Thursday, January 19, 2012

Jane Eyre

GREAT MODESTY and HUMILTY model found in JANE EYRE:
After a wretched childhood, orphaned Jane Eyre yearns for new experiences. She accepts a governess position at Thornfield Hall, where she tutors a lively French girl named Adele. She soon finds herself falling in love with the brooding master of the house - the passionate Mr. Rochester. Jane gradually wins his heart, but they must overcome the dark secrets of the past before they can find happiness. When Jane saves Rochester from an eerie fire, she begins to suspect that there are many mysteries behind the walls of Thornfield Hall. Her fears are confirmed when Rochester's secret past is revealed, destroying her chance for happiness, and forcing Jane to flee Thornfield. Penniless and hungry, she finds shelter and friendship in the shape of a kind clergyman and his family. But she is soon shocked to uncover the deeply hidden truth of her own past. This lavish and sensual new version of Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel is modern and moody, timeless and romantic. Starring Toby Stephens as Mr. Rochester, Ruth Wilson as Jane, and Francesca Annis as Lady Ingram. "Masterpiece Theater" has been showcasing some ambitious literary adaptations with mixed results. Anyone who envisions every adaptation of a novel to be a literal translation is denying the power of the film medium to create new and enduring art. While this version breezes past Jane's difficult childhood, it effectively settles into the heart of the story--when Jane takes a position at Thornfield Hall. Jane becomes fascinated by her new employer, Mr. Rochester. The two interact believably, and as Jane gets past Rochester's gruff exterior and erratic mood swings--she starts to have feelings for the man. Part One of this miniseries details the evolving, but chaste, relationship. In addition, the mysterious goings-on at Thornfield are excellently depicted. I was riveted by everything in this first part--particularly the intelligent banter between the two leads and the underlying sense of dread that exists in the manor. Easily 5 stars, the first half of this miniseries is flawless. Physical romance blossoms and secrets are revealed in a very satisfying way. However, as "Jane" fans know--there are still plenty of obstacles in the way of true love. As the story wanders away from Thornfield, the program loses some of its momentum and its magic. Ruth Wilson is the perfect Jane--intelligent and appealing. It's hard to imagine someone not falling in love with her, she's so sensible and caring. Stephens does a terrific job, as well. Playing the tortured Rochester, he is a trapped soul that's yearning, but unable, to escape. While referred to in the dialogue as ugly (which he's not), it is also easy to see why this man would be a challenge for and an equal to Jane. A wonderful adaptation.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

LEADERS LEARN

DEFINITION OF HARBINGER: A person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; herald. Anything that foreshadows a future event; omen; sign: Frost is a harbinger of winter. Never, have I been so caught-up in a book by someone I never heard of before! A novel written with a KEEN sense of what rivets a soul! He unpacks info through an inspired telling that captures the reader completely! I am blown away by the method and order of its revealing. He brilliantly unfolds the MYSTERY in a profound message. I could not lay it down, it set my KINDRED heart and KINDLE on FIRE! It is truly mind-blowing! A 2012 FIVE STAR read for those who admit that the USA is rocking wildly without a politician on the horizon that has a solution. Our President, our mayors, our leaders nationwide boasted that the USA, the nation would rebuild their devasted country and make it stonger and more glorious than ever before. "Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger." Zephaniah 2:3 - Do you hear what the Spirit is saying? Or do you mock and laugh and plan to rebuild without God? About 628 BC - The people of Judah were terroized by the Assyrians and the prophet Zephaniah preached SEEK GOD before His judgement comes. Our modern American leaders voiced the same things voiced in ancient Israel. Eerily they used the same words that had caused God to withdraw His hedge of ISRAEL/USA protection. "To replace bricks with bricks is restoration, but to replace bricks with carved stone and boast of rebuilding what was destroyed is to ignore God's warning, it is an act of defiance."The American Dream is looking more and more like a national nightmare. Ten years since 9/11 and our nation spirals ever more downward each day with millions looking for an answer to our future. God's HEDGE OF PROTECTION has been removed. Intense weather, no snow in Reno December 2011, Hurricanes, floods, disease. If you have been questioning current events, The Harbinger provides the answers and a remedy. The reader is taken on a journey that begins over two thousand years ago linking it with our nation today as Jonathan Cahn unlocks an ancient mystery linked to America and her future. If you were sitting in a jury box, with America on trial, and listened to the facts presented by the author, the only verdict possible is GUILTY-beyond a reasonable doubt. It is not too late for our nation and its people to self-correct. The warning has been sent. Ignore it at your own peril. AUTHOR: JONATHAN CAHN ~ HIS teachings are known for their prophetic import and their revealing of the deep mysteries of God's living and active Word. Jonathan leads Hope of the World ministries, an international outreach dedicating to spreading God’s word and love to all peoples. Our attitude in worship is far more important than our apparell, our appearance or our position. Let us bow down, kneel or fall prostrate before the Lord and respect His word, His warning, His holiness, His ways. "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm 95:6 ~ "The last will be first, and the first last." Matthew 20:16 - What plans do you have for the summer 2012? Do you plan to honor God with your best, with your mind, heart and actions?