experience joy--regardless of your circumstances

We’re told over and over from the pulpit that Christianity means joy. And when things are going well, that’s easy to believe. But some days it’s hard to find the joy that we so desperately want to experience. Jason Hague had day after day that seemed devoid of joy, but finally there was a breakthrough moment, and even in the midst of difficult times, he is now able to experience joy. 

                Aching Joy: Following God through the Land of Unanswered Prayer (NavPress, 2018) is the story of seeming unanswered prayers after the author’s world took a sharp turn when his son was diagnosed with moderate, and then severe, autism. Shattered dreams, difficult moments, and lots of questions, including a lot of “why me?”

                But in this case there was faith, a caring pastor, and loving friends willing to stand by and walk through the dark times. They celebrated the successes, and were supportive during the regressions. The author goes through the stages of grief, as he mourns what might have been, but he also grows in his faith, and learns to trust God. 

                There are a couple of main stories here, along with several supporting ones. On one hand, we have the story of Jackson, the son who one day is different, and with that difference brings a whole new set of trials. On the other hand is Jason, the author, the dad, now a pastor, who learns about autism, and himself as he learns what it means to parent an autistic child. 

                There is a quote on the cover of this book which says it all: “This book will help you see that God is still in your story—and that your circumstances don’t get to decide you level of joy.” ~ September Vaudrey.

                A tender story, full of love, laughter and tears. Have the tissues ready.  4/5

                I received a copy of this book as a member of Tyndale House’s bloggers’ program. I was not required to write a positive review.

"The NutCracker" in Theaters Nov 2

just in time for the holidays.   
watch the trailer here

t’s hard to believe that it is already October and Christmas will be here in no time! We’re excited to be working on the beloved holiday classic story, THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR RELAMS that Disney is now releasing.

The film is in theaters November 2^nd and is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale “The Nutcracker.” THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS showcases the wondrous journey of Clara, who finds herself in the mystical world of the Four Realms, home to a host of eccentric characters and no shortage of surprises. 

It’s a story about one girl finding the courage to overcome her fears to help restore peace. We know this longtime beloved story will be a hit with families and a wonderful opportunity to re-visit this classic.

The film stars Keira Knightley (ATONEMENT, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN), Mackenzie Foy (INTERSTELLAR, THE CONJNURING), Helen Mirren (THE QUEEN, GOSFORD PARK), Morgan Freeman (INVICTUS, THE SHAWSHANK REDEPMTION) and ballerina Misty Copeland.

More about the film:  

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.

The cast includes: Keira Knightley, Mackenzie Foy, Eugenio Derbez, Matthew Macfadyen, Richard E. Grant, Miranda Hart, Sergei Polunin, Jayden Fowora-Knight, Omid  Djalili, Jack Whitehall, Meera Syal, Ellie Bamber, Misty Copeland, with Helen  Mirren and Morgan Freeman. The film is directed by       Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston.

Stumbling toward wholeness

Sometimes I like a book, but I can’t really say why, other than at times it makes so much sense with what’s going on in my life right now, or it tells a story from my past. And sometimes I can’t even tell if it’s talking to my past self or my present self.  And that’s the case with Stumbling toward Wholeness: How the Love of God Changes Us by Andrew J. Bauman, (NavPress, 2018).

                I don’t know anyone who could truly be called “split” or “multiple” personality, but I think for each of us there are times when we feel like someone else has taken over our body, and we just don’t know how to cope. Just as we get used to dealing with the world in a certain way, it seems that a different part of our brain kicks in, and we have to look at things differently. In a sense this book is written to/for/about those who suffer from substance abuse. Yet it’s also for people whose hearts have been broken by those they love, those who have broken someone’s heart, and those who are bitter because of the perceived injustice that exists in their family or community.  I guess that covers just about everyone.

                In this book, Bauman looks at the 3 main characters of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, as recounted in chapter 15 of the Gospel of Luke.  I know that most people, depending on where they might be on their faith walk, identify more closely with either the Father, the elder brother, or the younger brother. That’s true in my case also, but at different times, depending on the circumstance, the situation, or with whom I’m interacting at the time, I might also identify closely with one of the other characters.

                And that confuses me. I identify with a certain set of beliefs, values, and emotions, and suddenly I get to experience things in a different light. And I think that’s the strong point of this book. Bauman, helps us to recognize that sometimes we overlook the other characters of this story, and as a result we’re left fragmented. Only when we realize that at different times we are the runaway son, the entitled older brother, or the welcoming father do we reach a state of wholeness.

                This is a delightful mix of theology, self-reflection, professional experience, and a rare (but welcome) vulnerability. As I was reading, I found myself naming the people he was talking about—not really, I named the people in my life who sounded just like the people in his. And I found myself making a list of people within my circle who might benefit from reading this book—if only they would.

                Well worth the read

5/5

                A member of the publisher’s blogging program, I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. There was no requirement of expectation of a positive review.