Matthew 17:20. He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Movie summary: Our main character Ren moves from the big city after his mother dies of cancer. He is shocked to find the rules of the rural town to be quite strict. He finds out that rules against going out at night, loud music, dancing, drinking, etc were because some seniors died in a car accident several years ago. One of the boys killed in the accident was the pastors son, and now, the pastor's only surviving daughter is acting out in rebellion. Our main character becomes attracted to her but finds that she is wasting her life away because she is hurt and angry.
Ren then lobbies against the town council in an effort to restore dancing in the town, particularly the dance for graduating students. He looses this battle with the town but then they hold the dance slightly out of the town.
My thoughts: I haven't seen the original so I can't comment on whether it's better or worse. The movie held my attention, I was excited, shocked, I cried, I laughed. What a good night out should always contain. I wouldn't recommend this movie for children there are highly sexualized images on screen and themes that aren't appropriate for kids, even with parental guidance. Throughout the film are many spiritual references. Ren reads that even in the bible people used music to sing and rejoice. There are themes of sin, repentance and new life.
Sometimes young people can disappoint society. Sometimes young people can make mistakes. But I say, don't write us off just yet. We can bring about change when we put our minds to it. And God, he is always ready to welcome us back into his arms, no matter how much physical or emotional damage has been done.
me without you...
18:55:00
Kikoprincess
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Very late mother's day dinner at Sora Japanese Cafe, Mermaid. Meal summary: Sora is a very very quiet Japanese Cafe near Yuen's fruit market. There was only one other table there last night. The decorations were plain and the music was plain. The recommendations weren't very creative, but we ordered the two teriyaki options: the chicken and salmon. The prices were so much more expensive than JFX and Maru but the quality was about the same. The salad was crisp and fresh. It was served up quickly and efficiently. Don't go expecting anything more than a cafe-style meal. There was a general lack of service and presentation generally expected at a Japanese restaurant and the meal size isn't very generous.
Ah, I've missed my mum so much, and due to our travelling schedules, we spend quite a few months apart each year. But I think sometimes I take for granted all that she has done for me. And it's when she leaves that I truly appreciate it.
Me without my mum: i'm a sad sad person when my secure net isn't around. I'm not as sociable, i spend all my time doing home duties and have little time to do much else. I don't want to get up in the mornings for exercise, because I would have to do it alone. I would miss mum so much I would go and sleep in her room.
Me without God would be even worse. Can't imagine it! My life would be purposeless, lack of direction... a disaster. This song by Tobymac just captured my thoughts entirely. I don't have to say anything else.
Raindrops rolling off my brim
Street lights got the pavement glistenin'
Touchdown, I've fallen to
Your arms, right where I belong
Your everlasting arms
CHORUS
And where would I be with You...
I'd be packing my bags when I need to stay
I'd be chasin every breeze that blows my way
I've been building my kingdom just to watch it fade away
Its true
That's me without you
That's me without you
That's me without you
Dont know where I'd be without you
Flashback
Stepping through the scene
There's You and theres a very different Me.
Touchdown, You had me at believe, You had me at believe, You did
CHORUS
You rescued me
You are my, I am Yours
You rescued me
And I am Yours forever
You saved me, remade me,
Where would i be.
CHORUS
Movie Review: Coraline
21:13:00
Kikoprincess
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Movie review: Coraline (2009) Movie summary: Coraline moves into an old mansion with her parents. Her parents are busy writing and publishing to listen or play with Coraline. The other occupants of this mansion are quite wierd. A young boy, related to the owner, finds a doll that resembles Coraline and gives it to her. She takes this doll with her everywhere and confides in the doll when her parents don't listen to her. One day, she finds a secret locked door in the mansion and once it opens, a portal to a parallel world is opened. In this parallel world, her parents are very kind to her, they play with her, give her whatever she wants to eat and her neighbours are all very exciting. Everyone in this world though, has button eyes. More and more Coraline is drawn to this world where she is treated so well. We then find out that the "other" mum in this parallel world wants to keep her there forever and feed on her soul. Coraline is forced to save her parents, other souls and realises the importance of her real parents.
My thoughts: Since it's an animation where a kid is the main character, people may assume that it's suitable for children of all ages. I think the themes of the story maybe quite scary and difficult to understand for younger children. I was quite frightened that Coraline may not make it back into the real world, or her parents were lost forever. At the end of the day though, this film does have quite strong morals. Sometimes we can be offered things we want by people who claim to care for us. And we might be withheld things we want by people who are supposed to love us. We might because biased in our thoughts. But really, sometimes those who love us withhold things for a reason. Because they love us. And they know what is best for us.
The devil tempted Jesus in the desert for 40 days. And after 40 days, he tried to get Jesus to turn rock into bread, tempted Jesus with riches and power. Would you trade these things with your soul? What is the point if we can gain the whole world if we were to lose our soul and the things that truly is important to us?
Movie review: Men in black 3
11:26:00
Kikoprincess
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Men in Black 3. MiB3
Movie Summary: Agent J and Agent K have been partners in MIB for 14 years. One of the criminals Agent K had arrested 40 years ago escapes, threatens earth's security and goes back in time to kill Agent K. Agent J (Will smith) wakes up to find that he lives in a world where Agent K is not his partner and has actually died 40 years ago. So he ventures back in time to try to change things. They find an alien, griffin, who has the ability to see the future- not just one future, but different futures that change depending on what happens next. This alien predicts that with death comes death. Obviously the pair save the day with high tech gadgets and wits. On this journey, he finds out what makes Agent K the way he is- because he has met Agent J before and that he is partly responsible for his father's death.
My thoughts: MiB fans may be a little disappointed since there is nothing terribly new about this film. What is great though is that it stuck true to the MiB film in going back to the past. It provides fantastic entertainment for action/comedy fans. Although Aliens don't point to any christian significance but I really like the alien main character in this story. He can see multiple futures, with different depenencies. To some degree our future is fixed. We were predestined to believe in God. We were predestined to be his children, but there were definitely choices along the way that put us where we are now. If you think you future is fixed, you are wrong. Your future depends on the choices you make today.
If you choose not to know God. If you choose not to believe in him, then you future would be different compared to if you choose to know God and choose to believe that he died for your sins on the cross and rose again. That difference is AMAZING.
What are you waiting for? My baby brother got baptised today
20:47:00
Kikoprincess
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My brother, like me, was born into a Christian family. When he was still a baby, mum took us to church. And at that time, our church was just a simple gathering of Asian families in someone's home. And as we grew up, Sunday school was in that person's garage. The church grew and so did we.
My brother was born smart. To me, he never seemed to need to try hard at anything. I would try my best in music, practice for hours, he would come along and be able to master a piece of music without much effort. I would spend time planning a piece of artwork and he would create masterpieces without a second thought. I would spend hours and hours memorizing facts and doing calculations which were done with such ease for my little brother. I tried out for sporting teams, and trained hard, he wouldn't train at all and yet surpass me. Everything everything. He was naturally gifted in a number of areas.
This for him was as much of a blessing as a hindrance. Without always intending, he would be on the wrong side of teachers, Sunday school teachers and the general public. The smart ass. When we taught Sunday school, he would help out and be a nuisance to teachers because he seemed to know more than them, and was sharper than them. He wasn't well respected by his peers at church nor the aunties and uncles growing up. And I think he had difficulties with listening to people he thought wasn't as smart as himself.
And we had serious fights when we were growing up. This was partly my fault because I was truly annoying, but my brother was also very stubborn. I was always the favorite and he saw that this was unfair, he didn't yield.
We often asked my brother why he didn't want to get baptised here. And he would give me different reasons.
He was waiting to be changed overnight. He was waiting for an earth-shattering experience. But then he realised that he had been changing very slowly into the man he is today. He saw others get baptised and realised that he didn't need to wait. He could be a good example unto others. As soon as you have commited your life to Christ, there is no reason for you to wait to become baptised. It's a natural response, as a testimony to others.
And as a sister, who has grown up with him, I can testify to the fact that my brother has changed, step by step. It doesn't happen overnight, but with faith, it will happen. We sit down and talk and laugh now, something that I could never expect us to be able to do. We have a really good relationship now, and that would not have been possible if this wasn't lead by the love of God. My brother, a genius is now such a humble man. He is willing to serve others and love others as himself. He is willing to go above the call of duty at work, school and in the general community. He cares for others and has a burden to help the weak. He leads bible studies with authority and prays with compassion. I am unbelievably proud of my baby brother. Even though he is soon to be Doctor Li, I will always consider him my Little Li.
Are you waiting for something? Are you waiting for some miracle to happen before you make the leap? Well, it did. Over 2000 years ago, before you even existed, a God loved you- all of you, so much that he took all your sins on the cross and made you right with God. He rose from the grave and ascended to heaven, a miracle. You don't have to wait till you get a terminal illness or experience some change in emotion to commit yourself to Christ. And live as a living sacrifice to repay him for your love. Let my life be a proof of your love.
THE PROOF OF YOUR LOVE
(capo 3)
INTRO: DmAmCF x2
VERSE 1
DmAm
If I sing but don't have love
CF
I waste my breath with every song
DmAmCF
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise.
DmAm
If I speak with a silver tongue
CF
Convince a crowd but don't have love
DmAmCF
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say
CHORUS
DmAmCG
So let my life be the proof, The proof of Your love
DmAmCG
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
DmAmCG
How You lived, how You died Love is sacrifice
DmAmCG
So let my life be the proof, The proof of Your love
INSTRUMENTAL BREAK: DmAmCF x2
VERSE 2
DmAm
If I give to a needy soul
CF
But don't have love then who is poor?
DmAmCF
It seems all the poverty is found in me
REPEAT CHORUS
BRIDGE
FCAmG
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh; When it's all said and done
FCAmG
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh; When we sing our final song
FG
Only love remains. Only love remains
INSTRUMENTAL BREAK 2: DmAmCG x2
REPEAT CHORUS
ENDING: DmAmCF x2
Love without a foundation
17:17:00
Kikoprincess
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It seemed like a great idea at the time. I had a great recipe to make new york styled baked cheesecakes for a church function. So after the Nth batch, I decided that I can go without a base for the cake. After all, some people don't like the base anyway and it's time consuming and calorie heavy. And out popped the worse tasting cheesecakes I have EVER made, not to mention ugly.
Bases/Foundations are very important. In a building, you need to set a really strong foundation for a the structure to remain steady. In baking a cake, you need to set a strong foundation for the cake to rise from. The base is not just for looks, it holds things together.
Similarly, a relationship without God, Jesus is weak. It's not optional. It's a necessity. It doesn't matter how much you fancy this other person. If your love isn't built on a foundation that is strong, it's going to fall apart when times get tough.
Do Christians believe in Ghosts?
15:15:00
Kikoprincess
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Do Christians believe in Ghosts? Spirits? Evil Spirits?Superstitions involving spirits?
This is a very hard series to translate/ describe because most of the descriptions refer to those from chinese upbringings and because Pastor Lim doesn't always follow a clear argument but (typical of HK-speak), he jumps around)
靈界揭秘 - 林以諾牧師
Part 1.
Some people report incidents of feeling influenced by ghosts. For example, some say that in the middle of the night, they feel like a ghost is sitting on top of them and they can't move. Others report experiences of being possessed, playing with divination, etc
So do Christians believe in spirits? ghosts?
Depends on the definition. And the definition and treatment of spirits differ by religion. For example,
Buddism: After people die, they become ghosts that can roam the earth. These ghosts return to their earthly homes after 7 days- hence the ceremony of leaving food out for dead ones. The spiritual people - they can speak to spirits/ghosts : because they have unfinished business.
Taoism: After people die, they become ghosts that can roam the earth. The spiritual people believe that they can use ghosts so they catch ghosts. Believe that Halloween, the gap between the dead and live open. So people avoid going down into the streets.
Christianity: We don't believe that after people die, they become ghosts that roam the earth. There isn't much info on what happens to our spirit after we die in the bible. We believe that 1/3 of the angels fell and became evil spirits. We cast out spirits because they influence (for the bad) and destroys. They are up to no good.
Part 2
If a fake "spirit" can possess a human, then it must be fake. For example, how can the spirit of Hello Kitty possess someone? Impossible, since Hello Kitty is fake!
Other "Gods" possess bodies and you can cut yourself without feeling pain to show their power. BUT HOW can this God love you if they want you to suffer like this to prove his power? Impossible.
A high schooler was playing with a squidgy board. She got angry and the plate dropped, and she went home. She felt like someone was following her but no one was there. She then reported that as she sat on her bed and saw an indent on the bed (like someone was next to her). She screamed and told the spirit to revealed themselves. She then reported that she became friends with this spirit. She reported this spirit was good to her and accompanied her through illness. The spirit then later (after a while) told her to commit suicide. The pastor said she couldn't' help her. Only Jesus could. After she believed in Jesus, the spirit left her.
Part 3
He then talks about what newspapers people can read. Anything without entertainment pages left. No one reads magazines without these inserts. But these pages provide highly sexualized images, etc. So the devil is at work here. The bible doesn't say we can't be angry. Because it's a natural emotion, but we should not sin in anger. We should not allow the devil win. He expands negativity. Works on negative self image. But the Holy Spirit expands on love, faith, etc.
Negative self-esteem is so prevalent in today's society. We do what we do not want to do, and we do not do what we should. He talks about inequality in society. How poor people get put into prison for stealing yet rich business people rip people off everyday and they don't have to go into prison. How difficult it is for Christians to invite nonchristians to church- so easy to invite them to play, it's difficult to get people to believe in God - so easy to believe in silly things in society. Why do people have such a strong prejudice against God- when they easily believe what is written in the entertainment pages.
Devil wants us to turn away from God. To be blinded to the truth.
Another excuse about not believing in God is that Christians are a bad example. Well, if you dad was bad, does that make you bad? In fact, all of the Christians around you are bad, sinners, that's why they needed salvation.
If you so easily believe in superstitions, why not explore what Jesus has to offer you?
Want to puke!
10:25:00
Kikoprincess
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Last night I felt really really sick. I wanted to puke. Partly because I am sick, but I also think it's because I spent the past week reading about purging and eating disorders.
At any point in time, 44% of females in high schools and 15% of males are trying to change their weight by dieting. Many people have negative body image. Although Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa is rare, it has the highest mortality of psychopathologies. People DIE from this disorder every year. People with this disorder become obsessed with what they put in their mouth, they measure, calculate and plan their food intake. They typically suffer from low self esteem. And overvaluation of body weight and shape.
For those with binge eating problems, they feel guilt and may feel the need to vomit or purge out the yucky food that went in.
The bible says that it's not what goes in that makes you clean, but what comes out from our hearts. Sometimes my thoughts are so gross that I do want to vomit them out and forget about them. But then they come back. Sometimes I consider myself ugly. The best way is to allow God to truly transform you inside and out!
Matthew 15 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked,2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”
3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’[a]and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’[b]5 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’6 they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
8 “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. ’[c]”
10 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand.11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
13 He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.14 Leave them; they are blind guides.[d]If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
15 Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.”
16 “Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them.17 “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body?18 But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart,and these defile them.19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”
Alive, In You we're so alive (With) new hopes in our hearts 喔主 祢賜我新生命 擁有全新盼望 FC For the freedom that You gave Yeah, the freedom in our lives
得著完全的自由 祢的自由在我心
Am7
Our lives have been redeemed By the beautiful blood of Christ
祢贖回我生命 全因耶穌基督寶血 F Dm7 So now we come to YouSo now we worship You 我們來到祢面前 全心來敬拜
[pre-chorus]
Dm7 Am7 Dm7 G (You) make all things possible(You) reign Victorious 有祢萬事都可能 祢榮耀掌權
{pre-chorus - guitar version}
D F A G D F G (You) make all things possible(You) reign Victorious 有祢萬事都可能 祢榮耀掌權
[chorus] C F/E Am7 All our voices sing All creation bringTheir adoration for the King 我們高聲唱 全地都宣揚 同心高舉全能君王
Dm7 G C
Who reigns in gloryBehold the One who's making all things new 祢榮耀掌權 主祢大能叫一切都更新F/E Am7 (For) we have been redeemedYes, we have been set free 我們已得釋放 不再受到綑綁
Dm7 G
And You are all we needSo now our lives will shine for all to see 祢是一切所需 願世界看見 我為主發光
live like that
21:58:00
Kikoprincess
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I cried when I heard this testimony on #klove . Here is the Australian version of the story.
When Ice cream used to cost a lot less, a little boy waited patiently in line to sit in a restaurant. The waitress came and the boy asked the waitress how much an icecream sunday costs. She said 50c. He counted his coins and asked how much a plain ice cream costs. By this time, the waitress was getting impatient because there was a line for tables. She replied 30c. So the little boy ordered a plain ice cream. She came back with the ice cream and put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the icecream and counted out his coins, paid the cashier and left. The waitress came to clear the table and cried. He had left her a tip. He had ordered a plain ice cream because he couldn't afford to buy the sunday and leave her a tip.
My thoughts: Can we be like the boy? Can we live less comfortably so that others can be touched by how we live? Can we bring others to Christ by living less comfortably? Being more baring? Letting others take advantage of us?
Intro G,D, Em,C,D
(It's the same chord progression through the whole song)(Except for the tag)
Capo 3
Verse 1
G
Sometimes I think
D
What will people say of me
Em
When I'm only just a memory
CD
When I'm home where my soul belongs
G
Was I love
D
When no one else would show up
Em
Was I Jesus to the least of those
CD
Was my worship more than just a song
Chorus
G
I want to live like that
D
And give it all I have
Em
So that everything I say and do
CD
Points to You
G
If love is who I am
D
Then this is where I'll stand
Em
Recklessly abandoned
CD
Never holding back
G,D,Em,C
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
Verse 2
Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true
People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
Tag
ACGD
I want to show the world the love You gave for me
ACGD
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King
Chorus
Movie Review: Courageous (2011)
14:25:00
Kikoprincess
2 Comments
Movie Review: Courageous (2011)
Movie summary: The movie opens with a father chasing after the thief of his car, risking his life. Then the onlookers realise that his baby was in the car. This father is a new member of the police force in a town. A few of the other members of the force are Christians and fathers. The new guys asks: where have all the good fathers gone?
The daughter of the main character passes away in a car accident and the father blames himself for not being there for her. They realise that having the lack of a role model and a fatherly figure is largely causing many problems in young people. These men make resolutions to love their family and to train them to love God and others. Pursue justice love mercy. Work diligently to provide for my family. As for me and my house, we will serve the lord.
They stick to their resolutions even if meant putting their jobs on the line, their friendship on the line.
My thoughts: Another good Christian family film by the team. I would encourage men out there to spare some time and watch this film.
Families are so important in the upbringing of a child. Being a parent takes responsibility. That's why my research looks at the roles of families in the development of substance use in young people. Preliminary results indicate that family conflict is an important and preventable risk factor for children. We also know that monitoring - knowing where your kids are is also very important.
The bible calls for the man to be spiritual head of the house, to lead his house to serve the Lord.
Intro:
F#m7
We were made to be courageous
D
We were made to lead the way
Asus2
We could be the generation
E (hold)
the finally breaks the chains
Chorus 1:
DAsus2F#m7E
We were made to be courageous
DAsus2E (hold)
We were made to be courageous
Verse 1:
F#m7
We were warriors on the front lines
D
Standing, unafraid
Asus2
But now were watchers on the sidelines
E
While our families slip away
F#m7
Where are you men of courage?
D
You were made for so much more
Asus2
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
E
We will serve the Lord
Chorus 2:
D
We were made to be courageous
Asus2E
And were taking back the fight
D
We were made to be courageous
F#m7Asus2
And it starts with us tonight
DAsus2
The only way we’ll ever stand
F#m7E
Is on our knees, we’re lifting hands
DAsus2F#m7
Make us courageous
EDAsus2E (hold)
Lord, make us courageous
Verse 1:
This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall
We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise
Instrumental: DAsus2F#m7EDAsus2F#m7E
Bridge 1
DAsus2F#m7E
Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God.
DAsus2F#m7E
Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God.
Bridge 2
In the war of the mind I will make my stand
In the battle of the heart and the battle of the hand
A love everyone deserves
10:19:00
Kikoprincess
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My thoughts about: A love everyone deserves
We are sold stories about happily ever after as children. Sometimes we can see examples of how love lasts. There are stories about people growing old together and still being in love but these are few and far between.
I made a short film of my grandma. She had a stroke several years ago and is half paralized can has lost most of her speech. In the film, I asked her whether she loved my grandfather. Her eyes filled with tears but she did not speak. She just looked intensely at the camera. I took this video with me to the hospital to visit my grandpa. As soon as he saw the video, he reached for the camera and started to speak to my grandma- how are you, have you eaten, are you well? Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Even on his death bed my grandpa was concerned about my grandmother. Despite the many years of turmoil my grandma had put my grandfather through, the years of verbal abuse and complaint, he loved his wife.
We all have someone who loves us. Believe it. When we were swore enemies of Jesus- while our actions hurled insults at him, he loved us. And even on the cross, he forgave those who had persecuted him, he died for us, while we were still sinners. And this love, it's guaranteed to last!
I'm back in training after a torturous hike on the weekend. Please continue to support me!
"It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80′s arrived at the hospital
to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment
at 9:00 am.
The nurse took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an
hour before
someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided,
since I was not
busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed,
so I talked
to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning,
as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home
to eat
breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for
a while
and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would
be upset if he
was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not
recognized him in
five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning,
even though
she doesn’t know who you are?’ He smiled as he patted my hand and said,
‘She doesn’t know me,
but I still know who she is.’"
Depression and burnout: vicious cycles and the saving grace of exercise
Summary: Depression -> burn out, burn out -> depression and exercise can help to stop this vicious cycle. Exercise is good for sleep, helps with the physical consequence for stress, and psychological wellbeing.
My thoughts: It's easy to say. My experience in therapy is that the rationale needs to be explained well. When you are depressed, one of the symptoms is a lack of motivation and unwillingness to get going. So to tell someone to simply go and go for a 10km run isn't going to work. When someone is burnt out and stressed, having to squeeze in an hour long pilates session seems almost impossible.
Research like this provides a stronger rationale to present to clients. Some tips I have for introducing exercise include: 1) starting small- even walking out to the mailbox, and increasing the distance each day 2) be accountable to someone 3) making it something they would enjoy 4) check the homework 5) maybe even start a therapy session outside requiring low levels of exercise 6) always work with a team and seek medical advice before starting an exercise program.
There is another type of exercise that often feels neglected. That is spiritual exercise. Ah, when things are positive it's easy to remember to pray and read the bible. But when things get tough, you have assignments, exams, and feel burned out, it may seem like it's impossible to fit spiritual things in. This spiritual exercise can also break down the negative cycle of complaints, lack of time etc. Our God's grace is always sufficient- so do some spiritual exercise today!
Movie review: Jack and Jill (2011)
20:01:00
Kikoprincess
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Movie review: Jack and Jill (2011)
Movie summary: Jack and Jill are twins. Now in their 40s, Jack works in advertising and has a beautiful wife, home and kids. His twin Jill is less bright, loud and comes across as annoying (that voice!) and lived with their mother until she passed away. Jill visits the family and over stays her welcome. Her brother constantly voices his annoyance and how embarrassed he is of her and all she does is cry about it. Then they discover that all she needs is someone to give her love to. In jumps Godfather al and mexican. Through this journey, Jack learns that although our family can be annoying and embarrassing sometimes, they are family and are to be loved and treasured.
My thoughts: When you watch this movie, you have to expect the roughness of an Adam Sandler film. As long as you realise you are not judging this film as an arts house film then you will find this film touching and full of lessons to be learned. Adam sandler plays both roles in the movie and although he doesn't live up to the greats who have done this in film previously, I don't think he was trying to. Like most of Adam's films the moral of the story is very very obvious.
Family, no matter who they are, what they do to us, they are gifts from God. Friends you get to choose, but family you don't. Friends you can replace, but family, we are bound by blood. Let us take more time to treasure our loved ones.
Movie review: Sherlock Holmes: A game of shadows (2011)
21:55:00
Kikoprincess
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Sherlock Holmes: A game of shadows (2011)
Movie summary: Our hero is back. There have been a series of bombings that the media believes to be politically related. Watson is about to get married and will not longer be a partner for Sherlock. On the night before his wedding, he finds Sherlock hiding out in his home in camouflage. He suspects that Holmes forgot to organize his bachelor party. And indeed, the party seems to be an excuse for Holmes to do some snooping. He both get roughed up and look quite messy at the wedding on the next day.
As Watson sets out on his honeymoon to brighton, Sherlock meets Moriety- the suspected cause of the latest series of bombings and genius. He bargains with Moriety to leave Watson alone but he refuses. So Sherlock goes and rescues both Watson and his wife. The pair then work together to solve the crime. They work out that Moriety is behind the bombings and he intends to create a war and to make money selling weapons. Holmes works out that in order to take Moriety out of the picture, he himself must also be removed. And they both leap to a watery grave? At the end you see Watson writing about Sherlock and types "THE END" but this is followed by a question mark typed by our hero!
My thoughts: Being true to the original tale both this movie and Sherlock, the tv series has the same themes. And what I love about films like this is, they give you just enough information, presented in a seemingly random way then piecing it all back together to make perfectly coherent sense. And let's face it, I'm a big fan of the actor!
My thoughts about this film. I think there was a bit too much action and compared to the tv series, it lacked the time for suspense building. The characters and Holmes abilities really stole the show.
I wrote a post early about not putting a question mark where God has put a full stop. But the opposite can also be true, don't put a full stop where God has put a question mark. It's so hard though. People ask me, how do I know if God has put a full stop or a question mark in front of me? I can't tell you. Really can't. But the bible does give people some pretty specific advice at times. For David, he asked if he should attack- sometimes God will give you the green light- do it. Other times, God will give you a detour. But if we ask, he will answer. Great and unsearchable things you do not know!
1Chronicles 14:
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them.9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim;10 so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”
11 So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.” So that place was called Baal Perazim.[e]12 The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, and David gave orders to burn them in the fire.
13 Once more the Philistines raided the valley; 14 so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees.15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.”16 So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
17 So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him.
Movie review: Hunger games 2012
21:48:00
Kikoprincess
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Happy Hunger Games and May the Odds forever be in your favour.
The Hunger games (2012) Summary: The story goes something like this. A a really weird and twisted world, there were 13 districts which served the Capitol. The 13th district rebelled against the capitol and was wiped out. To remember this, each year there is a Hunger Games- a survivor styled contest where each district sends 2 tributes (children selected at random) to compete for survival. The children kill each other and the sole winner is allowed to live and will be rewarded. Our heroine is from the 12th district. Her sister was chosen as a tribute but she goes in her place. Also from her district is a guy who claims to have loved her since the moment they first saw each other. This Hunger Games is a reality tv show that is watched by all but much to the delight and political power of the people living in the capitol. When the games begin, the children start killing themselves off. There are only a few people left and while our heroine hides, the others have formed an alliance. But still, members keep dying off. Our heroine has captured the hearts of the people as she mourns the death of an young companion in battle. And she does this in full view of the public who salute her actions. The organisers of the games, fearing a public rebellion change the rules and allow two victors so our heroine and her love work together to survive. The organisers start to send other creatures to try to kill off the remaining contestants. Until the very end, our heroine and her lover try to commit suicide in front of the camera, there are both announced as winners and the movie concludes with their journey home. The pair bring hope to those who support the rebellion. They were able to influence the way the games were played.
My thoughts: This is the first time I've seen a movie before reading the book. I just wanted to see what the hype was about and didn't have time to read. Fantastic cast, script and props. Everything was very realistic and surreal at the same time. And truly, after watching the movie, I wanted to know more. But I digress, I do not recommend this book or movie to very young people. There is a lot of graphic killing in this depiction. And I think deep within the book are many political messages. It leaves viewers wondering is killing necessary? Is it necessary to kill others to survive? And it reeks of rebellion against rules. On the positive side, young people are being taught to think for themselves, but truly, this film requires parental guidance.
Young people in the games are forced to believe that the only way to survive is to kill others off. That's the rules of the game. You see the pain and fear in each child's eyes as they realise that they are facing death and a slight chance of survival. Because we are descendants of Adam, we too were faced with certain doom. From the moment we were born, we were heading towards this doom. No matter what we offer as a sacrifice, what good deeds we do, we would still die. We couldn't escape our fate. But the rules changed. Jesus came here to set us free from our sins, sins of origin, and we are made clean and right with God. Under this new rule, as long as we believe Jesus died for our sins and allow him to be lord over our life we are saved from this doom.
Can we too start a rebellion? The rules have already changed, can we follow our new leader Jesus Christ into a future full of hope?
Movie summary: Our main character Ren moves from the big city after his mother dies of cancer. He is shocked to find the rules of the rural town to be quite strict. He finds out that rules against going out at night, loud music, dancing, drinking, etc were because some seniors died in a car accident several years ago. One of the boys killed in the accident was the pastors son, and now, the pastor's only surviving daughter is acting out in rebellion. Our main character becomes attracted to her but finds that she is wasting her life away because she is hurt and angry.
