Unplanned
This book tells the fascinating, sobering true story of the journey of Abby Johnson. She worked for Planned Parenthood, believing she was helping women and decreasing the amount of abortions. She was a professed Christian. All the while she worked there, her parents, her husband, and even the workers on the opposing side, the Coalition for Life, were praying for her and loving her. She became friends with some of those peaceful pro-life members, and God used them to help change her mind. Can someone be so deceived as to think they are doing God's will in a pro-choice clinic? Can prayers, love, and outreach toward your neighbor--even one you radically disagree with--make a difference? This book, without arguing, testifies to a resounding "Yes." We are all weak and sinful beings, and even as Christians we can be deceived by semantics, by wanting to make a difference, and by not doing the proper research. This book makes me want to be a more loving and wise Christian, one who truly cares about others and doesn't make snap judgments. The women who undergo abortions--they are wrong, but they are desperate. They are hurting, needy souls. The issue is not just a fight for the lives of the unborn--which is crucial--but also for the lives of the parents and of those participating in the abortions. God can save anyone and use anyone. In fact, each of us is capable of extreme evil, for each is born a sinner. Possibly contrary to what Mrs. Johnson thinks, based on the Bible, I do believe in church discipline and that we are to be careful about the company we keep; however, even in that we are to be loving and seek the other person's good.
I am thankful for this book and the thoughts and questions it stirs up. God's hand was shown gloriously through the story of Abby Johnson.
In exchange for my honest review, Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
This Year
I am thankful to God for a wonderful year in 2010! May this year be one of higher growth and deeper love for God. Here are some of the highlights of the year (I'm sorry for the lack of pictures).
January:
January:
- Went ice skating
- Got together with friends from church
- Had a needed root canal performed
- Began to teach watercolor classes!
- Listened to Evenings with Victoria Botkin
- Godly advice from family & friends
- Made wheat noodles with friends
- Camped in Big Bend National Park
- Bought a big batch of tomatoes and made ketchup, etc.
- Joel, Charity, Harmony, and Autumn visited
- My first time to play the piano at church in TX
- The Baby Conference with Vision Forum - great speeches and visiting with friends
- A family came over for lunch and hymn singing after church
- We went to watch a movie (Hymns and History) that friends made. They were gracious enough to use my painting of Martin Luther in it.
- Mr. and Mrs. Castillo visited!
- We went to the Animal Safari with them
- Had another Hispanic family over with Castillos and singing fun praise songs
- Went to a wedding shower for someone from church
- Went to the wedding of our friend, Cindy
- Saw Joel, Charity, Charity's sister, and Charity's father at church
- Went to a lovely concert and auctioned a painting for Voice of the Martyrs fundraiser
- Get together at the Phillips' house
- Hymn singing at our house after church with friends
- Writing classes with Mrs. Morecraft (begun in Sep., I believe)
- Writing poetry
- Painting and helping at the Manteufel's house
- Went to The San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival - very enjoyable!
- Joel & Charity visited us for a pre-Thanksgiving get-together at Michael & Grace's house, etc.
- Exchanged gifts with Joel & Charity and part of our family
- Annie and I traveled by car to Fort Worth with Joel and Charity
- We tented at a Chick-Fil-A grand opening in the cold!
- Talked quite a bit with Harmony, Charity's sister
- Went to another pre-Thanksgiving get-together with our cousins and uncle and aunt.
- Went to a 5-course demonstration dinner
- Annie and I rode back on the train--our first ride on one!
- Packed up to leave to a new part of the state!
- Watched & listened to episodes of Navigating History
Monday, January 3, 2011
Book Ideas for 2011
Here's my list of books that I may read this year.
Ones I have started last year (or earlier):
Humility and How to Get It by Charles Spurgeon
The Treasury of David: Volume 1 - Psalms 1-57 (I may not finish it this year, but that would be nice. I'm over half of the way through, but it's a long book.)
The Portable Patriot: Documents, Speeches, and Sermons That Compose the American Soul
Chronicles of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes Volume 02: Additional Poems (1837-1848)
Afterwhiles by James Whitcomb Riley
American Poetry, 1922 A Miscellany
The Bible And The Closet Or How We May Read The Scriptures With The Most Spiritual Profit: And Secret Prayer Successfully Managed (1842)
Ten P's in a Pod : A Million-Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family
A Woman's High Calling: 10 Essentials for Godly Living by Elizabeth George
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture by Alan Beechick
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
A Study in Scarlet / The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
An Autobiography of Buffalo Bill (Colonel W. F. Cody)
The Girl's Own Book by Lydia Maria Child (POSSIBLY this year--it's more of a reference book than a read-through)
Winslow Homer Watercolors by Helen A. Cooper (POSSIBLY this year--it's more of a reference book than a read-through)
Ones I started this year:
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham
Others to Read This Year, Possibly
The Betrayal: A Novel on John Calvin by Douglas Bond
Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham
Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald
The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz
Verses of Virtue compiled by Elizabeth Beall Phillips
Classics:
Mansfield Park or Persuasion by Jane Austen
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
One of Dickens, perhaps
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Ones I have started last year (or earlier):
Humility and How to Get It by Charles Spurgeon
The Treasury of David: Volume 1 - Psalms 1-57 (I may not finish it this year, but that would be nice. I'm over half of the way through, but it's a long book.)
The Portable Patriot: Documents, Speeches, and Sermons That Compose the American Soul
Chronicles of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes Volume 02: Additional Poems (1837-1848)
Afterwhiles by James Whitcomb Riley
American Poetry, 1922 A Miscellany
The Bible And The Closet Or How We May Read The Scriptures With The Most Spiritual Profit: And Secret Prayer Successfully Managed (1842)
Ten P's in a Pod : A Million-Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family
A Woman's High Calling: 10 Essentials for Godly Living by Elizabeth George
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture by Alan Beechick
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
A Study in Scarlet / The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
An Autobiography of Buffalo Bill (Colonel W. F. Cody)
The Girl's Own Book by Lydia Maria Child (POSSIBLY this year--it's more of a reference book than a read-through)
Winslow Homer Watercolors by Helen A. Cooper (POSSIBLY this year--it's more of a reference book than a read-through)
Ones I started this year:
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham
Others to Read This Year, Possibly
The Betrayal: A Novel on John Calvin by Douglas Bond
Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham
Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald
The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz
Verses of Virtue compiled by Elizabeth Beall Phillips
Classics:
Mansfield Park or Persuasion by Jane Austen
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
One of Dickens, perhaps
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Two Margarets
Some of the details in this poem were imagined by me, such as the bread and water verse, but most of it is factual.
The Two Margarets
by Melissa Merritt
October, 2010
Eighteen summers had Margaret Wilson passed,
Now trusting firmly in Jehovah.
Neither parent believing, alas--
They saw her faith as an enigma.
Then the king's men spread throughout the land
Arresting opposers of prelacy.
The Wilson siblings had joined such a band,
Retreating from cave to marsh, the back-country.
It seemed the danger had abated,
So the sisters dined with a friend in town.
This widow's other guests were elated
While they brought the girls--their enemies--down.
As the girls were dragged to prison,
Their hearts drummed fast and loud;
Yet even in the roofless dungeon,
They remembered God rebukes the proud.
The stone door clanked open wide,
But only for a moment, in the gloom.
The girls were pushed and squeezed inside,
'Mid the bodies in that crowded tomb.
One day a lined face appeared before them,
Widow Margaret MacLauchlan, their own.
They gasped and reached each other, then.
"Oh, my friend!" they each did bemoan.
"We must not waver; we must be strong!
The LORD will be our help, I ken."
Thus they waited, bursting out in song,
Fin'lly huddling to sleep after the last amen.
They were brought before the court's bench,
Margaret Wilson and her sister.
"Does the king control the church?
Or does God?" the voices blistered.
"God," they cried in unison,
Young Agnes along with Margaret.
Their sad fate they could envision,
But they turned not to vile regret.
Their father fought to free them,
Paying ransom for the younger;
But Margaret still they would condemn,
Though Mr. Wilson contended longer.
Morning eclipsed morning, nothing changed;
Bread and water were all their meat.
Some pris'ners fell, some grew deranged.
Some shared a cloak for added heat.
'Twas dark each night, no sign of a lantern,
And oft the rain pummeled their heads;
But the true and righteous could not turn,
Not bend, though they ached for soft beds.
They were prepared, these Margarets twain,
Reciting many a verse of God's Holy Writ.
They fainted not in adversity nor died in vain,
No drowning could put out their glow, once lit.
So when the guards came, mocking,
On that pale gray Wigtown dawn,
The torch-lights of the prison wing
Were steadily burning on.
'Twas May of sixteen hundred eighty five
When they were hauled into the tide,
The younger watched the older strive,
And called it the wrestling of Christ inside.
Margaret sang and prayed, unafraid.
They dragged her out, panting, for one more proffer,
But her resolve was not allayed;
Eternity with Christ had more to offer.
The Two Margarets
by Melissa Merritt
October, 2010
Eighteen summers had Margaret Wilson passed,
Now trusting firmly in Jehovah.
Neither parent believing, alas--
They saw her faith as an enigma.
Then the king's men spread throughout the land
Arresting opposers of prelacy.
The Wilson siblings had joined such a band,
Retreating from cave to marsh, the back-country.
It seemed the danger had abated,
So the sisters dined with a friend in town.
This widow's other guests were elated
While they brought the girls--their enemies--down.
As the girls were dragged to prison,
Their hearts drummed fast and loud;
Yet even in the roofless dungeon,
They remembered God rebukes the proud.
The stone door clanked open wide,
But only for a moment, in the gloom.
The girls were pushed and squeezed inside,
'Mid the bodies in that crowded tomb.
One day a lined face appeared before them,
Widow Margaret MacLauchlan, their own.
They gasped and reached each other, then.
"Oh, my friend!" they each did bemoan.
"We must not waver; we must be strong!
The LORD will be our help, I ken."
Thus they waited, bursting out in song,
Fin'lly huddling to sleep after the last amen.
They were brought before the court's bench,
Margaret Wilson and her sister.
"Does the king control the church?
Or does God?" the voices blistered.
"God," they cried in unison,
Young Agnes along with Margaret.
Their sad fate they could envision,
But they turned not to vile regret.
Their father fought to free them,
Paying ransom for the younger;
But Margaret still they would condemn,
Though Mr. Wilson contended longer.
Morning eclipsed morning, nothing changed;
Bread and water were all their meat.
Some pris'ners fell, some grew deranged.
Some shared a cloak for added heat.
'Twas dark each night, no sign of a lantern,
And oft the rain pummeled their heads;
But the true and righteous could not turn,
Not bend, though they ached for soft beds.
They were prepared, these Margarets twain,
Reciting many a verse of God's Holy Writ.
They fainted not in adversity nor died in vain,
No drowning could put out their glow, once lit.
So when the guards came, mocking,
On that pale gray Wigtown dawn,
The torch-lights of the prison wing
Were steadily burning on.
'Twas May of sixteen hundred eighty five
When they were hauled into the tide,
The younger watched the older strive,
And called it the wrestling of Christ inside.
Margaret sang and prayed, unafraid.
They dragged her out, panting, for one more proffer,
But her resolve was not allayed;
Eternity with Christ had more to offer.
Reading Challenge, 2011
Reading Chantel's worthy goals at the above link have convicted me. Was I really reading everything that met up with Philippians 4:8? My problem is if I own a book, I it's almost like I have to read it before getting rid of it, even if I'm not sure it will be that good, and once I start reading a book, I like to finish it. I try to read things that aren't defiling, but perhaps it's time to reexamine even the "harmless" fluffy books, ones Christian in name, but hardly in spirit. Maybe I can skim them over to decide if they are worth reading before I read them, as I did with a few that I decided to give away or trade on paperbackswap. Our move to a new house prompted that in part. But I do want to be pleasing to God, to think on the pure and lovely things. I know I'm weak and give in often, but the Lord is strong, and I'm praying He will help me to do far better this year. Hoping that you will join me in the adventure, and read the books that really do get through to you...in a good way.
~~~~~
My goals, then, are to read books that are more spiritually or practically helpful. Fewer fiction books. I'm going to set the goal of at least 10 nonfiction Christian books. No more than 10 fiction books. And probably a few classics or other nonfiction books.
Last year I read 8 nonfiction Christian books, plus the Bible. 3 classics. 6 secular nonfiction books. And a whopping 25 random fiction books. A little off-balanced, wouldn't you say? Hoping I can do things a little differently this year! If I do read more than 10 fiction books, I want to make sure they are good ones, and I'm especially trying to stay away from romance in the modern sense.
I didn't start off too well, perhaps, but it could have been worse. Yesterday I started and today I finished Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana by Melanie Dobson, which was not as much a romance as it sounds by the title. More of a historical novel, with some romance at the end.
Now I am starting to read the classic theology book called The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul, which I received free--thank you, Ligonier Ministries! It is already a very thought-provoking book and one I think I can really recommend.
I also want to finish at least most of the 15 other books I started last year or before!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Various
We have been packing up boxes in preparation to move to our new place. We have had volunteers of help from church--so gracious--and last week they helped move a bunch of furniture over. The new place has a large fenced-in garden that will be my mom's delight, but also a place for my sister and me to invest in and learn from...and perhaps I'll get to grow some butternut squash or something equally delightful. I have never done much gardening at all, but I think I will enjoy it once I get into the swing of things.
We know some people who are putting together a movie about Christian manhood, vengeance, and other themes. They hope to raise enough money to help with all the technical details before January 1. What is this movie? Jimmy Valiant: Scions of Danger. If you can spare even a dollar to give them, I'm sure they would appreciate it. Click here if you want to pledge your support.
Winter time is here, but in Texas there is hardly ever any snow. Soon "Christmas" will be here. Yet in our house there will be no gifts to wrap, no tree to decorate. Why? Well, for one, Jesus was not likely born in the winter. Then, the Bible says specifically to remember His death, though we are to remember His miraculous birth, as well. But most of all, I think my concern is the pagan origins of the holiday. Can something pagan be sanctified by Christians? Perhaps, but not if all the same elements are left in, such as Christmas trees and Santa Claus. The ties to the original meanings are too strong. Yet I struggle, because I like the look of twinkling lights and decorated trees, and in and of themselves I don't believe they are wrong. But on the same day as a pagan holiday first took place, and syncretized with Christian beliefs (first by Catholics, I think)....Can God be pleased with this? One may say the heart is the most important, and it is, but God always had His special ways of doing things, and was angry if it was not done in just the right way, and if holy was mixed with profane.
Anyway, for us, this holiday has always been off limits, and I think that is how it will stay for me. Let us rejoice daily that Jesus came, was born sinless, and died the spotless Lamb of God for sinful wretches!
In a similar vein, I have been thinking about books and movies such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings. There are supposed to be Christian elements to them, and I can see them at least in TCON and have enjoyed the movies in part, but there are also pagan elements mixed in (such as fawns and other half-man half-animal beings). Is God pleased with this, even if I seem to get something good out of it? I have justified it, but seeing the correlation to Christmas has jarred my thoughts here....Does that mean I'll never, ever watch the movies? Not necessarily. I'm still mulling that one over.
We know some people who are putting together a movie about Christian manhood, vengeance, and other themes. They hope to raise enough money to help with all the technical details before January 1. What is this movie? Jimmy Valiant: Scions of Danger. If you can spare even a dollar to give them, I'm sure they would appreciate it. Click here if you want to pledge your support.
Winter time is here, but in Texas there is hardly ever any snow. Soon "Christmas" will be here. Yet in our house there will be no gifts to wrap, no tree to decorate. Why? Well, for one, Jesus was not likely born in the winter. Then, the Bible says specifically to remember His death, though we are to remember His miraculous birth, as well. But most of all, I think my concern is the pagan origins of the holiday. Can something pagan be sanctified by Christians? Perhaps, but not if all the same elements are left in, such as Christmas trees and Santa Claus. The ties to the original meanings are too strong. Yet I struggle, because I like the look of twinkling lights and decorated trees, and in and of themselves I don't believe they are wrong. But on the same day as a pagan holiday first took place, and syncretized with Christian beliefs (first by Catholics, I think)....Can God be pleased with this? One may say the heart is the most important, and it is, but God always had His special ways of doing things, and was angry if it was not done in just the right way, and if holy was mixed with profane.
Anyway, for us, this holiday has always been off limits, and I think that is how it will stay for me. Let us rejoice daily that Jesus came, was born sinless, and died the spotless Lamb of God for sinful wretches!
In a similar vein, I have been thinking about books and movies such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings. There are supposed to be Christian elements to them, and I can see them at least in TCON and have enjoyed the movies in part, but there are also pagan elements mixed in (such as fawns and other half-man half-animal beings). Is God pleased with this, even if I seem to get something good out of it? I have justified it, but seeing the correlation to Christmas has jarred my thoughts here....Does that mean I'll never, ever watch the movies? Not necessarily. I'm still mulling that one over.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Polls
Again, I'm late with updating the poll. We are busy this month with packing and moving (thus the theme of my next poll).
Here are the top answers for the last two polls....
How many books do you typically read in a year (take your best guess)?
The second poll (multiple answers for each person allowed) was:
Do you think having a television is a good idea?
Yes - 2 people (8%)
No - 4 " (17%)
I'm still thinking about it. - 3 " (13%)
Not for kids under the age of 5 - 1 (4%)
Only if it is carefully monitored and limited. - 19 (82%)
Thanks for participating in my polls!
Here are the top answers for the last two polls....
How many books do you typically read in a year (take your best guess)?
10-20 came out first with 5 votes (23%)
30-50 and 50-70 came out second with 3 votes each (14%)
20-30, 70-100, 200-250, and 300-350 are all tied for third place! (9%)
One person each voted for 1-5 and 125-150.
The second poll (multiple answers for each person allowed) was: Do you think having a television is a good idea?
Yes - 2 people (8%)
No - 4 " (17%)
I'm still thinking about it. - 3 " (13%)
Not for kids under the age of 5 - 1 (4%)
Only if it is carefully monitored and limited. - 19 (82%)
Thanks for participating in my polls!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Hymn
This is a lovely hymn, as are many on this site:
http://songsandhymns.org/hymns/lyrics/ah-holy-jesus-how-hast-thou-offended
http://songsandhymns.org/hymns/lyrics/ah-holy-jesus-how-hast-thou-offended
An Open Pipe
I hope that title got your attention. ;) It has to do with the second quote I'm posting.
These are from the book Humility and How to Get It, by which I have been blessed. I've only just finished the first part (like a chapter, though there are only sections), and it was chock full of rich and encouraging thoughts!
Okay, on to the quotes:
'Let us contrast our love to God with His love to us. Dear brethren, we do love God, and we may well do so, since He is infinitely lovable. When the mind is once enlightened it sees everything that is lovable about God. He is so good, so gracious, so perfect that He commands our admiring affection. The spouse in the song, when she thought of her beloved, mentioned all manner of beauties, and then cried, "Yea, he is altogether lovely." It is natural, therefore, that one who sees God should love Him, But, now, think of God's love to us; is it not incomparably greater, since there was nothing lovely in us whatever, and yet He loved us? In us there is by nature nothing to attract the affection of a holy God, but quite the reverse; and yet He loved us. Herein, indeed, is love!' [p. 10]
'If you had to manage waterworks for the distribution of water all over this city, and there was a certain pipe into which you poured water, and none ever came out at the other end, do you know what you would do? You would take it out and say, "This does not suit my purpose: I want a pipe that will give out as well as receive." That is exactly what the Lord desires of us. Do not selfishly say, "I want to sit down and enjoy the love of God. I shall never say a word to anybody about Christ. I will never give a poor creature so much as a brass farthing; but I want to sit down and be solaced with the love of God." If you think thus, you are a pipe plugged up; you are of no use; you will have to be taken out of the system of the Church; for the system of love-supply for the world requires open pipes, through which love divine may freely flow. May the Lord clear you, and fill you, so that out of you there may continually flow rivers of living water. Amen.' [p. 15]
These are from the book Humility and How to Get It, by which I have been blessed. I've only just finished the first part (like a chapter, though there are only sections), and it was chock full of rich and encouraging thoughts!
Okay, on to the quotes:
'Let us contrast our love to God with His love to us. Dear brethren, we do love God, and we may well do so, since He is infinitely lovable. When the mind is once enlightened it sees everything that is lovable about God. He is so good, so gracious, so perfect that He commands our admiring affection. The spouse in the song, when she thought of her beloved, mentioned all manner of beauties, and then cried, "Yea, he is altogether lovely." It is natural, therefore, that one who sees God should love Him, But, now, think of God's love to us; is it not incomparably greater, since there was nothing lovely in us whatever, and yet He loved us? In us there is by nature nothing to attract the affection of a holy God, but quite the reverse; and yet He loved us. Herein, indeed, is love!' [p. 10]
'If you had to manage waterworks for the distribution of water all over this city, and there was a certain pipe into which you poured water, and none ever came out at the other end, do you know what you would do? You would take it out and say, "This does not suit my purpose: I want a pipe that will give out as well as receive." That is exactly what the Lord desires of us. Do not selfishly say, "I want to sit down and enjoy the love of God. I shall never say a word to anybody about Christ. I will never give a poor creature so much as a brass farthing; but I want to sit down and be solaced with the love of God." If you think thus, you are a pipe plugged up; you are of no use; you will have to be taken out of the system of the Church; for the system of love-supply for the world requires open pipes, through which love divine may freely flow. May the Lord clear you, and fill you, so that out of you there may continually flow rivers of living water. Amen.' [p. 15]
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, Part 2
~Saturday~
We went to the last day of the film festival a bit later than the other days, missing the first hour and a half. We watched Live to Forgive in the large auditorium in the Municipal building. This was an amazing true story of a man who forgives and meets with his step-dad after he murdered his mom. We didn't agree with all the theology, exactly, and I didn't like some of the loud, rocky music, but otherwise it was very interesting.
Next we went to the other building to see Dispatches from the Front: A Bold Advance, which tugged at my heart, as well. We missed the first few minutes of it. The writing and filming were beautiful...but even more so was the love shown to others in countries where the gospel had not yet been given. The Christian converts in these countries shone with their love and words about Christ. We should be praying for them...and learning from their examples.
We broke for lunch after that; all three of us went to the food court in the mall.
Then we went to R.C. Sproul, Jr.'s lecture, where Mrs. Morecraft and her daughter, Mercy, were to announce the winners of her writing contest. I saw the Verrets and Lauren Bleser there, and sat next to them. Lauren said she'd cheer really loud for me and embarrass me if I won. :) I said I'd be embarrassed if I had to go up and say anything. Mercy did some funny country acting (pretending to be "Cousin Bertha Jean"). Then all the names of the winners were called, starting from the youngest category. As the list grew, including some ties, I grew more hopeful that my name might be among them. But no. Three of our friends/church members had won something, but not me. I was disappointed. It is in God's providence, though, and I'm sure it will help to keep my easily puffed-up ego deflated. I'm still writing poetry, though. It will always be something I enjoy, whether anyone else thinks it's good or not.
Annie and I had been thinking of leaving after the announcement to go see something else, but we decided to stay, as it was already pretty far into the hour and we thought it might be an interesting lecture. It was called "Where is God in Your Movie?" We are not really interested in becoming film-makers, but it was a good lecture in many ways. I could apply it to my writing, and life in general. I wasn't sure if I agreed 100% with everything he said, but the gist of it was good.
After that, we stayed to hear Kevin Swanson lecture on "Humor in the Family." It was good--not so humorous as it was thought-provoking. Our humor needs to be "attacking" what is bad, and endearing us to what is good, not the other way around, as some humor is.
In the break from 5:30 (? - our lectures went late, but I'm not sure how late) to 7:30, we went with Lauren to the mall's food court again. Lauren's new friend, Cindy, was there alone, so she joined us, though she had already eaten. Annie and Andy didn't join us at the round table, so I sat with just Lauren and Cindy. (My siblings didn't mean to be rude.) We talked as we ate, and I listened much of the time. Lauren and Cindy were talking about their pasts and conversions. I chimed in after Cindy's testimony, "That's how I was." And I told a little more about it.
Then they launched into a discussion on daughters staying home, as in the book So Much More.
After that, Andrew and Annie came over. We still had some time left before the Closing Ceremonies, so we headed to the Starbucks in the mall we were in and all (I think) ordered Pumpkin Spice Lattes (Annie and I shared one.) As I was waiting in line, I told Cindy a little more of my background and my dad, how he had died of cancer yet stayed strong in the Lord to the end, and how this had been in some ways helpful to me.
We talked some more as we gave them a ride in our van over to the other building. We were now talking about the churches we attended.
We separated. We met Mr. and Mrs. Marcic there and sat with them, though Annie didn't come until later because she was an usher. The closing ceremonies started with some ads for sponsors, I believe, or prayer, and singing. Mrs. Morecraft had sung in the opening ceremonies, and now the Salters/Amy Salter Rutherford played and sang. George Sarris also did his second Biblical dramatization--Jonah was the first one the night before (?) and this time it was Naaman the leper. I really enjoy those, the enthusiasm and character he puts into it.
Finally, the finalists and winners were announced! Not surprisingly, The Runner from Ravenshead won the Audience Choice award. The grand prize winner was Agenda: Grinding America Down. I was happy for them, and touched by their God-honoring story of praying and fasting and by the man's humility.
After the ceremonies, I got to have my photo taken with the little girl who played The Runner from Ravenshead. She seems as sweet as she looks. :) I also got my picture taken with Cindy B., the one I talked with earlier. I am glad to have met her. She is really sweet.
The next day, we went to the convention center for church services. Saw the Verrets again. We sat with the Marcics during the service. The preacher was Mr. Scott Brown, and he did an excellent job, on blessings and curses from Deuteronomy.
After the service and saying some goodbyes to our dear friends the Verrets and the Marcics, we headed home. Shortly thereafter, we left for the Sarratts' house, where we had a scrumptious meal. There were many other families with us. Annie and I sat and talked much of the time with Shanna Strackbein, who is easy to talk with and very sweet. She asked me about my writing, and we talked about Dickens and other books and movies. The Strackbein sisters and Shorts were talking about driving, and their trust in God even after being in some wrecks and close calls was encouraging.
On Tuesday, we had the Deamers over, along with a friend of theirs from Pennsylvania, who is a piano tuner, and his niece, Courtney. Annie and I got along well with Courtney, who is a soft-spoken but personable young lady. We had a supper of pot roast, potatoes, carrots, and a tossed salad, with chocolate cake for dessert. I was doing my share of talking during the meal, since Mr. Deamer was asking me some questions. Not that I took up all the conversation, or anything, but I was talking more than I usually do, at least during meals.
After supper (and a bit before supper, too), their friend, Michael, worked on tuning our baby grand piano. He said it was long overdue for a tuning. (When he was finished, the piano sounded much better--it had been more out of tune than we had realized! He also fixed the squeak that the soft pedal would always make when you lift your foot off.)
Annie, Courtney, and I talked and drank peppermint/chamomile tea together. Again, Dickens was mentioned. Courtney has some things in common with me, like liking to write.
I'm so thankful to God for such godly and caring friends, more than I ever had before. And for the peace that passes all understanding. :) I've been reading over some of my old journals lately, and I can see how fearful, inward-focused, and aimless I was before. Praise God for His sanctifying work day by day!
We went to the last day of the film festival a bit later than the other days, missing the first hour and a half. We watched Live to Forgive in the large auditorium in the Municipal building. This was an amazing true story of a man who forgives and meets with his step-dad after he murdered his mom. We didn't agree with all the theology, exactly, and I didn't like some of the loud, rocky music, but otherwise it was very interesting.
Next we went to the other building to see Dispatches from the Front: A Bold Advance, which tugged at my heart, as well. We missed the first few minutes of it. The writing and filming were beautiful...but even more so was the love shown to others in countries where the gospel had not yet been given. The Christian converts in these countries shone with their love and words about Christ. We should be praying for them...and learning from their examples.
We broke for lunch after that; all three of us went to the food court in the mall.
Then we went to R.C. Sproul, Jr.'s lecture, where Mrs. Morecraft and her daughter, Mercy, were to announce the winners of her writing contest. I saw the Verrets and Lauren Bleser there, and sat next to them. Lauren said she'd cheer really loud for me and embarrass me if I won. :) I said I'd be embarrassed if I had to go up and say anything. Mercy did some funny country acting (pretending to be "Cousin Bertha Jean"). Then all the names of the winners were called, starting from the youngest category. As the list grew, including some ties, I grew more hopeful that my name might be among them. But no. Three of our friends/church members had won something, but not me. I was disappointed. It is in God's providence, though, and I'm sure it will help to keep my easily puffed-up ego deflated. I'm still writing poetry, though. It will always be something I enjoy, whether anyone else thinks it's good or not.
Annie and I had been thinking of leaving after the announcement to go see something else, but we decided to stay, as it was already pretty far into the hour and we thought it might be an interesting lecture. It was called "Where is God in Your Movie?" We are not really interested in becoming film-makers, but it was a good lecture in many ways. I could apply it to my writing, and life in general. I wasn't sure if I agreed 100% with everything he said, but the gist of it was good.
After that, we stayed to hear Kevin Swanson lecture on "Humor in the Family." It was good--not so humorous as it was thought-provoking. Our humor needs to be "attacking" what is bad, and endearing us to what is good, not the other way around, as some humor is.
In the break from 5:30 (? - our lectures went late, but I'm not sure how late) to 7:30, we went with Lauren to the mall's food court again. Lauren's new friend, Cindy, was there alone, so she joined us, though she had already eaten. Annie and Andy didn't join us at the round table, so I sat with just Lauren and Cindy. (My siblings didn't mean to be rude.) We talked as we ate, and I listened much of the time. Lauren and Cindy were talking about their pasts and conversions. I chimed in after Cindy's testimony, "That's how I was." And I told a little more about it.
Then they launched into a discussion on daughters staying home, as in the book So Much More.
After that, Andrew and Annie came over. We still had some time left before the Closing Ceremonies, so we headed to the Starbucks in the mall we were in and all (I think) ordered Pumpkin Spice Lattes (Annie and I shared one.) As I was waiting in line, I told Cindy a little more of my background and my dad, how he had died of cancer yet stayed strong in the Lord to the end, and how this had been in some ways helpful to me.
We talked some more as we gave them a ride in our van over to the other building. We were now talking about the churches we attended.
We separated. We met Mr. and Mrs. Marcic there and sat with them, though Annie didn't come until later because she was an usher. The closing ceremonies started with some ads for sponsors, I believe, or prayer, and singing. Mrs. Morecraft had sung in the opening ceremonies, and now the Salters/Amy Salter Rutherford played and sang. George Sarris also did his second Biblical dramatization--Jonah was the first one the night before (?) and this time it was Naaman the leper. I really enjoy those, the enthusiasm and character he puts into it.
Finally, the finalists and winners were announced! Not surprisingly, The Runner from Ravenshead won the Audience Choice award. The grand prize winner was Agenda: Grinding America Down. I was happy for them, and touched by their God-honoring story of praying and fasting and by the man's humility.
After the ceremonies, I got to have my photo taken with the little girl who played The Runner from Ravenshead. She seems as sweet as she looks. :) I also got my picture taken with Cindy B., the one I talked with earlier. I am glad to have met her. She is really sweet.
The next day, we went to the convention center for church services. Saw the Verrets again. We sat with the Marcics during the service. The preacher was Mr. Scott Brown, and he did an excellent job, on blessings and curses from Deuteronomy.
After the service and saying some goodbyes to our dear friends the Verrets and the Marcics, we headed home. Shortly thereafter, we left for the Sarratts' house, where we had a scrumptious meal. There were many other families with us. Annie and I sat and talked much of the time with Shanna Strackbein, who is easy to talk with and very sweet. She asked me about my writing, and we talked about Dickens and other books and movies. The Strackbein sisters and Shorts were talking about driving, and their trust in God even after being in some wrecks and close calls was encouraging.
On Tuesday, we had the Deamers over, along with a friend of theirs from Pennsylvania, who is a piano tuner, and his niece, Courtney. Annie and I got along well with Courtney, who is a soft-spoken but personable young lady. We had a supper of pot roast, potatoes, carrots, and a tossed salad, with chocolate cake for dessert. I was doing my share of talking during the meal, since Mr. Deamer was asking me some questions. Not that I took up all the conversation, or anything, but I was talking more than I usually do, at least during meals.
After supper (and a bit before supper, too), their friend, Michael, worked on tuning our baby grand piano. He said it was long overdue for a tuning. (When he was finished, the piano sounded much better--it had been more out of tune than we had realized! He also fixed the squeak that the soft pedal would always make when you lift your foot off.)
Annie, Courtney, and I talked and drank peppermint/chamomile tea together. Again, Dickens was mentioned. Courtney has some things in common with me, like liking to write.
I'm so thankful to God for such godly and caring friends, more than I ever had before. And for the peace that passes all understanding. :) I've been reading over some of my old journals lately, and I can see how fearful, inward-focused, and aimless I was before. Praise God for His sanctifying work day by day!
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