What I'm thinking about tonight 2

I've sort of been looking forward to seeing Avatar.. I think we all wanted to see what James Cameron has been working on since Titanic, and getting enough teasers about the 3D cinematography to whet our appetites.. after all the buildup I can't believe I'm considering NOT going. Now that I found out a main subplot/theme is our obscene wastage of resources that puts us in the desperate situation of having to wipe out an alien population to save ourselves..
I guess in a way it's a brilliant reversal of War of the Worlds type mentality where we're defending ourselves against THEM.. but I'm surprised at the green premise... if I do go see it I'll let you know if I'm any less or more impressed than I am at this moment..

been reading a book on the development of cities during the Victorian era.. social causes, industrial progress, population shifts.. we take cities so much for granted, odd to think of a world without them.. what I love is the photoblogs that focus on abandoned areas.. or just unusual aspects of the city..

Post Christmas

Well, I'm feeling a LOT of relief that 99% of the holiday bustle is over for another year. It's honestly the kind of stuff I get dragged into kicking and screaming.. seriously. I don't exactly get it, and I doubt I ever will. I mean, I'm an absolutely 100% dedicated follower of the Lord Jesus, but this social whirlwind that happens is so superficial.. but hey, maybe I'm just anti-social..
what amazes me is the amount of work some women put into this.. I just can't get that energetic and/or organized with my time and money..
I'm a social causes type person, which is why the case of Rifqa Bary is pretty big on my radar screen these last few weeks.. there's been a lot of media mis-information and if you wonder what I base that on, it's the fact that one of Rifqa's associates has been a close friend on Facebook for almost 2 years. I'm not hearing info from some random source that I don't have a read on, this is someone I have an understanding of. So when they validate Rifqa's concerns, I take it seriously.

Here in my house, we're enjoying the break from school work and routine, we saw the kids granparents on the weekend.. my mother in law had a 90th birthday party!!! festivities, food, and family, what more can you ask, AND we connected with a cousin that has recently come to the LORD, got baptized and is so excited to have found peace with God!!

well.. not much else I can think of.. take care peeps!!

Cold here.. & other thoughts

Boy, it's the coldest here it's been for about 5 years.. ha I thought northern Alberta would never again experience a real cold snap!!! Living through extreme cold weather somehow makes you feel tougher a little than other people.. listening presently to Rich Mullens "My Deliver is Coming".. absolutely amazing song.. presently, it's listing the temp here has -42C including the wind chill... pretty col all right.. good evening for doing all the stuff that's keeps you warm, a hearty hot supper, a warm fire, warm socks.. I've got the dryer going .. all the stuff that helps..
anybody else following the story of Rifqa Bary??

My Sheep Hear His Voice

Wow, I'm sure you all realize that there's something going on on a level that's unprecedented in human history. We are living in days that no-one has ever been involved in before. I don't think any of you can say that life is the same as it's always been, that there isn't something significant taking place under the surface of ordinary, everyday global life. You've noticed it, even though you all try to ignore the implications, and what it all will mean to you personally in the future. I don't pretend to be some weird seer that knows more than you do because I'm special.. all I am is someone who has dedicated my life to looking at things differently than most people.
I underwent some life-changing experiences in my teens, I am a witness to what occurred simply because I was there!!
It's funny how I watch things occur, and I think, Wow.. that's so amazing.. and I file it according to the pattern I've been constructing inside myself, and then I watch the "news" and they have a total different take on what occurred.. I guess I'm telling you to step back, find a new way to get information, BE JUST a LITTLE MORE SKEPTICAL about what you're hearing through the normal media channels!!!
I keep thinking it can't be that hard to find the path I'm on.. I'm only a normal average person of limited finances.. but I meet very few who have been on my journey.. are you going to end your life without ever having stepped off the treadmill?? I'm talking about a place where sometimes it seems like you've risked everything for nothing.. and in some ways, even the prospect of losing everything doesn't really matter .. I LOVE LIFE don't get me wrong, I'm not a nihilist or a defeatist, or some existentialist!! but I think my definition of what LIFE is would differ from most people's!!
God has a purpose and a plan for you!! never doubt it.. never doubt His LOVE for you.. and the greatest evidence of it is Jesus!!!! take care peeps//

Grey Cup 2009, and other happenings

Well, as I sit here tonight, I am still trying to absorb the blow incurred by my beloved Saskatchewan Roughrider's loss of the Grey Cup 2009, to the Montreal Alouettes. It was in the bag, seemingly, the fans were already celebrating, and wham!! defeat descended from above with the swiftness of a lightning bolt!! gee, I must have suffered at some level, I can even wax poetic about the darn thing!!
I've been to Edmonton this week, in regards to my daughter's broken leg, showed up for a follow up visit and a conference with the surgeon who put her screw and plate in.. looks like we won't be going back to the Stollery, just local to get a cast removed and some physio to help her hitting the ground running.. all puns intended I guess :P lol..
I'm seeing God doing amazing things on a personal level.. seems like even in the midst of the storms I hear His Still Small Voice saying, you go, girl!!! not only called, but chosen.. dangerous place to be, but also a very BLESSED place as well!!!
looking forward to our own private family observance of Hanukkah, in all these feasts and observances of Judaism, there's all kinds of impact levels, world, community, local body of believers, family and most importantly possibly, personal.. what He does, He does not only to all, but to each individual.. and the one is as important to Him as the other..
well... on my way out the door to do some private tutoring tonight.. be blessed, peeps!!!

Weekend!

Weekends.. Gotta love them! I have been trying to observe Shabbat in my own small way(no, I'm not Jewish).. I find there's a rhythm to doing this.. at first you can't believe you can spare a day to just basically do nothing that seems productive.. but I'm finding that I put a little more effort now into weekday stuff, and I just think, if I do this effectively enough, Shabbat can be quiet time, with a sense of completion.. I know there's things we can't avoid being committed to.. but hey, Jesus did say if the donkey fell into the hole, GO GET IT OUT, SILLY!! haha.. that's my version of that!

yesterday was tough, I guess this is the end of ignoring some problems, and the beginning of stepping in as a seasoned adult.. I hope! my oldest son is struggling with addictions.. well, he phoned me yesterday and we had an emotional phone call.. I tried to not get emotional but how do you not?? I hope I didn't scare him off, I think he got a lot of comfort out of it..

I've been really blessed to have a homeschooling group, it's been amazing, but I think a lot of the families are starting to transition their life for various reasons, bottom line.. I may not have a group next year possibly.. at least I will have to find other ways to do this.. in some ways it may be a blessing in disguise.. I have always been the only adult who can teach high school sciences and maths, and while this ensured that there would be a group there because the other parents needed my teaching help-- the drawback was always that it took more time than teaching my own would have.. at least it seems that way...

What I'm thinking about tonight..

I'm a little weary.. first of all, we might be facing bankruptcy--- at best, we've put forth a proposal to pay 25% of the debt load we carry.. our biggest creditor is a personal line of credit mostly.. oh my goodness, the day we were in filing our paperwork.. I stupidly scratched the door of the car next to us.. just opening my door.. I didn't fling it or get violent.. I still am shocked that I scratched the paint job!!! How does that happen???!? have to go to the city again in less than a week.. this time driving myself and my two daughters.. a 2:00pm appt.. that may take most of the day as it's a long drive.. part of something God is doing to make me step out could be.. but don't we hate those times when HE does that??
I find fear gets a hold of me quickly sometimes.. I think I'm facing some health issues that could severely limit how much I can physically care for my family.. it's a daunting prospect .. we're not very financially stable as it is.. it will take much of God's Power to take us through.. problem with fear is how it paralyzes you and takes your energy away.. and you feel powerless to get rid of it..
I made a connection with a small community based group that meets twice a month for fellowship on a Saturday night.. I am believing it will be a source of encouragement and a place I can share my faith and my journey..
December promises to be busy even though I am not a holiday type person AT ALL.. still there are obligations you can't ignore..
so all that to say.. I'm in the trenches for sure.. as are most of my readers.. and I still have a hope and faith and joy that is there even in the darkest of places.. take care peeps..

An Awesome Film Project in the Making

I have been following/supporting this producer's quest/vision/calling to produce a cutting-edge, word-for-word film version of the Gospel of john for at least 3 years.. the biggest drawback is funding since his intention is to let normal, everyday people find a place/role in this film's creation.. anyway this is a great interview about the film!!!

Bruce Marchiano - Creative Force Behind Jesus...No Greater Love

By Tracy McCarter

Bruce Marchiano is an actor, author and international speaker best known for his portrayal of Jesus as a man of joy and passion in the film, The Gospel According to Matthew. He is also the founder and president of Marchiano Ministries, a non-profit organization reaching out to people both spiritually and practically in the USA and across the world. Marchiano Ministries is principally focused on ministering to the needs of South Africa, where Marchiano frequently speaks, sponsors crusades, builds churches, has established a Bible School and provides entrepreneurial opportunities for the unemployed. Bruce is preparing to return to the screen as the creative force behind Jesus...No Greater Love, (see www.NewJesusMovie.com) a new word-for-word adaptation of the Gospel of John. God has given Marchiano a vision to make the gospel film that will reach the next generation-complete with awe-inspiring cinematography, cutting-edge special effects and a scope that stretches from "in the beginning" to the glorious reappearing of Jesus. Marchiano's portrayal of Jesus in The Gospel According to Matthew is just a glimpse of what Jesus...No Greater Love holds in store.

Q&A with Bruce Marchiano,

Creative Force behind Jesus...No Greater Love

Q: There are already several "Jesus movies" available, including The Gospel According to Matthew, in which you portrayed Jesus. Why make another one?

A: Several great Jesus films have been produced over the years, and God has used them for his glory. Our vision is to make this new Jesus movie for the next generation, one that will use all the new production techniques and cutting edge technology. This movie will feature breathtaking cinematography and CGI effects that will engage the next generation of audiences. But it's not just about creating a big budget version of the standard Jesus biopic. We long to reveal the Jesus of Scripture that has rarely, if ever been portrayed on film-passionate, joyful, full of purpose and Kingdom authority, the embodiment of manhood, Almighty God in human flesh. This is the Jesus that the world needs to know. We also want people from all nations and cultures, particularly Jews, to see themselves reflected in this film. Jesus...No Greater Love will be the most authentic film portrayal of Christ's Jewish nature and the culture of the time. It's about capturing the heart of Jesus and sharing it with the world through the most engaging and moving means possible-and always, always communicating the Scriptures with integrity. This movie will be as equally intriguing to American teenagers watching it on their iPods as to Indian orphans experiencing the story of Jesus for the first time. For more on this you can read about it on our website www.NewJesusMovie.com.

Q: How will Jesus...No Greater Love be different from other movies about the life of Christ?

A: There have been several good Jesus films, including The Gospel According to Matthew, produced by Christian moviemakers, businesses or mission organizations. The plot and dialogue for many of those films have been pieced together from a collection of snapshots from the different gospels and edited or embellished by a screenwriter. The Jesus of some Hollywood versions speaks words that are not in the Bible. Jesus...No Greater Love will follow the Gospel of John word for word. This is a particular cornerstone of the project because we know that the real power that brings people to salvation is in the word of God, not the clever film-making. Jesus...No Greater Love is not the first word-for-word adaptation of a gospel. But it will be the first to show the human life of Jesus in context with the whole of Scripture. Most Jesus films cover the three year period of ministry. The Passion of the Christ focused on the crucifixion. Jesus...No Greater Love starts at the beginning of time and finds its symbolic end in the last verses of Revelation. This is truly Jesus yesterday, today, and forever. More than that, we will actually be showing the action from Christ's kingdom perspective based on God's plan and character as revealed in Scripture. In essence, this is the gospel through the eyes of Jesus.

Q: Why did you choose the gospel of John?

A: John is unique among the gospels in several ways. While the other gospels start with genealogies, the birth of Christ or the ministry of John the Baptist (all very important things), John's gospel literally begins "in the beginning." John communicates a multi-level prophetic dynamic that goes beyond a man healing people and speaking in the temple courts and dying on a cross. There are layers of what John is conveying, and that has yet to be seen on film. We've seen a man preaching, healing people, dying on a cross and rising from the dead. What we haven't seen is the dimension of authority, the prophetic significance of what Jesus says and does or the many ways Jesus demonstrates He is I AM.

The bottom line is that this is just what the Lord has led me to do. Shortly after I felt this clear leading, two other "Jesus movies" came out back to back-The Passion of the Christ and another version of the gospel of John. I was bewildered. I asked God, "Why should I do this when others are already doing it?" He led me to a moment toward the end of John where Jesus has just prophesied to Peter about Peter's own death. Peter points out another disciple (probably John) and says to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus says to Peter, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow Me!" I decided not to worry about what others were doing or had done. God has demonstrated to me that this is the purpose for my life right now. Above all, I want to be obedient to His call.

You know the story. You know the ending. Now know the heart of the Man.

You can become a part of the movement to reach the next generation. Donations can be made at www.NewJesusMovie.com

November snow

I knew when I started I would tend to be very hit and miss with blogging, mostly this comes from a certainty that not much of what I type will really interest/entertain anyone.. haha I can get really honest, maybe a tad negative easily about my life. I don't usually suffer from vanity, usually the opposite.

Since I wrote last, we've gone through two months of homeschooling. I listed our interest in observing the Jewish feasts on my homeschool documentation that I fill out in September. I think she listed it under multicultural activities/studies. Homeschooling can be like that, it can take a family's pursuits and interests and turn them into academic fields of study, if you will.

I'm a woman of varied interests.. and I guess if I could use one quote that would define me, it would likely be something like "know thyself" or "to thine own self be true" haha cheesy for sure but at the same time I am not one who pretends easily or hides what I think very well.. not to say I'm obnoxious or rude.. at least I hope I'm not.. but at the same time I seem to need to bring everything to it's purest form..

Like everyone else.. I've heard about the shootings at Fort Hood.. I guess I'm like everyone else too in that I am highly curious about who this man is and what triggered this incident with him.. I categorically believe it was mostly motivated by his devotion to Islam, yet the whys and wherefores are a mystery to me.. anyone who shouts "Allah Akhbar" while shooting others leaves the rest of us in little doubt as to his intentions and basic motives.. and yet why now?? I am sure there are many on the base who will take time to thank the policewoman who took him down and possibly prevented a bigger bloodshed than what occurred..

take care peeps..

jewishobservations1

I'll start right out by stating I have no know Jewish roots.. and yet as a follower of Yeshua(Jesus), it is obvious he WAS a Jew and bible sources speak of his being in Jerusalem for feasts..iow he was recorded as not only a Jew but an observant Jew at that.. some of Jewish heritage will be offended by some of what I write but I hope they will give me leeway due to the fact I have supported Israel's statehood and right to peaceful self-government at the cost of friends and family's good opinion of myself..
A few days ago I watched with interest the proceedings at the UN.. as a Canadian I was very supportive of our foreign minister's decision to walk out before Mr. Ahminejad began to speak. My impression of Mr. Netyanyahu's speech is that it is one that will most likely go down as one of the great speeches of the modern age. He spoke as a seasoned statesman who has cogitated a great deal about the issues that were focal to this UN Assembly and I think he gave Israel a boost on the world stage. I am including a link to Robert Mackey's blog in the New York times.. it is quite insightful I think. .http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com

The Cross--the story of Arthur Blessit

I have tears in my eyes as I type this.. and I've had them on and off since about 8:30 or so this evening.. the cause? A movie with no credits, no big names, no scripted scenes..
The story of one man's life quest to fufill his life's calling.. the desire to literally carry a 12 foot cross into and across every nation, political division, island group.. wherever and however God made a way!!!!! I have seen the LOVE, I have SEEN God.. looking out at me from the eyes of this man!!!! God bless u all.. He LOVES YOU!!!!

Sept 23

I don't always have a lot to say so I'll say in advance this might be a fairly sporadic blog depending on a lot of factors. My main spheres of interest presently range from homeschooling to mild political activism to literature.. with lots of minispheres thrown in. I question a lot of the accuracy of the information fed to us by mainstream media, I guess I consider myself a media watchdog of a sort.. and a media missionary.. but mostly I'm just a mom trying to raise 5 kids on one income in a small town.. hope you'll check back now and again and leave me feedback.. I welcome questions in particular.. take care ..