Foul Language In Movie Trailers

February 28, 2023 Gracie

Is Foul Language in Movie Trailers Really Necessary?

After some thought, I decided to take a little turn from my regularly planned blog post and issue a word of caution to parents instead.

If you decide to take your kids to a movie at a theater – even if it’s a Christian movie – just know that there is the “possibility” that the trailers that are shown before your movie starts may contain expletives.

Granted, it has been awhile since I’ve been to an actual theater. That is by choice. Most of the movie themes that Hollywood puts out these days are anything but family-friendly.

A few days ago my husband and I went to see a Christian-themed movie at a local theater.

We thought the previews would have been more carefully selected since this was a Christian movie.

In a word, “nope.”

We were shocked to hear two expletives in one of the trailers – an “S-Bomb” and a “GD” – which clearly is an offense to God.

How did that even happen?

Well, ideally, it wasn’t supposed to.

On the simplest level, studios and theater owners try to pair trailers with the audience who’d presumably go see their associated film. – https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-trailers.htm

Foul Language in Movie Theaters – It’s Ok to Speak Out

The more I thought about it – the more I was sickened by it, and so I did officially complain to the theater.

All this to say – if, as a Christian parent, you want to take your family to see a movie now, you should probably be prepared for a teachable moment when some of these things happen.

I’ve been told I’m fighting a losing battle.

Maybe so, but it pressed upon my heart and I’m glad I said something.

On another note, here is a link to a Christian movie review site.

This link provides reviews of the actual content in movies today.

MovieGuide.Org

If there’s violence, language, or anything anti-God in a movie – you can find out about it beforehand so you can make an informed parental decision.

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Dylan Ris “Coming Attractions: Who Picks the Movie Trailers We See?” 9 February 2023. HowStuffWorks.com <https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-trailers.htm> 26 February 2023

Our Exceptional God

Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light

February 21, 2023 Gracie

Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light In The Darkness

Do you like to sing in the car?

Well, me too.

A big thanks to my husband for not covering his ears.

My current favorite song for gracing the cars next to me with song (wink wink) is a No. 1 radio hit, “The Goodness” by Toby Mac.

When I noticed the other vocalist’s name who Toby was featuring in the song, I just had to look him up.

In one word, “amazing.”

Are you familiar with Christian musician, vocalist, and songwriter – Blessing Offor?

There are so many wonderful things to say about this man and yes, “Blessing” is his real first name.

Blessing has already collaborated with many top Christian artists and shared his own vocal expertise on Season 7 of The Voice.

A virtuoso on the piano, Blessing (in his own right) has been called “a force to be reckoned within the music stratosphere” and rightfully so. (JFH News, 2022)¹

But there’s much more.

Born in Nigeria, Blessing knows what it means to face overwhelming challenges. Congenital Glaucoma, combined with a freak accident later in elementary school, claimed all of his vision before he turned eleven years old.

Even so, he has a gift from God that continues to shine through the challenges he faces.

His incredible voice and the joyful attitude I saw him display in an interview drew me to his music.

Released last year, the song “Tin Roof” is one of my favorites. Not only just for Christians, it strikes a chord for anyone who is in the midst of despair.

As Christians though, we know that through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our sorrows are washed away once we’re in Heaven.

That beautiful analogy is like the comforting sounds of raindrops on a tin roof.

Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light

How do we react when we face overwhelming challenges in our life?

Do we dwell in anger over our suffering, or do we look forward to a brighter day?

Even though Blessing faces a daily challenge that most of us can’t even imagine, he’s never given up on his dreams . . . or on God.

When you find that your faith is up to the challenge and in fact grows for the challenge, it’s a kind of joy that nothing else can touch. – Blessing Offor.²

Earlier this year, Blessing released his full length debut album titled “My Tribe.”

Here’s a favorite – the soul-searching and faith-affirming song, “Believe.”

Blessing Offor’s upcoming tour starts March 2nd of this year. You can find his tour schedule here.

Face the problems head on, ask questions, ask God the tough questions, but don’t give up.

We are all going to go through hard things, really hard things, but we can have the confidence to know that there will be brighter days ahead.

“Even if He doesn’t save your eyesight, He’s still good.” – Blessing Offor.³

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¹From JFH News Report via PFA Media, No. 1 Artist Blessing Offor Shares Soaring live Video For Single Believe. (November 11, 2022). https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2022/11/11.BlessingOfforReleasesLiveVideoforBelieve.asp

^2-3Blessing Offor interview. “How Losing His Sight Affected Blessing Offor’s Faith.” [YouTube]. March 8, 2022, Web. Accessed February 16, 2023. Retrieved from: Interview With Blessing Offor

A Best Day

February 14, 2023 Gracie

A Best Day in Your Life

Think back.

What was your best day ever?

Was it your wedding day?

The birth of your child?

Was it the day you gave your life to Christ?

Remembering our favorite days is one of the best ways to bring on a smile.

It’s healthy for you too, because positive thinking helps reduce stress and reminds us to be thankful for all of our blessings.

A Best Day on an Island

Several years ago, my husband and I went on a Christian marriage retreat in the Bahamas.

The beautiful beach, having church on the beach, meeting friendly people, and the delicious food were unforgettable.

We were joined by good friends and met many new friends from all over the world.

One of the highlights of the trip was a boat ride to Paradise Island to hear MercyMe perform – right there on the beach.

We sat out on our beach towels and enjoyed the music and the beauty of the island all around us.

I was talking with this one lady sitting next to me and she said, “This must be what Heaven is like.”

I agree with her.

It was one of the best days in my life that I’ll never forget.

In Heaven, Every Day is a Best Day

Best days are filled with happiness, joy, no stress, amazing surprises, delight, and wonderful people.

So guess what?

Your best days on earth don’t even compare to what you will experience some day in Heaven.

We will have endless best days in our heavenly home.

Everything is perfect

No stress

No illness, pain, or suffering

Saved love ones reunited

And best of all, Jesus will be there!

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Our Exceptional God

A Christian Poem From Australia

February 7, 2023 Gracie

From The Land Down Under: Christian Poem From Australia

One of the many reasons that I delight in God is because, sometimes, He brings special people into my life – even if it’s just for a brief time.

And, it’s always a thrill to connect with Christians across the globe!

Imagine my delight when I heard back from a lovely couple from The Land Down Under – beautiful, sunny Australia.

Recently, I got in touch with them about sharing an excellent poem that was on their website.

This doesn’t always happen, but they responded!

They know the poet personally and called him to let him know about my request.

It turns out that this talented poet is a 90-year-old Christian man.

My humble request was enthusiastically granted.

So, I want to give a huge shout-out, all the way from the Lone Star State to sweet Maurice Dyson in the Land Down Under.

He’s a man blessed by God.

I love his passion for using his gift of writing to share his faith and love for Jesus Christ.

This poem is all about reverence for God and His Holy Works.

I have a feeling his poetry will continue to inspire others for years to come.

Psalm 19

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:31

The heavens are telling God’s glory from high;
His handiwork vividly etched in the sky;
From day unto day they are uttering speech;
And night unto night with the knowledge they teach.

No language occurs where their voice is not heard;
Throughout all the earth goes their eloquent word;
Their message has reached to the end of the world;
Resplendent above like a banner unfurled.

In them He has set up a tent for the sun,
That goes like a bridegroom whose day has begun;
Rejoicing as one who is running a race;
A circuit described by its circular trace.

The law of the Lord is effective and whole;
Its witness is simple converting the soul;
Its statutes are noble rejoicing the heart,
Establishing truth for our innermost part.

His holy commandments are gracious and pure;
Enlightening the eyes that our sight may be sure;
The fear of the Lord is enduring and clean;
His judgments are righteous and wholly pristine.

More are they desired than the finest of gold;
And sweeter than honey for youngest or old;
Moreover by them is Thy bondservant warned,
And keeping them favours a lifestyle adorned.

For who understands his erroneous ways?
Acquit me of faults that are hid from my gaze;
And keep back Thy servant from sins born of pride,
And let them not rule me nor hinder my stride.

Then I shall be clear from their grievous excess,
And innocent whereof I’d greatly transgress;
Let all my intentions by day or by night,
Be counted acceptable, Lord, in Thy sight.

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¹Dyson, Maurice. “Psalm 19” 100 Poems of Praise – Christian Poetry to Praise God, edited by Ossie Amato, Self-published, 2019, p.18., Copyright © 2019 Maurice Dyson. Courtesy of freechristianillustrations.com.

More Than Your Reflection

January 31, 2023 Gracie

You Are More Than Your Reflection In The Mirror

What do you see when you look in the mirror every morning?

Bed hair?

Last night’s eye makeup still under your eyes?

Eeeeeck! I’m going back to bed.

Even when we feel like we look our worst, or we don’t feel like seeing or talking to anyone, God knows our potential and He doesn’t want us to waste it.

Every one of us was created for a unique purpose.

That is to say, we are His masterpieces in the making.

I don’t know about you, but I think that’s a wonderful truth to hold on to.

No matter how you interpret your own mirror’s reflection, your faith in salvation through Jesus Christ is precious, and that means it’s worth sharing.

To be created in the image of God means that we were created to be mirrors of God’s glory—one-of-a-kind mirrors that reflect the diverse aspects of His nature. A mirror serves no other purpose than to reflect something else. A mirror is useless when covered in mud; likewise, when we are covered in sin and turned away from God, we are not living out the purpose for which we were created. But when we respond to God’s offer of salvation and allow His Holy Spirit to clean us up, we turn toward our Creator, and His glory is reflected in our lives. It is not our light or beauty the world needs to see, but His. (John 8:12; 9:5). – GotQuestions website.¹

We are His, not because we earned it, but by His grace.

As Peter reminded early believers, we are here for Him, for His pleasure and to serve Him.

⁹But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. – 1 Peter 2:9-10, (NASB).²

So it doesn’t matter what you look like or what your insecurities are – God created you. Even with your imperfections, He can use you for His glory.

While the world looks at your outward appearance, God sees your heart.

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¹Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “Why did God create me?” n.d., para. 7. Web. Accessed January 29, 2023. https://www.gotquestions.org/why-did-God-create-me.html

Our Exceptional God

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