~Talk~

There's a time to talk and a time to NOT talk.

This morning was a perfect example of when to talk. I called up a friend and we headed out to the Farmer's Market in town. Even though we'd seen each other less than a week ago, we still had so much to talk about! She's a great listener and we have a lot in common, so there's always something to share or discuss. I don't really think we stopped talking since she stepped into my car. We drove downtown,  walked through the Market, headed to our favorite coffeeshop, sat face to face across the table from each other with hot drinks in our hands, and then ambled back to the car and drove back. All the while... talking! It was a nice little time out. Sometimes I don't want to be home alone and this morning was one of those times!

Photo by Juliana Malta on Unsplash

When not to talk?  At the movies! Apparently, also when you're watching a movie at home. Well, that's the opinion of most of my family members. I actually do like to converse during movies watched at home, if the comments are relevant and not unnecessarily distracting. It becomes more of a shared experience, don't you think?  Anyway, a pause button on the remote is there for a reason, isn't it? Sometimes when I don't quite understand what's going on in the movie, I like clarification. But I recently found out my husband really doesn't like to be interrupted  during a movie. He hasn't really told me so before, though. So, I guess I'll hold my questions and observations and just watch the movie next time! Won't he be surprised!

Photo by Grant on Unsplash

Controversy!

•  having 'the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good!" (Eugene Peterson)

•  "...the greatest deception foisted on the church in the last 200 years"  (Professor of NT language and literature James B. DeYoung.) 

• "...a life-changer, a transformer"

• "..it hides false doctrines in a feel-good story.."

• "..spiritually profound, theologically enlightening and life impacting"

• "..will leave you craving for the presence of God" (Michael W. Smith)

While sitting in the theatre a couple of weeks back, the trailer for  The Shack played.  I had read this book written by  W. Paul Young when it came out almost 10 years ago and I remember being riveted while reading the first few chapters but then my interest flagged a little as I continued on.  Maybe I just wasn't that interested in the book at that time, or I wondered if it was just too weird for me. Perhaps, this was just not the right time to read it. I am going to delve into it again before I view the movie.

The Shack is a fictional story about a grieving man who receives a mysterious letter inviting him to meet with God at a cabin in the Oregon woods, the location of his greatest pain. This leads to a weekend long encounter with three people - in fact, the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Mack, the main character, wrestles with his faith, and is transformed through this weekend encounter.

Apparently the upcoming movie has rekindled people's strong and polarized opinions about the book. Is it heresy? Is it a true picture of God's love? Is it harmful or helpful?

I sat beside an acquaintance/friend at a hockey game last night and we began chatting about church and change and.. then The Shack came up. He didn't mince words as he told me about a blog he read listing out the 12 heresies coming from this book that will lead people astray. Why would we want our friends to watch it?  he pondered.  I didn't say too much but interjected that it, at least, would be an interesting movie to watch, and make people think.

Honestly, I want to reread the book and watch the movie and then decide whether or not I think this book is promoting false teachings or even harmful ones. Or perhaps it's really a great picture of God's unconditional love and care for the world.

And since I'm not one to enjoy conflict, I won't be debating this publicly with anyone!

But a conversation about the book would be interesting. I would like to know whether you've read the book, if you plan to, and if you are going to see the movie. I'd like to know your thoughts on the movie, too (it's coming out in early March).

Take It Easy

The last couple of days have been pretty slow around here. After the busyness of having most of the family around, preparing meals, enjoying outdoor activities, and keeping up the house as much as possible, then dismantling Christmas decorations,  I've been a little bit of a slug.  Let's just say me and my chair have spent some time together.

So, I've watched a few Netflix movies that I would recommend if you like a little bit of cheese, escapism, warm feelings, a bit of tension, heart string tugging,  and happy endings. And some good acting, too. Perfect to knit or sip of cup of tea to.

Because I like Morgan Freeman, I watched The Magic of Belle Isle. Ingredients: a disenchanted writer, a single mom with 3 girls, a small lake community and life lessons.

Because I like Robert Duvall, I watched 7 Days in Utopia. Ingredients: family issues, golf, faith/life lessons, small town, handsome main actor ;) The ending.. well, different.

I also watched a DVD theatrical presentation called The Belle of Amherst, about  the poet Emily Dickinson (borrowed from our local library). It was a one woman performance by actress Julie Harris and was excellent! Okay, it was wayyyyy too slow for Dave to sit through, but I loved it. :)

Going to enjoy a fun New Year's Eve with a few friends, some good appies, and board games. A perfect mix.

Then it's 2015!  Are you ready!? Who knows what it will hold.. ?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!