Could I Resist This?

Of course not!

Via Jane who has the same sense of humor that I do.

More About Henry Poole is Here

First of all, let me say that it makes me very nervous when someone reads one of my reviews and then runs out to buy the movie based on that alone! Luckily it stood up under scrutiny! (Whew!)

Kate and Mark W. both make excellent points in the comments boxes. Mark's points are here where I point to Scott Nehring's excellent review. Kate's are at my original review here. Also follow my link there to Kate's good meditation upon a key point of the movie ... note, it contains a HUGE spoiler so don't read it if you want to catch the movie "fresh." Wait until afterward.

Movie poll of Catholics launched ahead of Oscars®

From Mark at Soul Food Cinema comes the following poll. I like it, I like it a lot ...

With just days to go until the 81st Annual Academy Awards, three UK-based Catholic media partners have launched a poll to find the Catholic community’s all-time top-100 favourite films.

The weekly newspaper The Catholic Herald, on-line movie review magazine Soul Food Cinema and Catholic media retailer St Anthony Communications, have joined forces to discover those films that Catholics value most highly; both in terms of their technical and artistic merits as well as their moral and spiritual merits.

Speaking about the upcoming awards ceremony, Soul Food Cinema Editor Mark Banks comments “Once again we have a morally-diverse group of films nominated for this year’s Oscars®. On the one hand there is The Visitor, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Slumdog Millionaire, WALL-E and Happy-Go-Lucky: all of which have been nominated for one or more of the most-prestigious Oscar® categories (Best Leading Actor, Best leading Actress, Best Directing, Best Picture and Best Screenplay), and all of which also feature on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Top-10 films list of 2008. And on the other hand there is Milk, The Reader, Revolutionary Road and Tropic of Thunder: all of which have also been nominated for one or more of the most-prestigious Oscars® categories, and all of which have either been deemed by the USCCB to contain ‘problematic content many adults would find troubling’ or simply as ‘morally offensive’”.

The three UK-based Catholic media partners that have organised the Top-100 poll hope it will help Catholics to identify and embrace those films, both past and present, which are in accordance with Catholic-Christian principles.

The poll can be accessed on-line here.

Voting closes on Friday March 6th.

More Praise for Henry Poole is Here

Scott at Good News Film Reviews also likes Henry Poole is Here. As Scott notes, he and I often disagree, though not for the reasons he says. His stubbornness in admitting my correct evaluations is something that he prefers to ignore, so we'll say no more about that!

At any rate, when we fully agree about a movie being good, then you know it is worth seeing. I especially like Scott's insight based on his own brush with death. Be sure to read his review (my review is here) and let's all say a prayer for his continued good health while we're at it ...

Pittsburgh Pilgrimage ... a little more info

I'm still getting this together, but so far, here's what we've got

DATES

Beginning with dinner Wednesday, June 3, and leaving after Mass on Sunday, June 7.

HIGHLIGHT
Mike Aquilina and Chris Bailey Talk

Mike Aquilina and Chris Bailey (more about them can be found here) will give a talk for us on popular devotion that ranges from the Psalms to the Grail and refers to many of the sights and artworks we'll be seeing in Pittsburgh. Woohoo! Exciting, right?

Mike says,

"We can do it together, which is always more better for comedic effect, since alone we tend to be very earnest and homiletic."

See? He's already being funny!

I also will give a talk after our arrival dinner which will be less interesting to those who know me well (of which I have at least one travel commitment) than those who don't. However, I will try to have a little something for everyone in there.

HOTEL

We need to book 10 rooms in order to make this work (costs coming later but it's looking good to me). We'll be staying at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Place. Right in the heart of Oakland and convenient to so many things we'll want to do!

WEEKEND EXTRA

The Three Rivers Art Festival is that weekend and will be easy to get to from where we're staying.

WHERE WE'LL SEE THE SIGHTS

I am filling in the blanks right now ... a tough job because there is so much I want to see and do. Here's the rough schedule. More to come, obviously!

• Wednesday: Dinner and the view from Mount Washington by night.
• Thursday: Downtown and North Side.
• Friday: Oakland.
• Saturday: The Strip in the morning, something else (I'm still thinking) in the afternoon.
• Sunday: Mass, perhaps at an interesting ethnic church.

What is there to do in those places? Here is a sampling to get your imaginations going.

HOW WE'LL GET AROUND

This map which shows just how much fun you can have using rapid transport in Pittsburgh is courtesy of Father Pitt. If you visit him you can download this as a pdf to print out and study.

Immaculate Heart of Mary
Polish Hill

I want to see both Polish Hill and Immaculate Heart of Mary!

AND the Holy Stairs!

Oh, decisions, decisions ...

FDA Prepares Nation For Switch To Digital Food Format

WASHINGTON—Urging the estimated 60 million Americans who have not yet made the transition to the more advanced form of sustenance to do so as soon as possible, acting FDA commissioner Frank Torti announced Wednesday that the nationwide conversion to Digital Food (DF) will take place on Apr.17, 2009. "The only thing consumers who currently rely on analog foods will need is a digital converter box, which you can purchase at any grocery store," Torti said at a press conference, adding that every American household is eligible for a $40 coupon to digitize its current pantry. "DF offers higher texture quality and better taste, as well as multiple spice choices and interactive capabilities. I must stress, however, that after the deadline you will no longer be able to eat your current food." On the heels of the announcement, President Obama has begun pressuring the Senate to pass legislation that would require all food to be completely wireless by 2015.

Inspired insanity from The Onion. (Warning: explicit content may be found on the site.)

Review: Amazing Grace for Survivors

Amazing Grace for Survivors

I absolutely loved this book. It is a series of personal stories from people in all situations and from all walks of life who have faced great pain and hardship. Their struggles have one thing in common. Each experienced Christ's grace on their journey and flourished despite the hardships.

There are so many different stories it is hard to give a good overview ... but I'll list a few of those that I found unforgettable:

• The man who scoffed at Rome's homeless only to find himself in that very state within 24 hours.
• The family who visited their niece at work only to find themselves determined to adopt an orphan who seems to old to be "adoptable."
• Immaculee Ilibagiza's story of facing the man who killed her family and forgiving him.
• The woman who was raped and decided to have the baby that resulted from that act of violence

As I said these are just a few. I could list every story, frankly. Each had something unique to offer. Also, not every story was of a dramatic problem. Sometimes they were of everyday, smaller issues that are struggles at the time but that each of us have suffered through. Such is Mark Shea's story of being an outsider in high school, that age when it is so vitally important to fit in. I liked that the editors included all sorts of problems like that. Everyone hasn't suffered through the sorts of terrible times that are chronicled in many of the stories here. However, we all can relate to those more mundane, if you will, of the struggles contained therein.

Highly recommended. (And bring a hankie. You'll need it.)

This review was written as part of The Catholic Company product reviewer program. Visit The Catholic Company to order or find more information about Amazing Grace for Survivors.

Other Catholic Company reviews may be found here.

It's All Downhill From Here

A little midweek humor, courtesy of Dr. Boli's Celebrated Magazine.

An Articulate and Logical Speech ...

... from a 12 year old. One that I would be proud to know.



Found via The Raving Theist.

Lent: The Mega Post

Oh no, not from me. Y'all know I am not one of those who wants to get ready before Lent before it gets here (which will be Ash Wesdnesday, Feb. 25, by the way).

However, Marcel at Mary's Aggies is on the ball and has tons of excellent info beginning with a Lent FAQ. Check it out.

Thank You for Your Prayers

The Beyond Cana retreat was sensational. 14 couples went away glowing like lit candles, with renewed love and their plans for improved marriages. As well, our retreat team ... well, it is hard to imagine how close we are. Anyone who has participated in giving retreats knows this, of course. However, having a team that continues forward and gives several retreats together grows in a way that can be hard to describe. Watching our friends' marriages grow and blossom is a real gift. And it keeps Tom and me grounded as well. The whole thing is a gift.

Many thanks to all who supported us in prayer. That support is essential and we appreciate it so much!

Gone Retreatin' ...

Tom and I are now officially out of here for this weekend's Beyond Cana marriage enrichment retreat which begins this morning. All email will be answered next week, likewise for any memes or announcements. I'll try to pop in every so often to the comments boxes.

Please keep the attending couples and those of us presenting the retreat in your prayers. May the Holy Spirit flow over all of us this weekend.

Later, y'all!

A Little Something from Etta James for Valentine's Day

One that I have known and loved for some time ... not the one song everyone always plays from Etta James. (Not that I don't love "At Last" ... I do.)



Note: the video is not available but the audio is! Enjoy!

Recommended Valentine's Song: I'll come running (to tie your shoe)

Not new, but new to me and the sentiment of practical chivalry ... is one that speaks to me.

I'll find a place somewhere in the corner
I'm gonna waste the rest of my days
Just watching patiently from the window
Just waiting seasons change, some day
Oh, oh, my dreams will pull you through that garden gate.

I want to be the wandering sailor
We're silhouettes by the light of the moon
I sit playing solitaire by the window
Just waiting seasons change, ah, ah
You'll see, one day, these dreams will pull you through my door
And I'll come running to tie your shoe
And I'll come running to tie your shoe.

Brian Eno

Heard on NPRs All Songs Considered's Lesser Known Love Songs episode (which also has some break-up songs).

Mmmmm ... Crunchy Cornmeal Waffles ...

... at Meanwhile, Back in the Kitchen. Get 'em while they're hot!

It's All Downhill from Here

A little midweek humor from Dr. Boli's Celebrated Magazine.

Advertisement.

ARE YOU DEAD? You may be eligible to participate in a study being conducted by the Monongahela Valley Society for Psychical Research. Weekly seances are conducted at the Society’s offices on Eighth Avenue in Munhall above Ferd’s Pizza. Three raps on our round table will be considered an expression of interest. Please rap distinctly, so as to distinguish your communication from the ordinary commercial activities of Ferd. A small stipend will be paid to your estate on completion of the study. Monongahela Valley Society for Psychical Research, Munhall.

"We are conceived to conceive again in an endless and infinite way ..."

When does the fetus become human?

[...]

That such a question is raised with any seriousness is evidence of a profound denial — the denial required to end an unborn child’s life in the womb. ... we call it a “potential human”, as if at some magic point a switch is thrown to turn on its humanity — while never stopping to define what that humanity is, or why there is no humanity in the split second before our chosen transition time. We draw false and foolish analogies: the fetus is no different than a skin cell, or a “sacred sperm”, or a tumor — thus denying the extraordinary creation which occurs when the genetic map of two parents fuses into a new life, with an infinite capacity for uniqueness, change, experience, and creativity of its own. For we are created to create; we are engendered to engender; we are conceived to conceive again in an endless and infinite way: to conceive new ideas, new works, new accomplishments, new relationships, new failures and successes, and new life itself, in the generation which we ourselves engender.

Dr. Bob hits one out of the park in when considering the redefinition of humanity. I think what hit me between the eyes on this one is his consideration of creativity and conception in every facet of our lives from the very moment we ourselves are conceived. In which case, why would we consider that everything we do, including sexual intercourse, would not also lead to creation and conception?

Just a bit more because I can't resist. Then go read it all.

From the moment of its conception, that which we so dismissively call a “fetus” begins a journey extraordinary beyond imagination. Using the inscrutable road map of its unique DNA, the developing human undergoes constant change and growth — a process which ends not at birth but some 25 years later when its full physical maturity is reached. Organs form; primitive cells differentiate into complex systems dedicated to tasks both present and future. Before its mother knows of the pregnancy, at 6 weeks, the heart and circulatory system is formed, and the heart is beating; the primitive cells forming the brain and spinal cord are in place and developing; facial features, including eyes, ears, mouth and nose are evident. By 8 weeks, fingers, toes and fingernails are present, as is the digestive system. By 12 weeks, virtually every organ system is formed and differentiated; the rest of the pregnancy is almost entirely about growth and the maturing of these intact systems. The information map for this extraordinary yet orderly complexity — and for far more, including intellect, personality, gifts and skills, — and yes, liabilities — is contained in the fertilized egg in its entirety. We are what we will be, from the the instant of our conception.

This 'N' That

To be added to throughout the day as I get time ...

• Extremely stressed right now. I don't know why I consistently forget that the week before a retreat is so busy, so active, so full of little things that have to be done. Perhaps for the same reason that we forget about childbirth pains after the baby is born. The actual retreat (or baby!) is so wonderful and such a gift that the hard work beforehand is not a factor in the overall equation.
  
  
• When stressed ... watch Firefly. Always sure to take my mind off my to-do list. Not sure why. But when you consider that Aliens is my other "go to" in times of stress then I guess Firefly is positively light weight!
  
  
• When watching Firefly it may take a while to notice that the tornado sirens are sounding. Of course, this also may stem from the fact that the Lakewood neighborhood tornado siren sounders are a bunch of wimps if you grew up in Kansas. Some rain and high winds do not a tornado make. They do not even an Official Tornado Warning make as I found out when I turned on the news. Although you know how you grab what matters most when it is an emergency? I would have been hiding from the tornado in a closet with ... wait for it ... my iPod and earbuds. I'd have been entertained to the end if nothing else!
  
  
• AND I'd have had a light source, as I discovered when I was going around turning off computers and the lights went out. My handy, dandy, all-purpose Nano has one heckuva powerful light. You can use it to walk by, thereby avoiding the cat and dog, who are huddling around your feet to tell you that they do not like this bad weather and would you please turn it off!
  
  
• Love this comment that Penni makes about what a difference blogging friends make in one's life:
  
  Blogging has had such an impact on my life these past 4 years that it is really a difficult task to describe how much these people (some of whom I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting in person) have meant to me during some very trying periods of my life. They reached out through cyberspace and helped to comfort me in my world and allowed me to enter into theirs. They have added an incredible life experience which is again, impossible to describe to those who don’t blog. But it is real and I would love to have an hour, at least, not simply five minutes.
  
  Absolutely. She has hit the nail on the head and she would be on my list without question.
  
  
• It warms a mother's heart to read #7 from Hannah's "25 Things About Me" list ...
  
  I love being with my family. They’re awesome. And that is not just me. My friends can attest to the fact that they rock. ...
  
  Whew! So far, so good ...
  
  
• It also warms my heart that my mother was annoyed that retreat prep kept us from going to Austin to join in with the bloggin' bunch hosted by Darwin Catholic. No matter how old you are it is wonderful to know that your mommy's still lookin' out for you. Even if it is simply in being annoyed.
  
  
• I can forgive Laura for not loving Nutella when she tells the story as entertainingly as this ... here's a little, go read it ...
  

  So after a long trip to the grocery store (I have a really hard time asking for help... and I had a hard time finding the stuff...), I returned home with my jar of Nutella. I quickly derobed and got into my best Nutella-eating outfit. I couldn't wait to have my first Nutella experience.
  
  Removing the lid and peeling back the seal, I dove in. "Oh my goodness," I thought to myself. "I am SO excited. This is going to be great! Oh, Nutella, my love! We meet at last!"



• The Kindle ... not having the space or travel situations which would make a Kindle attractive, I find the idea of spending $360 for a device that then requires $10 per book additionally ... to be more than a bit of a waste of money for me. I mean to say, I rarely even buy a book that costs as much as $10. And I don't have to recharge the battery on my regular books.

I love it that ...

... Hannah told me that reading Rose's 25 random things about herself on Facebook just makes her love Rose more because it is so funny and so true and ... so Rose. (Finally something compelling enough to make me go read something on Facebook ...)

Hannah's right. About all of it.

I also love this photo of Rose ... from the Christmas break camping trip. You can clearly see she is in "Red Baron" mode.

I equally like Hannah's 25 things about herself. AHA! Finally an admission that her skirts are too short! Not that she wears them for rock climbing ...



Update
I don't know who started the 25 Things About Me list. Apparently no one does. However, I'm glad that Hannah and Rose did them. But, then, I'm their mom.

Weekend Joke

From Coffee Klatch.

So this guy was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a beautiful princess.”

He bent over and picked up the frog, and put it in his pocket.

The frog spoke up again and said, “If you kiss me, I will turn back into a beautiful princess and then I will tell everyone how smart and brave you are and how you are my hero.”

The man took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it, and returned it to his pocket.

The frog piped up again and saying, “Hey, if you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will be your loving companion for an entire week.”

The man took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it, and returned it once again to his pocket.

The frog then cried out, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I’ll stay with you for a year and do ANYTHING you want.”

Again the man took the frog out, smiled at it, and put it back into his pocket.

Finally the frog asked, “What is the matter? I’ve told you I’m a beautiful princess, that I’ll stay with you for a year and do anything you want. Come on… Why won’t you kiss me?”

The man said, “Look, I work for a software company. I don’t really have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog is way cool.”

"Christian" Movie Makers Could Take a Lesson From "Henry Poole is Here"

"Do you ever feel like things happen for no reason?
Like you're just along for the ride?"

So speaks Henry Poole who is without hope or faith and is trying to avoid any and all human contact.

Henry has moved into a neighborhood where he is unknown only to find that his neighbor, Esperanza, sees the "face of Christ" in the new stucco on his house. Insisting that it is a water stain, unable to remove it with bleach, and equally unable to keep Esperanza away, he agrees to let the local priest bring in experts for evaluation.

Meanwhile, we discover why Henry is hiding from the world and see him pulled into interaction despite himself with his neighbors. Henry provides the skeptical, reasonable voice of the world, wanting rational explanations and refusing to believe in ... "don't say that word!" ... miracles because those just don't happen. This provides not only many humorous situations but poignant moments as well. As the movie progresses we are aching to know if the "face of Christ" is genuine or only a water stain. Equally, we are aching for Henry.

In the most basic sense, the overall message of this movie could be that no man is an island, as Henry is unable to avoid people constantly reaching out to him in friendly interest. Those people spark a transformation that Henry can not possibly imagine as he continually attempts to bat them away. We do not see every situation resolved but the sense that resolution lies in the future is clearly present by the end of the film. The story overall is a human, interesting look at hopelessness and faith, isolation and love, memories and future.

There are some script flaws. There could have been more plot lines and a bit less telegraphing of some of the story. The flashbacks are awkwardly jumps in time and some story points move unrealistically quickly. However, it does not make claims to be something it is not. This is a little, refreshing, quirky movie with heart. I have watched many simple movies such as The Castle and Eagle vs. Shark with exactly those same qualities that have stuck with me for a very long time. This movie is no less.

Here is a no-doubt-about-it faith message that was delivered interestingly, and with realistic characters, using subtle methods to enhance the story. Predictable in some ways, it made us think along the way, didn't spoon feed us everything, and was far superior to Fireproof in technique and delivery. It speaks about faith and prayer in the way that normal people do, without stopping to deliver speeches about "accepting the Lord." As Tom says, "You can lead a horse to water, but you probably can't beat it to water."

An indie-style movie with a simple but well delivered story, it is a lesson in how to deliver messages when you're not already preaching to the choir, as "Christian" movies are wont to do. Excellent acting enhanced the movie greatly. For example, I have never seen George Lopez in anything but broad comic roles, which were painful, to tell the truth. Here he does a subtle, low key delivery as the very real seeming neighborhood priest who is called in to give judgment on the "appearance."

We appreciated the acknowledgment that it is possible to have a woman look beautiful and modest while dressing like a normal person. (No stereotypical "sensible" pumps, no frumpy blouse and skirt sets that your mother might wear, and no ugly hair styles ... yes, "Fireproof," I'm lookin' at you all the way here.) Equally, there is no immodest behavior although everyone's behavior is entirely normal. I particularly enjoyed the device of using the tape recorder to both engage Henry with another person and remind him and the audience of key points. As well, we both appreciated the sequence informing of us Henry's past while he is at the river. Artfully and subtly done, especially in a movie with this overall message.

The symbolism likewise was there for us if we wanted it but didn't intrude on our viewing. Take note of characters' names, keeping in mind Esperanza is Spanish for "hope." Equally, remember that a cross never shows up in a movie, even as a shadow, without the filmmaker deliberately placing it there (kudos to Tom who caught this one in the movie). As a larger example: Henry's house is empty, barren, dark, and bleak. A neighbor's backyard, likewise, is in stages of raw disorder, although their house is warm and inviting. We were shocked every time Henry left his home and we saw the neighborhood full of lush, flourishing yards and homes. The contrast between Henry and other people is shown to us thus to make an overall impression that sinks in at a level we did not have to have a spoken declaration to understand. This is not all but we will let it unfold for you.

Well done and definitely recommended for those interested in what they would do if the "face of Christ" showed up on the wall of their house.

I suppose bilocation to gratify my own interests probably will not be granted

Jen at Conversion Diary tells us her fun weekend plans meeting up with some of my favorite bloggers.

This weekend I'm excited to be going to a blogger get-together that includes the Darwins, Melanie and Dom Bettinelli, Betty Beguiles and Literacy-Chic. I've met quite a few bloggers in person, and I never cease to be amazed at how much people's true personalities really do come across in their blog. So far I've never had a bad experience meeting someone whose blog I enjoy. I'm looking forward to getting together with everyone tomorrow.

Anyone else have any fun weekend plans?

AND Rick Lugari is going to be there.

Doesn't that sound fun?

You know, we coulda been there. We were invited.

*... just a sec while I muffle a tiny sob ... ok, I think I can go on now ...*

Except that the Beyond Cana retreat is over Valentine's Day weekend and this weekend is our walk through and other preparations. So we had to turn it down. I don't mind (much). I'm getting pretty excited about the Beyond Cana retreat which is always a huge buzz. So much so that I usually have a terrible time turning off my brain and sleeping during the two nights we are at the hotel.

It's just that ... well ... I wanna go to the blogger party too!

So, here's the deal. Everybody (and I 'm especially lookin' at you Rick Lugari) had better be at the Catholic New Media Celebration in San Antonio.

Because it's all about me.

But we knew that already didn't we? (ha!)

There was a considerable amount of conversation this morning ...

.... over this article from the Wall Street Journal. Ostensibly it is about lip syncing or quartet syncing. However, at the foundation it is about our age's need for perfection. Here's a bit and then do go read it all.

But far worse, the emphasis on technologically assisted perfection is at odds with a human conception of artistic beauty. "In all things that live there are certain irregularities and deficiencies which are not only signs of life, but sources of beauty," wrote the 19th-century British critic John Ruskin. "To banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyze vitality."

Which is exactly what happened at the Capitol grandstand: An opportunity for glorious exertion and vitality was missed. Imagine the sight of some of the world's greatest musicians struggling against the arctic elements -- coaxing and cajoling sound out of their reluctant instruments, willing their numb fingers to be nimble. I suspect it all would have come together quite well, if a bit out of tune here and there.

But what if it hadn't? What if Mr. Ma had suffered one of the catastrophes of which he warned -- a broken string? Picture the heroic struggle as he switched his fingering on the fly to find the necessary notes on another string. Mr. Ma is among the rarefied artists who could have pulled something like that off (and probably pulled it off with none but his fellow musicians even noticing). How fantastic it would have been to see him do it. Instead we got play-acting.

Tom maintained that it was completely unrealistic to ask musicians with delicate instruments to be outside in that weather and that under those circumstances the syncing was allowable. My take was that if the musicians didn't fake it then it would be obvious that their performance should be held elsewhere. Or we would have had the heroic performance posited above.

At any rate, this made me think back to a chance encounter at my bank with a young man who, upon a previous visit, had told me all about his wedding plans. When I asked him a couple of weeks ago how he liked wedded bliss, he explained that they were putting off the wedding because in today's economy both sets of parents needed their children's help financially. They couldn't afford the sort of wedding he felt his fiancee deserved. I couldn't help thinking back to the stories of Depression Era weddings and then the later hippie weddings that now seem to be forgotten. Some of the strongest marriages I know were begun on a shoestring under daunting circumstances. Venturing to give an opinion, I brought up the fact that it is the love in the marriage that matters rather than the trappings. For example, even with a potluck reception, the guests could all bring the recipes they used and the couple could have a cookbook that would bring back many memories. In better economic times they could celebrate anniversaries on a more lavish basis. He listened attentively and when I apologized for butting in, he earnestly said, "No, no. I never thought of those ideas. I don't have anyone to tell me. My fiancee says she doesn't care but I don't want her to be disappointed. You don't think that she'd look back and think I let her down?"

This is not necessarily the same thing as the above standards of perfection, but it seems to me that we have learned too well that idea of "not settling" for anything less than the best. Certainly we must strive for excellence, but we also factor in circumstances and limitations while setting priorities. Sometimes compromise surprises us by showing us something better than we would have imagined.

For example, I got married in a nightgown. But that is a story for another day. For one thing, I have to scan in the photo ...

More Ways to Help Amy and the Children

In the wake of Michael Dubruiel's tragic death, come more ways to contribute to helping out his family. I liked the way that Deacon Greg put it. They are family. Maybe remote family. Maybe family we write to but don't see often if ever. But family. That is why we are all so shocked.

As most of us don't live close enough to provide that physical support of bringing a casserole and sitting to grieve together, we do what we can through our blogs.

Here are some ways that have emerged:

• Danielle Bean is collecting donations for Amy and the family. Here is the link (I can't get it to open right at this moment, but that might be my browser). You can also go here.

• Ambrose-a-rama points out that "OSV, publisher of several of Michael's books, is doubling what would be his normal proceeds on all of his OSV-published books. You can order them here." Good on 'em!
  
  I'd like to mention that I enjoyed Questions and Answers by Pope Benedict which was edited by Michael. I can also recommend Praying the Rosary, which Michael and Amy wrote together. It resides on our "rosary table" ready to be picked up for meditative inspiration whenever needed. And finally, I really liked How to Get the Most Out of the Eucharist which Michael wrote. I never formally reviewed it but, as I am wont to do, posted copious excerpts which will give you a good feel for the book if you read them. You can find them by scrolling through the posts here.
  
  
• Father Z is collecting prayers and messages as a spiritual bouquet.
  
  
• Amy has requested that those who would like to help should buy Michael's books because the proceeds go directly to their kids college fund. Lisa Hendey at Catholic Mom is helping with that request in her February book club.

Amy has posted Michael's last column. The message is one that we can all take to heart. The post also contains details about the funeral arrangements for those that are close enough to attend.

Get Religion ... Lookin' Out for Media Reporters Everywhere

And we're glad they do. If you care about bad reporting or a lack of reporting about religion, you should be reading Get Religion. We can be thankful that whether a large issue or a small story detail, nothing gets by the bloggers and their readers. For example, in a story about the Chicago cathedral burning ...

But there’s a whopper of a problem with one line in the story:

One of the church officials said the blessed sacrament or Eucharist, which symbolizes the body of Christ, was removed.

It is wonderful to see a reported detail on the sacrament but Catholics do not believe that the Eucharist symbolizes the body of Christ. They believe that the bread and wine become — are — the body and blood of Christ. This isn’t really an unknown teaching of the church, having been featured in popular culture, literature and general discourse for hundreds of years.

As the reader who sent it in noted:

Perhaps most readers wouldn’t have noticed this, but I think this is something that an editor, at the very least, should have picked up and changed.

Yes, it’s a rookie mistake in an otherwise solid story.

Michael Dubruiel - Rest In Peace

Terrible and shocking news comes from Amy Welborn.

November 16, 1958-February 3, 2009

Michael collapsed this morning at the gym and was not able to be revived despite the efforts of EMTs and hospital personnel.

We are devastated and beg your prayers.

Many thanks for all of the prayers and notes. It is overwhelming. Many have asked what they can do. All I can say is to simply buy his books. Not from me, because I am in no position to fill orders, but from anywhere. He long ago promised God that he would give all the royalties of The How To Book of the Mass to the children’s college funds, which he did faithfully. Buy them, read them, and give them away to others. Spread the Word. That is what he was all about.

I am stunned and my heart goes out to Amy and their children at this terrible time. Please pray for them all.

Update

Danielle Bean is collecting donations for Amy and the family. Here is the link (I can't get it to open right at this moment, but that might be my browser). You can also go here.

My Stimulus Package

I realize this isn't original and you didn't hear it here first (you might have heard it here first) but I actually did think it up anyway (is anyone else flashing on Michael Keaton in Night Shift talking about bumper stickers?).

Just give us each our own share of the stimulus money. No middle men.

With several billions or trillions or however much it is up to by now, I bet we can get the economy rolling just fine. If spending money is what you want to do, that is.

I'm not really a New Deal kind of gal so I tend to look at the stimulus as a bad idea in general. (Unless you're determined to do it and then ... uh huh ... give it to us.)

If you also aren't into the stimulus package, you can go here to register your discontent.

Call for Pope to step down? What are these people, crazy?

Heaven help me. A couple of my brothers-in-law, not to mention my father, are going to have a field day with this one. I do not look forward to the next family get-together.

Ok, I tried to rise above by largely ignoring this whole broohaha over the Pope, the SSPX and Bishop Williamson's ignorant views. However, I have been stirred to action by The Deeps of Time who points out that Catholics should be stepping up to Pope Benedict's defense.

Good point.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, I am going to take his excellent defense and reproduce it here. I urge you to go to his blog for several pertinent links within the article ... and also because that blog is just generally excellent anyway.

It's Not a Sin to Be Stupid

I don’t like to take this blog off-topic often, but when one sees the Pope being unjustly attacked in the press, as he is now, I think all Catholics ought to step up to his defense. The issue, of course, is the recent lifting of the excommunication of the bishops of the Society of Saint Pius X, and the outcry over Bishop Williamson’s doubts about the historicity of the Holocaust.

(To begin with a disclaimer, I find Bishop Williamson’s historical position to be ignorant, and the position of the Society of Pius X to be hypocritical, prideful, and disobedient. This post’s defense of the Pope’s decision to lift the excommunication should not be construed as a defense of the Bishop’s opinions.)

What the media and the Pope’s critics can’t seem to understand is that the two issues are entirely unrelated. Bishop Williamson’s comments are surely stupid, but it’s not a sin to be stupid. Catholics are not excommunicated for holding questionable historical views on issues unrelated to doctrine — and therefore excommunications are not maintained simply because such questionable views continue to be held.

Here’s an analogy: imagine that you were accused of a crime, and as a punishment had your driver’s license revoked. When you have completed your sentence, you go back to the DMV to get your license back, and are told that’s not possible. When you ask if that’s part of the sentence, you’re told no, you were just overheard voicing some batty historical theories, so you can’t get your license back. Bad P.R., you see. Obviously, your rights as a citizen have been violated. The issue of your historical opinion is unrelated to your standing with respect to your civic rights.

Likewise with Bishop Williamson — his views on the Holocaust, however offensive, have no bearing whatsoever on his canonical standing as a Catholic. The Pope has determined that the conditions for lifting the excommunication have been met. (Look for Ed Peters’ analysis of the issue when he gets it posted.) The media criticism betrays a complete lack of understanding as to what an excommunication is. It is a canonical penalty for very specific sins, not a censure of stupid opinions. This campaign against the Pope is nothing more than an attempt to smear and undermine his image in the public mind, which Catholics should stoutly resist.

High School and Hooking Up

Will at The View from the Foothills brings up some worries that also bothered me before my own children got to high school and then beyond that to college.

If there were one thing that I could tell people with younger children, it is not to worry about high school so much. Having been there, I can tell you that it is fruitless to worry. Your family sets the groundwork for them so much more than you realize.

I would say more but I urge you to check Will's comments box if this subject interests or worries you. I said more than enough there!

Win Professional Cutlery

It looks like a great deal ... find out about it at Meanwhile, Back in the Kitchen.

I Knew It Was Something Satan Said ...

Got this from LOL Saints ... and it's not just another funny place. Be sure to click through and read more. The serious stuff is in the writing.

In My Mind's Eye ... Again

I got a wonderful email from a friend this morning in which she said that I had been in her thoughts and prayers lately. Perfect timing ... the Holy Spirit's looking out for us all the time and sometimes a wonderful friend reminds us of it.

She liked my response and asked if I was blogging it. So I will ... it is a little more detailed than y'all usually get but there is a nice kicker if you stick it out to the end, which was what she liked.

I so appreciate your thoughts and prayers because Tom has a kidney stone which is now becoming complicated with various other things like side effects to pain meds, etc. So I come to work, get what I can done, go home and push water on him, cook so as to not further impede an upset digestion, answer questions and make arrangements for the upcoming Beyond Cana retreat (thank heavens it is not THIS weekend). And pray. Surprisingly I do not worry too much because every time I start then I remember that no matter what earthly details we are going through God is there. In fact this morning on my prayer walk thinking about my father (whose increasingly failing health was described by his doctor as "on the edge") and his orneriness in ignoring God ... I suddenly had this "mind's eye" of Jesus putting his forehead against mine, looking into my eyes and saying softly, "I've got him Jules ... you just pray. He's mine." At the same time it was as if my guardian angel had his head down and wings out in a sort of walking prostration. (Hey, my imagination is nothing if not practical and YES Jesus was walking backwards with his sandals on over athletic socks ... it was COLD!). Comfort and laughter ... God's got it all ya know. :-)

I am not really overwhelmed although I know it sounds like it....

And I am not overwhelmed in large part because God has given us so much, beginning with Himself. (Not that I might not get kinda snippy sometimes, but that's a whole other issue. And anyway Lent is coming to help me focus on that sort of thing a bit more intensively...)

A Modern Day Parable

From my friend Maryann. As with all good stories there is more here than meets the eye if we think about it.

Louise, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store.

She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.

Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can."

John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?"

Louise replied, "Yes sir."

"O.K.," he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."

Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.

The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said grudgingly, "I can't believe it."

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more.

The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:

Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.

Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; "It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs."

Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate Groundhog's Day

From Coffee Klatch.

... Besides watching the movie with Bill Murray.

• 10. It’s on nearly every calendar.
• 09. Helps relieve cabin fever.
• 08. Spring or not, it’s six weeks till St. Urho’s Day.
• 07. Forecast is no less reliable than the National Weather Service.
• 06. At least one of them critters is bound to see things your way.
• 05. Valentine’s Day is too depressing for nerds.
• 04. Unlike the Easter bunny, he keeps his dirty paws outside.
• 03. As they used to say on radio: “The Shadow knows“.
• 02. It’s fun to say “Punxsutawney”.
• 01. If a rodent can bring us an early spring, more power to him.

This Just In ... And Going On My To-Read Stack

With God on All Sides: Leadership in a Devout and Diverse America ... a book about how American leadership should handle the extremely diverse religious society we have become. The book concept puts me strongly in mind of The Right to Be Wrong which I found enlightening in the extreme.

First I will have to finish For Better, for Worse, for God: Exploring the Holy Mystery of Matrimony by Mary Jo Pederson. Get used to the name because this is one I'll be excerpting for a while ... it is a really fantastic book about marriage. It is like a "checklist" for marriage enrichment. In fact, I will say that it is the book I will be giving to any couples getting married. And that included Hannah and Rose when that time comes. I have not found anything that better reflects what we have learned and built upon from the Beyond Cana retreat.

Don't know much about polyphony ...

... but I do dearly love chant. It takes my spirit to an adoration chapel that my friends and I know well where there is always chant playing in the background. And it takes me to Good Friday at our church where for the last two years the Gospel has been chanted.

Anthology: Chants and Polyphony from St. Michael's Abbey

Thanks to the Norbertine Fathers from St. Michael's Abbey I venture to say that we were probably one of the very few ... if not the only household in the DFW Metroplex on Friday night to have these glorious sounds swirling through our house. The CD came in the mail and when we got home from Tom's excursion to the emergency room I popped it into the CD player to for an initial listen.

The eclectic selection on this album is a cross-section of music sung at the abbey that includes chants from the liturgy as well as motets and music from the Renaissance era. These latter are sung on more solemn occasions like Easter, Pentecost, Christmas, and other great feasts of the liturgical year. "Anthology: Chants and Polyphony from St. Michael's Abbey" is a testimony of the vigor and subtle beauty of Gregorian chant as sung today in the USA.

Simply beautiful ... and inspirational ... and peaceful. Also, I appreciate the Latin because I can't pick out words and it leaves my mind free for prayer while helping pull back that veil that separates me from God.

I now know that polyphony could be described as some of the most glorious harmony ever. I also can see why the retired abbot requested the initial Exultet recording that prompted them to begin recording in the first place. This is going to be the perfect music for my drive to work also, when I am finishing up the rosary begun on my morning prayer walk.

Highly recommended. In fact, so much so, that I am going to put Christmas at St. Michael's Abbey on my wish list.

Note: The release date is February 10 and Amazon has it on sale now. Do yourself a favor and order this if you want some inspirational music, especially with Lent beginning in a little less than a month.

Now There's a Bible Study I Can Get Behind

Listen now to: The Simpsons at Church

Thanks to Deacon Ken for thinking of me when hearing this story and getting the link! Even more so since he is not a Simpsons fan ... poor fellow.

Photo sources

Was it the knitting? Was it the Hail Marys? What does it take to get through a visit to the emergency room?

Probably both are what it takes to get calmly, almost meditatively, through a trip to the emergency room when you are afraid that your husband has an appendix that is about to burst. (Turns out it was a kidney stone ... excruciating pain but no imminent loss to life ... and it buys you a couple of hits of morphine to book. Poor fellow now has a prescription for Vicodin and can look forward to some more rounds of pain while waiting for it to all pass away. Get it? Pass ... well, never mind.)

I remember reading a knitter's account of being in either New York or Washington D.C. when Sept. 11 happened. She was stranded at the train station for hours and was thankful to have an unfinished sock to knit in her purse. It gave her something to do without disconnecting her from the people around her ... and kept her calm.

That has always been in the back of my mind for some reason. So when Tom gave me my Peacock Blue Newport Knitting Bag for Christmas I started carrying around the latest unfinished sock. The other day I asked myself why I was doing that when clearly I rarely had time to knit while I was out and about.

Yesterday afternoon was my answer. After the pain levels had been reduced to a dull roar by the morphine, I pulled out my knitting and luckily was just working on the heel (which for non-knitters means that it was fairly brainless and could be shoved back into the bag at a second's notice without losing my place). We were there from about 1:30 until after 6:00 during which time there were many dull periods of waiting around. I managed to turn the heel and am now working on the gussets to shape the foot.

As for the Hail Marys, those never stopped until the doctor came in and confirmed the triage nurse's first "probably a kidney stone" comment. It is very comforting to know that while you are knitting, you are also streaming prayer for Mary and other saints who pop to mind to pray with you ... not only for your loved one but also for those other frightened and hurting souls that you can see everywhere. As well as those kind, trained ones who are there to help. Once again, I am happy to be Catholic.

You know what happens when you drop a MIB quote in the sidebar?

You get a major award.

And a laugh to start the day. Thanks Tim!

Genesis Initiative

From my in-box ... though since I just watched Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan a couple of weeks ago, this might not have had the initial effect they would have expected ... though that was the "Genesis device" now that I think of it ...

New Catholic Group Launches Media Initiative

For far too long, Catholic artists and filmmakers have struggled to finance their projects and receive the training necessary to perfect their craft, hindering them from spreading their message of faith, hope, and love of God and His church. Today, we are happy to announce that a group of Catholics has come together to address this pressing cultural need.

The Genesis Initiative is a grassroots, non-profit organization aimed at funding worthy television and motion picture projects that promote Catholic values, teachings, and historical figures. ...

Their website can be found here.

This is What I Call Optimism

Grass Snake taken by Remo Savisaar

He adds that the fish is a flounder

Families, Audiobooks, San Francisco History, and Uncle Tom's Cabin

All can be found in Episode 71 of Forgotten Classics.

Enjoy!

You Can Learn the Most Useful Things from an Audiobook

Trying out the first couple chapters of Lost Gods from Podiobooks, a scam to steal ATM cards was described. The book is about Anansi, a trickster god, who is living in Canada. Who knew the scam pulled by a competitor of his was a real scam?

Until I got this from The Anchoress ... check out this Snopes entry on how a piece of film can be used to steal your ATM card.

By the way, I will be going back for more of Lost Gods when I've cleared out some of my stacked up audiobook listening. I'm a sucker for Anansi stories and this sounded good.

Hot Cocoa Coming Up

Grab a mug at Meanwhile, Back in the Kitchen.

Deep Prayer and Pearl Diving

This discussion of deep prayer from Mother Teresa's Secret Fire (discussed here) has come to my mind continually since I read it some weeks ago. There is something about that idea of diving beneath the tumultuous surface into the calmer, deeper waters that makes distractions easier to brush off somehow.

The first means is to use silence. Souls of prayer are souls of great silence. We cannot put ourselves directly in the presence of God if we do not practice internal and external silence. (Mother Teresa)

Engaging in deep prayer is much like diving for pearls. Some minimal effort is required for a pearl diver to overcome his natural buoyancy, to arrive at the depths where the treasure lies -- and to remain there for the duration. In prayer as well, there is a kind of natural buoyancy at work, drawing us back to the surface. like the diver, we need some simple, persevering effort to remain there in the depths, where all is quiet and peace in God's presence.

A storm of thoughts and distractions may go on above us, but as long as we provide that minimal inner movement that allows us to stay below. the storms of distraction cannot touch us; they do not affect or interrupt our prayer. Whenever we experience turbulence, whenever we find ourselves buffeted by thoughts, it is a sign that we have been imperceptibly returning to the surface. We need only that small effort once again to return below, like the small kick of the diver's fins, and again we are at peace in an inward Eden. What this means for prayer, and our perennial battle with distractions, is that thoughts and distractions are no longer an obstacle -- we merely stay beneath them, consistently seeking this deeper "place of the heart."

[...]

We need to create our own inner hermitage, an inner sanctum where nothing and no one but God can enter -- where God can abide alone, "face-to-face" with the soul. This is the motive behind Jesus' teaching: "When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father... in secret (Mt 6:6).

Finding the "place of the heart" builds on the practice of establishing faith-contact with God at the outset of prayer. Before engaging in prayer, we first take a brief moment to enter into conscious and deliberate contact -- not with a God hidden above the clouds, nor floating on the mind's ruminations, but with the living God abiding in the depths of our soul.

Once we have taken this first step and consciously established faith-contact with God, we simply begin to move the focus of our awareness away from the surface, towards the center of the soul. We shift our attention from the level of the head to the level of the heart. There is nothing difficult or mysterious abut this at all. Though the "heart" referred to here is not the physical heart per se, there is such an intimate, God-made connection between soul and body that by shifting our focus inward, to a level corresponding to the are of the heart, we find ourselves moving towards a deeper level of the soul as well.

This also hit a chord with me because I have found that if I do not say my two customary prayers at the very beginning, then I struggle in prayer much more. I realized this some time before Father Langford's words put it into true focus for me. First I seek God deliberately, using those prayers repeatedly if necessary to calm my mind and soul so that I may attempt to duck my head beneath the surface and begin to listen as well as to talk.

The Curt Jester Really Knows How to Make a Girl's Day ...

... ok, two girls' days.

Thank you, Jeff.

The Mark Shea Experience

There is something so wonderful about getting to meet bloggers, especially those you respect highly, face-to-face. So you can see why one of the things I really looked forward to last weekend was getting to hear Mark Shea speak.

I remember back when Happy Catholic was getting started and I was so shy (yes, believe it or not!). Mark so kindly posted a link to the blog and I got a hundred hits that day instead of my usual ten! Woohoo!

Also, I had just read Amazing Grace for Survivors (review to come) and amongst the many stories of terrible incidents that God reached through were some smaller ones of tragedy as many of us can relate to. Mark has a story in there about the tortures of high school as experienced by so many of us ... the shy, the geeky, the unpopular ... and it was one I thought reminded us that there are many sorts of experiences that we must "survive" even if they often fade as we reach maturity.

We were late getting there as Rose's flight was delayed but were able to hear the last half of his talk: This is My Body - An Evangelical Discovers the Real Presence. He was warm, personable, and witty (and I hear his first talk was hilarious about what's wrong with Catholicism which goes over every wrong preconception about the Church). What was most important to me was that he was so good at pointing out the charitable reasoning every time he was telling the Evangelical point of view. Granted, he was talking about himself at one point, but it was still nice. Interestingly there were several Protestants there asking questions, even going so far as to read from their Bibles with questions ... which were answered openly and charitably as one would expect.

Over lunch, I got to meet him and must credit Mark Windsor (now not blogging but let us hold out hope for a future return to the blogosphere for him) for a good prep. It was immensely flattering for Mark W. to say, "This is Julie D..." and for Mark SHEA (all these Marks ...) to say with enthusiasm, "OH, HAPPY CATHOLIC!" (There was a brief glow, "He's heard of my blog!" Then I realized that Mark W is good at prep. But it was a nice two seconds while it lasted!)

Mark then gave a riveting talk based on his book "Making Senses Out of Scripture: Reading the Bible as the First Christians Did." That is one of the first books I read when I figured out that Catholics look at many layers of the Bible. A fascinating book and a wonderful talk, I am tellin' ya.

If you have only ever read Mark's blog, you are not getting that whole Mark Shea Experience (if only I had psychedelic images proper for this subject!). There is something about hearing this gracious, humorous, realistic man talk that really makes you think things through on a different level. I also can recommend his books if he isn't coming to an area near you. It is not the complete experience but it is the next best thing.

If you don't believe me, then you can see that Heather agrees. Though she said so much more to the point. That must be nice. Some day she must tell me how she does that!

I have since remembered that his book about Mary should be out soon (at least I think so ... I am bad about keeping track of these things). I can't wait!

Fireproof Review ... The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

This movie was viewed from a review DVD provided by the distributor.

The plot:

At home with his wife of seven years, fireman Caleb Holt shows little of the bravery he displays on the job, and has a failing marriage as a result. Fighting over every little thing, Caleb and his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), are on the verge of signing divorce papers when Caleb's father and coworkers urge him to approach his marriage in the same way he fights vicious flames. When Caleb's father gives him the "Love Dare," a 40-day guide to religiously motivated marriage help, Caleb begins a difficult journey to reclaim his wife, and in the process, his faith in God.

With several action-packed scenes, FIREPROOF uses fire metaphors in its exploration of marriage. The film offers an alternative to the common romantic comedy and, some might argue, a more multidimensional view of romance. The film examines both the ups and inevitable downs of married life, offering faith as a prescription for saving what may at first glance appear to have already failed. Likely to please its target audience, the film offers a fresh perspective on marriage and inspiring relationship tips viewers may want to try regardless of their faith.

The intended audience: Christians and married couples

Will they like it?: Yes.

Will everyone else like it?: Doubtful.

This is a typical "Christian movie" and to make sure we get the point, they hit us over the head with it like a hammer on a nail. There is little "art" or "story" in this movie and that leaves those uninterested in Christian themes or marriage in the cold.

THE GOOD
As someone who has helped present several marriage retreats as well as gone on one of my own that we repeat annually, I can testify that the movie hits on crucial points for a successful marriage. What they are telling us are key points in how to serve our spouse willingly and lovingly as Jesus set the example for us.

I did like the fact that the husband takes truly heroic measures in changing his behavior and that it must be sincere before it begins to change him and, therefore, become something that his wife will accept as real. I also like that the husband's parents spring to his aid with the 40 Days book and also with constant prayer. That felt very real to me. The other thing that felt very real was the affirmation Caleb receives toward the end.

I also liked very much the father's bravery in speaking the truth about his faith to Caleb who makes it clear, in very realistic terms, that he has no interest in anything Christian. The story falls somewhat short in what revelation prompts Caleb to make a life changing decision but does a very good job, on the other hand, with showing a revelation develop in the wife's understanding.

Although I am critical of the story, they still managed to surprise us in a couple of spots with their twists which helped even out some rough spots from elsewhere.

Some of the actors are locals from where the film was shot (or so I believe from the publicity info). If so, someone should sign those nurses up for contracts. They were a delight, fully believable, and our favorite characters. I also especially enjoyed Ken Bevel's best friend role. He was believable and engaged our sympathies as the friend who has been down the hard road of recovering his marriage from trouble.

THE BAD
Before I go into this, let me be clear. I don't have a problem with movies created for a specific audience. The Passion of the Christ was made for Christians and I found it to be a devotional experience. Mel Gibson had the advantage of Hollywood clout and was able to produce a piece that was beautiful, sounded beautiful, and had a lot of money invested to do so. Many small movies do not have this luxury. That is fine. Movies are all about the story. If a story is well thought out and engaging then the trappings do not matter so much. Even subpar acting can be forgiven because we are so engaged in the story.

This movie was shot on a shoe-string budget in thirty days. I do not mind that. I have seen many indie movies with low production values (The Castle and Eagle vs Shark both come to mind) and enjoyed them thoroughly. That would because there was a fully realized story that had fully realized characters.

Unfortunately, Fireproof forgot to give us a story along the way. That is not really true, actually. It is extremely focused on a bad marriage and plunges us into it with little else as the main focus. There were clear attempts to give a well-rounded story by including the nurses at the hospital and the hijinks at the fire station, as well as the firefighters performing daring rescues from precarious situations. Some of these worked while others were predictable. However, when one is dealing with a subpar story then the acting needs to be fantastic to carry it off. This was largely not true in this movie.

This movie was fortunate in having a wide distribution and earning a good profit. I see that the director and a relative wrote the story. I hope in the future they will use a good chunk of that money to hire a screenwriter to flesh out and polish the story.

THE UGLY
They gave us an extremely one-sided story in which the husband is the bad guy and the wife is the victim. Regardless of the fact that we see the wife do several things which she should not if she is truly blameless, this is all implied as a result of the husband's neglect. Never do we see her take part of the blame.

As well, the wife is hampered from getting any advice about her marriage because her mother is incapacitated from a stroke and cannot talk. Why does the wife not turn to her father? Presumably he might have something to say about marriage. The gaggle of friends piling on the husband-bashing advice could have included at least one person with a tad of understanding.

The men and women were very divided throughout the movie, to the point of having the husband very angry at his mother the whole time. We were rooting for his dad to give him a whap upside the head for his complete disrespect of her.

It felt as if people who hated men wrote the script, which is ironic because it was men who wrote it. Perhaps a woman should have helped polish it.

IN THE END ... I still recommend it if you are in the target audience.
I know it sounds as if I hated this movie. I did not. As I say it is very good for the intended audience. I recommend it to Christians and married couples, with the reservations above. If you are expecting a "Christian movie" then you will not be disappointed.

I just wish it could have been something that would have spoken past those boundaries to those who fall outside the specific audience.

GOOD MOVIES FEATURING MARRIAGE
These movies do not have marriage ostensibly as their main point but as our family reflected on Fireproof, these are the ones that we felt brought up very good points as well as being good movies overall.

• Regarding Henry
• Shall We Dance (Japanese version)
• The Paper
• Parenthood
• The Castle
• World Trade Center
• Firefly

More about "Christian Movies and Art"

To be blunt, if a film purports to be a “Christian film” it supposedly is done for the glory of God. You don’t glorify God by making lousy movies.

We need great movies.

Read Scott Nehring's article Less Christian Art - More Christian Artists.

A Crash Course in the Economy

Ready to learn everything you need to know about the economy in the shortest amount of time?

The Crash Course is a condensed online version of Chris Martenson's "End of Money" seminar.

What is it?

The Crash Course seeks to provide you with a baseline understanding of the economy so that you can better appreciate the risks that we all face. ...

A series of videos between 3 and 20 minutes in length. All 20 sections take 3 hours and 23 minutes to watch in full. I am just beginning to watch them.

As recommended by The Seanachai who you should be either reading or listening to just for the sheer entertainment ... and sometimes also for learning interesting things.

It's Funny Because It's True

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Changefest '09 - Obama's Inaugural Speech

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Saw this at The Anchoress first and then everywhere. Just now had a chance to watch.

My summary: Jon Stewart is a brave comedian and I salute him. Don't agree with him a lot but he's honest enough to go where I live this time for that laugh.

Hot Pepper Popcorn

Get this easy but delicious recipe over at Meanwhile, Back in the Kitchen.

Jeffrey Overstreet's Onto a Good Idea Here ...

[...]

• How The Reader could be chosen over WALL-E (oh, right, it’s about The Holocaust!)…


• How Ron Howard could get a Best Director nomination over Andrew Stanton or Christopher Nolan…


• How The Fall could be ignored for cinematography… [...]
  


• How The Curious Case of Benjamin Button — a rewrite of Forrest Gump that manages to run almost three hours in spite of having a central character who is completely uninteresting (outside of his disease symptoms, anyway) — got a Best Picture nomination…

I have seen just enough of the Oscar nominated movies as well as those Jeffrey mentions (or have heard Rose's pronouncements, which clearly I trust more than the Oscar committee) to know that he speaks the truth.

He proposes very specific plans for an Oscar Boycott Party. Check it out.

Blame Jack Benny for My Broken "Lost" Resolution

Actually, blame PBS for their series Make 'Em Laugh for my missing Lost.

I have been taping the series and it was on directly opposite Lost. We have halfway converted over to digital tv, having put a DVR to use. However, the VCR is not connected as we need to get a little box for it. So I had one taping opportunity and I chose to go with the laughter.

Now whether I would have been so cavalier about missing Lost had I not known that they would be rerun on Saturday, I don't know. Let us hope I am not put to that test!

So I begin this season as I ended the last, already behind and trying to catch up ... while studiously averting my eyes from any articles about the show.

By the way, KERA showed Comedy in Bloom, a great documentary about Jack Benny, after the series last night. We wound up watching the whole thing and laughing out loud the whole time. Especially great was watching how many times Rose cracked up. I love to see that basic comedy still works. Jack Benny was one of the greatest. I still remember listening to the radio after he died as they played show after show in tribute. Like Rose, I cracked up.

Prayer Journals

At the bottom of my list of prayer intentions I mention that I put requests into my prayer journal. Shannon asked:

Prayer is something I am trying to grow in, and I am intrigued by the idea of a prayer journal. I am unfamiliar with the concept and I'm curious how one would use a prayer journal. What kinds of things do you write in there? Is it a prayer in the form of a dialog? Is it a place just to keep track of prayer intentions?

I don't think I have ever mentioned anything specific before so that is a good question. I have heard of two sorts of prayer journals. The first is where someone journals their prayers and I believe also what answers they received along the way. I'm afraid that I'd then get so into writing things down I would forget about the praying part ... which says a good deal about my personality I fear.

The second sort of journal is the kind I keep, one with a list of intentions. Being a "list-ish" sort of person, I have different categories on different pages of a little black Moleskine notebook with headings for family and friends, clergy, illness, the dead (for prayers for those in Purgatory), discernment, and special concerns (which includes the many sorts of prayers that don't fall under all those other areas). I also have a page of saints that have called themselves to my attention ... as quite often, reading that page will lead me into other areas of meditation or remind me of an intercessor for a prayer request.

Sometimes I carefully read through everyone listed, pausing briefly to lift each one in prayer.

Other times I will read the headings and offer a general prayer for all listed there, letting my eye fall where it will. On those days, there usually are several names that will stand out for me and they come back to me all day. I take that as a special day of more intensive prayer for those people.

There probably are many other sorts of prayer journals and ways to intercede for others in prayer. Please do drop into the comments box and let us know so that we may all grow in prayer for each other.

There are not too many things nicer than getting a surprise email ...

... from a friend saying that they are saying a prayer for you for no special reason and wishing you a blessed day.

What a treat and what a great reminder of how many friends God has given me.

I have a smile thiiiiiiiiiiis big right now.

Imagine the Potential

An inconvenient truth that we pray is heeded in the hearts and minds of our country.

From CatholicVote.