tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300509432024-02-18T23:01:01.402-05:00Finding God at the MoviesJohn D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-49862068356997266092020-10-12T13:37:00.004-04:002020-10-12T13:37:42.533-04:00Every Vampire and Werewolf in the world . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUwZ6aCUoSeDIlylf2Xtgrs0_rQgGKMYgOu8wEIqmyrToU5nT_kIQkZo3wFMYZbsUKjxMltNCcGu9SojUneC3kmUKZS6uFfMyYhyphenhyphenQsWSXGgOjyZl9VHQ-Gc58V_pUd_f4-KX7/s500/Bella-Swan-Twilight-Kristen-Stewart-2-b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUwZ6aCUoSeDIlylf2Xtgrs0_rQgGKMYgOu8wEIqmyrToU5nT_kIQkZo3wFMYZbsUKjxMltNCcGu9SojUneC3kmUKZS6uFfMyYhyphenhyphenQsWSXGgOjyZl9VHQ-Gc58V_pUd_f4-KX7/s0/Bella-Swan-Twilight-Kristen-Stewart-2-b.jpg" /></a></div><p> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Every Vampire and Werewolf in the world was trying desperately to end this Baby's life before she ever saw the light of day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Which, first, says something about the mindset and inclination of anyone who would desire to harm any innocent Life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And, second, it says something about Hollywood movies and what audiences want to see on the Silver Screen.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the 3rd installment of the Twilight Trilogy written by Stephanie Meyer, <i>Breaking Dawn</i>, Edward Cullen and Bella Swan have married and they learn that they are expecting a baby. It seemed something that they shouldn't worry about - Edward is a Vampire and Bella is human. She can't possibly get pregnant - but she did.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Unplanned Parenthood among the Hollywood Elite doesn't seem to be met OFF screen in the same way that it is most often portrayed ON screen. Abortion must not sell tickets at the box office because most couples in the movies decide to HAVE the baby. Isn't that strange? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The death of Renesmee in this movie would have been a great tragedy and the series would have ended in a dark pall instead of a great, victorious battle. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nessie was viewed as abomination by the Vampires and the Werewolves were angered because the harm or death of Bella would break the Vampire/Werewolf Treaty that protected the human race.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Edward truly loved Bella, but if she carried the baby to term she most certainly would die.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Vampires were ready to start a war because of this birth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Only ONE thing to do, right?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No, Bella was determined to HAVE the baby.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And it turned out to be the right choice. It almost always is.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is just a fictional, fanciful story. An unreal story that might have been ruined nonetheless if the fictional baby's life had been prematurely ended. What great lengths the author, the producers, the director, and the actors went to in order to produce a happy ending in a make believe tale.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">REAL babies are worth that much effort, and more.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hollywood is Pro Choice -- and most often, for the sake of receipts -- it chooses LIFE. </span></p>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-6209144744425844242020-10-12T13:34:00.003-04:002020-10-12T13:36:08.660-04:00Judgment Day: Having a Baby<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQBC-aw6gDniUUeue9xFQgw9Xsw5EhFimwWh68wCkopzNVUE2cmbCcXPiZJfQLUuk8re-1EoaxLgyLFce-Buqcw06-JuCB53fNbGG4430F681vLWaLpBXEFBxI-_7g8D3q8gp/s1200/Sarah+ConnorNow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQBC-aw6gDniUUeue9xFQgw9Xsw5EhFimwWh68wCkopzNVUE2cmbCcXPiZJfQLUuk8re-1EoaxLgyLFce-Buqcw06-JuCB53fNbGG4430F681vLWaLpBXEFBxI-_7g8D3q8gp/s640/Sarah+ConnorNow.jpg" width="640" /></a></p> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Judgment Day is coming -- Not a great time to be having a baby.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Terminator.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Kyle Reece, the Father of the baby is dead.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sarah Connor is in the very worst way - soon to be a single parent.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Other Terminators will come to destroy her - her unborn and born child, John. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But he will be the Savior of the Human Race. The one who saves men, women, and children from Judgment Day when Terminators and Robots of their kind rule the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The name Jesus means "Savior" or "Salvation." Herod was willing to kill every baby in Judea to change the future - to change history. His plan was foiled, but a great price was paid.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">John Connor was posed as a fictional savior or a fictional sci-fi world. Another time when - against all odds and better judgment - Hollywood chose LIFE.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There has only and ever been one true Savior born into human history - but many John Connors have populated our story. They have written our books, solved our equations, grown and promoted our knowledge, spawned our inventions, found our cures, and built our societies.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Imagine all of the John and Joan Connors whose lives have been ended before they ever had a chance to bless us with their music, their dance. their art, their insight, and their innovation. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Judgment Day is coming.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Is it a bad time and difficult circumstances into which to bring an innocent child?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hollywood does not think so. And half a dozen sequels prove that. </span></p>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-76227223906304285942020-10-12T13:33:00.006-04:002020-10-12T13:35:28.756-04:00The Alienist: Stopping the Angel of Darkness at all Costs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1CaBfu64_fTwSUpJK68AU6eKi8KjTuBgB7Ft_sl3bLI_nRPxGUcYKiPZmikSpijUPXT3_hHmySWktvSza0k5hSJb6gAHp8xu7ZsQAe0hSltEsnVNSEblMYIhx47rWfGcHyNO/s1350/The+Alienist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1CaBfu64_fTwSUpJK68AU6eKi8KjTuBgB7Ft_sl3bLI_nRPxGUcYKiPZmikSpijUPXT3_hHmySWktvSza0k5hSJb6gAHp8xu7ZsQAe0hSltEsnVNSEblMYIhx47rWfGcHyNO/s640/The+Alienist.jpg" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Second Season of <i>The Alienist</i> has just concluded on TNT: <i>The Angel of Darkness</i>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eight episodes, starring Daniel Bruhl, Dakota Fanning, and Luke Evans. Ted Levine is excellent as the crooked Chief of Police.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the late 1800's what was to evolve into the modern Psychiatrist began as an Alienist. In this crime drama on TNT the protagonist (played by Bruhl) presents as a Forensic Pathologist or Criminologist.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The series is dark and surrounds the most horrid and gloomy subject matter - yet I am drawn to it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The second season is about saving innocent babies from an insane serial killer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Celebrities often take a political stand contrary to the preservation of innocence - but the scripts that they embrace and the parts that they play almost always Champion on the side of morality and the sanctity of human life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Dark Angel</i> is a sociopathic woman who is kidnapping and killing newborn babies -- and she must be stopped at all costs. The death of an infant is cast as the most atrocious of crimes and the killer is viewed with no sympathy or compassion - in spite of the circumstances that created her and shaped her psychosis.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">If a single-celled amoeba was discovered by a land rover on the surface of Mars - every paper, journal, and media avenue would proclaim that "LIFE" had been found on the Red Planet. Steps would be taken to protect and preserve that LIFE - and further exploration and colonization of the planet would be guided in careful recognition of and deference to this LIFE.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">But a multi-celled, complex organism with a heartbeat, respiration, and dynamic brain activity that exists in a woman's womb in the fetal stage is not considered "LIFE." This is scientific nonsense.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Infanticide IS a horrific act -- worthy of ANY crime or horror story presentation. But LIFE is LIFE, and the Angel of Darkness who preys on the born AND the unborn is a plague upon our society, our culture, and our humanity.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The poisoning of 5 or 6 children is fodder for a fantastic fictional crime story --- but the death of millions of innocents is hardly noticed.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-66362819693614813732020-10-12T13:32:00.005-04:002020-10-12T13:32:38.208-04:00Juno: Choosing Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVci4DXs_Yyr2IuYyQhWcak3B4xXbv_msDd4GjOmmNseELYFEW0c2UT9qHZjWDpcbQd-W8GfmEJZC3ylmb2qXt1YIZ48lDG8KjtDzezTWzvLPGmO1hACJQqA7Xef0oA_GeRW2u/s350/Juno.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVci4DXs_Yyr2IuYyQhWcak3B4xXbv_msDd4GjOmmNseELYFEW0c2UT9qHZjWDpcbQd-W8GfmEJZC3ylmb2qXt1YIZ48lDG8KjtDzezTWzvLPGmO1hACJQqA7Xef0oA_GeRW2u/s0/Juno.jpg" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Juno: A great little movie that you may have never seen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">A modern <i>coming of age</i> story about a 16 year old girl who decides to have sex to <i>get it out of the way</i> - and becomes pregnant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">2007. Starring Ellen Page in the title role. Michael Cera, Justin Bateman, and Jennifer Garner. This move launched Ellen's theatrical career.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The movie received unexpected accolades and critical acclaim. It even garnered decent box office receipts and has become a minor cult classic.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">But -- ever since its success, the producers, directors, and actors involved in the film have been denying vociferously that this is a Pro-Life Movie.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is only one great problem ("Methinks thou dost protest too much!") with their protests ---- THIS IS A GREAT PRO-LIFE MOVIE!!<span> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Juno has sex with her reluctant (though willing) boyfriend - one time (it happens all of the time in the movies!) and gets pregnant. She wants to get the Virginity thing out of the way and get on to other growing up experiences.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Her pregnancy is a personal disaster. It has the potential of ruining the rest of her life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">She actually goes to an abortion clinic - but while she is there, she changes her mind and decides to let the baby live. She will find suitable parents and give the child to them for adoption.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Her decision is not an informed one springing from information or understanding. It is not a social decision or a religious or spiritual decision. It is really not about the baby or about choosing life at all. There is no clear portrayal of her reasoning in the movie. She just chooses to have the baby.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lucky for the baby --- and lucky for everybody who was involved with this movie. If they had ended the pregnancy early in this story it would have never found any success or viewers at all. Hollywood always chooses the money --- and abortion does not entertain --- or sell product.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-49079718778703943702020-10-12T13:30:00.003-04:002020-10-12T13:30:58.961-04:00Alien Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwgnkLROIPBOXzGk5h3y6oCPknRCksRw862mvG5Zl_NgOlS_3Un8qQPO-XeVbkcA735hnEbwF10Grp6Y8IXlqFjcmoXKo9-LUw3puR0qjS4wsLU405pTZzzlLygxHVdnE5KAr/s384/Superman_Returns+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="260" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwgnkLROIPBOXzGk5h3y6oCPknRCksRw862mvG5Zl_NgOlS_3Un8qQPO-XeVbkcA735hnEbwF10Grp6Y8IXlqFjcmoXKo9-LUw3puR0qjS4wsLU405pTZzzlLygxHVdnE5KAr/w271-h400/Superman_Returns+%25281%2529.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">What if you discovered that you had an alien baby growing inside of you?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">Get RID of it! Right?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">But what if that Baby would be born Jason White --- and one day everyone would know him as SUPERBOY?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;"><span data-offset-key="4tclk-0-0"><span data-text="true">In the movie Superman Returns the title character (an alien from the planet Krypton) has been out in space and away from Earth for over 7 years. (Superman is played by Brandon Routh and Lois Lane is played by Kate Bosworth). He returns to his adopted planet to learn that Lois has borne their child. He is a Father. His son's name is Jason and he is being raised by Lois and his Step-Father</span></span><span data-offset-key="4tclk-1-0"><span data-text="true">.</span></span></span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">This is a fanciful and fictional story -- but once again Hollywood stands on the side of keeping the baby -- in the most horrific of circumstances.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">What if the baby that you are carrying -- from an unplanned or unexpected pregnancy -- is Superboy?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">Or Superman?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">Or Marie Curie?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">Or Albert Einstein?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">Or Martin Luther King, Jr.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">Or Mahatma Gandhi?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">or Jonas Salk?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: times;">This may seem like a nonsensical comparison or thought to you - but I believe that stories about life and birth are the best kinds of stories -- even if they're just stories.</span></div></div></span></span>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-2781220109973035822020-10-12T13:27:00.004-04:002020-10-12T13:41:25.272-04:00Maui: Thank you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSXtAEbFpkBP6xSrWnUePh19ZMzOqx0X-DOnDJI_tcGNaHeqFSA_x7Iy62pULQlKV4520TEGmGx9YZs7_0rgXuhjTD5KVEoCjBH6NSERfhqmPR_sjmROiAEesKSh3kkpeUoCc/s700/Maui.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="700" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSXtAEbFpkBP6xSrWnUePh19ZMzOqx0X-DOnDJI_tcGNaHeqFSA_x7Iy62pULQlKV4520TEGmGx9YZs7_0rgXuhjTD5KVEoCjBH6NSERfhqmPR_sjmROiAEesKSh3kkpeUoCc/w500-h300/Maui.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> I know that <i>Moana </i>is just a children's story from Disney.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have never been harmed or threatened by fictional or fantasy stories or even the beliefs of other people, other cultures, or religions different from my own.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I read them, I listen to them, I learn about them and I learn from them. This adventure of listening and learning has never lessened my own beliefs or faith, nor has it corrupted me in any way. These things tell me about what is important to people. What matters to them, what they hope in, what they believe in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Often (though it is rare in the world today) when I have listened to others, they have, in turn, listened to me. They have allowed me to tell them about what I believe, and why it matters to me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When Maui was at the very bottom of despair - he told Moana something that he had never told anyone.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He was not born a DemiGod - he was born to human parents. The main tattoo in the middle of his back is a picture of a woman, his mother, throwing him into the sea.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBewQcQrlLW7YLvIzq9xu8xD0qL-8kXbWM37tFVg4Q0HUaV0rbfqYwonfSKrW_lalnuJotmywda1uptnAYli6HsNPAInS4I8eiZ-XnHwO8f8OAz4RHfyxoUzkGlGa-3wrbvrH_/s1280/Maui%2527s+Parents1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1280" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBewQcQrlLW7YLvIzq9xu8xD0qL-8kXbWM37tFVg4Q0HUaV0rbfqYwonfSKrW_lalnuJotmywda1uptnAYli6HsNPAInS4I8eiZ-XnHwO8f8OAz4RHfyxoUzkGlGa-3wrbvrH_/w625-h263/Maui%2527s+Parents1.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The <i>gods</i> found him, accepted him, turned him into Maui, and gave him magical powers and a magical hook.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">But he went back to the humans - and spent his life trying to make them accept him, to appreciate him (<i>You're Welcome</i>), and to Love him. He says to Moana, "It was never enough."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTPqsLEc_DZ7ff8jDz4LmjRqiqSiu3phZOku1iSa96x6GX1zkyw45QvwLtEUnr6YW1KW5KR_kCoc7g1t90boOdKksj0qQgJ1T_qCOk5e6fmH1TeTQQkMcaUElxMTMq_o8zKqh/s1280/Maui%2527s+Parents2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1280" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTPqsLEc_DZ7ff8jDz4LmjRqiqSiu3phZOku1iSa96x6GX1zkyw45QvwLtEUnr6YW1KW5KR_kCoc7g1t90boOdKksj0qQgJ1T_qCOk5e6fmH1TeTQQkMcaUElxMTMq_o8zKqh/w625-h263/Maui%2527s+Parents2.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">The story of Maui - in the story of <i>Moana </i>- is a story of redemption, acceptance, and love.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">We don't know everyone's story - what they have faced or what they are searching for. But everyone deserves a chance at LIFE - It is the only chance we have to find LOVE.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9QMNfhVO6cNYlgP6Z3JSEU29n5YIepCBJvxHcHTX7m242b6hFPX3WGefrJ5OSNP-Qxc2poi2RkgeJLxDncigg_Ijdri33JNiSpwjcZt6E3cWUqOluUOxUGlW9NIQXCR0G0ka/s1280/Maui%2527s+Parents3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1280" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9QMNfhVO6cNYlgP6Z3JSEU29n5YIepCBJvxHcHTX7m242b6hFPX3WGefrJ5OSNP-Qxc2poi2RkgeJLxDncigg_Ijdri33JNiSpwjcZt6E3cWUqOluUOxUGlW9NIQXCR0G0ka/w500-h210/Maui%2527s+Parents3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">We sometimes throw people away.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have reasons for doing so. The reasons sound rational and reasonable. It sounds as if we have no other <i>choice</i>. No other way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGjttTh-aF68MUZbIsK2bOQ15jGK4aNGubH4QCRnw93CSu1LW5Je-qTacm2ycvs4VhQmiGPbaT1viU_aIwGEJqiVDl1f-fg1kmzra9pzvLlJozh8OXgYj1I-ZRW4zDGZGrUQV/s1280/Maui%2527s+Parents4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1280" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGjttTh-aF68MUZbIsK2bOQ15jGK4aNGubH4QCRnw93CSu1LW5Je-qTacm2ycvs4VhQmiGPbaT1viU_aIwGEJqiVDl1f-fg1kmzra9pzvLlJozh8OXgYj1I-ZRW4zDGZGrUQV/w500-h210/Maui%2527s+Parents4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">We must make a different choice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">We must find a different way.</span></div></div></div>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-51579456839038962502019-04-12T09:37:00.001-04:002019-04-12T09:40:49.364-04:00Moana: Paddle or Sail?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kXR6aFY64ZSG1S8uIVaOi6-Di-PLO6rp8tlEa6eQmQKsdlhOOHf59IuZzYRe7sekDQGRQCK1Wy-vU8w4JEqvy3QMdDIYXpPVGfFOaHTX3_AdKz01uNCOqrnVEDXau3LWs_B5/s1600/Moana+and+GrandMa.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="734" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kXR6aFY64ZSG1S8uIVaOi6-Di-PLO6rp8tlEa6eQmQKsdlhOOHf59IuZzYRe7sekDQGRQCK1Wy-vU8w4JEqvy3QMdDIYXpPVGfFOaHTX3_AdKz01uNCOqrnVEDXau3LWs_B5/s320/Moana+and+GrandMa.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNBQ80c072LW-449VqlZ3jvfzvJJaDzTWtNZYuE4eoFtaho84NBKZPWJThBo9EVt7WFFEVvfPM_mI7dBLsT63Chdd-fHKvSJeaKPBn4PJ3Ju2O302UdidGwzTLc7wteV42tgs/s1600/Moana+and+Paddle.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="571" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNBQ80c072LW-449VqlZ3jvfzvJJaDzTWtNZYuE4eoFtaho84NBKZPWJThBo9EVt7WFFEVvfPM_mI7dBLsT63Chdd-fHKvSJeaKPBn4PJ3Ju2O302UdidGwzTLc7wteV42tgs/s320/Moana+and+Paddle.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was mowing the grass yesterday and came into the house for a cool off and get-a-drink break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sat in front of the Television and turned it on to fill my head with something other than the roar of the mower engine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Disney movie, Moana, was running. Just about at the end of the story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This little Disney offering has become one of my favorites. I was late to join the audience -- I heard my Granddaughter, Avery singing "The Water Song" at Church one day and became thrilled by her singing, and so, went home to get caught up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, as I rested yesterday, watching the now familiar clip before me, I saw something new.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know if the writers or animators intended this message or not - but as you know - I'm <i>always </i>looking for God in the Movies. And I saw - and heard Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The scene that was playing when I plopped down to wipe sweat and sip on some Kool Aid was where Maui had deserted her, she was alone (except for the Chicken), the little boat was in tatters, she had failed, she was defeated, and more than discouraged - she was filled with despair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At that moment her Grand Mother's spirit made a special appearance to comfort and encourage her. She gave her Granddaughter permission to go Home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope that my children know that they can always come home. They are always welcome - and they will always be welcomed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But sometimes going home is not just a retreat - it is a surrender.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is giving up - quitting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">With permission - Moana decided to go home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is what I saw:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Moana left her Grand Mother's loving embrace - picked up her paddle and headed to the stern of her boat. She raised the oar and was about to place it into the water for the first stroke that would begin to take her back - and she hesitated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know exactly what Moana was thinking at that moment, but this is what came to MY mind: "If you go BACK, you're going to have to PADDLE --- if you go FORWARD -- you can SAIL."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now sailing is difficult, and we can sail into treacherous and dangerous waters, but sailing (it seems to me) is always more desirable than paddling! Going Forward is always better than going Backward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little Samoan girl chose to go forward. She put down her paddle, repaired her torn and tattered sails, sang "I Know Who I Am: I am Moana!" and went on to complete her quest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the Movies, God said to me - "Don't go backward - go forward: SAIL. My wind is with you. You can DO this." </span><br />
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-36988204621929964042017-12-04T13:28:00.002-05:002017-12-04T15:20:57.551-05:00Moana and the Truth: I know Who You Are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCQQY4h_Novc_zth7xT_UOEqj_72Dql01pUeGzgNJn2ZwcylvHF18Qt5-4ndYjGF1EsewOwvgqqsDHSiqlrHFSMcF7zEakBA6JXeNoz-7nt3SxTPeuBpy_4wasF0Pk7bzFcnk/s1600/Te+Ka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="750" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCQQY4h_Novc_zth7xT_UOEqj_72Dql01pUeGzgNJn2ZwcylvHF18Qt5-4ndYjGF1EsewOwvgqqsDHSiqlrHFSMcF7zEakBA6JXeNoz-7nt3SxTPeuBpy_4wasF0Pk7bzFcnk/s320/Te+Ka.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="st"><span class="f"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">"I am <i>Moana</i> of Motunui. You will board my boat, sail across the ocean, and restore the heart of Te Fiti."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">This is the prepared speech that Moana intends to deliver with confidence and force to the demi-god, Maui. And she does. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">And she IS Moana . . . but at this point in the movie our little Heroine is admirable and inspiring, but she hasn't really figured out Who she is.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">At the pinnacle of the film . . . all of her experiences and all that she has seen and learned sink in and add up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">After utter failure and complete defeat, she sings:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">Who am I?<br />I am a girl who loves my island<br />I'm the girl who loves the sea<br />It calls me<br />I am the daughter of the village chief<br />We are descended from voyagers<br />Who found their way across the world<br />They call me<br />I've delivered us to where we are<br />I have journeyed farther<br />I am everything I've learned and more<br />Still it calls me<br />And the call isn't out there at all, it's inside me<br />It's like the tide; always falling and rising<br />I will carry you here in my heart you'll remind me<br />That come what may<br />I know the way<br />I am Moana! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">And she IS Moana. She has finally realized who she is. She has finally become who she is. And that knowledge will be the key to completing her Quest.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">She courageously resumes her journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti so that her island and its people can be saved.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">But first she must destroy the monstrous Guardian, Te Ka.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">In the middle of a battle that she is losing, Moana see's through everything.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">"I know who YOU ARE!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">*Spoiler Alert!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">Do not read further if you have not seen the movie!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">Te Ka . . . is really Te Fiti.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cVkFCR6Kn2gGzDkyPOdxREUBaEYN4XK3Vau2Ndu0t6IcT7ixY9MwBBZBaaTnqFsRuq7pUn4zSqEP2eUzWi23G4ZThZS-cjYQXVH7bgH3tctn5Pmou0gFlwTN1tWHUBOGnH_q/s1600/Te+Ka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="750" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cVkFCR6Kn2gGzDkyPOdxREUBaEYN4XK3Vau2Ndu0t6IcT7ixY9MwBBZBaaTnqFsRuq7pUn4zSqEP2eUzWi23G4ZThZS-cjYQXVH7bgH3tctn5Pmou0gFlwTN1tWHUBOGnH_q/s320/Te+Ka.jpg" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cVkFCR6Kn2gGzDkyPOdxREUBaEYN4XK3Vau2Ndu0t6IcT7ixY9MwBBZBaaTnqFsRuq7pUn4zSqEP2eUzWi23G4ZThZS-cjYQXVH7bgH3tctn5Pmou0gFlwTN1tWHUBOGnH_q/s1600/Te+Ka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqKWF5WYWyXLP2KD1udRVZANRjGhG4PAl-TeSAJtoYUgI_oqflLUCgAsqlrAx2oD_M0mxdNEj9F2dwHR1xUDBrjUEXSHKg3IxWKjfov5TGCBxvDo5H91R7_TUy8KVWwOd0h-G/s320/Te+Fiti.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">When I find out Who I am . . . it can open the door that may enable me to know Who YOU ARE.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">Maybe you are NOT my enemy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">Maybe we DON'T have to fight.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">Maybe I don't have to destroy you, or you don't have to destroy me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">If someone is contrary to you or in opposition . . . maybe they are not just wicked, or evil, or cruel. Maybe something has happened to their heart, something of which you are unaware. Hurting people are often angry and violent people. And it may be that no one knows who they really are . . . they are misunderstood.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">Now, there IS Evil and Wickedness in the World, but we probably seldom face it. More often than not we need not slay the dragon or violently quench the fires of Te Ka.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">Withholding our blows long enough to find out who our foes really are . . . may be important. But we will never know until we first find out . . . Who WE ARE.</span></span><br />
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-23808235462146378092017-12-04T12:37:00.000-05:002017-12-04T12:49:21.675-05:00Moana and the TRUTH that makes you FREE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirApAxhKAqDfh9oOT-bhjAlXU8ZTU7RopSWcx53rE4t34rQ_Gh4vFk6geL_R1hm4cbM9nfwWNUhDklkFC-UfZn5y2BqiJYn5VwH1ggDitOd26H6DqKVZjlb6xPcw0QEx7eQqNj/s1600/Moana_Render_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1113" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirApAxhKAqDfh9oOT-bhjAlXU8ZTU7RopSWcx53rE4t34rQ_Gh4vFk6geL_R1hm4cbM9nfwWNUhDklkFC-UfZn5y2BqiJYn5VwH1ggDitOd26H6DqKVZjlb6xPcw0QEx7eQqNj/s320/Moana_Render_2.png" width="293" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In John 8:32 (in the fourth Gospel of the New Testament) Jesus said that The Truth would make us FREE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't believe that He meant that we would find ultimate Freedom and Liberation in information that is True, or facts that are True, or dogma and decrees that are True.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There ARE Truths in Doctrines, Teachings, Lessons, and Messages that can be inspirational and instructive. They can be life-changing and certainly liberating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are blessed if we discover words that are True in Advice, Counsel, and the Verbal Guidance of the Wise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You might find Truth or principles of Life that are True in a Sermon, or a Song, in a Book, or a Movie. But you will not find the TRUTH that Jesus was talking about directly from those sources.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the same Gospel Record (John 14:6), Jesus stated flatly that HE was the TRUTH.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may not choose to believe it or accept it . . . but Christians believe that knowing Jesus is the only thing that brings ultimate, eternal FREEDOM . . . and salvation. We believe that because that is what He taught us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The life that our Creator offers is not just for those who are most correct, those who adhere to the best knowledge, those who are the most Orthodox in their belief systems and Theologies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We would like to believe, and to be able to convince others that we are smarter than they are and that we alone have the real revealed information. We have insider information. We have feasted from the Tree of Knowledge and we have figured out all verity. The Facts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me tell you what I believe: It's not what you know - It's WHOM you know that matters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you finally get FREE from this world and you are to pass into the next - you will not be given an entrance exam to fill in the blanks correctly or check the right multiple choices. You will be asked for a password.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Jesus sent me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think that is true . . . HE is The TRUTH . . . and you will never get HIM or a working substitute for HIM from a book, or a song, a message, or a movie. </span></div>
<br />John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-36247669777747630492017-11-15T16:24:00.000-05:002017-12-05T08:23:34.021-05:00I am Moana and the Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeHGYW-W8JGQq7Z6I9UU7hCtAQmYw8OFPTKgV_jMaREVOuHeg62gHqUnSSQ1h4hQzNeLMwmKq74swdymq_nxdhYPnhLvwtxW1Fz5bItDRnPiiY8-i-lkTmw5UtqijAv93a03y/s1600/I+am+Moana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeHGYW-W8JGQq7Z6I9UU7hCtAQmYw8OFPTKgV_jMaREVOuHeg62gHqUnSSQ1h4hQzNeLMwmKq74swdymq_nxdhYPnhLvwtxW1Fz5bItDRnPiiY8-i-lkTmw5UtqijAv93a03y/s400/I+am+Moana.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I recently got a glimpse of God in another unusual, unexpected place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a little Disney movie named after the title character - a small Polynesian Island girl named Moana.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I call it a <i>little </i>movie because it is dwarfed in scope and popularity by a film like <i>Frozen</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story of the movie IS based on the cultural legends and stories of the Polynesian people . . . gods, demi-gods, magic, and mysticism. It has always been my belief that Christians need not fear a glimpse into the beliefs or lore of others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I argued openly many years ago in one of my seminary classes with one of my favorite professors: Dr. Reginald Barnard. He was a brilliant man who for some strange reason always chose to stand before his students and read from our textbook!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that he did this intentionally . . . and we figured out what he wanted us to do. He wanted us to interrupt him with a question or challenge him in a point of meaning or interpretation. If we didn't jump in and derail him . . . he would drone on . . . reading material that we had already read in preparation for the class.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong . . . HE was the author of our textbook . . . and its teachings were profound. (On the first day of the course, he told us that he had asked his son to read it and give an opinion. "Excellent work! Rather dry . . . isn't it?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But when Dr. Barnard went off script and spoke extemporaneously in response to our questions he took us on an intellectual journey!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was my turn to sidetrack him on a particular day. (Does all of this seem disrespectful or manipulative? Believe me . . . he was a co-conspirator!) He read from the text, "Truth is not the truth wherever you find it."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Doc, do you mean that if something is true . . . and the Mormons believe it . . . that it is not Truth?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Precisely. Truth is not the truth wherever you find it." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It seemed to me that if some statement or element of thought or expression was genuinely <i>true </i>. . . it didn't matter what kind of philosophy, doctrine, or belief system you dropped it into . . . it would carry the quality of <i>truth</i> along with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He disagreed eloquently . . . and we talked for fifteen or twenty minutes. I'm certain that Dr. Barnard substantiated his case and proved his point . . . but he didn't change my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Truth that I found in Moana was - Know Who You ARE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know yourself, accept yourself . . . but strive to be a better, bigger, wiser version of yourself without changing who you are. You ARE whom God has created you to be, but He always wants us to become MORE than we were when we started out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In Philippians 1:6 (in the Bible), the Apostle Paul declares, "I know that HE . . . Who began a good work in you . . . is going to continue to work . . . ."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are ALL a work in progress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like this placard:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You CAN be Batman, or Superman, or Spiderman, or Wonder Woman! Never settle for being just how you are right NOW.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grow. Expand. Experience. Learn. Go. Love. Launch. Fall down and get up. Run, jump, climb, fly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But none of that is ever possible at all . . . until you come to an understanding of Who You Are at the beginning of the journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then you must learn who you are becoming at each step of the journey. Stay in touch with your Creator, trace His map and feel the currents with your fingertips, and stay in touch with what He is recreating as you make yourself sail <i>beyond the reef</i> (a reference you can only understand if you have watched the movie). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe that this is True . . . even though you might just find it in a children's film!</span><br />
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<br />John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-53237793173204382142015-01-08T13:32:00.001-05:002015-01-08T13:33:30.389-05:00We're on a Mission from God<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everything in a Christian's life is relative to this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"We're on a mission from God."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Divine leadership, protection, direction, success, health, healing, strength, comfort, peace, and answered prayers. None of these things are available to the Christian Pilgrim unless he is on the path, in the groove, on the beam, in His Will, in the palm of His hand, on target . . . on mission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of it is available as it empowers us to be on mission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God has a plan . . . it is greater than me . . . and you. It is bigger than my plan, my plans, dreams, wishes, and desires. It is greater than any of us . . . it is greater than all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God has invited us to be a part of what He is doing . . . to be a part of his plan . . . He has a mission for us and THAT is all that matters. All of His Omnipotent power and Providence is at our disposal as long as we are on mission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can always rejoice (Philippians 4:4) when I am on mission-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have unexplainable peace (Philippians 4:7) when I am on mission-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God will be with me (Philippians 4:9) if I am with Him, on mission-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can only be content (Philippians 4:11) when I am on mission-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can do all things (Philippians 4:13) when I am on mission-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will always have all that I need (Philippians 4:19) when I am on mission-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I am following my own plan, my own way, my own desires - when I am doing what I myself think is right, doing my own thing, seeking my own selfish goals and interests. When pleasing ME is my goal --- making ME happy --- arranging the world around me the way that I want it . . . . . . no Heavenly power or promotion is available to me. When I am on MY mission I walk apart from God, I walk away from God, I walk without God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm on a mission from God . . . if Jake and Elwood see the value of that . . . then surely I can!</span></div>
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-55623240400683899192014-11-30T22:38:00.004-05:002014-11-30T22:45:58.528-05:00Happily Ever After<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A little girl came home from school, bursting with excitement and enthusiasm over the day's story time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Mommy, today Teacher read us the story of Sleeping Beauty! It was wonderful! The Evil Queen placed the young Princess under a terrible sleeping spell! And she slept for ever and ever until a handsome Prince came and kissed her awake!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"And Mommy, do you know what happened next?" the bubbling girl asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"They live happily ever after?" the Mother answered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"No, Mommy," replied the daughter, "They got MARRIED!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I guess there are many ways to tell this story.</span></div>
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John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-1578198271184871262014-11-28T12:48:00.003-05:002014-11-28T12:57:02.123-05:00True Love's Kiss<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Best scene in the move. A twist on the traditional solution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We seldom get the chance to revoke the curses that we have cast on others in our lives -- being kissed free from a curse cast on us by others is very, very rare -- love will do it where nothing else can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not magic -- reverse spells -- potions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is a strange and refreshing look at love in the Cinema these days. Maleficent places true love's kiss --- not the handsome Prince. Ana saves Elsa --- not the heroic fixer-upper. Romantic love is wonderful --- but we need so much more of all of us loving each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love to see redemption. Salvation. Rescue. Revokation of wrong. Undoing (Ctrl-Z). Redoing. Unmaking. Remaking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, Beastie.</span></div>
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-23974119246823955142014-11-27T09:58:00.002-05:002014-11-27T10:05:06.628-05:00Revoking our curses<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought that I had one more thought on <i>Maleficent </i>before departing (I've been rushing to <i>True Love's Kiss</i> and <i>Happily Ever After</i>, as everyone does!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, I keep coming back to another sad scene.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maleficent magically tucks her Goddaughter into bed and is moved to revoke the terrible curse that she has placed upon her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I have mentioned . . . my eyes are adjusted for a Christian world view and I'm looking for spiritual truth and divine self-revelation everywhere I go (even in the movies).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aurora's relationship (though at first in innocent ignorance) with the Evil Maleficent seems truly Christ-like. Jesus told His followers to <i>bless </i>those who <i>curse </i>them (Matthew 5:44). The young girl has certainly been a blessing to her malefactor. And that will be the key to unlocking this shackle in the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can we revoke our own curses? Can we undo the wrongs that we have committed against others? Can we atone for our sins? Can we redeem ourselves?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is very difficult in almost all cases, and certainly impossible in many. We can't turn back time, change the past, unring a bell, undo the action, or unsay the curse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the reasons that the claims of the New Testament concerning Jesus hold such promise to me, and many others, is the hope of redemption -- from me and my curses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Galatians 3:13 records, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse <i>for </i>us:" The curse of the <b>Law of God</b> is in the fact that I have never obeyed it myself, and then I have cursed many who have not obeyed <i>my </i>laws or submitted to <i>my </i>wishes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not magic. Magic doesn't work. It wasn't something magical, supernatural, or miraculous that Jesus did to purchase and pardon. He offered Himself in love for the cursed. And love . . . is the enemy of all curses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before <i>happily ever after</i> can be found, Maleficent must brokenheartedly discover that she cannot revoke her curse, she cannot negate it or remove it. She must meet its conditions. That is what she finally did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe that is what Jesus did on the cross.</span></div>
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-43396248500858689282014-11-23T22:17:00.000-05:002014-11-23T22:17:06.645-05:00Own Your Name<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is another examination of the <i>Evil Fairy</i> clip. Different observation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aurora has learned from her Aunts (her guardian fairys) that she lives under a curse that will soon crash down upon her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">She confronts her <i>Fairy Godmother</i> to confirm what she already knows. The curse was cast upon her by an "Evil Fairy." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"I can't remember her name . . . they said it was . . . . . . " </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Maleficent."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Malicious. Malefactor. Malfeasance. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Maleficent.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is not just a name. It is <i>her </i>name. It is who she is, or who she was when she cast the cursing spell. It is her reputation, her character, her deeds.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We all are born under a curse, and we all have to find a way out. Because of our own cursedness and what I believe is our natural bent away from goodness and God we all make mistakes. We commit regrettable acts. We intentionally or unintentionally hurt, harm, and destroy. It is the nature of all humanity. The Bible says that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If I am ever to find the way out from under my curse I must take personal responsibility for my life. I have to claim my name. I have to step up and own who I am. That's me. I'm the one.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Listen to this song by Becca Jackson:</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2p2rnhD5wGM" width="420"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The crime scene is still intact -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Those are my fingerprints -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My calling card -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Those are my tracks -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I got my hands tied behind my back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Never confess false accusations. Do not embrace the hateful aspersions of the mob, the throng, or the crowd. Never consent to wear a cloak of shame or defamation woven by those who only wish to defame, discredit, or disdain you. If you are like me, you will have enough genuine sin of your very own making to require your attention and confession.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But I must always be willing to say my name. Fill in the blank. Step up and own who I am. Take responsibility for me - what I have done that I shouldn't - or what I have not done that I should. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div>
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-75346734148779038012014-11-22T13:46:00.000-05:002014-11-22T13:50:28.989-05:00Is that you?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-KmK0XdntGk" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Is that you?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What we do defines who we are . . . from one moment to the next.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But what we have done, what has been done to us, what we have believed, what we have thought, or any one circumstance in our life need not be that which defines and determines who we are forever. (Is that you?)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our curses need not destroy us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The curses that have been placed upon us . . . <i>or </i>the curses that we have cast upon others . . . need not destroy us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At one time or another in our lives we have had evil perpetrated upon us (or we will). Aurora is going to have to find a way to be better than what was done to her. We are all cursed to one extent or another . . . and the ones who cursed us, hurt us, wounded us, or scarred us are seldom the ones who will remove what hangs over us. (It is a poignant scene in <i>Maleficent</i>, where the Evil Queen tries desperately to remove her wretched birthday gift, and fails).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Aurora finds rescue from her curse through the transformation of Maleficent. But this is a fairy tale -- and that rarely happens. If truth be told, the young princess actually finds freedom from her grief, her tears, her disappointment and hurt -- from within herself. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of the film, when Aurora awakes from her cursed dream, she smiles brightly, looks up into the face of the Evil Villain of this ancient fairy tale and says, "Hello, Godmother!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">That may or may not be who Maleficent is . . . but that is who Aurora is, and how she has decided she will proceed with her life.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Forgiveness is not a gift that one bestows undeservedly upon the perpetrator of evil . . . it is the healing balm that the wounded pour into their own heart. It does not matter most what effect the young girl's gracious attitude had upon the Curser, it matters most to the Cursed. Aurora's forgiveness might not save Maleficent, but it has certainly saved Aurora from the same kind of bitterness, regret, and pointless hatred that the Queen had chosen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Maleficent must find a way to become more than the Evil that she has created . . . more than the Evil that she has become. Because somewhere in her darkened heart that is not who she is, or who she ultimately wants to be. Who in their right mind would want to be like that? Is there anyone who wants to be despicable? Or despised? Or hated? Or feared? Or rejected?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">However, the Queen was not traveling under some imagined stigma placed upon her by a superstitious village or Kingdom. (That is not who we are). She was not branded unfairly by some ignorant social opinion. (When that happens, that is not who we are, either). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, we can become who others think that we are or want us to be, but we must choose to emulate the opinions of the proper accusers. In the end, Maleficent chose to finish that which was between her and the one who stole her wings and to nurture what an innocent heart chose to see in her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you cursed? Is that you?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you cursed others? Is that you? </span></div>
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-7443820196561787012014-11-21T12:12:00.000-05:002014-11-21T12:39:47.729-05:00Maleficent - "I know who you are."<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/S4ERUpmf3MI" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">No one really knows who you are.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ha! I don't even know who<i> I</i> am . . . how can I know who <i>you </i>are?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But, I know who I <i>want </i>to be . . . and I know who I want <i>you </i>to be. I think that I know what I can be, what I can become. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Perspective. Presupposition. Preconception. Yes, and maybe even a dose of the good kind of Prejudice (pre-judging). Making up your mind, deciding to think the best about yourself - cutting yourself some slack, giving yourself a chance, allowing for any good possibility. Deciding <i>before </i>the facts, <i>before </i>the evidence . . . sometimes in <i>spite </i>of the evidence . . . or the truth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thinking yourself into becoming.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That is what Maleficent had done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was not Stefan who created Maleficent. It was Maleficent.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sure, Stefan did every terrible thing that was necessary to make the Queen of the Moors Evil - but it was Maleficent herself that gave consent, that permitted herself to become dark, angry, and vengeful.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To become hard and hateful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are many in the world who want to make you, to create you, to form and shape you into something . . . someone . . . else.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But they cannot. Only you can. Only I can.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you accept that someone, something, or some event in your life has made you what you are, then that is what you will be. Or . . . you can be what you want to be . . . or the good that others want you to be, or need for you to be.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"I know who you are!" <br /><br />(Maleficent interprets accusation, blame, discovery of a blight. The uncovering or revelation of a failure, a flaw, and Evil.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Do you?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"You're my Fairy Godmother!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"What?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ha, ha, ha. Angelina portrays this shock and consternation so perfectly!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Aurora looked at Maleficent and saw what she could be, perhaps what she wanted to be. Aurora saw the Evil Queen as what she chose her to be.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know, this kind of mistake, this naivete, can be risky, even very dangerous. It places us in harms way with others. But there is a chance, a frightening chance, that we might be able to save someone from who they are . . . who they think they are . . . who others have made them to be.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to be saved like that . . . by people who love me. Or by people who don't know me! Ha! Let me start with a clean slate, at least . . . or give me the benefit of your error in judgment, or mine. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If I can see that I want this from others . . . then, I want to offer it to others.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know who you are.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You are worth knowing. You have value. Your life has meaning. You are important. You are someone that I can care about, someone that I can love.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You are someone that God has created. You are someone for whom Christ died. And even if you do not believe that or accept that -- I do. And that is the way that I want to treat you. I hope that you will believe and accept that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know who you think that you are --- you may have that rare view that the psychobabblers today call a good self image. Good for you! Clue me in on that, and let me be a part.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I do not know fully who others think that you are. You may be loved and cherished by many. Good, good, good for you! I would be honored if you would count me in that number.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you don't like who you are . . . let me give it a try.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If others don't like who they think you are . . . give me the chance to be contrary.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know who you are. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't be afraid.</span><br />
</div>
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-44276915009996653922014-11-11T13:23:00.000-05:002015-11-12T19:20:36.518-05:00Final Karate Lesson, and "Look eyes."<div align="left" style="font-family: georgia;">
Daniel's patience has
worn very thin by now --- if you are not completely familiar with the story of the movie, he is getting thrashed and
bullied on a regular schedule. Embarrassed in front of his new girl
friend -- humiliated in front of the whole school. And now he's being
duped and taken advantage of by someone that he thought was sincerely
offering to help him. Someone who would teach him how to defend himself.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7BpwdhAhep0" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">He
can't pretend any more. He's hurt and angry. He's disappointed and
disgusted. He's lost all respect for his benefactor. He thought that
providence had presented him with an advocate --- a Father figure --- a
fixer --- a friend.</span><br />
<div align="left" style="font-family: georgia;">
<br />
<div align="left">
He quits. He storms towards the door. He's done. Finished.</div>
<div align="left">
<br />
<div align="left">
But Mr. Miyagi will not let him leave. He has to put it together for Daniel. Look at this last clip.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DsLk6hVBE6Y" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Daniel assumed that all that he was doing was serving Mr. Miyagi. How demeaning. How belittling. How</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> humiliating.</span><br />
<div align="left" style="font-family: georgia;">
<br />
<div align="left">
Everything for the Master --- and nothing for the slave, the pupil, the student.<br />
<br />
Who could have seen? Who could have known that Daniel was learning Karate, and much, much more.<br />
<br />
He
was learning Karate --- and he was getting stronger --- and being
finely tuned and trained to grow and become a champion and most of all
he as gaining character and patience. He was not just being prepared to
beat someone up. He was being prepared for something more ---
something better and of greater consequence.</div>
<div align="left">
<br />
<div align="left">
<div align="left">
Is God teaching you? Are you Learning?</div>
<div align="left">
I know that He is teaching you. Are you learning anything? Are you aware of it?<br />
<br />
I mean the whole big picture, big lesson?<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
Don't
you wish that God would just beat all of your bullies, defeat all of
your foes? He can solve all your problems, resolve all of your
conflicts, answer all of your prayers. Heal all of your diseases. Why
doesn't He just do that?</div>
<div align="left">
<br />
Better yet . . . couldn't he just take you right to Heaven ---- right now?<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
The
Karate Kid is a heart-warming, inspiring movie. It is entertaining and
enjoyable but it also has a lesson for all of us. A moral.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
Do you want to know the message that I got from God while watching this movie?</div>
<div align="left">
He
said "Wax on, wax off. Sand my floors, paint my fence and my house.
Do whatever I ask you to do --- without hesitation and without doubt and
question." "Trust me." "Serve me."<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
"I have a plan for you --- it is my intention to do something good for you." (Jeremiah 29:11)<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
And
here are the words that clinch this lesson for me --- and show me how
to apply it --- how to live it -------- "Look eyes . . . . " "Always
look eyes."<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
God does want you to bow to Him ---- but the main thing is ----- always keep your eyes on Him. Always.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-24771948600463546032014-11-06T13:33:00.000-05:002015-11-12T19:15:37.909-05:00Paint'a Fence<div align="left" style="font-family: georgia;">
<div align="left">
<div align="left">
<div align="left">
Karate Lesson number three is "paint'a fence."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R37pbIySnjg" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Mr. Miyagi doesn't even have the decency to even show up for Karate Lesson number four --- "paint house."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Where do you play out? Give up? Quit? When do you decide that your life is filled with meaningless and trivial activities that seem to fill life?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">We felt that God had promised great things. World-changing things. Now we're painting a fence, or something less important or less productive. What is the point?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">What kind of game is God playing? Is He amused.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Our Karate lessons have no pretense at all anymore. We are really just being taken advantage of by God -- or worse still, being ignored.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Okay. Paint'a fence, but I'm just getting angry now.</span>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-80566882354854036332014-11-05T13:11:00.002-05:002015-11-12T19:13:51.377-05:00Lesson Two - Sanda Floor<div align="left" style="font-family: georgia;">
Karate Lesson number two seems to resemble sanding the floor of Mr. Miyagi's porch deck.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/__qOY9hcm64" width="420"></iframe> </div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">OK. So I'll "sand'a floor." Maybe we'll get to the real lesson after I get this chore done.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Serving God (or others) can seem like pure drudgery at times. That is why we are so often driven to selfishness. But, being all about me always makes me shrivel up, dry up, and often give up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">If you are working for The Man, or your boss, or your mate, or a friend . . . you may run out of gas and patience quickly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Paul the Apostle had a secret: "Whatever you have to do . . . do it with all of your heart -- as if you were doing it for God."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">If you are not a believer, that will not work for you . . . but it works for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Excuse me --- I have a floor to sand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-56040340018524129372014-11-03T10:46:00.001-05:002015-11-12T19:09:12.641-05:00Wax on, wax off.<span style="font-size: large;">A Lesson about the Ways and Workings of God<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Karate Kid</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />1984 by Delphi Films<br />Starring: Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi<br />and Ralph Macchio as Daniel Larusso<br /><br />The Karate Kid is a good family movie, though there is fighting, confrontation and conflict. There is some mild profanity but nothing outrageous. The lessons and morals of the movie are about discipline, friendship, respect, loyalty and perseverance.<br /><br />Daniel is a normal high school student being raised by a single Mom. He's being bullied by a pompous and arrogant classmate who is using his skills as a Karate student to reign terror on anyone who happens to catch his dislike. Daniel becomes a prime candidate for his cruelty.<br /><br />Perhaps if he learns Karate himself, he can protect himself. He gives it a try but all he does is make matters worse --- he finds himself in a dangerous predicament --- until rescue comes.<br /><br />Daniel is delivered from a beating at the hands of a Karate Class Gang from a new friend. An unassuming, small Japanese man named Mr. Miyagi. <br /><br /> Miyagi single-handedly whips the whole gang without really harming any of the bullies at all. He just embarrasses them. Those who have been only pretending at an art are shamed by a true Master.<br /><br />Daniel is surprised, grateful and relieved to know that he now knows someone who can teach him how to defend himself.<br /><br />With great reluctance, Mr. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel the ancient martial art of Karate that he learned from his own Father.<br /><br />Take a look at this first clip from the movie to see Daniel's first Karate Lesson.</span><br />
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really looks more like washing and waxing Mr. Miyagi's car than a
Karate Lesson. But Daniel is grateful to his deliverer and protector
and owes him something for what Mr. Miyagi has done for him ---- so, wax
on, wax off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it is difficult applying ourselves to the work of God or obeying the ways of God. Often it looks like we are wasting our time or doing menial things that make no difference. Does God give us chores just to keep us busy? Just to see if we will obey? Or is there always a method and meaning to God's madness?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The answers to those questions will not be immediately apparent as we do what God wants us to do. But, He has promised that He has something good in store for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Jeremiah 29:11 <br /> "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."</span>John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-68744110908255515362014-10-27T12:24:00.000-04:002015-11-12T19:35:45.127-05:00On the Right Flight<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Garland Green is a serial-killing, mass-murderer who joins the cast of characters (in the movie, Conair) just after the Convicts take over the plane. The cons, posing as security guards, are forced to make one stop in the midst of their getaway to pick up this additional prisoner. If they fail to make this stop their cover will be blown to early in their escape.<br /><br />Upon learning of this development Poe deadpans, "He's on the right flight."<br /><br />That's a very dramatic attempt to see something "right" in a very "wrong" scenario!!<br /><br />But sometimes with all the spin you can spin, all of the positive thinking, all of the optimism you can muster and looking for that silver lining behind that cloud there are just some situations that seem to be destined to be desolate and anything good.<br /><br />And when just one more bad thing is thrown onto the pile we're not really surprised.<br /><br />But here's a spoiler: good things do happen in this story . . . and it has a happy ending for our hero.<br /><br />Believer's in God have been prophetically given the promise of good things even in bad times . . . . and a happy ending. That is a part of our faith. A part of what we are asked to anchor ourselves to.<br /><br />When one bad thing after another is added to an already bad situation --- it doesn't necessarily mean that we are on the wrong flight. Not on the wrong path, or out of God's will.<br /><br />It is possible that, even though your life seems to have been high-jacked, you are on the right flight. You are exactly where God wants you to be.<br /><br />Hang on. Don't lose hope.</span><br />
<br />John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-45587197494269240902014-10-25T14:46:00.001-04:002015-11-12T19:38:04.790-05:00God Exists . . . When things are going to Hell<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can find God in the most unusual places. The movie Con Air is one of those places. If you've watched the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">movie,</span> you've seen that the film is violent and crude with lots of tension and melodrama. It's not a family film (a great deal of violence --- some adult situations and language) but it does portray some very good values in it's heroes.<br /><br />Though the question about the existence of God is not a central theme of the movie it is one of the threads in the story where God makes a direct appearance (so to speak). The other threads of godliness are found in friendship, loyalty, devotion, commitment and courage in the face of overwhelming odds and circumstances.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Synopsis of the Movie: </span>The name Con Air is a play on the airline named ComAir. The movie name refers to the fact that an airplane is being used to transport a group of dangerous criminals ("Cons" or "Convicts") by air to a high security prison facility.<br /><br />Most of the passengers (all in shackles) are violent, high-risk, high-security criminals. Only a few are your average run-of-the-mill convict. One in particular --- our protagonist, Cameron Poe --- is a very low-risk prisoner who has really already served his time and is on the flight only as a means of <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">transferring</span> him from where he served . . . . to freedom.<br /><br />But things go wrong almost immediately . . . the cons take over the plane . . . and the authorities are after them in hot pursuit to bring them down.<br /><br />Poe is caught between the violent criminals on board the plane and the Feds --- trying to survive so that he can be reunited with his wife and see his daughter for the first time while at the same time trying to save the lives of the prison guards and his best friend who is first in diabetic shock and then wounded by gunfire.<br /><br />It's complicated and moves fast --- but if you're paying attention you can see some very good qualities surfacing all through a very bad situation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold;">Con Air</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1997</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Touchstone Pictures</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Directed by Simon West</span><br />
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John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-13777064162760786642014-10-18T13:04:00.002-04:002014-10-31T17:10:56.196-04:00Great Compliment<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Best Compliment of My Life</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This scene starts out with Melvin saying, "I have a great compliment for you." This frightens Carol but she braces herself because she knows there's no stopping what's to follow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And what follows is one of the greatest compliments I have ever heard.<br /><br />It's a little complicated (like Melvin himself) and requires some setup and explanation. But it's worth it.<br /><br />"You make me want to be a better man."<br /><br />Nicholson's delivery and acting is superb as he fidgets and fumbles to say the lines as Melvin would. But what is priceless . . . perfection . . . and unforgettable . . . is the speechless changing expressions on Helen Hunt's face as Melvin's meaning dawns on her.<br /><br />Watch her face. The camera zooms ever so slightly. There are actually about 5 different phases to her expression. Her eyes glisten with tears and ungraspable emotion.<br /><br />I can watch it (and I have) over and over again. It always touches me.<br /><br />"And the winner of the award for best female actress in a leading role is: Helen Hunt!"<br /><br />She has my vote.<br /><br />When Melvin says, "You make me . . ." Carol knows that he is describing something that is coming from a different place than all of the other voices and demons that he is a slave to every moment of his life.<br /><br />He's not talking about a compulsion . . . he's not obsessed with her . . . he loves her. And what is coming from him now is something that he genuinely wants to give to Carol.<br /><br />He's saying, "You inspire me," "You stir me," "You lift me up," "You empower me."<br /><br />Is there anyone or anything in your life that makes you want to be a better man, a better woman?<br /><br />This is what puts every thing that I "hate" (I'm using the word "hate" here) or every thing that I don't like or every thing that I wish was different in my life or in the the world in general a proper perspective.<br /><br />I can do it, I can bear it, I can withstand it, I can surpass it. Because those very things -- my troubles, trials, and tribulations . . . have the greatest possibility of making me a better man.<br /><br />And I want that.<br /><br />OK. Here I go . . . . Lord, I want to offer you praise. You make me want to be a better man.<br /><br /> Give someone a great compliment today.</span></div>
John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30050943.post-67208131183946151882014-10-17T14:28:00.001-04:002014-10-17T14:33:41.503-04:00There is no spoon.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know how metaphysical you are, but for me . . . I get tired of <i>reality </i>and all of its limitations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To <i>realize </i>the truth (make the truth <i>real</i>) you have to edge off into some deep water, get out of your comfort zone, and let your mind think outside the box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even farther than outside the box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There <i>is </i>no box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There <i>is </i>no spoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe that it has always and ever been true that we cannot bend the spoon. That would be impossible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only thing in God's universe that He has given me the power to bend is me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">YOU are not my problem. You are not my obstacle. You are not my hope. You are not my source. You are not the key to my success or failure. You are not the center of my life. I value what you think of me, but ultimately it does not matter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You and many others wish me well . . . or ill. But that does not matter in the scheme of all things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I furrow my brow, clench my fists and my teeth. I focus and concentrate . . . spending day after day after day aiming the force of my entire being staring with laser attention at spoon, after spoon, after spoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take another look at happy people. At contented people. At successful people. At the people that you admire for their peace, calm, and state of being. They are not spoon-bending . . . nor are they trying to bend you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have discovered people who know the truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We cannot change, order, manipulate, or bend others. We can only bend ourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is no spoon.</span></div>
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John D. Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17661031023211164094noreply@blogger.com0