Dec. 17, 2009 - It's a Wonderful Life
Briana has been in the musical version of It's a Wonderful Life for the past month. It closes this Sunday, and we're going over to see it again.
George Bailey contemplating jumping off the bridge~
"I'm worth more dead than alive."
Briana on the right talking to Ernie and Bert while the
main scene if playing out somewhere else on stage~
"I'm On My Way"~
Mr. Potter (in the wheel chair)~ played by Troy, the guy that Briana has been courting the last 7 months.
"Syncopation Rog" ~ high energy dance!
George and Mary's wedding~
Run on the bank. Briana is the one who looks like she's about to knock him
upside his head!
Briana got to play Elsie, Sam Wainwright's wife from New York. She got to talk with a heavy NY accent (think the old movies). .......with a southern twang. ; ) She's in the middle with the hat.
"Sam's going to take me around the world!"
I had to throw this picture in even though it's not a very good one. : ) This is a song when George's brother, Harry, comes home a war hero. Briana and Bob (the same guy that plays Sam Wainwright), decided and got the director's permission for him to pick her up and swing her around. You can see them in the back. The thing is, this is a calm swing in this picture. When I saw the show a couple of weeks ago, she was like parallel to the ground. She was FLYING! : )
Mr. Potter and George~
"Teacher says every time a bell rings, another angel gets his wings."
"Atta boy, Clarence."
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - ~Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce A. Ware~
I received the following book free from Crossway publishers for the sole purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation for this review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.
About the book:
With Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware, a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6-14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their woldviews early, based on these truths.
The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, amking it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this great format, parents will be emboldened to be their chidlren's primary faith trainers-and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.
About the author:
Bruce A. Ware(PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written numerous journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and has authored God's Lesser Glory, God's Greater Glory, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
My Thoughts:
Dr. Ware has written book that is filled with wisdom and great theological lessons to teach your children. Each lesson is broken down into easy, teachable lessons that could be done once a week or nightly. They end with a few thought-filled questions and a scripture to memorize. I appreciate the years of parenting that Dr. and Mrs. Ware share in this great tool. I recommend buying this book if you do not have a lot of knowledge in biblical and Christian theology, yet want your children firmly rooted in them.
Dec. 14, 2009 - The Potter's Clay
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the word of your hand.
~Isaiah 65:2
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
"Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words."
So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel.
And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand,
and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.
Then the word of the LORD came to me:
"O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done?
declares the Lord.
Behold, like clay in the potter's hand,
so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."
~Jeremiah 18:1-6
Dec. 15, 2009 - Primal by Mark Batterson
Be Astonished Again
We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are to live out the essence of Christianity, we must commit to being great at this Great Commandment.
In Primal, Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power. Along the way, he calls you to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in your own life.
As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”
Primal will help you live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God. It will help you become great at the Great Commandment.
The author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the D.C. area. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. www.markbatterson.com
In the past, I've made it pretty clear that non-fiction books are not my genre of choice. However, this past year, I've read several non-fiction books that I've LOVED. Primal is one such book! I loved ever single word of this book - sometimes I found myself reading back over a page - not because missed something the first time or quickly skimmed it - but just because I wanted more. The author, Mark Batterson, takes one of the most important verses in Scripture - the Great Commandment - and expands on it. He gives you ideas and ways to put the Great Commandment to work in your life.
Do you know how to love God with all your heart? Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much! I guarantee that, if you read this book, you'll feel convicted to work on your heart and loving God more. What about your soul? mind? strength? Read the book! I'm just sayin . . . If you choose to read only one non-fiction book in the year 2010, may I be so bold as to suggest that Primal be that book. Seriously! This book has changed the way I look at myself and my Christian walk, it's convicted me in many areas of life (one of which is my study of the Bible), and it one that I'll pick up and read again and again. That's saying a lot, for a non-fiction book!
I've not read either of Mr. Batterson's other books, but I'll be picking them up when I find them. I appreciated his "real" and transparent writing style - he's not "preaching to the masses" but speaking from experience. If I lived in Washington, D.C., I'd be worshipping in a movie theater, that's for sure. 
Dec. 14, 2009 - 40 Loaves by C.D. Baker
“Why don’t I have more faith?”
“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”
“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”
There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.
Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.
Search me, O God … and know my anxious thoughts.
–Psalm 139:23 NIV
C. David Baker founded an award-winning business before redirecting his career to write full-time from his small farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He is the author of eight books, including six novels, one of which was nominated for a Christy Award. He has contributed articles to the Christian History Institute’s international publication Glimpses, and to Christian Singles magazine. Baker has a Master’s degree in theological studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
Heidi Says: I previously read and reviewed C.D. Baker's book - 101 Cups of Water. I was excited for the opportunity to review another book by this author. 40 Loaves was not a disappointment! The book's subtitle is "Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day" - daily readings to renew a hungry spirit. Where 101leaves off, this book picks up. Now, you can have the "bread" to go along with your "cup of water".
It's been "one of those years". It's one thing when you can say "one of those days" - but when you've had a year filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, trials and tribulations, you end up with A LOT of questions. That's where I am. So, this book came to me right when I needed it most. C. D. Baker answers some very simple, yet thought-provoking questions in this book - questions such as "Why don't I feel safe at church?" (I found this one particularly interesting), "Why do I always feel exhausted?", and "Why don't I have more faith?"
I received an extra copy of this book for a giveaway - I gave it to my friend Sue who is still battling cancer. She's got questions too - and it seemed like a perfect gift! If you are looking for a quick devotional book containing daily readings that will make you think, I'd definitely recommend 40 Loaves.
