By Colleen Saffron taken from Deaf Chicks Shouldn't Sing...
Ok I seldom do this blog, and my guess is most have given up reading it LOL but I feel compelled to write this out. I often process information by writing.
I watched the movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed this evening while my husband and daughter watched a Newsboys concert and football game. I love Netflix by the way (shameless plug there LOL) I can watch the movies instantly on the internet on my laptop!
I have to tell you, I like Ben Stein, and I have always been at odds with the whole evolution theory but after viewing this I must say I am convinced Darwinism itself is a religion and that those who serve it are adamant is promoting it and that nothing will ever be permitted to speak against it in the United States if they have their way.
It would be different if the interviews were spliced, the evidence were not there already (I've heard it and read it before) but the compiling of it in one place, the proof of the unwillingness to even open a dialogue to discuss intelligent design as opposed to evolution (NOT creationism but intelligent design or even another theory) and the persecution of those who do question the status quo is down right frightening. Should a respected scientist lose their job and reputation for simply asking them to open the discussion? look at the argument? mentioning the issue?
To know this is a phenomena of the U.S. and that even those nations less free than we are can have open discussions among their scientists about this things is even more frightening. We, the freest nation on the earth, our scientific community wll shut down, destroy and persecute any who even look into the arguments as legitimate dialogue.
I am sure many people will say evolution is proven, no questions etc but having even the leading scientists explore the option that "another advanced species" (read aliens folks) is more acceptable than discussing the option of God is proof that the issue for them is not science it is that they just refuse the notion of God, of faith and of any moral being to guide, create or endow us as humans is evident. The truth is, even the most educated scientist cannot tell you HOW life began and what led up to the initial life form that started it all. One scientist kept repeating it somehow piggy backed on crystals BUT he could not explain how that could actually happen.
Wherever you stand on the issue I highly reccomend you see the movie, hear for yourself what the scientists have to say. Do some deeper research and begin to ask yourself questions. Once you have asked yourself then begin to ask established science to explain this to you. And then ask them why they are putting up the wall and refusing to discuss it.
Science is about questions...We cannot allow such a thing to happen as we have all seen in history; yestedays exact science is often todays old wives tale! The most dangerous thing we can ever allow as humans, as christians and as citizens is to stop questioning anything. Wasn't it Hitler who said if you tell lie often enough they will believe you????
Sherwood Productions, the producers of Facing the Giants are releasing their new touching film "Fireproof." This movie is set to hit theaters Sept.26, 2008. It has all the qualities to be a big hit; action, comedy, great story line, but it is also much more. The producers have created a complete experience through the movie, the website, & through volunteers around the world. Brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick created Sherwood Productions.
Fireproof is about a firefighter who lets the stress of his job come between him and his wife. Just when he thinks that their marriage is destined for divorce, his dad offers him a dare. The Love Dare: a book that teaches about unconditional love. Stephen Kendrick, producer at Sherwood Productions, said, "The word fireproof doesn't mean that something resists fire, it means that when the fire comes it can withstand the heat. All marriages go through fire. Scripture talks about, being tested by fire; our works in heaven will be tested by fire. Jesus said when we're built on the rock of obedience to God's word; we can withstand all the heat of this life when it hits us." The multiple twists will keep your attention throughout the movie.
The official movie website www.fireproofthemovie.com offers a great deal of information on the movie, its purpose, & marriage. It also has links to other helpful websites. The movie is just a part of the Fireproof experience. Before the movie, you can go online to find out where the movie is playing near you, purchase movie tickets, & find out all kinds of movie and marriage information. After the movie, you can go online to purchase your very own copy of the Love Dare book, get ideas on strengthening your relationship, & help others in your community. There are approximately 50 different marriage ministries already supporting the movie on this website. Some have information for couples and some have information for those wanting to join in helping others.
The movie Fireproof offers outreach opportunities for fire fighters, couples, communities, churches, & individuals. Marriage is the foundation of families. When the marriage suffers, so do the relationships involved. By building strong foundations, we can empower the children in the marriage. Today there are many hurting and lost children because of unloving homes, divorce, & bitterness. In 2006, the U.S. Bureau of the Census reported that more than 1 million children are affected by divorce each year. Children like to imitate their parents, so if they see their parents in unhappy relationships the kids are likely to repeat the process. Let us stop the vicious cycle of unhealthy relationships. The value of a happy marriage is priceless.
The Kendrick brothers started Sherwood Productions after reading a George Barna poll in 2002 that said people were allowing movies to influence them more than they were the Church. The brothers had always been an interested in making movies. Although neither of the brothers had any formal film training. As young boys, they would run around with a neighbor's camera making home action movies. They had also grown up in a strong Christian home. Therefore, if people let movies influence them so much they would make Christian based full-length films. When the brothers talked to the executive pastor of their church, Sherwood Baptist, in Albany, Georgia, he said lets do it. The Kendrick's started raising the funds for their first movie, Flywheel. With only a budget of $20,000 and volunteer actors from the church, they made a very powerful movie. Facing the Giants was the next movie by Sherwood Productions. Churches around the world used this movie as an outreach tool. Stephen Kendrick explains, "We are not making movies for money, our prayer has been that God's truth and God's grace would be communicated through the movies in such a way that they are spiritually impacted long term. We have made the decision that ministering to people's lives has to be our higher priority over making a buck." The response to the first 2 movies has shown that Sherwood Productions is affecting people's lives.
Sherwood Productions does it again. Fireproof is more than just a movie, it is an opportunity to help strengthen & save marriages. It gives hope & healing to couples & their families. By saving marriages, we are also saving kids. Stand up for the marriages in your community. Help spread the word about this movie, the website, & become a volunteer to help relationships in your community. The Fireproof experience will change the future for so many.
“Refined by Fire” is a series of books a lot like the “Chicken Soup” books. They are compilations of stories from women who have been through tough times, but with the help and grace of God, have come out on the other end stronger and better for it.
This book contains 25 stories and each one will amaze you. You wonder how these women ever make it through the tough times in their lives, much less come out with their love for God intact. In fact, most of these women question it themselves as well as question God, but find that God is with them and helps them through. These stories re-iterate the truth that all people suffer, and sometimes most especially Christians!! The hard part is trying to figure out what God is trying to teach you during the tough times. There is always a reason for the suffering – to make you stretch and follow the path God has in store for you, to find peace, to persevere, and of course ultimately to bring you closer to God. Each of the stories has a different trial, a different lesson, a different voice, but each one celebrates the Glory of God!
Everyone will be able to personally relate to at least one of the stories in the book. I related to the woman who had been through a divorce and spent time wondering why. I have not been in every situation that the women in the book have – I don’t think anyone will go through every single situation in life – but all the stories touched me. It was interesting to see how God works in the lives of other people. Plus, their stories bring understand into your own life a little. I can now see that the divorce I went through ended up being for the best. It didn’t seem like it at the time and I spent some time having a pity-party for myself. However, if I had continued in that relationship, I would not be where I am now. I would not be married to my current, wonderful husband nor would I have my two beautiful children. So, even though it was a tough time for me and I felt like I had wasted a few years of my life; it turned out to be a learning experience, a growing experience, and most definitely put me into a better place in life!
Recently, Lindsey took a little time out for Christian Military Wives...
Q&A time with Lindsey:
Where do you go when you need peace and quite?
The awesome thing about living by myself is that I can find peace and quiet within the walls of my own home!
I love to snuggle up on the couch and just sit, sometimes... or, one of my favorite things to do is to go to a park with my golden retriever Gabby. I also enjoy being outside with God!
The way I find true and lasting peace, that peace that surpasses all human understanding, is to spend quality time with the Prince of Peace. I also love going on walks where I can just think!
Have you been outside of the USA to participate on a mission trip?
Yes yes yes! It's my favorite thing to do! If I wasn't called to full-time music ministry in the USA, I would probably live overseas as a missionary. I hope to open an orphanage in Kenya one day! b
I have had the amazing opportunity of traveling to South Africa, Zambia, the Dominican Republic twice, and Mexico. These mission trips were life-changing and those times of ministry have played a vital role in my passion for the poor all over the world. There is nothing like loving on a child in poverty and speaking truth over their lives!
What are your goals as a singer/song writer?
My goal is two fold: to bring glory to God and passion to people. When iIm singing or leading worship, my hope is that whoever listens would be changed. My hope is that the audience would grow closer to God and that He would get glory through everything I say and sing.
I would love to continue traveling the country and ministering through music, but my number 1 goal is to bring glory to God! To spread His name and His fame through leading worship, speaking about Jesus, and sharing the originals songs that He has given me to minister with!
Where do I start? Disciple - they look fierce. They look "tough."
While many kids are into heavy music, the lyrics are not good at all - however, Disciple offers heavy music Christian Lyrics.
Many of our Soldiers enjoy listening to hardcore music... it pumps them up, gets the adrenaline flowing... if your military man enjoys a screeching guitar, screaming music and lots of energy... have them check out Disciple. Disciple offers a crazy, hard, exciting music thrill - with a great twist... the twist of Christianity.
For those of you who have children...
One important question I asked Kevin Young (lead singer of Disciple) - is, "what would you tell parents who look at you and think that your kids should not listen to your music based on your looks?"
Kevin responded, "I urge you to take a good look at the lyrics of our songs... comb through our lyrics with a fine toothed comb. Parents should check into the music their kids want to listen to."
Myself, being a mother of a teenager and two others pushing teenage hood - this was a good answer.
I've talked to other secular music artists, and they have said things like... well your kid has to grow up and make decisions on their own someday.
While, this is true - as a parent I do want to make sure my kids are listeing to songs that have clean lyrics. Lyrics that promote Christianity... Kevin has that part right for sure!
On Thursday, I had a few minutes to visit with KJ-52. My friend, Annah of Shine Magazine invited me to sit in on a couple of interviews she had with KJ... I will say - KJ was very down to earth, and really does have a love for working with kids in the inner city.
KJ said that when he was a kid, he had very low self esteem... and the only way that his self esteem climbed, was when he found God. God gave him the power to forgive people who would say mean things to him, God gave him the strength to "not be afraid of what people said."
KJ specializes in Christian rap... he will make your feet tap - KJ is good at what he does... share his music with your cuz!
Umm, maybe I should leave the rapping to KJ? ;)
On a side note, I thought you'd all be interested in knowing that when our family goes away on a road trip, we become the "rapping family." My husband is M&M, I am Skittles - I have a lotta riddles...
I actually have quite a few military wives in my family. My sister is a military wife and I have an aunt and 2 cousins whose husbands are over in Iraq right now. I pray for strength and joy for military wives. I pray that God would bring them great peace and joy and bless them with deep intimacy with Holy Spirit. I pray that their marriages would be strong and centered around God and their homes would be filled with fun and happiness!
Lindsey Kane has agreed to an interview with Christian Military Wives. This interview is in the making - I will also be writing a review of her current CD; Move Me Aside.
In the mean time - I asked Lindsey if she has any encouraging words for military wives... this was her response:
"I can't say I know how you feel, because I don’t, but please know that I respect you all like you'll never know! When I think about what it means to be a military wife, I think of someone who has strength, perseverance and determination. you all show me Jesus!
Traveling around the country doing women's events, I meet many military wives. in fact, just this past weekend I had the opportunity of getting to know a women who attended a mother/daughter retreat, she walked with such poise and bravery.
I do believe that the best soldiers are the ones with supportive and loving wives back home! One thing I want to encourage you with is that you are not alone. I am a single woman and sometimes I feel alone and fall into loneliness. but let me tell you that this past year, the Lord has filled every void in my life and heart and now all I need is intimacy with Him.
While you're husbands are gone, I would challenge you, as I challenge myself, to draw near to Christ. it is sometimes in the loneliest of times that we find His holiness and where we find Love falling all over us from His throne. when you feel no one else knows what you're going through, be encouraged that Jesus knows.
Hebrews 4 tells us that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses. take heart my sisters! Jesus knows exactly what you're going through and He is the Alpha and Omega of your difficulties. He will see you through this time as you serve alongside your husband for our country. thank you for your sacrifice. you ladies don’t hear that enough, but thank you. I pray that the Lord blesses you ten-fold for your hearts and devotion to the Lord!"
Please keep checking back to read our interview with Lindsey. She has been such an encouragement to women all over the United States...
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