partner, her friend and her sister to celebrate her birthday (it also happened to be her sister's birthday that day as well).  Then, I went to a housewarming party of a friend from my previous church.   We had not seen each other for awhile; but, it was a blessing to catch up and to see her new place.  What I appreciate about her is her enthusiasm for life and fun personality.   She and I are probably somewhat opposite personalities; yet, she still has a side to her that can relate to quiet serious intellectuals.  I think it reflects her interesting diversity.  At the housewarming, I had a chance to catch up with yet another friend I had not seen for awhile.  I think I had a chance to encourage her with what God has been teaching me this year about singleness and reaching the last phase (resistance->grudging acceptance->contentment->rejoicing).  She actual shed some tears when I shared about realizing that Christ understands us in a special way, because when He was here on earth, He was a single in a time when people typically married early in life.

15-Jun:  It was so neat and interesting that what God has been teaching me about friendship this year, Charles Stanley summarized it quite well in the devotional I read this morning.  "Jesus is the best friend [we] will ever have"; and some of the elements of our relationship w/Him would be characteristics we should look for in our close friends:

• He is committed, and "will never leave [us] or forsake [us]"- we do not have to fear being "rejected"
• He is open and honest at all times, because He is Truth and there is no deception in Him
• He is sensitive to both our needs and our wants, and He "will supply all [our] needs" - this would make a friendship more equitable, for a person would not just "take" but also "give"

17-Jun:  A friend of mine dropped by for a visit yesterday.   He may be the friend who knew me better than anyone else, and the fact that we stayed friends through all these years (probably about 15 years now) and that he still would take the time to squeeze in for a visit on his way to the airport shows that he values my friendship.  He shared pictures of his daughter, who was so cute, especially when playing in her piano recital.  He is a friend who can challenge me intellectually, who respects and appreciates me, who is comfortable to be around, and who shares much in common.  It would've been nice to have more time to catch up, and for me to discuss spiritual things, especially in areas I have grown in terms of knowledge since our previous discussions.

22-Jun:  My friend whose housewarming I went to earlier in the month came to church with me for worship and my class.  Afterwards, she said "Highlight was getting to see you teach your Truth101 class - God is definitely using and blessing you".  That's encouraging.   We also had lunch at Johnny Rebs - good 'ol country comfort food.   She has such a joyful and friendly spirit that I was really uplifted after time spent with her today.   This is the blessing of good friendships!

20-Aug:  After what God has been teaching me this year about friendship, I think that I have a healthier and more mature perspective now.  I believe that I previously surrounded myself with friends who were "needy" because I may have thought that if I was helping and supporting them, then they would be less likely to reject me.  I do think it stems from my fear of rejection.   Yet, from experience, those who are "needy" continually take and don't really give; and they themselves are rarely truly "healthy".  So, "rejection" still happens, and usually for the insecurities that they personally have.
It's been nice to somewhat step away from that, and to start focusing on the healthier friendships, with two-way communication, support, and encouragement.  It's nice not to have to "do all the work", and actually enjoy the benefits of more mature relationships.

18-Oct:  I spent the day with another friend.  While she may be considered in need financially; yet, what she brings to the friendship is a heart for prayer, her encouragement, and her appreciation of time spent with me.  And today, we even had a really special time of worship as I played on my piano.   We both could really sense the presence of the Holy Spirit through the praise.  This friend also said to me that she thinks that I am so special and could see why God would want to set me apart for Himself.   That's a really sweet comment.

23-Dec:  My friend shared Colossians 3:16 "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with wisdom,through psalms,hymns, and songs from the spirit singing to God with gratitude in your hearts" and said "To me this is a decription of our friendship".  Now that is precious.

Next Year

It's not that time doesn't already fly by quickly enough that I have to start thinking about next year already.   It's just that a thought came to mind as to what would be a great thing to focus on next year - "Telling of His Wonderful Deeds".  The verse I choose to reflect this theme comes from Psalm 40:5 "O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them."    I like this version from the New Living Translation, because it indicates that I could tell of the wonders of God forever and still not run out of things to say :-)

I think part of what inspired this focus was that I've always admired others who are able to share about what God has done in their lives in such an amazing way, that we can't help but praise God for His wonderful deeds.   I've never been that expressive, descriptive, nor eloquent.  So, it is definitely an area I could learn and grow in; but, more importantly, I really do want others to know what a wonderful God He is and to give Him the praise and glory He deserves!

And the other part is to build on what I've learned from seeking the Joy in Living.  Now that I've learned to look for God's Hand at work in my life; it would be good to start sharing that with others, so that they too may Praise Him for what He is doing!

9-Dec:  About seven months later, from my current perspective, I can see how this area of focus will be good and will build on what's been learned about JOY.  And, it will be an area that will stretch me, which could be good.  In a smaller scale, I have been doing some of this by sharing what I've learned about JOY and how it's made a difference in my life.  I just need to consider whether I want to expand this sharing to the rest of the areas of my life and to work at seeing it through.

Mother's Day'14

May God bless the time spent with my family today celebrating Mother's Day.   I'm grateful for the strong faith of my mom that through her adamently ensuring that we grow up going to church, it led to my coming to know Jesus as my Savior and Lord!  That is the most precious treasure ever.

But, I also wanted to write about the unexpected encouragement I received today.  I view Mother's Day as a day that will likely never apply directly to me.  But, during the worship team devotional this morning, my Assistant Pastor used the time to encourage and bless me.   There were no singers today; so, I was actually the only female on the team today.   My Assistant Pastor chose to read from Proverbs 31 as a reminder to honor mother's and women.  Then he turned to me and thanked me for being a godly woman, waiting for God's best for me.  Wow!

God has really showered His blessings upon me this year, as I have sought to find joy by recognizing His Presence in my life.  Other encouragement I've received is that a friend called me yesterday, apparently just to say "Hi", which demonstrates that she wanted to talk to me   My contractor said that when he thinks of me, he thinks "goodness".  My small group leader told me how much he appreciated me using my gifts, like with technology, in serving God.  I had a couple of wonderful conversations with my main Pastor on the current series he is doing on Christ's return and how it fit so well with my class study in Zechariah.  He also told me what a special person I was; and even blew a kiss of greeting to me as he walked by the AV room where I was sitting.  There were so many who also waved at me.  God is assuring me that I am loved.  Thank you LORD!

WDCH'14

For our ABC this year, my friend and I were able to go to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.   It was a beautiful evening.   We spent some time looking at the interesting musical-themed items in the gift shop, visited the garden with the rose sculpture, had dinner at the Concert Hall Cafe, listened to the pre-concert lecture by Thomas Neenan with appearance by the organist Paul Jacobs, and then experienced the wonderfully inspirational organ recital of Bach's Clavier Ubung III.

During dinner, we had a chance to meet the Norbertine Canons of St Michael's Abbey, who sang portions of the choral mass and cathechism pieces during the performance.   These men were priests, monks, and seminarians.   The person we talked to seemed to be the director of the group.  Their abbey is located in south Orange County.  Also, the food from the cafe was actually really good - it is also run by the Patina Group which owns the upscale restaurant at the WDCH.   I especially enjoyed the Tropical Fruit parfait.

My favorite piece in the whole concert was the Hymn "O God Our Help in Ages Past".   I was so inspired that when I got home, I just had to pull out my hymn book and play & sing that hymn.   During the recital, I was reminded of how much I loved the organ; and I was also motivated to pull out my Bach once again to practice.

What a blessing to hear this recital, for Bach has always been my favorite composer.  One of the interesting things I learned in the pre-concert talk was that Bach pointed to the Trinity through these pieces.   God the Father is represented very majestically; God the Son with two "personalities" pointing to his deity and his humanity; the Holy Spirit with a very flowing travelling movement.  Also, the key signature E-flat with 3 flats is another allusion to the Trinity.   So interesting.

I was a little surprised that the organ was in the center of the stage, rather than near the pipes.   But, it was nice, since it provides better visibility.  I loved when the organist "pulled out all the stops", often towards the end - so majestic!

National Day of Prayer '14

Thursday was the National Day of Prayer.   It was nice that after work, I was able to go to the event partially hosted by my church.  It was a good way to shift gears and refocus; and to spend some time with fellow believers in prayer.

We are truly at a time in which we need to be on our knees.  Sadly, I just read an article where the writer was wondering why we even needed a National Day of Prayer.   Our nation was founded as one nation under God based on Judeo-Christian principles.  It shows that we have wandered far away from that if there are those who do not see that we need to be in prayer for our government, for our nation, for the world.  We need God's Blessing and Guidance.  We need to seek His Face and turn from our wicked ways.  May there be a revival in the Land.  Amen.