| See? I am evidently not the blogger I would like to be. An average of once per month probably doesn't qualify for blogger status--maybe dabbler is more appropriate, but I find myself on vacation for this next week (Thanksgiving) and thought I could fit an entry into my busy schedule. I saw a movie last weekend that I am really excited about, and I would love for everyone to go and see it. It is in limited release and not all theaters are carrying it, but if it is in your area, you should go. It is called "Facing the Giants." It's a Christian film about a high school football team. No name actors, and no "acting school" actors, either. So, at first you think-ugh-the acting's not that great, but then the message grabs you and pulls you in. The movie has some really funny moments and some really emotional moments, but thru it all, Scripture is proclaimed and some very deep themes of trusting God are explored. I laughed, I cried, I was convicted. It was a glorious movie and I think all Christians need to see it, and lost people are being reached by it all over the country. So, check out your local theaters and see if it is there. It's a great 2-hour investment. Oh, and it has a great soundtrack. I'm listening right now to two of the artists that are featured in the movie - Josh Bates and Ana Laura. I hadn't heard of them before the movie, but the soundtrack was so powerful, I stayed and read all the credits so I could see who the artists were. Several of the songs I thought would be perfect for my sister-in-law to sing. So, what is everyone doing for Thanksgiving? All of our family that lives local are convening at my house on Thursday, which means I will be in some stage of cooking every day this week. I'm trying some new recipes this year--look out--mad scientist in the kitchen! We will miss being at the California gathering (that's the other half of our family--more like three-fourths, I think, there are so many of them). There is a kind of measured and glorious chaos at Mom Sandoval's Thanksgiving celebration. One minute, you think there is no way it is all going to come together, but the next minute all 15-20-25 people are sitting at the long table and passing the potatoes. And Mom reigns over all of it as the General Patton of all matriarchs. She has the softest voice of any drill sergeant I've ever encountered, but none dare cross her plans for everyone to express their thanks in a variety of creative ways each year. And though, many of us grumble, shuffle, and try to avoid, eventually everyone comes to the table with assignment in hand, and it almost always is a special time of sharing and remembrance. There have been times that I have wondered what will happen to the family gatherings if something were to ever happen to her. She seems to be the glue that holds us all together and that deliberately brings us together and reminds us to share and love and celebrate all that the Lord has done for us. But as time has gone on, I actually think it will be okay. She has provided such an example to us all of how to keep the family connected, that each of us has learned something that we will carry with us for always. We will carry on her traditions, in our own special ways and with our own special graces, but it won't be merely because we would be honoring her memory in that way. It will be because over the years, her persistent and constant love has infiltrated our very beings and has become a part of who we are, a part of the families that we have begun, and that love will continue to draw us all together for as long as the Lord tarries. God Bless everyone and have a Happy Thanksgiving. Hug someone who doesn't have someone to hug! |
