Adventures in Media: God's Not Dead

We enjoy movies, but rarely do I recommend movies to other people. (Especially to people I don't know in real life) To be honest, it's hard to find a movie now that doesn't have bad words, or violence, or other things that I don't want to recommend people to watch. 

But we saw a movie the other day that has been on my mind all week. 

And I want to recommend it to you. 

The movie is called "God's Not Dead" 

{HERE}

Have you seen it? 

It's on Netflix.
(We watched my parent's copy, but I hear it's on Netflix.)

Here is a link to the trailer on YouTube

A basic plot is that a student in a college philosophy class is asked to write, along with the other students in his class, the words "God is Dead" on a sheet of paper and sign his name...which, as a Christian, he can not do.
(There is SOOOO much more to the movie than this one sentence. But that is the main story)

One specific quote from the movie that I have been thinking about this week was this: 

"Sometimes the devil allows 

people to live a life free of trouble 

because he doesn't want them 

turning to God."

Throughout the week, this quote has popped into my head multiple. Almost like a challenge for myself. When my life is seeming easy, am I still keeping my relationship with Jesus on the front burner or am I letting it slide to the back burner? There have been some challenging times in our life over the past few years, and I automatically cling to my Savior. But I so often forget, when life is not so difficult, to STILL bring my worries and my joys to God. He wants all of me, all the time. I need Him ALL THE TIME. Not just when the storm of life is a hurricane. But when the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. ALL THE TIME. 

Adventures in Life: The Drop Box

Daniel showed me a preview for this movie, The Drop Box, and we would like to share it with you. 

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for children. Since becoming a mother, that spot is even greater. My heart physically hurts when I see babies with no one to feed, love, rock, and snuggle them. I was a puddle after watching this video. This film touches a special spot in Daniel's heart for a different reason. His brother is South Korean. As a teenager, Daniel traveled with his family to South Korea to adopt him. 

The following is a description from the website for The Drop Box Movie: Hundreds of unwanted babies are abandoned to die on the streets of Seoul, South Korea every year. The Drop Box is a new documentary from Focus on the Family Canada that tells the story of South Korean Pastor Lee Jong-rak and his heroic efforts to embrace his community’s most vulnerable children. By installing a drop box outside his home, Pastor Lee provides a safe haven to babies who would otherwise be abandoned on the streets to die. This film is a heart-wrenching exploration of the physical and emotional toll associated with providing refuge to those forgotten by the surrounding culture. But it is also a story of hope, and a celebration of the reality that every human life is sacred and worthy of love. Coming to select movie theatres March 4 and 5, 2015! Visit Thedropboxfilm.ca for more information.

Adventures in Media: Thoughts on Downton Abbey Season 4 (spoiler alert!)

I admit it...

I'm going through Downton Abbey withdrawal. 

Why are the seasons so very short?!

8 episodes per year is just not enough people.

So, I thought I would share some of my thoughts on this last season.

Spoiler Alert! 

If you haven't watched the whole season #4, and don't want to know what is happening,

DON"T KEEP READING! 

OK, you have been warned. 

Let's start with Tom

I really think that Syble would be so very proud of Tom and the way he is handling life 'up-stairs'. While there were times this season that he clearly was uncomfortable with his new life, he tried to make the best of things, and I think he did a good job of it. I hope we are past all of the "going to America" non-sense. The show just wouldn't be the same without him! ...I can't say that I'm the biggest fan of this new school teacher lady friend of his. I think she may be trouble.

Violet! Her one-liners are just the best! 

I was seriously worried that Violet was going to die when she got so sick this season...that was one of 3 points in the season 4 I seriously considered not watching DA any more. I hope I'm like Violet when I'm old. She says what she thinks, and supports her family no matter what. 

Mary, Mary, Mary...

What a season for Mary. The first few episodes, only wearing black, being so very sad (and rightly so!) about Matthew. I have to say bravo to Michelle Dockery, she is an excellent actress. Some of my favorite scenes of the season were with Mary. Mary with her Grandmother (Violet) talking about the choice she must make to go on. Pretty much any scene with Mary and Carson. His support of her just brings tears to my eyes. And the new Mary, learning to life over again, and taking on a roll to help Downton survive. 

I'm not sure I am fond of either of her 2 new men...it will be very interesting to see what season 5 has for Lady Mary in that department. 

Oh, Daisy! 

What a roller coaster of a season Daisy had. From in love and jealous, to out of love and mature, to getting to wear a pretty pink dress in episode 8 (I was so happy to see her wearing something fun!) Daisy really grew this season. I'm glad she is not going to America - the kitchen wouldn't be the same without her.

My favorite relationship this season is the one between Violet and Isobel. 

I like them both separately, but put them together and they just make me smile. Their conversations are so funny, and while Violet would NEVER admit it, I think she considers Isobel her best friend. 

Other random thoughts:

~ I mentioned that there were 3 times when I thought to myself "I can't watch this show anymore if....". The whole situation with Anna, Edith at the clinic, and Violet nearly dying. I feel like they definitely pushed the limits this season, but alas, I'm still a fan. 

~ Speaking of Edith. Will the poor girl ever get a break?! I mean, this baby situation was a result of her own bad choice, but for Michael to be apparently taken by Nazis...yikes! I wonder if he will come back as a brain washed Nazi spy. 

~ Rose. I am still debating about if I like her character or not. Sometimes she seems so spoiled and selfish I can hardly stand it. But she is a loyal friend, independent spirit, and just an nice girl trying to find her place in the world. I am interested to see what season 5 has in store for Rose. 

~ BATES! I feel like very day I change my mind on if I think he had a hand in the death of Mr. Green or not. He had that ticket in his pocket...but it's not like it was an airline ticket with his name on in. I do think he knows it was Mr. Green who hurt Anna. But I just don't know...

~ Mrs. Hughes. Love, Love, Love her. What a mamma hen she was this season with all of the downstairs drama. She really just wants what's best for her 'family'. And did I perhaps see a bit of flirting between her and Carson at the beach?! That would be nice for them. 

Oh, well. We will all have to wait until January 2015 to find out what happens!

(unless you happen to be reading this from London - you get to see it this fall/winter!)

Adventures in Media: Downton Abbey Withdrawal

If you watched Season 3 of Downton Abbey 

on TV each week in January and February like I did,

you may be in bit of DA withdrawal. 

(I know I am!) 

I saw this little video on YouTube the other day and it made me smile...

If you haven't seen all of the seasons, don't worry, there are no spoilers in this video.

Only 11 more months until Season 4...

Until then I will just have to be satisfied with 

reruns, 

clips, 

and interviews with the actors. 

P.S. Will you please stop back tomorrow? 

I need your help with something very exciting!

Adventures in Media: A Fun Video

Just a quick YouTube video that made me smile today.

Have you heard of The Piano Guys or Lindsey Stirling?

They both have some great videos if you have some extra time...be warned, they are addicting! 

Adventures in Media: 10 On Tuesday Christmas Movie Edition

Thanksgiving is past and we are now on to Christmas!

This week's theme for

10 on tuesday - Favorite Holiday Movies!

White Christmas

*This one is my all time favorite Christmas movie. They just don't make movies like this anymore with all the beautiful costumes, dancing, singing, and a great story! I can't wait to watch it again soon! 

Elf

*I could watch this over and over again! So funny!

"Buddy the Elf. What's your favorite color?" Ha!

 Home Alone

*This was my favorite growing up. I remember trying to think of ways to "defend" my house if I was ever home alone and someone tried to break in. 

Miracle on 34th Street

 Polar Express

The Muppet Christmas Carol

The Holiday

 Charlie Brown Christmas

 Four Christmases

 How the Grinch Stole Christmas

*All pictures came from {HERE}

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

**If you are visiting today, thanks for stopping in! I would like to invite you to mark your calenders for
A link party where you can show off your Christmas tree and your photography skills! Click {HERE} for the details

Linking up today with

Adventures in Media: The London Olympics

So, am I the only one who tears up at The Olympics? I mean, seriously, even some of the commercials about the Olympics make me get misty eyed! Maybe it is because as a kid I dreamed of representing our country in the Olympics as a swimmer. Or maybe it is because I know just how hard each of those athletes have worked for years to train their bodies to become Olympic athletes...The stories are so amazing, and life changing moments are happening every few minutes. Records are being broken, and people are pushing themselves to be better, faster, stronger - it gives me chills!


Anyway, last night we watched the Opening Ceremonies. I am not normally a huge fan of them. I would rather watch the actual competition. But I do like seeing the Olympic flame entering the arena and the torch lit, so we tuned in, and I was pretty impressed. Here are 2 of my favorite parts - for those of you who didn't get to watch - this is what everyone will be talking about around the water cooler on Monday!

James Bond and The Queen Make a Memorable Entrance

and

Mr. Bean Plays With The London Symphony Orchestra

This made me laugh so hard!

Good Luck to all the athletes!

Let the Games begin!

Adventures in Media: Very Exciting Video Clip

The other day my mom sent me this video link for a news segment on their local TV channel.

 Here is the link.

Go ahead, give it a watch...it's only a minute or so...

Minnesota's Top Teacher Jodi Prchal

Mrs. Prchal was my 5th grade teacher! And she is so deserving of this award! Now, I was one of "those kids" who really liked school (for the most part anyway). I enjoyed learning new things, and liked being challenged to work harder and reach my goals. This was all put to the test in 5th grade for me in Mrs. Prchal's class. In that year she taught me to think and work independently. For the first time I remember being given the choice to learn more about things I was interested in. To take my education into my own hands. To search for and discover the answers to problems put in front of me. The video says she prepares her students for "The Middle School" and it is true. Not only that but now I realize she was preparing us for life in the real world! 


Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you all today. Do you have a teacher like this from your school days? One that was influential in your life for more than just the one year you were in his or her class? 

(just a little extra picture...because every post needs a picture!)

Adventures in Media: New Favorite

So, I had been hearing a lot of talk about....

source

One day watched the first episode on Netflix, and 

I

was

hooked.

The show opens with the sinking of the Titanic. Among the passengers who lost their lives were the 2 male heirs of Downton Abbey. The current Earl has 3 daughters who can not legally inherit the 1,000 acre estate, and thus the drama begins. The next man in line is a 3rd cousin whom the family has never even met. However this show is not only about the lavish life of the Earl's family, but it is also about the servants who live in and run the beautiful estate. I am fascinated by the relationships between the family and the servants. They are so close behind closed doors sharing secretes and giving advice, yet the rules of society prevent them from really becoming friends. Here is a quick video that tells a bit more about the show and you can see some more of this AMAZING house! It is truly stunning!

In addition to the stunning location, dramatic plot, and interesting characters, I love the fashion of the time period. The costumes are beautiful! 

{pic from here}

{here}

The youngest sister stuns the family with her new outfit! 

{here}

{here}

And OH the HATS! They are BIG and beautiful!

{here}

I think my favorite character in the series is played by the fabulous Maggie Smith.

She is "Granny". And she is a stitch! She makes me laugh out loud with some of her remarks. 

I do have to say, like most of the TV programs today, some of the characters are lacking in the moral living department...which gives way to some drama. 

But on the whole, I am a fan. 

My new dream is to travel to England and see Downton Abbey...

It is called Highclere Castle in real life. 

It is completely fascinating to me!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, to see anything, 

where would you go and what would you see?

Happy Friday!

Adventures in Media: Pinterest

I have a Pinterest board that I just call

funny.

Sometimes I open it up when I need a good laugh...

Adventures in Media: Favorite TV shows

Honesty time...

We watch to much TV. 

There. I said it. 

There are days when our TV does not even get turned on,

but more often than not, 

it is on,

and our bottoms are parked in front of it.

That being said, we don't just watch whatever show pops on, and we don't have cable. 

(The only time I REALLY, REALLY wish we had cable is when 

The Pioneer Woman 

show is on the Food Network) 

Netflix and Hulu streaming through our XBOX has really changed the way we watch our favorite TV shows. 

For much less than we would have to spend on cable, we can watch almost any episode of any show we would like, whenever we want. It is nice...and leads to way to much time in front of the TV.

ANYWAY, I just thought I would share a few of our favorites of the moment...

Castle

Richard Castle is a famous mystery novelist who finds inspiration in NYPD Detective Kate Beckette, a bright and aggressive homicide detective. Castle and Beckett investigate strange homicides in New York, combining Castle's writer intuition and Beckett's creative detective work. Castle's sense of humor is right up our alley, and the writing in outstanding, the plots are never predictable. Some of the homicides are a bit graphic, but nothing like some of the other detective shows that are on. Mondays at 9pm ~ this is what we are watching!

Raising Hope

Well, the morals behind the premise of the show are, um, lacking. But Jimmy is a single dad raising his daughter (Hope). Jimmy lives in his great-grandmother's house with her and Jimmy's parents. It takes all 4 of them looking after each other to raise Hope. The great-grandmother is HILARIOUS, and the family values of the show are truly unique. The parents work hard to provide for their kids. They don't buy what they can't afford. And while they are not the smartest people on the block, they love each other! It is a fun show. 

White Collar

People, watch this, like now. Another show with an unlikely partnership. Neal Caffery is a charming criminal mastermind. He works under the supervision of FBI agent Peter Burke. Together they solve cases in the white collar division. Neal's prison release is dependent on his behavior and helpfulness to the FBI, but he still finds ways to work on his own agenda. Peter is a very by-the-book kind of guy, but working with Neal starts to loosen him up after a while. This is a great show! 

Psych

This is a quick-witted comedy/drama about Shawn (who's father helped him develop acute observation skills) and Gus (Shawn's reluctant side kick and best friend). They are hired by the SBPD as consultants because Shawn fools everyone into believing he is psychic. Shawn and Gus use their skills to solve crimes - it is hilarious! 

OK, there you have it. Our favorite shows (at the moment). 

Do you have a favorite TV show?

Adventures in Media: Favorite Romantic Comedies

At any given time, 

on any given day,

if given to opportunity to watch a movie,

chances are good that I would choose a romantic comedy. 

And 

I am a lucky lady, 

because

at any given time,

on any given day,

if given the opportunity to watch a movie

chances are good that my hubby would ALSO choose a romantic comedy.

(Shhh, dont tell him I told you about his love for romantic comedies!)

So, if you are looking for a romantic comedy to watch this Valentines Day

here are a few of OUR favorites! 

Leap Year

Sweet Home Alabama

The Holiday

Hitch

The Proposal

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

50 First Dates

Just Friends

(Yep, that is Ryan Reynolds. This is one of Daniel's favorites! It is funny and sweet.)

What is your favorite Romantic Comedy?