What Harry Potter Might Have Done for Us

I was asked by someone today what I thought about the new CS Lewis movie that was coming out. This person had been told by a Christian at work that CS Lewis had written a book about magic and witchcraft and she was apalled that all of the Christian bookstores was carrying the merchandise promoting it! The person I was talking to didn't know much about the books or the movie that was coming out, but was pretty sure that CS Lewis wasn't putting out questionable stuff and had tried to convince the other lady of this. Perhaps I got a bit fired up about this. I mean - this person was thinking of going so far as calling the Vineyard and demanding that they remove all of the merchandise for "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". Gee whiz kids - we Christians sure can be stupid. How about we fight ourselves. How about we start some crusades and see if we can get our churches to boycott the film. Wouldn't that be brilliant. Oh and definetly we should try and prevent any non-Christian from seeing this film. Why don't we just pass out tickets for Hell while we are at it. OK - did I mention I was a bit fired up about this. I will go so far as to say that I am thankful for Harry Potter. If JK Rowling was here I would give her a hug. She has gotten kids so excited about the "fantasy" genre with her writing that I honestly believe she might have opened some doors for the Chronicles of Narnia to finally be made into decent productions (movies have been made based on them before but they are a bit lacking). I believe the Lord allows things sometimes - things that might not even be of Him - so that He can turn and use them for the good. I have read the first book of Harry Potter. Magic can be found in many things - Cinderella, Scooby Doo, even the Archie comics. I didn't find so much to question with the Harry Potter book that I read. But, I haven't read them all so I can't comment beyond that - anyway this post wasn't really about all of that anyway. I will remember for the rest of my life the first time I read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" with a class. I cannot present the Gospel. The law prohibits that. But, an eight year old kid did the most amazing thing. He raised his hand on the day we finished the book. When I called on him he said - "You know what my mom says this book is really about? and as I held my breath he went on "She says it is really about how Jesus Christ came and died for our sins so that we can go to heaven because just like Edmund we are sinful. But, just like Aslan, Jesus died to take away that sin." I wanted to hug him. I wanted to elaborate on his message - but really what more needed to be said? And again, the law doesn't really allow me to say much. But nothing held that kid back. And I am thankful for it - thankful for his mom who knew what value there could be in the Chronicles - a mom who cared so much that she told her son the Message behind the wardrobe. Most of the time when I read the book - kids hear it and it is just another story - kind of like how a lot of the world views the real message. But then there are those days............. Please if you hear people who are ignorant - correct them. Don't let them mess up something that I am hoping is going to be an awesome thing.

Live Like You'll Die Tomorrow, Die Knowing You'll Live Forever

Ahh the words of another great writer. Rich Mullins. Everyone around seems to be talking about all of the events that are going on in the world. Suddenly it's as if the world's theme song is "It's the End of the World as We Know It". And it very well may be. Only God knows. Funny how we think of God in the catasrophes but did we think of him when the plans of terrorists were thwarted last week? Did anyone in the news say - wow how great is our God that He would prevent that. Thanks be to Him. I realize that the Bible speaks of signs. People have been seeing them for years. If you read newspaper articles from years ago, people were saying it was the end and they had all kinds of proof. I remember about 10 years ago a friend of mine gave me a book saying that the Persion Gulf War was the beginning of the 7 years. People love to get rich and God does sell a lot of books. I am sure there are many being written now. Tsunami, Hurricanes, Wars......the stuff that sells. And again - it really could be the end. But aren't we supposed to be living like it's the end anyway? Are any of us promised tomorrow? Are all of these "signs" inspiring me to live with more passion for my God? Am I loving my neighbors more? I should be. I should be with or without those things. I guess I am just bugged a bit because I have been hearing a lot of people talking about all of this but I haven't heard any hope in it. The end of the world isn't the end. It's the beginning - isn't that what we should be focused on? Isn't that what we should be sharing with a dying world?

We Have Entered Narnia

I just have to say again that I love my class - I adore them - they are awesome. I am so blessed to have a job I love waking up to. We started reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on Tuesday. They are hanging on every word. I was not at work today because I had to go to a conference. I am enjoying reading it to them so much, that I wouldn't leave the book for the substitute. One day of Curious George won't kill them. Tomorrow it is back to Narnia. Lucy has already been and they know the next chapter is called Edmond and the Wardrobe. It is an exciting life I live. I read the book with my first class and here it is 10 years later and I am still reading it. Timeless stories. I wish there were more writers like CS Lewis.

Top Ten Exciting Things In My Life Right Now

I am so stinkin busy right now that I barely have time to breath. However, that is about to change. I am sort of getting caught up. I hope I can stay that way. I am really quite tired. I have been making myself take some time for myself though. Otherwise I am not a very nice person to live with. Here are the exciting things in my life right now:

1. No matter how busy I am, God is still showing me and reminding me of His goodness and blessings in my life.

2. I am getting to go to my dream teaching conference. This is such a big deal for me. I really wish you could understand. HUGE.

3. LOST is back on. I love a show with great writing.

4. We believe that we are going camping this weekend. It has been a goal for two years and gosh do I really really really need some time away! Pray that this happens! No matter how silly it seems to you - pray that it happens anyway. Thanks!

5. I have the most amazing class ever! They have been such an incredible blessing to me. We are having a great time! I hope they are enjoying it too.

6. I finished my side of the paper work for the FAIR! I know I know - it's October, but I just couldn't fit it in! But, it's done now.

7. I have had a couple of really good nights of sleep. For those of you who know my issues with sleep, you know how exciting this is!

8. I got to do two things I had wanted to do for awhile on Sunday. They were little things, but they were still things I had wanted to do.

9. That you my friends missed my posting. That is kindness. Even though I haven't been posting, I have still been reading yours. I will try to be better.

10. The family went to Shreve's Pumpkin Patch on Sunday. I love that place. Those Shreve's know how to make Fall the best season. If you have not had one of their carmel apples, I beg you RUN as if your life depends on it. I don't know what those apples are dipped in - I don't want to know - but it is amazing. YES, you will be a sticky mess. They are worth it! Don't walk, don't crawl, don't skip, gallop or crab walk. RUN!