NEW YEARS EVE

My son and I went to see this movie Dec 17, 2011 and what a great way to revitalize and realize that 2012 is going to be SUPER DUPER FABULOUS FANTASTIC!

SPEAK TO ME

The government of Singapore invited Dr Gary Chapman to present the FIVE LOVE LANGUAGE seminar to a hungry audience. The Chaplain’s Office of NATO issued a special invitation for Dr. Chapman to speak to the NATO forces in Germany. Other engagements have taken Gary to educate in England, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Mexico and Hong Kong. Sales exceeding 5 million copies earned him the Platinum Book Award. GOOD STUFF! But WHY would a single person, not in a relationship want to read this book? Single or married folks are all in relationships with kids, parents, co-workers and IF they intend on SOMEDAY entering another romance ~ then NOW is the time to PRACTICE speaking your native language, and perhaps a few more! The book is a REAL CLIFF HANGER! What language do I speak? After reading the FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES for singles these are my CLIFF NOTES! So hang on tight, don't fall off the edge simply because the word LOVE might have caused a pang! Just hang for a little while, maybe grab a cup of your favorite caffene to keep this summary vibrant and hopefully applicable to your LOVE RELATIONS! Parents, kids, mates, dogs and co-workers all are fluent in one or more love dialects. By getting your own AHA through compiling your own LOVE LANGUAGE PROFILE, you might just be able to mend or improve your ability to RECEIVE and GIVE a greater amount of the LOVE you seek. As Audrey Hepburn asks "Who loves you as good as your dog does?" A dog affirms his affection with an affirmative wag of the tail! And then Tony Robbins reminds us that 60% of our communication is non-verbal, 30% is our tone and our gestures! So wag your tail and smile more!~ FIVE WAYS to SPEAK the LOVE LANGUAGE of those you CARE FOR!~ Are you bilingual? Have fun discerning and learning what language your parents, siblings, kids, co-workers, friends speak - then become a BILINGUIST with POSITIVE IMPACT! Simply observe how your target kid or friend expresses love to others. Take note of their requests and complaints. Do they ask for more time together, for your expressed opinon, or that you would help them hang Christmas lights? Do they give tokens of appreciation in the form of flowers, cards, or baked cookies? Do they complain that nobody ever helps them, or that people at work just dont appreciate all that they do? OKAY you have gathered the STATS ~ NOW even if you are not like them, respond by giving them the thing they ask for, serve them up a cookie, run that errand for them, and text them a message of appreciation that they can keep! QUICK TRIAL and GREAT RESULTS! My son lost his dad in 2006 and his dad never spoke affirming words. An infrequent game of golf, with alcohol was the extent of their bonding. My desire was to speak LOVE in his language so that it would have the most significant impact. His way is to text, not call. Acknowledging his preference I texted: I appreciate how u make me laugh. SHORT REPLY: K. So I texted: Can I do some laundry for u? QUICK RETORT: NO. So I texted: What about a movie? REPLY: I will call after work. ~ What I learned was that Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service did not get his attention. My request for Quality time did! The GIVER receives the greater GIFT, but we both got blessed!
1) Words of Affirmation - Listen to the affirming words of others, do you readily receive, accept or ignore them? Those who never received positive affirmation usually do not speak words that affirm their loved ones. Thus a cycle of dysfunctional family relations begin. Both men and women have a need to be affirmed verbally. Dr Gary counsels those who were never affirmed to INITIATE. "Give, and it will be given to you." ~ OKAY, whadya say for starters! Call or text that person weekly and insert a sincere affirming word, like "Thanks for your help with..." or "You always make me laugh and I appreciate that." "You did a great job" or "Thanks for covering for me". If true, end each communique with "I love you". Some folks are great at communicating about work, their hobby, or sports ~ but when it comes to feelings...it is too internal. "We love Him because He first loved us" INITIATE sincere affirming words. The bounce back will increase your capacity to receive and give love! LOVE LANGUAGES can be really fun and thought provoking! What if you are a SAVER and you discover that your mates primary love language is receiving gifts? You really care for this person, but because you deny yourself luxuries for the sake of your portfolio, then buying your love interest a gift must be considered an investment in love. Proven GREAT returns on such a LOVE investment! Have FUN LEARNING how to best GIVE love!
2) GIFTS ~ A fitting gift says "I was thinking about you and I felt this would make you happy" In all cultures gift giving is an expression of love. A child picks a dandelion and gives it to mom, it was the urge to give that demonstrated a token of the childs love. "Picking out gifts is hard for me!" Love takes effort,
we must think of the person and consider their preferred love language, who they are, what color, music or activity they like. Do they like baseball, old movies, food, music, cars, lace? In a dating relationship, be sensitive to the response to a gift. Perceived meanings can be disasterous. Expensive gifts indicate deep feelings and if one has interest but is not ready to receive, the recipient rejects the gift because they are uncomfortable with an expression of love that does not mirror their level. A birthday is coming up - it is apt to simply ask "I do not want to surprise you or make you feel uncomfortable, so for your birthday would you be willing to accept....(name the gift) Parents DO NOT GIVE GIFTS without asking "Is this gift for the well being of my child or me?" The unspoken emotion of guilt is a counterfeit gift that absentee parents give instead of time, or words of affirmation. REMEMBER: Gifts are visual symbols of an emotional love. If a man stops wearing his wedding ring that is a sign that a marriage is in trouble. If a teen throws the new gift into a closet full of stuff, the kid wants the gift of your time, not the thing.
"Love one another as I have loved you" The best Teacher teaches by example, so He washed their feet. Then He enouraged them with words of affirmation to do unto others as He has done. What words of wisdom! He gifted His life that we may live abundantly in this life! Listen up and follow Me.
3) ACTS OF SERVICE ~ Wash their feet, the car, the windows, do the dishes or vaccum ~ but "Serve one another in love". A life of service is worthy of emulation and in each relationship at home, or at work ~ truly great leaders and teachers consider themselves "public servants". The reward of serving is seeing others benefit, smile, or witnessing how others "Pay it Forward". If people "do for others" because they are forced to, the charity of service is lost and it becomes slavery. Slavery creates anger, bitterness and resentment as it hardens the heart. "I gave --- everything. For 20 years I slaved away and they ignored me, even made jokes about me!" Those acts of service were done out of bitter fear, guilt and resentment. A doormat is an object you wipe your feet on. You can kick it, step on it for it has no will of its own. It can be your servant, but not your lover. People are not objects. Never say "If you loved me you would...." Coercion by fear is not love. True love finds its natural expression in acts of service. "It is more blessed to give than to receive". Baking cookies, cleaning ovens, fixing computers, raking leaves, or grocery shopping ~ all acts of service that speak "I care about you, I want to help you, please let me do this for you because I love you." The ME generation has been raised to be INDEPENDENT with a strong message of "Dont expect me to take care of you". Go ahead, do their laundry, change their sheets, cook them a meal --- Spend QUALITY TIME together and be thrilled knowing that they feel aptly loved while you the giver receive the greater gift of watching them glow! Men and women want TIME alone and time together. "We are all so much together, but we are all dying of loneliness." Professor Albert Schweitzer
4) QUALITY TIME ~ Together time does not only mean watching a movie together, or sitting next to each other on the sofa. Quality time together means giving your undivided attention to someone. We were created by God with a desire to connect, with Him and with others. Not just "hooking up", not just gazing into each others eyes ~ but partaking in an activity that both enjoy for the sake of creating a sense of togetherness. Playing a round of golf, or a game of tennis counts when both parties are aware of who they are playing with. Is it just a buddy or the most significant person in this moment? Are you listening to what they are saying audibly? Are you paying attention to their body language? Are you asking questions with a genuine interest about their feelings? Do you interrupt or finish their sentences? Do you express understanding? Do you show interest in their hobbies? Quality time produces a bank of memories that spring up in conversations of times spent together. Take time to PLAN activities together and deepen your love.
5) PHYSICAL TOUCH ~ Infants and the elderly both hunger to be touched, hugged, held, rocked, kissed! Our God created us with five senses. TOUCH, unlike the other four is not limited to one localized area of the body. As we are physically touched, tiny nerve receptors leap and carry impulses to the brain and the touch gets translated as warm, cold, hard, soft, yummy, pleasure, pain or "EWE"! If your primary love language is TOUCH, then when you are touched you feel the most love. If touch is witheld, people tend to isolate and doubts and insecurity rises. A tender hug to a crying child communicates love ~ but to a kid whose primary love language is touch, it will SHOUT I LOVE YOU! The same is true for single adults. If you clasp the shoulder of a friend who is hurting, your touch declares "You are not alone, I care." Love touches can be implicit or subtle, each require just a thought, a moment. Subtle touch could be just sitting close, or a daughter placing her hand on her mothers shoulder as she pours a cup of tea, or a gentle pat on the back. Explicit touch requires timing, respect, mutual consent and a private setting. When we practice communicating our needs, we give our full focused attention on how we best feel loved and this enables our partner to respond with touch that satisfies. Soft music plays, a candle is lit, and we choose to administer a foot rub, or a massage to communicate love. During courtship we develop our sensitivities to what they enjoy and our own. Then when singles marry, the love making is guaranteed to satisfy. A WORTHY READ, only if you desire to LOVE completely!

SIGHT to the BLIND

Mary did you know that your baby boy is the Lord of all creation? Mark Lowry wrote these wonderful lyrics. No other can come close to singing it as good as does! He sings it from deep within his soul! The harmony David Phelps and Guy Penrod give just make it absolutely incredible! Mark Lowry is so intensely funny as a commedian, but this very funny guy has a profound and deep understanding of God.

XMAS at the MALL

A LIFE of WONDER

Ever wonder what life be like if you were never born? Ever WONDER how life would be if you had made different choices? Ever WONDER why you were born? What real purpose has your life served? What influence have you had? Good or bad, the truth is we all make a difference. The LIGHT of the world is to be shared!George Bailey does not want to get stuck in Bedford Falls! He has big plans to travel and explore the world and the last thing he wants to do is wed Mary and stay at home. George works for the local Savings and Loan, did his chance of a lifetime slip away? "Listen to me, I don't want to get married! I want to do what I want to do" The plans of George are interrupted and after much loss he considers suicide. God sent His angel Clarence to divert George with a glimpse of what the world would be like as if he was never born. George finds himself in "Potterville" a town minus the values and friends he knew. WONDER, just WONDER if Jesus Christ was never born? What would life be like? 366 prophecies pointed to the birth and purpose of Jesus. His influence can be traced through history. The reality of the birth of Jesus, was that God revealed Himself to man. Jesus is God. "He who has seen Me has seen God." John 14:8-9 ~ "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:22 ~ "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:15 ~ A LIFE of WONDER ~ all have been given the opportunity to know God through Jesus Christ, by accepting the truth, that we are loved beyond imagination.

VINTAGE CASH

Keni Thomas: Leading The Way

GET IT ON! Those three words is all it took to have my life change. I was writing a letter home to my mom when the call rang out across the American compound: "'Get it on " and the course of my life changed forever. Decorated U.S. military veteran-turned-country musician Keni Thomas gives a personal account of his heart-wrenching experiences in the chaotic 1993 Battle of Mogadishu to express a unique set of leadership lessons and inspired view of our greater purpose."Get It On "reminds readers "that we, as individuals, do indeed matter, that we are anything but ordinary, fully capable of carrying out life-changing assignments at any level and in any situation. Shotgun Jesus We can make a difference in this world." Carrying a guitar now rather than a rifle, Keni also shares stories from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to overseas concerts for active soldiers, always passionate about the battle that "still shapes my thoughts on a daily basis" and eager to encourage the absolute best in those who are willing to answer whatever call God places on their lives.HOLD THE LINE great lyrics, fantastic tune. Click link on the right for CBN Christian Country Radio. Read about Keni Thomas and hear his song click here.Keni Thomas: Leading The Way

RAGAMUFFIN 2012

WE BEAT OURSELVES UP - WHY? We think God looks upon us with His head hanging down in disappointment! We try, we fail, we cannot live out the pure walk without falling! Brennan Manning in his new book affirms that God loves us, especially when we are weak, He sends His angels to minister to us. Psalm 91:11 "He will command His angels to guide you in all your ways." God bekons us to come back to Him, to receive His grace, His mercy.

The Action Bible

Original action heroes found here! The audible.com Action Bible includes over 200 fast-paced narratives in chronological order, making it easy to follow the Bible’s historical flow - and reinforcing the buildup to its thrilling climax. The stories in The Action Bible communicate biblical truth clearly and forcefully to contemporary listeners. A compelling blend of clear writing plus dramatic voice offers each listener the real opportunity of growing in FAITH. Let this epic rendition draw you into all the excitement of the world’s most awesome story. Abraham and Sarah - Adam and Eve, Cain versus Abel, Jacob versus Esau, Jonah versus whale, 40 days and nights, 10 plagues and the 10 commandments, the 12 tribes and 12 apostles, the Red Sea parting, the Sea of Galilee walked on, the buring bush, the first miracle performed by Jesus at a wedding, He turns water into wine, and it is poured out, just like His blood, to atone for all of our ways, lies, misconceptions and human whoopsies. God inspired every word and He used man to write down His story, that we would come to know God personally. "FAITH comes by hearing, hearing the word of God." This Good Audible Book will transform a regular guy - an average woman - who listens to the truth on which reality is based. At times we must realize while listening that it is by grace we are all saved from our own opinions!

ANGELS

Billy Graham lets God do the talking and instructing. So much fluff is written on the subject of angels with the attempt to take the glory away from God. This of course, is something holy angels would never do as they were created to worship God and to obey Him. Thankfully, Mr. Graham can always be depended on to be faithful to the Word of God and this book is wonderful.

MIRACLES

The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. We know that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares the way for this revelation, or results from His return. This is the key truth of Miracles. C.S. Lewis shows that a Christian must not only accept but rejoice in miracles as a testimony of the unique personal involvement of God in His creation. The lucidity and wit of Lewis develops an argument that challenges the rationalists, agnostics, and deists on their own grounds and makes out an impressive case for the irrationality of their assumptions. "Those who assume that miracles cannot happen are merely wasting their time by looking into the texts: we know in advance what results they will find for they have begun by begging the question." In His miraculous way, will and wisdom ~ God transforms lives for His purpose. AMEN ~ In Reflections on the Psalms, Lewis admits his human failing to fully grasp the grace of God.

SCREWTAPE LETTERS

A masterpiece of satire! This CS Lewis classic has entertained and enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a world wise sleuth who devises to screw us out of real ever lasting joy. Wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence between the old Devil and his nephew, Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation, and triumph over it, ever written. READ IT, LISTEN to the AUDIO or GO SEE IT! How Theatre Impacts Culture ~ Think how culture has changed in the last thirty years. Ideas and attitudes that were inconceivable then are mainstream now. Those ideas are often legitimized through making emotional connections. Nothing does that better than theatre. Theatre has the unique ability to create empathy; to feel for characters we don’t know and experience ideas we’ve never considered. It gives us permission to put down our guard and enter another world. In the 1930’s, a small cell of artists created The Group Theatre. Its members are now the ‘Who’s Who’ of American theatre. Their influence has been incalculable, empowering almost every Oscar or Tony winning writer, director, producer and actor since the 1940s. Their leader, Harold Clurman, the dean of American Theatre, famously remarked “Make them laugh, and while their mouths are open, pour truth in.” Fellowship for the Performing Arts has co-opted that vision to create theatre from a Christian worldview that engages a diverse audience. As an instant New York Broadway play, The Screwtape Letters became the rage in a unique way. A teacher who brought 25 students to see the play said, “The show was unlike anything we had ever participated in. Usually drama/film leads us to escape into another reality. This one did just the opposite; it caused one to focus back on the reality within. It was a very powerful tool for revelation and conviction.” When audience members attest to the power of self-reflection in our plays, the truths of the Christian faith are experienced anew. And it goes beyond the audience. Our influence reaches the mainstream media as well. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote, “As funny as The Screwtape Letters is, it’s all aimed at exposing human sin, some which we’re unaccustomed to considering a different angle on gluttony, another aspect of pride, and there were occasional deep silences in the audience as a point hit home.” The FPA, Fellowship for the Performing Arts is impacting culture with fresh insights of the ever brilliant author C. S. Lewis.

THE CIRCLE

Coherent wishing made possible to understand in this application book. The Circle: How The Power Of A Single Wish Can Change Your Life - this book brings understanding of the power of foucs at a refined 2011 level. Think and Grow Rich, The Power of Positive Thinking, and Awaken the Giant Within, bu Authors Hill, Peale and Robbins are great, but The Circle clarifies the psychological states that lead to accomplishing the important desire of compatible connection. It refers to concepts that many associate with spiritual beliefs, however Laura Day encourages an independent assessment, aside from any particular religion or set of spiritual beliefs. Simply reframe her words to fit into your own religious or spiritual beliefs. KEY POINT: "what you perceive, what you conceive, and what you create are one." The concept develops within three stages. A) Your initiation to discover your one true wish and place into The Circle language. B) Apprenticeship C) Mastery. With nine steps to full circle:

(1) Intention -- Choose a specific, positive, passionate, and present desire. (2) Embodiment -- Create "reality" tales, songs, and meditate to make it real. (3) Ritual -- Engage rituals that allow achievement. Eliminate habits that destroy (4) Expect Luck --- Synchronized coincidences occur, tap into them often. Pay attention to setbacks, problems, challenges and get inspired by them! (5) Get Clear -- Open heart, eyes, hands. Let go of people, places things. (6) Cohesive -- Eliminate cross-purposes that pull you away from your wish. (7) Greet Roadblocks -- Be inspired to get beyond the appearance to experience (8) Expose Agendas --- Hidden ways that we self-sobatage get exposed with honesty. Realize that your wish needs to be changed to better reflect what you really want. (9) Expand Support group -- "Give what you have. Ask for what you need."The past and the future exist in the present. Re-examine the past in the present and proclaim the gift and gain the power of FAITH in your ability to achieve. Brief yet effective assignments for each step refine our hopes, dreams and belief in our right to receive all that was pre-ordained for us to receive. Apply the prcess to one wish. Gain from the experience by identifying what roadblocks to rise above. Resolve the pin pointed issues and achieve definite progress. Get insight and be transformed by the value of each exposed internal issue. The purpose of explored intentions is that we experience the power of intentional focus.
On Oprah Winfrey's final show she said "If it were not for God and Jesus, this show would not be possible" She reminded us all that we are both the "sender and receivers." of energy and therefore we are responsible for what we "put out" and what we "attract". Our family, friends, co-workers are front and center receivers of what love, joy, forgiving, non-judging energy we put out. We share our intentions with people, and we are responsible to receive and respond to their assertions, reactions, questions, and suggestions as to what our impact is. Our viewers, our listeners are effected by who we are. We must be ready to notice, engage and employ what we know to be true of us, that we are WORTHY and GIFTED by GOD to GIVE our best. In the book the Circle, a measure of metaphysics is described without the clutter of detail which often does not allow for faith. Create valuable cohesive thought and action while completing the assignments in a conscientious way. Master the nine steps and become the Circle. My intention of this blog post is to inform others in this condensed version so that more can achieve their deepest wishes. Help me build my mastery to a higher level. Let us select worthy goals, and commit to them with integrity!

THE DEBT

Mirren dominates the screen as Rachel Singer, a former Mossad secret agent in 1997 Tel Aviv. Superb acting invites us into a riveting relationship triangle at the center of The Debt. The movie audience meets Rachel as her 1960's heroism is published in a book written by her daughter. Rachel is revered in the book for successfully closing a mid-1960s mission in which she and two male co-workers nabbed a notorious Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later and Rachel recoils at the bravado she receives as the tale told masks a secret misfortune. The grand dame of film, Helen Mirren, pushes the Oscar envelope as she portrays Rachel with a stunning tight posture that reveals a weary gaze. Rachel's thoughts stumble around in a 1960 nightmare. Her flashbacks as the young Rachel is acted by the elaborate acting of Jessica Chastain. Chastain's radiance creates her own spotlight — She is steely yet vulnerable as the young Rachel, whose delicacy is absorbed by Csokas and Worthington in a terrifying triangle. Mirren masters an impression with a chilly persona in the early scenes. The Debt is the daunting drama of fierce flashbacks that flutter us between the very conflict that quelches Rachels voice. Her unflinching boldness makes her an Amazon among women today. Master class acting makes this a classic thriller! It's breathless rushed pace works perfectly with a confident cast. Each performance transforms this otherwise ordinary espionage story into a flame that engulfs the viewer with its sheer brilliance! A LABOR DAY movie night 2011!

DREAMCATCHER

The movie is based on a brilliant Stephen King twisted tale. Morgan Freeman shows up near the end to help solve the mystery of SSDD. The first scence catapults the mind into a gasp. A Harvard grad shrink peers into a large patient whose troubled soul is captured by the doctors sketching whilst he is talking. A pencil draws us into a dreamcatcher, then these words: compulsive over indulgement, suicidal guilt, self punishment, slow death by cholesterol/drinking, oak bed, cry wolf, early grave. The patient says "Carls JR has a six dollar burger which only costs $3.95 so you think you are getting a deal, but the truth is it might be the best franchise burger out there. I went there yesterday and ordered three, by golly those suckers almost filled me up ~ but when I got home I still had to have a box of Eggos, but that does not take away from Carl's achievement. I mean heres a guy thats gotta go thru life as Carl JR right? He can never get out of the shadow of his dad, the original Carl." The shrink interrupts "Jason, do you think that this compulsive eating has something to do with your mom/dad? You are eating yourself to an early death as punishment. You think you killed him by not responding to his call right? He begged you to dial 911, but he was always crying wolf right? You must stop blaming yourself for his death. If you do not, you will eat yourself into a premature grave." ~ As I watched this opening scene I was compelled to post this mother's revelation about her son and his choices. After listening to Charles Stanley's broadcast "Praying with Impact" at INTOUCH.ORG ~ it is God's will that we contribute our gifts to benefit others. A child can only increase in the knowledge of God by reading His Word. As parents it is emphatically important that we talk to our kids about what the Holy Spirit reveals to us, and that we pray God's will for them daily. Do not cease to pray for those you love. Trust God's will in all circumstances to cause victory through our FAITH in His sovereign ways. Lord Jesus I pray that You fill Jason with the knowledge of Thy will. Give Jason and David wisdom and spiritual understanding that they may walk worthy of You, that both will be found fully pleasing to God, and fruitful in every good work while they increase in the knowledge of God, I pray that both are strengthened with all might, according to God's glorious power. Give them patience and longsuffering with a JOY that causes them to shout thanks be to God who has chosen them. For God has qualified those who believe to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. Deliver Jason and David from the power of darkness and convey Your love Lord Jesus with a mighty force. May You interrupt their dreams and thoughts with a perfect picture of Your love, compassion and forgivness. I pray for a complete surrender as a full reconciliation is embraced. May they no longer feel alienated as enemies of God for their weak choices. May they both accept that the blood of Christ is sufficient and that they are holy and blameless in Your sight. AMEN ~ READ THE BOOK

UTOPIA

Luke Chisolm is a talented young golfer set on making the pro tour. When his first big shot turns out to be a very public disaster, Luke escapes the pressures of the game and finds himself unexpectedly stranded in Utopia, Texas, home to eccentric rancher Johnny Crawford (Robert Duvall). Johnny's profound ways of looking at life force Luke to question not only his past choices, but his direction for the future. Big money or settle in a small town with a nice girl?

ALCATRAZ

The acting is BRILLIANT! A must see and available instantly on NETFLIX! The movie delivers a power punch performance as it climbs into the court room.

LOVE LETTERS

In this visually stunning movie filmed near Tuscany, a letter hand written in 1957 - inspires its author to travel to Italy in search of her long-lost love. Modern characters are developed while relationships slowly blossom along the lovely streets of Verona. Much like the wailing wall of Jerusalem, there is a brick wall in Verona where bereft women scribble notes of their need for compassionate advice. A cluster of wise women known as the Secretaries of Juliet respond daily to each note plucked from the brick sanctuary. In the play of "Romeo and Juliet", Shakespeare lures the audience with poetic sonnets that portray the unobtainable lady as a model of inspiration. Juliet leans over the balcony to hear Romeo's exaggerated pledge and responds honestly with words of doubt; "Dost thou love me?" A woman with a noble heart, Juliet searches for truth over poetic verse. In "Letters to Juliet" self-volunteered missionaries keep hope alive as the famous Verona brick hanger for tears --- fills their need to put experience into good use. As fate would have it, the destiny of a fact finder from New York stumbles upon a story worth re-telling. Was it FATE or CHANCE that led the longing heart of Sophie to true love? In the play, Juliet dodges her father's attempt to force her to marry a man she has no feeling for, and the movie dares Sophie, the engaged writer to examine the idea of marriage over genuine feelings of love. Shakespeare's romance script allowed Romeo to test Juliet's feelings for him using a non-threatening invitation. Thus Juliet could pretend she did not understand him, and he could retreat without losing honor. The normal sequence of courtship for Sophie was sped up by the encouragement and witness of Vanessa Redgrave's hope to have her heart fulfilled. Sophie found in her --- a mother's love long lost. When one is in love, one desires to shower their beloved with affection. Mere thoughts of them provoke a fervent flutter of heart while the mind races to think of clever ways to surprise them with generous acts of service and kindness. One's mind is pre-occupied, it is filled with memories of their last words, their touch, their scent, their face. A person in love wants to stow away --- alone, to savor moments spent together. Time is devoted daily to WORSHIP the most precious relationship of one's life! Lovers obsess over how to spend more time together. When we fall into love, we fall into life's greatest pleasure. We fall into each conversation with another --- speaking of our hearts treasure. In Shakespeare's time and in the time that Jesus walked among us, a woman was required to be modest and shy to make sure that her suitor was sincere. Humble hand gestures, a respectful glance, and subtle posturing were all a part of romantic wooing. The dramatic structure of Letters to Juliet is done with a precise hope to keep the audience in a purposed breathless state of suspense. Scenes shift from hope to despair, reprieve, and new hope, which serve to accentuate the tragedy of a heart that longs to be chosen, to be loved and languish in true love. These Italian tiles artistically embrace a picture of love. A burning heart that desires to connect, to be noticed. Imagine listening for the voice of our Beloved, ears tuned and yearning for Him to whisper words that affirm true love while acknowledging all that was done to gain His notice. "I know your deeds, your hard work, your preserverance. I know that you cannot tolerate deceitful men. That you have tested those who claim to love God first and found them false. I see that you have endured hardships and persevered as you have waited upon the Lord to lead you in matters of the heart, and that you have not grown weary. Love is ready to be harvested! Indeed I have noticed you and I thank you for all that you have done in the name of Love." With such an affirmation does not the one hearing thrill to plunge into acts that reciprocate the love from the One Who has so honestly confided His recognition of thee? Would one not earnestly desire more time with the object of their affection, to just BE close in relationship together? Letters to Juliet led me to consider the truth contained in letters penned for my benefit. The letters from Mark, Matthew, Paul and John are the living Word of God, written 2010 years ago, for His beloved. Those who read, watch, listen and seek true love, a love that is ever-lasting --- find themselves carving out time once again to devote to Him in genuine worship of Jesus, the One who God sent on our behalf, to love us in spirit, and truth. God hand picked and gifted writers to document His story, and His love for us. Solomon penned most of the psalms while fascinating in His glory. Praising God in continuous worship -- "Day and night they never stop saying "Holy, holy holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is, and is to come." Revelation 4:8 The believers of Jesus in the church of Ephesus were congratulated for all the kingdom work they were doing. Then God convicted them in spirit for putting works above time with God. "Yet, I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love" Revelation 2:4---His crazy, radical, eternal LOVE is freely given --- even while we ignore He exists, even when we get side-tracked by all the beauty, people, sports, adventures in the world He created for our pleasure. His love is eternal, often unrequited, but yet He loves us, completely - as we are, always! Fall in love with the living Words of Jesus, with His desire for you --- Obtain the eternal and present opportunity to WORSHIP Him in spirit for what He has done in you. Would a hand written love letter dated 2010 years ago by a man named Paul cause you to seek to be united to his Holy Inspiration? Is GOD the most esteemed TREASURE in your heart? The Spirit of God was made available to us through the death of His Son on the cross. Would loving Jesus for what He did, for Who He is, for all the grace He gives daily, EVEN if we lose our health, our home, our loved ones, cause people to persecute you for being crazy? Is loving Jesus worth the promise of eternity in a place where there is no suffering? Shakespear spoke of our human nature's design to connect with the divine and wrote "If I profane with my unworthiest hand - this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand, to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss." Juliet responds delicately " Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, which mannerly devotion shows in this; for saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, and palm to palm is a holy kiss."