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."
Finding Dory (2016) is out on DVD next month, it would make a fantastic Christmas gift!
I loved finding Nemo when it came out because it spoke about the importance of family, friendship and adventure. Finding Dory follows a very similar story line but yet it was different enough to entice me.
I absolutely loved it, I laughed and cried and laughed and cried some more. In this hunt for my own family, one that I haven't met yet, i'm searching for a sense of belonging.
Movie summary: Just like the classic Ella's father marries a woman with two daughters around her age. After an accident, Ella is left in the care of her stepmother, and her role slowly changes from a lady to a servant of the household. She is belittled and mistreated. And yet she holds steadfast to her mother's last words- to have courage and be kind. With this, she is rewarded with a happily ever after.
My thoughts: With so many twists on classics, I was fearful that disney would change a classic. Cinderella was beautifully made complete with innocent Ella and Prince Charming.
The take home phrase, "Have courage and be kind". It's easier said than done. In the bible, God also asks us to "be strong and courageous" and to "love your neighbours as you love yourself". It's very easy to read about and even teach about in children's ministry. We have seen both these things on the news this week. As a religion we were attacked with guns while meeting for prayer. And as a church, what they did was to have courage and be kind. A bit amazing, but it's possible.
Movie summary: After the last movie, Tony Stark has been suffering panic attacks. He has been sleeping, but has been spending his time building different prototypes of this iron man suit. A new villain has come on the scene by a series of explosions where there is no trace of a device. Tony challenges this villain only to have his beautiful mansion destroyed and is presumed dead. The crazy villain continues to cause havoc even capturing the US president. Tony is left with a beaten up suit, and the help of a kid to save the day.
My thoughts: I loved it. Well, I am biased because Iron man is my favourite superhero. While chatting to the ticket clerk, we agreed on one thing. When there is a sequel, it's inevitable that people would make comparisons. Compared to the first two movies, this was really different. There seemed to be a stronger focus on relationships and a lot more explosives. As a girl, I really enjoyed the relationship building. But there was an overuse of explosives for my tastes. Must like the previous movies, it's really funny. No seriously, so funny. There were a few dull moments in the movie, and I was confused about how the enemies were actually defeated? But perhaps other people can shed some light?
BIG NEWS
In starting my new "business" in private psychology, I am about to launch a new blog with my personal commentaries from both a Christian and Psychology perspective. Proverbs 22.6 (http://karenlipsychology.blogspot.com.au/). The launch of the new blog coincides with the launch of the
The Christian Parenting Handbook: 50 Heart-Based Strategies for All the Stages of Your Child's Life
And as part of the official launch team, there will be some giveaways and special offers (worth over $400!). So stay tuned.
Movie review: Movie Summary: The film depicts the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. How he was captured, how he was tortured, how he died and how he resurrected from the dead.
My thoughts: Well because I'm lazy, I wish it was in English and I wish the resurrection was a bigger deal. But other than that, I think it's still a must watch for every christian.
10/10
Even now, years after first watching the film, snip its of the film still float by in my mind. When I think of the suffering of Christ during communion, my mind automatically goes to the scenes where Jesus was whipped.
Movie Summary: Sandy (male name) has his identity stolen by a lady in another state. She lives it up buying herself electronics, makeup, cars, etc. None of this appears to satisfy her. Meanwhile, Sandy's job and freedom is at stake as he tries to find her and get her to pay for her crimes. When he does find her, the story goes way over board.
My thoughts: The movie is a timely reminder to change those passwords and to keep your identity safe. I'm not a fan. To really enjoy the film, you would need to really like over the top comedy and mild violence. I'm not a fan of either. It was made to be deliberately far fetched from the story line to the characters and the ending. I would not recommend this film to children without parental supervision. I would say it was a waste of my time, except I particularly enjoyed the ending, so if you make it that far, it would be worth your ticket.
3/5
Not to ruin the ending but WHO ON EARTH could ever befriend, like and accept someone who has ruined your life?
Movie Summary: A nerdy accountant encounters a thief while he is shopping at a costume store. He takes matters into his own hands and saves the owner. After this incident he trains himself to be fitter and better. He is approached by one of the witnesses with the costume as a gift. Pretty soon he finds himself labeled a hero and a symbol of hope for the citizens of America. News headlines are constantly reporting about him and everyday people are standing up for themselves.
But things don't last and he is betrayed by the very person who gave him the costume. He is accused of trying to romance a single mother out of her money and put to public shame.
Despite all of this, he is still somebody's hero.
Movie summary: Ralph is the bad guy, even off air the others in his video game treat him like a villain, trash. But Ralph doesn't want to be the bad guy anymore, for once in his life, he wants to be a hero. So he ventures into other video games in order to win a gold coin. Can he gain the respect for others and save the video game arcade?
Movie summary: Oz is a magician who travels with the circus earning loose change and getting by. He is known to be popular with the ladies but his heart belongs to one particular lady. Unfortunately, he has decided that he has greater and better aspirations for his life. He mistreats women luring them with false promises. And he even mistreats his assistant treating him as a tool rather than a person. As luck would have it, he is on the run from people who hold a grudge against him and is swept away in a tornado in a hot air balloon into Oz. And here, others claim that he is the wizard of oz, with a prophecy that involves being the people's salvation from the wicked witch. Oz learns to be responsible and to care for those around him while becoming the wizard others expect him to be.
Movie Summary: It's a musical movie based on a true story of the first all-female aboriginal girl singing group. Despite being the underdogs, the girls work hard to show that native girls can still put on a show- even during a war.
Movie summary:
An old man volunteers to read a story to an old lady at an old people's home. The story is about how wildly in love a young poor chap is with a rich young woman. And how they wrote their own love story.
Movie Summary: Tyler writes to God. In his letters, he writes to God about the people in his life, he prays for their salvation, he prays for their wellbeing. But Tyler is very ill with cancer. But his letters to God are prayers and his prayers begin to influence those around him to search for something more meaningful.
Movie Summary: October baby is one girls' journey to search for who she really is. Along the way, she deals with trust, forgiveness and love.
My thoughts: This is a beautifully shot film and a tear jerker. The song track was absolutely amazing and really drew us into the story. It's suitable for young adults +. It's also a good conversation opener for issues of abortion and forgiveness. We follow along as the main character discovers more about her past than she could fathom. And a core theme in the movie revolves around forgiveness. How can we forgive those that have caused us so much pain? A trip can't fix it. But if God has forgiven us so much, what is stopping us from forgiving others?
Movie Summary: A congressman gets elected into office but starts to neglect his family. He also finds out that he is being used by the big guns to create havoc on nature. At this time, "God" appears to Evan and tells him to build an ark. He is slowly being transformed into a biblical character and animals begin to come two-by-two. His wife, family and friends thinks he is crazy and some even turn out to just mock him. Finally, on the day, they discover why "God" told Evan to build an Ark.
Movie summary: A family moves into an old house to be closer to the hospital. The two daughters meet many mystical creatures while their father is busy with his academic work and mother is recovering in hospital.
My thoughts: My neighbour totoro is a classic. Over the past few weeks, I have been revisiting my past. It was one of those films I watched when I was young, then watched when I was a teenager. And now, as an adult, it still gives me new insights. Such is the depth that a cartoon can convey. It's timeless.
Movie Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Movie Summary: Lucy and her brother return to Narnia with their annoying cousin. Prince Caspian takes them on an adventure on the Dawn Treader in order to break a spell threatening Narnia.
On the way they each have to face their fears and grow.
My thoughts: Gripping. Not suitable for young children because it gets a bit scary at times.There are so many hidden truths in the story if only one would take time to uncover them all.
Movie summary: The movie follows a prisoner (played by Hugh Jackman) on the run during the period of the French revolution. The prisoner is given a second chance in life by a priest and is able to make something of himself. But each time his identity is discovered, he is on the run again. On the way, his story is intertwined with the story of Fantine who is forced into prostitution in order to pay the people looking after her daughter. After her death, we find out that her daughter Cosette is actually mistreated by the inn keepers. Fast forward and Cosette is all grown up and falls in love with a man who is determined to have a part in the French revolution.
Movie Summary: Both 007 and M are getting a bit old and their abilities are being questioned. The list of undercover agents has been stolen and the future of British intelligence and double os are threatened.
My thoughts: I loved it. I think there was an appropriate balance between action and cheesy humour that is guaranteed to entice teens to older adults. The half-naked scenes added nothing to the plot but I guess they have to conform to the Bond identity after all. But I am guilty of laughing my way through nearly the entire movie. Q was lovely, and looking forward to a new 007 and M partnership in the next movie. Honourable mentions to M and 007 - they did well in their last partnership together but they demonstrated nothing remarkable on screen. But the villain was oh so funny. I might rewatch the movie, just to see him shake his head at Bond's undying attempts to save the day.
Yet beyond the gunfire and humour, there is a message conveyed. Even though we live in the technological era where people can do a whole lot of harm in the comfort of their pjs at home, we still need someone to occasionally point the trigger. Or we need to resort to old fashioned methods in order to get the job done. As much as I love the convenience of "liking" or posting a facebook post, an ecard or text message, there is something very very special that is conveyed when you personally tell and show people you are worth the effort.
Yes it's a bit old fashioned. But pick up the phone or make a trip to share the good old christmas cheer.
Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Movie summary: This movie is based on a true story (from a book) about a white farmer in Africa. The family struggle financially as they come across issues of bad luck, political instability, drought, relationship issues, etc. And the farmer hits rock bottom as his whole crop fails and he dreads the inevitable. But he finds hope in God and miraculously his crops recover to abundance within 3 days. he also befriends the local coloured people and is able to share with them his faith. In a terrible thunderstorm, one of the locals are hit by lightning and miraculously through the power of prayer, God brings them back to life. Strengthen by God, the farmer starts to spread the gospel to others and inspires others despite ongoing struggles with his family and a major blow.
And in the end, the farmer plants potatoes in the drought. Planting potatoes is an expensive exercise. (See book exerpt: http://store.kregel.com/client/excerpt/978-0-8254-6335-8.pdf) And he puts his entire hope and livelihood on the line with faith in the Lord. And so it proves, those who sow sparing reap sparingly, but those who sow generously reap generously- and in more ways than one.
My thoughts: This is a tear jerker. The beginning of the movie was a bit difficult to sit through, it was boring. But i thought I would give it another 10 minutes, and I'm glad I did. Don't let the south african accents and over the top acting put you off. The storyline makes it all worthwhile.
It's easy to follow God when he performs miracles. Like when you pray that you would pass your exams and you pass. You pray that you will get a job and you do. You pray that your health would recover and you do. So what happens when we don't get what we ask for? I cried and cried as I watched the child pass... Although I don't always understand God's will in the things that happen to me, but you can choose to stand firm in your faith. It's easy to say, but difficult to do. In these times, I am really grateful that God never gives me more than I can handle- he puts by my side his word to inspire me, his people to encourage me, and his many gifts to get me back up.
Sometimes I find that my faith is so limited. I only pray for what I believe to be possible. I pray and give limits to my prayers. The farmer in the movie is guided by God to dream big. To pursue the impossible (in at least our eyes). Are we prepared to take these risk for God? Are we prepared to be mocked in order to live the life God has called us to live? Are we prepared to have faith like planting potatoes in a drought-- to have faith in the unseen?
At this stage of my life... there are so many things that are unseen. God tells me he has plans for me, plans that I cannot see. I am of little faith, and a lot of doubt. But over and over again, God inspires me to have faith like potatoes.
I'm a big fan of cheezy hallmark channel movies, and here's another one.
Movie summary: Guy meets girl (again). Many years after their date at high school freshmen home coming, boy meets girl again. But now girl is struggling to make ends meet and boy is less awkward. In a turn of events, girl needs more money and offers to be a dating coach to the guy.
Lesson 1. Self confidence. Being attractive means having a positive view of oneself.
So they set about making him feel more fit, buying him new clothes and getting a hair cut.
Lesson 2. Break the ice. Hi my name is xyz, I just wanted to introduce myself.
Lesson 3. The art of conversation. The basics. Listening and asking questions.
Lesson 4. Start sharing. Talking about the things that matter to you. Your passions.
Lesson 5. Make her feel special.
Lesson 6. Getting close.
Lesson 7. Compromise.
Lesson 8. Follow your heart.
My thoughts: I love a little romantic comedy. You start watching knowing that the main characters will go through some trials and eventually be together. This time, the girl is actually encouraging the guy to be a good date for other girls. The actors aren't overly convincing but it's not a hollywood blockbuster. It's suited for a nice girls night in. And the content is suitable for most teenagers but really geared towards older females.
Actually, I don't think the movie if entirely fiction. Having worked with individuals with aspergers or social anxiety, I believe the tips suggested are quite sound pieces of advice! And they even do what I do! Role plays.
But what really got to me was the fear that I would become like the main character Annie. Right now, it feels like I'm in a bit of a slump. And I'm working so hard to help those around me find their happiness, and build up other people's confidence, inspire them to pursue God more. But me, I feel stagnant. Secretly I feel like a failure as an academic. Worthless. But over the last couple of days, I feel that God has really listened to my prayers- like he always has. But he has shone a light and given me a glimpse of a future only he can see.
Indeed, if I had to pick a favourite chapter of the bible at the moment, it would be Hebrews 11. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV It's about all these people in history having hope in a future, living for that hope. And most of these people died not seeing the entire promise being fulfilled. Even though I can not see God's plan for my lifestory at the moment, I have faith in the unseen.
Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
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