Movie I’m Not Ashamed

The Movie “I’m Not Ashamed”

I'm Not Ashamed movie

 

When I see a movie that inspires me, I can’t wait to recommend it to family and friends.

“I’m Not Ashamed,” is one of those films. The good news is that it releases this weekend in local theaters so you can see it too.

I accepted the invitation to pre-screen the movie over two months ago, and it still resonates with me to this day. It’s truly an unforgettable film.

Pure Flix’s, “I’m Not Ashamed” is the deeply touching story of Rachel Joy Scott. She was a victim of the tragic shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.

Keeping Your Faith in the Midst of Unspeakable Horror

On that awful day in U.S. history, April 20th, 1999, two high school seniors, in a pre-meditated act of hatred and revenge, took the lives of 12 students and one teacher in a murderous rampage in the high school. The gunmen, 18-year-old Eric Harris, and 17-year-old Dylan Klebold, also wounded 25 others in the brutal tragedy which played out on national television.

The film is intense, no doubt about it. I believe parents and their appropriately-aged teenagers should attend this movie together. With this intention in mind, it will make for a meaningful dialogue afterward.

Talk To Your Kids

Parents – because it’s a very real possibility, please teach your children about reporting legitimately suspicious behavior, and remaining aware of their surroundings, even at school. No one wants their child to feel paranoid in the hallways, but it’s a different world we live in now.

I’m Not Ashamed

From the beginning of the movie, Rachel, beautifully played by Masey McLain, captures our hearts as she navigates the turbulent hallways of Columbine High school.

Rachel Joy Scott

Her passionate journey of allegiance to God met with continual faith-testing disappointments and rejection from friends. Rachel felt emotionally broken at times, and that God was silent.

Heartfelt thoughts, drawings, and prayers recorded in her journal became the basis for the movie. The film very accurately portrays the stresses and temptations of daily life in a public high school, from the pressures of drinking, taking drugs, to having sex before marriage. There’s no sugar-coating it here. Temptations are around every corner, and Rachel and her friends are deep in the middle of it. Rachel struggles to hang onto her faith. A noncommittal boyfriend and the constant bullying of some of her unpopular friends added to Rachel’s loneliness and anguish.

The Movie, I’m Not Ashamed

I am not going to apologize for speaking the Name of Jesus.

 I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put in me. If I have to sacrifice everything . . . I will.
– Journal excerpt from Rachel Joy Scott, I’m Not Ashamed Film – Lifeway Christian Resources,  http://www.lifeway.com/films/2016/04/20/im-not-ashamed-film/, (accessed October 19, 2016).

Rachel’s Tears

I read the book, Rachel’s Tears, written by Rachel’s parents several years ago. Similar to the book, the movie reveals a touching reference to the meaning of the “tears” she drew in her journal. It is chilling. Wait til you see the movie, and you’ll know what I mean.

Some feel the need to debate the actual words Rachel said to her killers before her death, but I have no doubt after reading the book, and now seeing this movie, that she was the warrior for Christ she always wanted to be.

The cast includes both Korie and Sadie Robertson of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” fame. The starring roles don’t end there. Christian vocalist, Jaci Velasquez, also makes an appearance in the film.

In my opinion, award-winning director, Brian Baugh, accomplished his goal of telling a cinematic story that inspires as well as it heals. The creative vision of producers Chuck Howard, Brad Allen, Michael Martin, and Nise Davies beautifully brought Rachel’s story to life.

Pure Flix, Visible Pictures, LLC., and Big Film Factory officially release the movie on Friday, October 21st.

Check your local listings for times.

God bless

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Revive Us 2016

Lord Revive Us 2016

Revive us Lord

What are you doing Tuesday night, October 18th? Hopefully, you’ve heard about the presentation showing at many local theaters called, “Revive Us 2016.”

Revive Us is a National Family Meeting of sorts. If you have any concern about some of the distressing things going on in our country and our schools, then this meeting is for you.

Revive Us 2016 is For Family

The lineup of guest speakers and music is exciting. We’ll be hearing from Eric Metaxas, Francis Chan, and Jennifer Rothschild, among others.

We Need Prayer in America

Our freedoms are disappearing while we sleep.

Over 3000+ babies are murdered every day under the guise of “choice.” I want to ask these supporters:

Who is anyone to say which person deserves life and which person does not?

Entitled America, who are we? Let’s get educated. I grieve for those babies. We all know what abortion is.

Pro-life because I am pro-love

Is my life not worth it? Is yours? If the liberal party gets its way, lives will continue to rest in the hands of an abortion doctor and an overwhelmed teenager (or adult) who actually is in need of loving church support, adoption choices, and counseling.

Please consider seeing Revive Us 2016 in your local theaters. I’ve included the trailer here as well as a link to a ticket finder for your neighborhood.

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/185087385

For tickets: http://www.reviveus2016.com/tickets

An encore showing of Revive Us in theaters will take place on October 24th. Don’t miss it!

America Strong

God is a God of love and He offers forgiveness to those who sincerely seek it, but He also judges the world despite what atheists want you to believe.

While abortion is a major issue in this election, it isn’t the only one.

Please don’t fall for the growing deception. Activists want to change the words of the Bible because it offends them. This is a heart issue.

Our God is Faithful and True, and no male or female political candidate can ever change that. They can make it harder for us, but God’s Word never dies.

Revive Us 2016

 

*Source statistic from Care-net.org. (March 10, 2016). Author and Executive Director of Hope Resource Center, Andrew Wood. [Article:  Changing the Pro-life Narrative through Love. From https://www.care-net.org/abundant-life-blog/changing-the-prolife-narrative-through-love

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Lord, Humble Me

Lord, Humble Me

Have you ever heard a fantastic quote from someone, the kind that just sticks with you for days?

I had one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” moments recently.

I came across the following quote from Senior Pastor Keith Krell of Spokane, Washington. He’s a well-respected contributor to the Bible.Org website.

*Pastor Krell describes the quote as a daily prayer of his.

I think it’s genius.

Here it is:

Lord humble me

A Light Bulb Moment

Whoaa! Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Have you ever felt humbled by the Lord? Things appear to be going well, you’re a rock star in your mind, and then “it” happens.

The Lord’s chastens you. It reminds you that He, not you, are in control. As a parent corrects the child he or she loves, so the Father must discipline us at times in our lives. Even though in our human minds we don’t think it’s fair, we have to remember that ultimately it’s because He loves us.

Lord Humble Me

I remember back in the 80’s when I thought I had the best job in the world and that I would never leave an on air TV career. Unfortunately, my ambitions were higher than my faith. I had visions of starting a successful career in Louisiana and ending up, perhaps in Miami or California, working in a big TV market. Not once did I consider saying, “Lord willing.”

God had other plans for me, and that job and career are no more. Looking back, I don’t regret a second of that long, sometimes painful journey, because it led me to a deeper, personal relationship with our Savior.

Delight Yourself in the Lord

When your life is seemingly going haywire, that’s not the time to quit, or worse, think that you can handle it on your own, without God.

Ask for prayer from your friends and family, and keep asking.

Thru Christ, we have power, mercy, forgiveness, and grace, but it’s not by ignoring His great sacrifice. Have you committed your life to Him?

My heart belongs to the Lord

Who Was, and Is, and Is To Come

There’s a song I’ve sung in choir many times at church. Perhaps you know it.

Try closing your eyes while concentrating on these lyrics when doubts plague your mind. Here, Kari Jobe sings “Revelation Song.”

Delight Yourself in the Lord and encourage someone this week.

Yours may be the only encouragement they get.

God bless!

 

*Single quotation from Bible.org. (2010). Author Senior Pastor, Keith Krell. [Article: 25. A Feeding Frenzy (1Corinthians 11:17-34). From https://bible.org/seriespage/25-feeding-frenzy-1-corinthians-1117-34

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Saving Your Children From an Atheistic World

Saving Your Children From an Atheistic World

Our nation’s children are in the crosshairs. Political correctness and the destruction of family values rule the day (in big part, on television and in our public schools and universities.)

Saving your Children from an unbelieving world

It’s a very real problem, and it will catch up with us.

The “grace period” we’re living in now won’t last forever.

Some people may delude themselves into thinking “none of it affects me personally, so I don’t care.”

They are in for a wake-up call.

Do you avoid watching the news? New assaults on our freedoms occur every day.

And now, discouraging news about the internet. Our national leaders have given up control of this global network. It’s sad where this relinquishment could lead, especially in the wrong hands.

There will come a time when Christian websites will be forcibly shut down. What a sad day that will be.

The Problem With Apathy

businesses shut down

All authentic Christians will feel the effects of persecution, whether it be happening to someone we know or to ourselves.

For some Christians, their businesses will or have already been shut down. (or they could lose their jobs.)

For others, they may see their beloved church silenced because authentic Biblical teaching offends atheists.

Some churches will regrettably choose to water down the gospel, rather than preach about sin and the availability of God’s forgiveness.

In some public schools and universities, kids will be forced to reject God in the classroom.

Does anyone out there think God will put up with this nonsense forever?

Assurance That God is Always in Control

The assurance we have over evil is that Christians are never completely silenced. It’s impossible.

God’s got this.

A blessed remnant of believers will spread the good news of salvation, no matter what global leaders try to do to quash it. God’s Word will get out and many people, thank the Lord, will be saved because of it.

God’s will for humanity is unfolding before our very eyes. There is a blessed outcome to this temporary suffering. God allows the suffering, but there’s an eternal way out.

America is in a Huge Mess

Until the Rapture, believers will witness a lot of trouble in our world.

What can we do about it? Here are some options.

2016 upcoming election– Christians must vote in the upcoming election. The build-up to this circus is something I never thought I would ever see in my life. It borders on the absurd. I was hoping for better choices. Regardless, these are the two options that we have, and God has allowed it.

I believe in the sanctity of life and my choice is for the pro-life candidate. That’s it. Liberal celebrities don’t impress me or sway my vote. I will not stay home and sit this election out. If you’re on the fence about your vote, please check out the article linked in this sentence.

Now Is Not the Time for Apathy

Apathy helps no one. That’s a big reason our country is in the state that it’s in. We need supreme court judges to protect the babies and uphold the Constitution; we need intelligent people surrounding our president, plus a Christian running mate like Mike Pence is, at least, a positive sign for me. No matter who wins, the only One who can ultimately fix any of this mess is God, when and how He decides to do it. The Bible tells us what happens in the end.

– Please actively pray for our nation. Parents should pray with their children that America will remain a Christian nation.

How?

One example is you can add a request at the end of the “Grace” prayer you say before eating a meal.

For example:

Heavenly Father, we ask that You

will protect our nation

and our family

against evil.

Kids need to hear that (or something like it) from the mouths of the parents they love. Kids are in the spiritual battle just as much as we are. Would you send them out unprepared? Of course not.

My husband and I say grace before we eat out at a restaurant. I encourage you to do the same. It’s a small thing, but it’s a powerful witness. God’s people praying. I’m seeing people saying grace together a lot.

Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child’s School

Many parents don’t realize what’s up ahead for their children in public schools. I won’t share the headlines here; it’s too disturbing and a joy killer. You can find the news yourselves if you search. These agendas include wanting to change our words, grammar, and pronouns. Pronouns like “he” and “she” offend some people.

FACT: God created us in His image. Newly born, we are precious to Him. None of us should ever be classified as an “it.”

saving-our-children-in-public-schools

What is happening in public schools in many states is highly offensive. It’s not just the Common Core nonsense. Maybe you’re in a state that has escaped that initiative, but there’s much more happening in schools regarding sex education that will make your head spin around.

Involving yourself in your children’s school is vital. Deprogram them from anything that is anti-God. Equip them how to answer when challenged about their faith. 

Lord, we desperately need your mercy.

Give us discerning wisdom and guide us

how to protect our children.

Helpful Resources

There are “equipping” websites that can guide you with parental resources readily available to prepare your children for the apostasy to come. If you’re actively attending a Bible-believing church, there may be resources in the church library as well.

Here are three additional options:

http://www.moodymedia.org/resource-library/parenting/

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting

http://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/parenting/essentials/praying-for-your-children

Do you have any other ideas on how to spare your children from an unbelieving and defiant world? Discussing these things with your spouse and/or family is important.

Our Incomparable Father

No matter what, God’s divine providence is exactly on track. The temporary setbacks to our Christian faith are only temporary and of this world.

No one knows the timing when Jesus will return. We can only watch for signs of His coming and discern the false teachers.

America needs God, not the other way around. As horrible and deceptive as a one world government will be, we have a God who loves us and promises to spare us from the worst of it at the rapture of His church.

romans-chapter-8-verse-18

Pray for opportunities to share your story.

God bless you.

May everything you do, glorify Him.

# # #

*Scripture verse from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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God Sees Everything

god-sees-and-hears-everything

God sees everything.

Not just some stuff, but all of the happenings in our lives – big and small.

Did your mom ever tell you that she had “eyes in the back of her head?”

Nothing escapes her attention where her kiddos are concerned, right? 

In reality, there is only One, our Heavenly Father, who sees and knows all.

Hebrews 4:13 tells us:

13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. – Scripture quotation is from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Nothing escapes God, especially when we’re, let’s just say, misbehavin’.

We can’t outsmart God.

No matter how hard we may try.

Silly Humans, Indeed

I have to tell you about one of the hilarious antics of one of our Siberian Huskies, a beloved member of our family.

mischievous-husky

Chip was a gorgeous boy. As loveable as he was, he was also very mischievous. He did something once that was so funny it still cracks us up every time we think about it.

A few years ago, my husband and I had to run some errands and decided to leave our dogs loose in the house, instead of in their crates.

We locked up the house like Fort Knox. We closed all doors, blocked off a hallway, positioned baby gates so Chip and our female husky, Misha, had free run of the kitchen and hallway.

My husband and I left for an hour and then came back home, hoping to find two sleeping Siberian Huskies who kept their promise to “be good” while we were gone.

I walked in the house first.

The hallway looked clear of any debris from a canine free-for-all. Yay!

The dogs were very excited to see us. So far, so good.

I got a little further down the hall, and then I saw it.

Ruh Roh, Not Good
 
Peeled bananas were all over the floor.

Peeled!

like-nothing-happenedApparently, Chip grabbed a bunch of bananas off our kitchen counter, ate a few, and gave some to his girlfriend. Those two rascals had a dinner party and left the whole bunch of banana peels all over the floor for us to clean.

Worse yet, they tried to outsmart us, greeted us at the door and acted like nothing had happened.

My husband and I look back now and laugh.

Oh, how we wish we had a video camera that recorded their hi-jinks while we were gone.

The evidence of their little escapade was everywhere.

God sees everything, no video camera needed

God knows us, better than we know ourselves.

He sees it when you curse out that person on the interstate or get into that heated argument with your son or daughter.

And yet, despite it all, He still loves us and convicts us of our sins.

God sees everything

All of those white lies, secret sins, all of it – God sees and hears, and yet, He wants us to come into a relationship with Him. Wretched sinners that we are, if we ask for His forgiveness, He hears us.

We need to be honest with God.

All He asks is for us to repent and trust in the only way to eternal life, salvation through His Son.

Blessings!

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