The Da Vinci Dud

I had this whole blog entry planned outlining how inaccurate the Da Vinci code was in it's portrayal of both Christianity and the Catholic Church, but you know what? It is not worth it. They tried to stir up contraversy and anger in and among the religious communities and it just didn't work. Like arrows bouncing off of armor, ( to steal a comparison from Pastor Tim.) So instead I will share some main stream movie reviews I found online at "rottentomatoes.com"

"The script explains everything twice, spelling out the big words three times, so that even if you've never heard of Jesus or Mary Magdalene you can still figure out this story"

"For people who insist that the movie is never as good as the book, your case just got stronger."

"You know a movie's a dud when even its self-flagellating albino killer monk isn't any fun."

"Frankly, it's a stinker."

"Every time [Tom Hank's character] starts to educate [the female lead's character] the urge to tune out is overwhelming."

"No it's not as bad as you've heard, it's worse."

"How dark the con of Ron - The DA Vinci Code plays sort of like National Treasure with all the fun sucked out of it."

"Heaven help me, I can't resist spilling the beans of Brown's hysterical heretical history: It was Professor Plum in the Vatican Library with a lead chalice."

"Who knew controversy could be so dull?"

"Bad enough to offend even an athiest."

"The most controversial thriller of the year turns out to be about as exciting as watching your parents play Sudoku."

"The film is faithful enough, but it's hard to imagine it making many converts."

And finally, I am happy to report that People Magazine is reporting DVC as worthy of only 1 1/2 stars. (I think even Dude, Where's My Car got 2.) The media's attempt to create drama and furor seems to have fallen flat on it's face. Again.

No Such Thing as "Luck"

Pastor Tim had a cool message at Church yesterday. Since the Lord is in control of all things, nothing "just happens."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I take great comfort in that. There is great solace in "everything happens for a reason." I love that God has plans for me, and that even when things seem to be falling apart, God is in control. If we let him which is really hard sometimes. I am notorious for giving my problems/life/day to God and then taking them back again. I am so lucky he knows this about me. No, not lucky, BLESSED!

P.S.

Malia, your blog was perfect (and NOT too long!) and I feel the same way. Sometimes, I feel like, "Here I am Lord, use me...." and then I get distracted with my own 'issues'. Or I don't know how to go about ministering. One of the things we can do is brainstorm on how we can bring others to the Lord. I have no idea. I still feel very new in my faith. Not as a Christian, but as a non-Catholic. Gentle readers, (should we be lucky enough one day to have readers, that is...) Malia and I went to the same Catholic junior high and we were both raised Catholic. I love the Catholic Church it is beautiful, important and rich in traditions, but it is NOT all about the evangelical side. That is what I am brand new to and yes, dare I say still uncomfortable with, but I will strive to do better. I want to learn and do my part. That is part of the reason for this blog, to learn! I also would like to write more about being Catholic, just not in this post. Another time! Coming soon to a blog near you.....

Psalm 139

For gosh sake, it's in the title, "smacked upside the head....." and yet sometimes I still don't get it! I have had some rough times the past few days and things were just piling on top of my shoulders like bricks. At one point, I honestly felt like I was going insane or that my head was going to explode due to this massive pressure and just what felt like, blow after blow to my life. Well, my husband, Chris, always feeds our baby Liam his night time bottle, so he tells me to join them. I was sitting there in the darkened room, watching them, and being grateful, but stressed, when this quiet thought came into my head, clear as day, but not my own and said, "These are worldly things and you need to let them go." And I felt so sure it was the Holy Spirit and so calm as I heard it. And I let it all go. For about 5 minutes because I am human and I totally suck at letting it all go...BUT when I remember those words and relax, I get this feeling of calm. Since that day other events have unfolded that cause the events of that day to have meaning and make sense. It is amazing to watch. Like dominos falling. My pastor said recently, when you are filled up with God's love there is no room in your heart for fear. It is so true!
Now the reason I mentioned Psalm 139 is because at two different churches, on two different day that Psalm came up. I found that neat. The part that touched my life, right now, would be verse 16 "Your eyes have seen my actions; in your book they are all written; my days were limited before one of them existed." God knows the plan, I don't have to and I need to take comfort in that and LET IT GO!

22 years ago....

I met Malia. She is my sister in Christ. Even though we are seperated and at either end of the state, I know I can count on her for support, love and great conversations about God. She will be joining me as co- "owner" of this blog. I can't wait!!!!!!!!! I will be posting more later, specifically on this one Psalm that has popped up in my life twice in two different places. Til later!