Fireproof

We FINALLY watched "Fireproof" this weekend! We had tried to see it in theaters, but it was always sold out. We then tried to rent it, but it was always rented out.

I must confess, I wasn't expecting it to be great. I expected it to be low-budget and pretty cheesy. I had seen the "Love Dare" on church signs, and figured it was just a gimmick. I think I had a case of "movie snobbiness".

Well I was wrong.

"Fireproof" is interesting and compelling. It addresses the problems in marriage in a real way, and offers real solutions. It reminds us to be selfless; putting our spouse's needs above our own. One of my favorite lines in the movie is "Love is not just a feeling, it is a decision". That is so true!

With divorce rates for Christian couples identical to those of non-Christian couples, the church has obviously not done a good job in supporting families in crisis. I think this movie could be an effective tool in healing marriages in trouble. The "Love Dare" challenges us to give of ourselves and don't give up even when it's hard. That's a great reminder for every marriage!

Wednesday night church

Last night we attended our prayer meeting at Trinity Baptist. It's something that is a regular part of our week. Rather than meet in the sanctuary, we now meet in a smaller room with chairs placed around the perimeter. For the first part of the meeting, anyone can share prayer requests, then we read from Scripture, then anyone can pray. There usually aren't very many people there: perhaps just 25% of our congregation.

That service is often one of the best times of my week. It's a time to share what burdens you have, and then listen as people you love pray for those burdens. I have walked into that room feeling overwhelmed, or alone, or in despair, and afterward walked out totally uplifted and full of hope. As you see others write down your request, you know they are committed to praying for you.

That's not the only benefit! We have had the privilige of seeing prayer answered over and over. I can't even explain the joy you feel when you pray for many years for someone's salvation and then that very person is there rejoicing over how God has saved them! Although our prayers haven't always been answered in the way we wanted, we have seen marriages reconciled, people healed, pain eased.

People grow closer when they share their heart. They just do. God means for us to encourage, love, and support each other. Wednesday night church provides that opportunity.

Just reflecting

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will see Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13



I was talking and listening to music with my beautiful daughter recently when we were in the car. She made me several "mixes" of music: "worship", "fun", "pretty"! (I love her labels!) Both of us tend to like about any kind of music, especially the cheesy stuff that noone else I know likes.

On the "Worship 2" cd, Mer put Selah's version of "God Bless the Broken Road". As we were listening to it, I commented that the lyrics were such a testimony to my life. God used every hard thing, every obstacle to lead me to Him. I especially like the part that says "I'd like to take the time I lost, and give it back to You". I gave my life to Christ at age 13, but there were times when I took a detour (pardon the pun-although Meredyth will like it) and wanted to do things my own stupid way!

How awesome that God has a plan for me! I love Jeremiah 29 where God says He will listen when I call upon Him. I will find Him when I search for Him with all my heart! As Brother Tom would say, "It doesn't get better than that"!