Thursday, November 11, 2010

Tangled Unwound


Our family recently had the privilege of pre-screening the new Disney Movie Tangled in 3D. While I had heard the Rapunzel story as a child growing up, I honestly couldn't remember much about it except that there was a girl with long hair and a witch who held her captive. As the storyline of Tangled unfolded, I knew almost immediately that the writers had added a great deal of back story to the tale. It added a new dimension to Rapunzel and her very VERY long hair. The characters had a lot of personality and I found myself being drawn in very quickly. There were many entertaining characters, especially in one scene in which Rapunzel and her "guide", Flynn Rider, are checking out a local "diner". The climax of the story was full of emotion and excitement. I honestly felt myself getting teary and rooting for the "good guys". In the end, the resolution was fairy tale-ish, yet full of fun.
Besides the engaging story line, I was most drawn to the animation itself. There were many times, the things on the screen seemed so "real". I am not one for spending a lot at the theater, but I have to say of all the movies I have seen in 3D, this would be far worth the extra spent. Overall, I was very impressed with Tangled. Even our 11 year old son said he enjoyed it (though he will be sure not to admit that to anyone at school). If you are considering taking your kids, I would say "GO FOR IT!".

In case you haven't seen the trailer check it out:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4017854745/

Monday, November 01, 2010

I Still Believe

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Job 1:21

When I read the book of Job, I am amazed that he made it through his situation alive. The guy lost his source of wealth (herds, flocks, camels and servants), experienced the loss of not one but ALL of his children, became struck with sores all over his body and then was surrounded by his wife and friends who could only continue to question why God would allow this to happen to him. In today's world, he would have been given loads of antidepressant medications, round-the-clock counseling and locked up in a hospital room for observation. We probably wouldn't expect a very good outcome. Instead, Job somehow holds onto his faith in God and in the end, is blessed beyond measure. His faith seems almost unattainable.

While I was in Pittsburgh, for the Seminars 4 Worship conference, one of the many things I walked away with was the song "We Still Believe" that Kathryn Scott shared with us. It reminded me not only of Job and his plight but of all the times, I have had to stand firm in my faith even when it seemed God wasn't there. The words of that song are the symbol of all of us who have suffered loss, those who have experienced God's blessings, and those who are still waiting for an answer. They are the cry of one body of believers all confirming that no matter situation we are in, we still believe that God is Good and Faithful. No matter what I have to yet face in life, I know that God is powerful enough to move but even more wise to know when not to. I pray that where ever you are in your journey, you will one day be moved to sing out these words in faith and surrender.

We Still Believe

From the thankful heart to the battle-scarred
From the comforted to those who grieve
From the mountaintop to the empty cup
From the waiting to those who have received
We cry out as one

We still believe
We still believe
We're still surrendering our hearts
Your faithfulness is our reward

We still believe
We still believe
And though the journey has been hard
We will confess your goodness, God
We still believe

From the reborn hope to the weary soul
From the quest for truth to those who seek
From the soaring wings to the shattered dream
From the broken to those who have been healed
We cry out as one

We still believe
We still believe
We're still surrendering our hearts
Your faithfulness is our reward

We still believe
We still believe
And though the journey has been hard
We will confess your goodness, God
We still believe



Through the fire, through the pain
We offer you our yes again

Through the fire, through the pain
We offer you our yes again

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