Movies I Saw

Today I went to Blockbuster and held in my hands at least four movies that I wanted to see. I was actually surprised that there was such a bounty to choose from. Usually I can wander the walls of Blockbuster for an hour without finding anything particularly interesting, then succumb to venturing down the aisles of “old” movies, eventually renting “Airplane,” or some other lame movie you once heard was “a classic,” and end up regretting ever even suggesting Blockbuster in the first place because of all the time (and now money) you’ve wasted on the whole thing.

But today was different, and I suspect it’s my rampant Movie Trailer watching that has enabled me to make such an educated decision on so much of what’s out there now.

Together, my dear friend/movie buddy Hannah & I settled on Penelope, and Son of Rambow (two movies I’ve had on previous lists of “Movies to See”).  We watched them both. When we tried to take a break after the first one, we soon realized there was nothing else to do. It was a rainy Saturday well spent.

My Review:

Two thumbs up, way up. I loved how Penelope wasn’t conventional. It’s “ugly-curse” wasn’t like Beauty and the Beast or Shrek. There wasn’t that oh-so-familiar betrayal that comes when the girl realizes the guy had ulterior motives for dating her… (I’m not giving anything away, it’s just that I was predicting that and it didn’t happen). Oh, and there was a little person in it. Short person. Midget. Who was a great actor. That brought me great joy.

Son of Rambow made me cry at the end, and laugh a lot. These little boys were adorable, and hilarious, and great actors. The storyline was quite original, too. I think I should buy this one. There was quite a bit of swearing, but when it’s coming out of the mouth of troubled kids I feel like it’s forgivable. I’m not sure it’d appeal to kids, though, unlike Penelope, which definitely had a great message for young girls.

Other movies to see (many of which are at Blockbuster):

Wall E

Hancock

Get Smart

Kung Fu Panda

Ironman

The History Boys

THe “Jaff” (the Fall)

Dr. Seuss Horton Hears a Who

Son of Rambow ***looks so gooooooood***

Be Kind Rewind

Penelope

The Last Mimzy (? maybe? is it lame? I dunno…looked interesting…)

Early

This is a good list of ten reasons why I want to try to wake up earlier more often.

Here’s my version of his top ten; slightly edited to be less buddhist, more Christian.

1. Greet the Day. I suggest you don’t burst into your children’s room each new schoolday singing “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it,” because it really makes them resentful of an otherwise great proverbial phrase (it’s actually a psalm). Try meditating on this one, a great reminder that if you’re awake (or alive, for that matter), it’s because God has a purpose for you:

“I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” Psalm 3:5b

2. Amazing Start. In my experience, most people, when giving advice on how to have a consistent, disciplined devotional life of reading your Bible, journalling, and praying, suggest you do it in the morning.

Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Sounds like a good way to start, eh?

3. Quietude. Sometimes, you just gotta get away, clear your head, and remember what is most important: your relationship with God.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

4. Sunrise.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.The skies display his craftsmanship.

5. Breakfast. Do you know there are people that say grace for their breakfast? And lunch? It’s actually a really great idea to use mealtime as a reminder to pray and be thankful. There are many times when I sit down to eat and realize I haven’t been communing with God at all up to that point, and it feels awkward to say words of “grace” when you’ve just been slaving over a hot stove and you feel kinda bitter, but seriously, any prayer is good prayer – it reminds me that God is here, and that’s what’s important.

6. Exercise. My sister-in-law once said she believed people get their life in order in two ways; either with religion, or exercise. I’ve noticed there to be some truth in that.

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Tim 4:8

There’s also a verse somewhere about how it’s good to be strong, so that you can help others physically, but I can’t find it. Basically, don’t be legalistic so you feel guilty when you don’t do it, don’t make a training schedule so rigorous that you’re “no earthly good,” so to speak, but still look after you body. It’s the temple of the Holy Spirit, prepare to do stuff with it, like live long, and work hard. Paul has a great perspective on this:

“If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.” (emphasis added). Read Philippians 1:21-26.

7. Productivity. Meh.

8. Goals. I think one of the things that gets in the way of my goals, honestly, is sleep. I sleep in a lot; in part due to lack of exercise, in part due to illness, in part due to depression, in part due to laziness – and they’re all interconnected.

9. Commute. Meh.

10. Appointments. If I were to change this point to something more relevant, I would say: “Keeping things in perspective.”

When you start off the day with God, and remember that He is with you, and that he will deliver you through the hard times, hopefully, you’ll be less inclined to worry. Trust him before the first blip on your radar even appears.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. – Matt. 6:31-34

Receiving Lines

What’s the point?

If you wedding is small enough, you’ll see everyone at the reception. If your wedding is big, they take too long. AND what’s with people shaking the hands of everyone in the wedding party? Unnecessary, and awkward.

In Preparation of Having “Stuff”

Some questions about your stuff:

• Describe your style. Do you prefer a casual or a traditional look? Modern, contemporary, or country?

The difference between modern and contemporary, I’m going to assume, is that Modern is that sort of artsy ‘out-there’ style that is trying to be cutting edge, or at least sleek, sophisticated. Contemporary, I assume, is what is presently in fashion. Country is cottagey.

I’m likely contemporary, because I love IKEA, but I also value long-lasting quality, functionality, and personality/art/unique stuff.

• Do you have all your major appliances? Do you require any furniture pieces?

A bed and a couch would be nice. Actually, now that I think about it, the only thing we don’t need is bookshelves. A desk, kitchen table and chairs, those are some big items.

Edit 09/29: I have a dijon-mustard yellow corduroy (yes, corduroy) chair and loveseat. Still need a couch, I suppose.

• Have you decided on a colour scheme for you home? If yes, what is it?

Who needs a colour scheme for their home? Pish posh. That sounds so monochrome.

• Do you plan to do a lot of entertaining? Formal or casual?

YES! Not so much “entertaining” as “hosting.” I’d love if our home could always be open to friends, and new people. A place of ministry, where we can serve others. Casually.

• How many people are you most likely to have over for a dinner or family gathering?

Good question! Anywhere from 5 to 8, I think.

• Will you be registering for formal china, crystal and silverware?

I don’t know. Probably not the kind grandma would have – the special stuff that can feed twenty at a Christmas dinner – but possibly some silverware. My friend Sarah Kirk has silverware that she uses every day. Apparently it lasts long, and all that good stuff.

• Do you enjoy cooking?

YES!

• Do you and your fiancé(e) travel? Will you require luggage?

We plan to travel, but not often. I could probably do with a good rolly carryon luggage thing from Heys.

Free Music

from Urban Outfitters.

Stickin’ to the Stereotypes

I passed an older black man today who was listening to some music. Guess what it was? Yes. It was jazz.

Cooking with Philly

This recipe sounds good, and I have all the ingredients, save for chicken. So I’m going to go pick some up tomorrow after work, bust out the blender and my basil plant (which has flowered?!) and whip some up!

Creamy Basil & Red Pepper Pasta

• 2 cups whole wheat penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 jar (300 g) roasted red peppers, well drained
• 125 (1/2 of 250-g tub) PHILADELPHIA Light Cream Cheese Spread
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup fresh basilleaves
• 2 Tbsp. KRAFT 100% Light Parmesan Grated Cheese
• 1 lb. (500 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

Cook pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, place peppers, cream cheese spread, milk, basil and Parmesan cheese in blender; cover. Blend until smooth; set aside.

Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook on medium-high heat 3 min., stirring frequently. Stir in pepper mixture. Reduce heat to medium; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring frequently.

Drain pasta. Add to chicken mixture; stir gently until well blended.

Edit (September 26): Well, I made it last night! Quite good, I must save. Very flavourful. I wouldn’t add a whole half-cup of fresh basil. It was basilly enough with just the 15 or so small leaves I pulled off my plant and stuck in there.

Worry

You know when the BIble says, “don’t worry,” and you’re like, “yea, man, I got that one down,” but you don’t.

Or when you hear people say things like, “don’t stress out about your wedding. it shouldn’t be stressful,” and you say, “I’m so on board with that!” But really, you can’t help but fear for the future?

Even after the thousands of words and prayers over the last few days, the epiphany, you could say, that I had, I find myself sitting here, worrying about the future.

Asking myself, “What will I do? What do I want?”

And I have to tell myself: I want God. God has a plan and it’s good. I want what He has in store for me. I have to trust Him.

It really is a re-education, a complete change in the way I think. They say “repent” actually means a change of mind.

As much of a mental exercise it is to tell myself what I already know, and remind myself of what I believe, it’s a lot better than letting myself practically go out of my mind with worrying about a future I cannot predict.

This verse has come to mind a lot lately:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 3:5-6 It was my grandfather’s favourite verse.

Job 42:3

Picked up the Bible again. First time in almost two weeks. Read Job chapters 2, 3, and then 38 to the end. It was humbling. It was what I needed.

“I don’t really know what kind of girl I am”

Who are you? Tell me about yourself.

(answered as if talking to a stranger on a bus)

I am a Christian, first and foremost. Jesus is my first love. He created me with a penchant for creative works. I sew, I paint (not well), but mainly, I graphic design. Self-taught, you could say. I have an eye for photography. I made a quilt once, as an act of love to my now-fiancé. I like to sing but I’m not real good at it, same with the piano, but at my heart I love worshipping my God, whatever that looks like. I’m kind of charismatic, in that, I love to raise my hands, dance and sing. God is good! And I want the whole world to know. Because of where I was raised I have an advanced cultural-awareness, and I’ve traveled the world (well, two countries) on missions trips. I hope to continue that, and until I’m called again to go, I work for a missions organization, doing graphic design. I also support some missionaries. I really believe in the work of missionaries on university campuses and in high schools. I also try to live an integrated life, so to speak, so I try to make sure my finances, my cooking, my entertainment, and my home, all reflect my belief of who God is. I am generous, I enjoy the things God has blessed this earth with (food! Art! Music! Fun!) but I’m also one to appreciate a good fast, retreat, or silent moment – to connect one-on-one with my God. God has been really good to me in my life, and I don’t just mean that in the health and money sense, although that’s true. He has shown his goodness in the most meaningful ways, that is, relationship. I know what it means to be loved, and by his grace, I have learned to love in return. I have been forgiven much by God when His Son came and died on the cross for all our sins. I accepted Jesus’ offer of forgiveness when I was 12 years old. This coming January will be my 10 year anniversary of knowing God and walking with Him. It’s been one heck of a journey. I’m still learning what it means to be forgiven, and living with that reality. I’m far from perfect but I am made Holy by my God, which means that I have been set apart, and I am now for special use for the Glory of God, and He has a plan for me. It means that God and I now live in relationship, and I am learning day by day what it means to trust Him with everything, and obey His commands.

So why have you been so unhappy lately?

I have been unhappy lately because I had begun to define my life according to what I did, according to the titles I held, according to the people I hung out with. I was looking at the world around me and wondering how it served me, and feared how it would fail me. Of course, the world is broken, and in fact, was never designed to satisfy my desire for purpose and meaning in my life. I could create a checklist of things I wanted to do, people to know, or achievements to acquire, but I realize that I’ve already done quite a few things on past lists I’ve had and I am not satisfied. God alone is good, and I need to stop looking around me – instead of up – for that perfect goodness I crave.

(the course of the discussion shifts)

Work as if you are working for the Lord.

That’s all I do! “Work for the Lord.” Of course, lately I haven’t had the mindset that what I’m doing is actually for God.

But then, where have the fruits of my labours been?

Well, the only everlasting fruit is spiritual, and that, my friend, is not something that just manifests itself easily. The truth is God is working, and He’s working through you. It may have been behind the scenes for the last while, but you must remember some of the promises of God – few people got to see their fruition within their lifetime. It can feel very unsatisfying when you feel like you’re grinding yourself down to no end, but may the joy of the Lord be your strength, as you remember that He has saved You for His glorious purposes, and that He is redeeming the world, and chose you through which to work. If you just had yourself to rely on, you wouldn’t accomplish very much in this life, but if you have the will of God as your guide, you will do more than you could ever ask or imagine. Ask God to use you, and being a willing and humble servant. And remember whatever it is, you can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you.

It seems to me like you’ve been acting lately like God has left you strung out on a line, left to fend for yourself. You don’t know what to do or where to go because you’ve stopped looking to Him. You don’t feel His heart for the kids, so you don’t know how you can love them. You don’t work for Him at work, so you lack purpose in your job. And you have been so hurt by your parents without any comfort or love to replenish you from your Heavenly Father that you feel like withdrawing from everything.

The feeling that God has forsaken you is a real one – Jesus himself knew it in his dying moments – but it’s just that, a feeling. The truth is God has never left you, He is with you always.  Return to Him, open your Bible, and don’t listen any longer to those voices that say, “You won’t find anything there.” The truth is, you’ve tried it on your own, you’ve tried plugging along without His help, His direction, or His purpose, and you haven’t been able to establish anything of worth by yourself. I think that’s a good thing. To have goals apart from God is fruitless indeed. It’s not that any of those things you want are necessarily bad, but they are empty without Him. If you could speak in the tongues of men and of angels but had not love, you would be like a clanging gong, or clashing symbol.

When God created you, he made you distinct; you were in His image, but you were your own person. So you could do what you wanted, but you could also choose to do what God wanted. Remember? That perfect relationship where He was completely trustworthy and you trusted Him. That’s what we’re talking about here, really. Do you believe you are given choice in this world? Yes. Do you believe that God has a plan for you? Yes. Do you trust Him? Yes. Well then, if you find yourself at the tree and the serpent is making you doubt what you once heard from God about what He wants you to do, don’t doubt God – obey Him. Sure, God isn’t stepping in right now, and saying, “Whoa, there, Evey, that’s not what I said.” He’s not going to correct you when you misquote Him, to ensure you completely understand, yet He has given you all the information you need to make the right decision. The decisions that you’ve felt you need to make lately aren’t so much crossroads as detours, where you doubt the original course. The truth is, nothing has changed. God wants you at Parkway, like He said He did six months ago. God wants you at Inter-Varsity, until further notice. Just because you don’t know how this stage in your life will change, get better, end, progress, doesn’t mean that it won’t. You have to trust in your God, even when He’s silent, and has left you to figure this one out on your own. The truth is you already have all the knowledge of Good and Evil you need, you just have to choose not to go off depending on your own understanding, expect to play God, who knows it all.

(The bus stopped, or the stranger stopped talking. I asked for a word, a conclusion, and here’s what I got:

content 1 |kənˈtent| adjective
in a state of peaceful happiness : she seemed more content, less bitter.
• satisfied with a certain level of achievement, good fortune, etc., and not wishing for more)

The above was the last 1,300 words of 5,300 that I wrote today in an attempt to answer the question, “Who am I and who do I want to be?” I don’t know how it suddenly started to flow like this, or how I was able to address myself so lucidly (ahem, Holy Spirit, was that you?) but before this, I admitted, in the words of Juno, and in contradiction to a comment I made to Jon the other day, “I don’t really know what kind of girl I am.”