Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

This TNT movie is based on the true story of Ben Carson, a boy who overcame challenges in his childhood and young adulthood and became a world famous neurosurgeon and director of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Children's Center. This was a very inspiring film, and I especially liked how when Ben was confronted with challenges, he always prayed for help. Cuba Gooding Jr. does a fantastic job playing Ben Carson.

The Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Veith

I love this book because it really lays out the important Lutheran doctrines in a way that's easy for people to understand. It clarifies what distinguishes Lutheranism from other denominations. There are many people who like to think all religions are the same or at least that all Christian denominations are pretty much the same, but that isn't the case. But this book explains why Lutheran Christians believe the way they do about Justification, Law and Gospel, the Means of Grace, Worship, etc. What a wonderful resource!

Jeremiah 31:3

3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

Everlasting love. What an awesome thing to ponder! That's our God's love for us--a love beyond comprehension, something we cannot grasp with our small minds. But it's real and the only thing we can really count on. And it's so important in a world where everyone wants to focus on their own efforts, that we remember it is God Who draws us.

Creation According to Genesis

I stumbled across the picture of this stained glass window on the internet when I was looking for some pictures depicting Creation. I thought it was really beautiful. This stained glass window is located in the Melkite Catholic Cathedral in Roslindale, Massachusetts. The photo is by John Stephen Dwyer. Double click to enlarge.

Auntie Mame

This fabulous 1958 film is about a fun, live life to the fullest woman, Mame, who becomes her nephew's guardian when the boy's father dies. Rosalind Russell is awesome playing Auntie Mame. There are so many humorous scenes. Some of my favs include when Mame visits Gloria's parents, and when they visit her. Great flick!

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This verse is so comforting. God does have a plan for each of us. The future can seem daunting, scary, overwhelming, etc., but when you look at this verse, you know God is in control and all our days are in His hands. He gives us good things; He is working all things for good. No matter how bad things may see to be, we have hope. Our hope is in Christ.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

This novel deals with a school shooting committed by a 17 year old boy who suffered years of bullying and physical and verbal abuse by classmates. Picoult delves into various characters' pasts, and explores their reactions to the shooting. The psychological insight in this book is really fascinating and relevant. She explores that desire to fit in that just about any young person has, and what that desire can lead a person to do.

The Great Debaters

This 2007 film is directed by and stars Denzel Washington. It is based on a true story of a debate coach/team at Wiley College in the 1930s. During this time Jim Crow laws were common and lynching was a fear for African Americans. Though there are a couple things that are not historically accurate in the film, it shows how the coach and team persevered and fought for equality. It is a very moving film.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

This is the true story about an unlikely friendship that is formed between a homeless man and a wealthy international art dealer. It is fascinating to read each man's life story and see how God brought these men together and how they were able to support each other and learn from each other. It also made me think more about the homeless and about prejudices we all have. The book is so good!

From the description on the back of the book, "A dangerous homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery. An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel. A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream. A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it."

Pineapple Dole Whip

Dole Whip is a soft serve frozen dessert available at select locations. The Pineapple flavor can only be found in a few locations in the world (I've been told anyway). You can get a Pineapple Dole Whip at Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World and at the Disney Polynesian Resort. Pineapple Dole Whips are so tasty! And it is also really tasty mixed with some coconut rum!

Isaiah 32:17

17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

When I read this verse, it really jumped out at me. It's another great verse having to do with peace. Where does peace come from? This verse says it is the fruit of righteousness. We who have faith in Christ are declared righteous. Because of what our Savior has done for us, we have peace. This also says the effect of righteousness is quietness and confidence forever. That is so awesome to ponder!

"Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise"

Savior, again to Thy dear name we raise
With one accord our parting hymn of praise;
Once more we bless Thee ere our worship cease,
Then, lowly bending, wait Thy word of peace.

Grant us Thy peace upon our homeward way;
With Thee began, with Thee shall end, the day.
Guard Thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame,
That in this house have called upon Thy name.

Grant us Thy peace, Lord, through the coming night;
Turn Thou for us its darkness into light.
From harm and danger keep Thy children free;
For dark and light are both alike to Thee.

Grant us Thy peace throughout our earthly life,
Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife;
Then, when Thy voice shall bid our conflict cease,
Call us, O Lord, to Thine eternal peace.

Text: John Ellerton
Tune: Edward J. Hopkins

This is such a beautiful, beautiful hymn. It is really cool to pray these words and to know with all confidence our Lord hears us. I love the whole theme of asking God to grant us His peace.

The Friendship Test by Elizabeth Noble

As the title of the book indicates, this novel has to do with friendship. Four very different women become friends while attending Oxford and continue the friendship as adults. When one of the women, Freddie, receives 2 devastating blows, her friends, each in their own way, rally around her. Though some of the characters do some things I wouldn't condone, I love the story of friendship here. There's a great scene with two of the characters that takes place after an incident where one has said some horrible and untrue things to the other. The one who said the horrible things is speaking first:
"Of course it's ruined. We can't come back from this."
"Who says?"
"I say...it isn't ruined. Do you honestly think we'd still be friends all these years later if you were just the geeky girl from down the hall who Sarah made us hang out with. No way. We're friends all these years later because we still want to be."

It is a solid friendship that withstands a lot of stuff. Since most the characters are from England, I also enjoy the way they speak--different expressions and words used for things.

Butterscotch Pudding

I like all different flavors of pudding. And though I love chocolate, there's just something about butterscotch pudding--I think that's my fav. Or a chocolate/butterscotch combo is good...with Cool Whip on top.

Isaiah 26:12

12 LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Another great verse about peace, and how it comes from God. It is not something we manufacture for ourselves. We need to be reminded of the second part of this verse often too. Sometimes we like to take pride in our accomplishments, and may think we're all that because of something we've done. But it is always God Who is at work in our lives. It is God Who blesses us with all good things. It's all about Him and what He does for us.