Great Bible History Resource

I love history and geography. As I get older, I love it and appreciate it even more. And as a believer, I love Biblical history just as much.

Our family recently was given a Christian DVD to view. Apostle Paul and the Earliest Churches, is a documentary tracing the historical and geographical areas that the Apostle Paul journeyed in his 3 missionary journeys. The videography is great as you are able to see the present day areas and remains of the time in the New Testament Church where our fathers of the faith laid an important foundation to what we believe. The inspired Word of God was given during this time as well. The purpose of this DVD was not to teach through all the events of Paul's life, but rather to highlight the geographical areas of this ministry and how God directed this Apostle's movement.

Our Sunday School is studying the book of Acts and this has been a timely DVD to watch. Reading God's Word is great, but sometimes studying the history, culture, and geography can really help our understanding of what life was like when this precious Word was written.

Documentaries are not always children's favorites but it is important to introduce these to them as they give a visual of what may already be something they have learned or read.

Fish Flix is new to our family. It is great to have movie/entertaining companies who put out DVDs worth watching. They are also offering a $5.00 coupon to those who join their email list. You can join by visiting www.fishflix.com/5gift or texting 5-GIFT to 44222.

All I Need is Your Love

Last night we watched the movie, Grace Unplugged.

And as the end drew near, the tears overflowed. Wishing our story could end the same way. Hoping for that outcome.

If you haven't taken time to watch this movie, I would encourage you to do so. It is the story of parents letting go of their adult daughter; allowing her to fail and loving her through the process. The last one in that list is by far the hardest.

We find ourselves on this same journey. And it is so easy to allow anger and bitterness to creep in. Treating these floundering young people as the enemy because they are not living up to our expectations. Or worse yet, rejecting our Jesus. We live with the thoughts of failure as a parent. We question our choices. Our hearts break because we, very possibly, have lived the same journey and are now on the other side. Forgiven and Set Free.

BUT, God is the God of redemption and reconciliation. When I remember and think on all that Christ did for me to reconcile me to Himself. All the forgiveness. All the pain. All the suffering. And He didn't give up. (Before watching this movie, I was at a giving up point. I mean how many times can you keep saying or texting I love you, without a response?) (I look to Christ for the answer to that question.)

At the end of the movie, the parents learn to rejoice in the journey. To embrace their daughters gifts and shower her with love. And that's just what she needed. She already knew the truth and had heard all the lectures words that were spoken in her short lifetime. She needed to find out for herself, but she needed her parents to still be her parents. She didn't need rejection. She didn't need to hear, "I'm the parent; the authority. I am right." one more time. She needed to see the Savior's love lived out in a fashion that was unmistakable. There are times for those much needed words, but as our kids learn to fly, their failures, sins and mistakes turn into the best remedy toward repentance.

The daughter, Grace, sang this song, dedicated to her parents in the very last scene.

My prayer is that my boys would find these words deep in their souls. And cry them out as well. But I know it may be not until they come home filthy.

"Honestly it's time for honesty
My heart is on my sleeve
Oh will You hear me out?
I've got nothing left to give of me
I gave up everything
So there is nothing less to loose from me now
But You forgive me somehow.

I've chased a million things
Bright lights and empty dreams
Now here I am
Right where I thought I wanted to be
I'll trade it all right now
Leave it all and lay it down
To get back to where I belong
Lord, all I've every needed was Your love.

Truth be told I made this world my home
I let it steal my soul, but now I want it back
Cause all I need is waiting
In Your arms a place to hang my heart
Where I am known at last
You're the one true thing I have.

I've chased a million things
Bright lights and empty dreams
Now here I am
Right where I thought I wanted to be
I'll trade it all right now
Leave it all and lay it down
To get back to where I belong
Lord, all I've every needed was Your love.

And I know that I was meant to be
More than just a melody
I know that You had hopes for me
I know you still believe in me.

Lord, all I've ever needed was Your love
Lord, all I've ever needed was Your love."

Movie Review - Journey to Christmas

As our family used the last couple of evenings to view the DVD, Journey to Christmas, we had lots to reflect on afterward.


Everyone likes a reality show format. It's engaging and keeps you wanting more information about the people that are part of it.


Journey to Christmas takes you on a journey with 5 adults, all from different background, places and ages. They are given a tour of Israel from the point of view of the Christmas story. There are 4 episodes, and in each one there is one focal point of the Nativity story.


The "journey" is very well done, as far as a film goes. As a spectator, we learned a lot of the history of Israel and the culture surrounding Jesus' life on earth. We were able to really appreciate the terrain and ruggedness of life in the area where our Savior grew up. Each person who traveled in this movie had a different view on religion and their lives. Two of the women seemed to be the most grounded in what true salvation is. 


The disappointing part of this movie was the ability to see what the world has done to the sacred place of Christ's life. In the words of one of the gentlemen, "This is religious c**p. God is not impressed with all this." Our sentiments exactly. The world has made a shrine of idolatry to God and what He wants most is their lives surrendered to Him. There wasn't much change in any of the travelers. Those who believed still believed and those who did not, still did not. We also would have desired to see more of heart changing opportunities, rather than just a historical synopsis of Israel.


We, as a family connected with Drew the most. He was adopted and left his home at 16 years old due to "issues". We have these "issues" in our lives most days. He was the most down to earth and real, no-nonsense traveler. We pray that God would work past all these human means to save these people for His glory.


The reason for Christ's birth was overlooked. He came because we need salvation from our sins. This is the true meaning of Christmas.


*As a part of the Tyndale Blogging Network, I received a complementary copy of this DVD.

Sisters....

Tonight, I am thinking of my sister. From the time we were little we watched "White Christmas" together, crosstitching and enjoying each other's company. Here tonight I sit watching it with my girls as I am thinking about my precious sister and friend. This was our favorite part, so when it came on we would stand up and sing it while fluttering around the room.

This year we are missing one special person....but we must remember she is singing a much greater song tonight. She is missed.

I love you, Jen.

A New Movie Review

Community. Community. Community.

This one word sums up the underlying theme of the movie, The Way Home. Dean Cain does an great job portraying a father whose youngest son disappears into acres and acres of woods surrounding their home.

Job and work has always come before family to this father. God certainly gets his attention away from what he has deemed as most important and refocuses his priorities to what are his precious gifts given by God.

The body of Christ comes out from all over to help the search for this little 2 year old. The testimony of "Christian community" is shown to all professionals involved...firefights, rescue workers, police officers, and even news reporters. This is one of the great lessons learned by those who view this film.

The movie is based on a true story and it was delightful hearing from the real life mom and dad in the special features of the DVD.

Overall, the movie was very good. The story line is near and dear to all parents. And the producers did a great job making this a Christian movie. They do not mask the values that are most important in a believer's life in the midst of trials. The Word of God. Prayer. The body of Christ.

My New Favorite Movie

This week the Ponderosa watched, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry. This movie is one your whole family can watch and will inspire you to grow in your walk with the Lord.