MOVIES: Last month in our gatherings in The RIv- we examined the gospel in movies. This isn't new for me and the family. There have been many great nights where we talk about redemption, love, grace, mercy and life after a good movie. During that particular series we looked at the Movies: Juno, Lars and the Real Girl, Finding Nemo, and Stranger than fiction. I don't watch a lot of movies these past few years (Not nearly as many as i used to). But I find myself digging much more deeper into moves in my thoughts. Even movies like "Knocked up". As funny as that movie is, there are still relatable thems in it. The pain of so many who find themselves wasting through life, and those who find themselves living the lyrics of the Talking Heads song Once in a life time (http://artists.letssingit.com/talking-heads-lyrics-once-in-a-lifetime-ndsmhbh). It's simply beautiful how movies capture real life dialogue in humoruous anecdotes. There's more to life than waking up, going to work, watching tv, sex- there's more to life. Watching movies, sometimes, helps reminds us of this. It's shows us that sometimes the story we find ourselves in is more beautiful than we realize. So, as I watch movies these days, I find myself lost in the story-only to find myself there. And so- I laugh better, cry harder, and love more tenderly, because even movies expose the 'word of life' (1 John 1:1-3). Here's my encouragement to you (and me)- grab some loved ones, a good movie (I'd suggest of the above, or Reign on Me.........great movie), some popcorn and snickerdoodle cookies- turn the lights out, watch a great movie. Laugh, cry, ponder-then talk about how GOd God is, and often in and through HIs people- then hug your friends. And for my married friends, well =get some good Moscato (preferbly Bartenura) and continue the magic:). What's your latest great movie? Some of my favorite scenes: Stranger than Fiction: The Cookie scene- such a great conversation. And also the scene where Karen (the writer/narrator) tells the lit proff (Dustin Hoffman) she can't kill Harold. Juno- when Juno asks her dad if people stay in love. I may or may not have cried. (Saw it w/ my teen daughter in theatre the first time) Lars and The Real Girl- so many to choose from, but when Lars revives the teddy bear, it was such an awakening! Reign on Me- apparently turning 37 has opened the flood gates of tears, but when Charlie (Adam Sandler) tells Alan (Don Cheedle) about his wife and children, what they were like, before they were killed in 9/11- man the tears were flowing. Great movie, just saw it last night. What are some of your favorite scenes?