No blog yesterday as I was out at the cinema. Yes we do go to the cinema a lot ... from having maybe only gone once a year - but we are getting good bang for our buck from our Cinema loyalty membership and have, since the middle of March, seen some 20 films - most of them very good.
Last night we went to see a film a we have waited for ages to see. It has been out int he USA for ages but was released here this week. It was The Shack. I don't know how many of you have read The Shack. It is a book that sparked so much controversy and such a great following too. I think it is a marmite - you either love it or hate it. The author said the following.....
According to Jacobsen, that was Young's real intent. “Our hope was to help people see how the Loving Creator can penetrate our defenses and lead us to healing,” he said.
Jesus told parables and used metaphors to grab the attention of his listeners, explain spiritual concepts, and sometimes shock people out of their comfort zones. Why would we think that God would be offended by people in our culture using the art of storytelling in much the same way to explain God’s love and how He wants to be involved in our lives?
Many of our friends and neighbors would never dare to pick up a Bible to read in their free time. Nor would they attend a church service where they could learn more about God. But many of them would be quick to grab a copy of the latest New York Times bestseller, especially when they hear so much buzz about it in the media. That’s why storytelling is a useful method of sharing the Gospel, and that’s why The Shack is such an incredible book.
I believe Rauser says it best in his examination of the novel: “There is nothing so profound as the concept of God, and few things as shocking as the notion that the creator of all things would stoop to our level and reveal himself to us in a most personal and intimate way. … The Shack will not answer all our questions, nor does it aspire to. But we can be thankful that it has started a great conversation.”
For me, I was loaned it by a friend when I was struggling and it had an incredibly profound effect on me and changed me in many ways - forever.
Nigel read it too and was very moved by all it contained. So we were both keen to see the film but, inevitably, when it is a book that has meant so very much to you, the film is a big risk. We were very nervous, but had no need to be - we loved it. They were only showing it at the studios as I guess they thought it would be a niche market. There was not a single free seat. The film was excellent - it was well presented, beautifully filmed and apart from some sound issues (why do people mumble) it was superb and I left feeling uplifted and loved. I understand it is not for everyone but, if you do go and see it, or read the book, I hope it touches you too.
Below is the official trailer.
Today I have had a lovely chilled day after working for a couple of days (exam season almost over - one last session of invigilation to go) and I have been to art and learnt yet more new techniques and have yet another picture to finish.
I do have some new scrapping to share and it is another 2017 weekly page.
Today I am thankful for
- being uplifted and being loved and cared for - even when sometimes I might forget
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