As a parent, I cringe every time the kids ask if I will take the parental controls off a TV show they want to watch, a website they want to visit or movie they want to rent. With such easy access to inappropriate content, my wife and I worry about what our children are exposed to and struggle with a sustainable way to “manage” what they see without “locking everything down.” Over the last 3 months, my family and I have personally watched more than 20 Christian movies and reviewed numerous websites to help me write these “reflections” for the St. Jude Bulletin. I’ll admit, before Father asked me to do this, I had never watched a Christian movie or been to a Christian website… mainly because I didn’t know where to start and hadn’t considered it. Therefore, this week’s review is about the resources I found and use with my family; and how you too can easily explore the endless Christian choices available with the power of the internet.

The Dove Foundation – the mission of this non-profit organization is “to encourage and promote the creation, production, distribution and consumption of wholesome family entertainment. They are supported primarily by donations from families who want to move Hollywood in a more family friendly direction”. This foundation writes great reviews and I have been happy with the movies they have given their “approval” seal to.

ChristianCinema.com – is a motion picture production and distribution company founded in 1999. Their website was “born out of a desire to connect independent Christian filmmakers with people like us.” This site provides many resources, but I mention it since it has a “NetFlix like” service for DVD rentals. For ~$10 a month, you can have “faith affirming and family approved” movies delivered straight to your home.

Pureflix Entertainment – “brings feature films and thought-provoking documentaries with a solid Christian message or Biblical historical significance that will impact audiences. Their DVDs will clearly portray forgiveness, redemption, love, and faith that engage people in their pursuit of God and the strengthening of each person’s personal relationship with Jesus.” One evangelical approach that caught my attention was their concept of a “movie ministry”. They provide programs and materials to license the showing of content to groups that will watch movies together and faith share afterwards. Might be a great idea for a St. Jude!

As with all the reviews I do, this is just my opinion. I urge you to always review the content of these sites prior to sharing with your family so you can make the best decision possible. I also welcome any feedback or alternative resources that I could review and recommend.

For football fans, this is an exciting time of year. Playoff games began last weekend with the Super Bowl coming in early February. For those that don’t follow football, keep reading, there is a special message here…

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Last November, I wrote about how my choice of wearing black and yellow shows others that I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, just like how I choose to “treat others” shows my love and commitment to God. Ironically, this week’s review is on Tim Tebow’s autobiography “Through My Eyes”. I say ironically because while I have been reading this book, I have become a fan of him and as the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, he knocked my Pittsburgh Steelers out of the playoffs last weekend!

Although I am disappointed about the loss, I am more and more impressed with Tim Tebow. Not because of his football skills, but because he “walks the talk”.  Over the past few years, Tim Tebow has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football and was a top pick in the NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. More importantly, in his book, “Through My Eyes, “Tebow” shares his inspiring story from his perspective on the circumstances of his birth, his family’s Christian missionary in the Philippines, the work ethic he learned from living on a farm, being home schooled by his mom and how God, his family and football are at the center of his life. (in that order) Each chapter starts with a quote from scripture, just like he leads his life…God first.

Tebow’s success on and off the field along with his very public acknowledgement of his faith has many people talking. Even those that never watched football before are becoming interested in him, his story and the role model he is becoming for children dreaming of making it to the NFL. Even though I am a Steelers fan, I will be cheering for Tebow this coming weekend. Not because I want Tebow to win, but that through his winning, he will give God the glory for all to see.

We made “the trip” to the mall this past weekend and waited an hour in line for a picture with Santa as we do each year. Megan is almost too old (11) but agreed one last time. As we stood in line, Matthew waited as patiently as a “4 year old” can. As I observed the excitement Santa stirs in the hearts of the children, I thought how easily the commercialization of Christmas can make us overlook that this time of year is about the birth of Christ and our love for one another. It reminded me of a song my sister shared with me recently by Becky Kelley:

Christmas time was approaching,
the snow was starting to fall,
shoppers choosing their presents,
people filling the mall.
Children waiting for Santa
with excitement and glee,
a little boy tugged my sweater,
looked up and asked me…

Chorus:
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don’t we see Him more?

As I stood in amazement
at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him,
he was nowhere around.

The little boy at the mall
might as well have had wings.
As the tears filled my eyes,
I thought I heard him sing …

Chorus:
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents,
But Christ gave His life for me.

In the blink of an eye,
at the sound of His trump,
We’ll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down,
every tongue will confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Chorus:
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don’t we see Him more?

Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents,
But Christ gave His life for me.

As we celebrate this glorious time of year, let us not forget to share the story of the birth of Christ on Christmas with our children. Teach them what Christ did for us and what they can do for others so they too can find “the line to see Jesus someday”.

Merry Christmas

Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending the taping of the Christmas mass at St. Jude the Apostle with Bishop Hubbard. The church was decorated beautifully, the children’s choir sounded amazing and Bishop Hubbard’s homily stressed that although the world has commercialized Christmas, as Catholics we must remain steadfast in our love for Christ and each other, always modeling the true spirit of Christmas regardless of the actions of others.

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

This week’s review is about the movie “Christmas with a Capital C” which confronts the growing trend towards saying “Happy Holidays”, “Seasons Greetings”, and the removal of “Christ” from Christmas. The story begins when Mitch Bright (a lawyer) returns to his hometown only to find his high school rival Dan Reed (now Mayor) breaking the law by displaying a nativity scene on government property. Having a personal vendetta against Dan, Mitch decides to file an injunction to prevent the nativity scene from being displayed in the town. Tensions rise, dividing the town and challenging Dan’s notion of what it means to “fight” for Christmas as the Mayor but more importantly as a Christian man. Soon, Dan realizes that the best outward sign of our love for Christ at this time of year isn’t the decorations we are “allowed” to display, but by the love and compassion we show for one another…even those that have hurt us. This cannot be taken from anyone.

Over the years, I too have succumbed to the societal pressure to mindlessly say “Happy Holidays” at times, especially with people I didn’t know well. Our Christmas cards became “Season’s Greetings” cards with no mention of Christmas. This left me feeling empty and ashamed. After seeing this movie and hearing Bishop Hubbard, I realize that evangelizing Christ’s birth and modeling Christ’s behavior is the perfect way to “display” the true meaning of Christmas to the world.

One of the hardest things I have had to do in my life was admitting I was wrong, saying I was sorry and asking for forgiveness. This usually involved another person but sometimes the person I needed to forgive was me.

Then Peter came up to Him and said, “Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? As many as up to seven times?”
Jesus answered him, ”I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18: 21-22

This week’s review is on the movie “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry” by the Christiano Film Group released in 2009. Set in the 1970’s, this story takes us back to a much simpler time. A time when banana seat bicycles were the main mode of transportation, kids played outside, mom’s had time to sew buttons on shirts, handwritten notes were used instead of texting, pinball machines where the top “video” game, and kids where enthusiastic about mowing the neighbor’s lawn for $3. Now more than 30 years later, that simplicity may be gone, but the same social challenges the movie portrays exist today including raising children as a single parent, dealing with “bullying” in our schools and making the choice to forgive others as the Lord intended.

This movie will make you think. It will make you think about the grudges you hold against others and/or yourself. It will make you see that the choice to forgive has the power to free you, to allow you to give more to others and be a shining example of God’s love for us.

Issue 5

With the unexpected snowfall last weekend, it got me thinking about the holiday shopping my wife, Amy will be doing again this year. (Less than 3 weeks until Black Friday!)

Notice how I said that “my wife” will be doing it? Quite honesty, the shopping part of the holidays is my least favorite part. Plus, she always does an excellent job and meets our budget every time. In reality, my contribution is usually just funding the effort, acting as a sounding board for gift ideas and babysitting the kids while my wife goes store to store. It is a partnership, but I think I am getting off pretty easy. In some ways, I blame my lack of participation on how commercial the holidays have become and how we have forgotten what this time of year is really about. Finding a “meaningful” Christian gift in the mainstream stores can be pretty difficult at times. Sure, they are out there… but who wants to search more then you have to. This is shopping, not a search and rescue mission!

For years, I have worked in Latham, NY in the British American business park, each day driving by Peter Harris Plaza on Route 7. Over the last year, I discovered a treasure that is tucked away in that plaza. A store called the Living Word Parable Christian store. This small but spacious store has a variety of Christian related items including music, DVD’s, books, home decorations, cards, bibles, software, jewelry and many other wonderful gift ideas at reasonable prices. One visit and you will truly see the difference when shopping for that special gift for that special person. These stores are an association of independent retailers that are locally owned and operated by people who love the Lord and consider their business a ministry to their community. They also believe that Christ-centered products can change people’s lives, so they build relationships with publishers, music companies and manufacturers who share the same vision.

Personally, I visit the store weekly….sometimes to buy an item for the house or a birthday gift, or just to “refuel” and refocus during my lunch hour. It has become a refuge from my hectic work schedule, keeping me grounded with Christian messages. Even Amy and the kids love going to the store. In fact, after reading this, Amy advised me that things are going to be different this holiday shopping season.

When I asked “different how” she said “for starters, now that you have a store you like, you’re helping with the Christmas shopping…no more excuses!”

My apologies to the men who now have to go shopping this holiday season as a result of post… 🙂

Issue 3

“Practice makes perfect” I was always told. Whether it meant extra layups for basketball or extra homework, repetition helps us learn, grow and remember…so we can get better and be “ready”. Will practice really make us “perfect”? Of course not, but I don’t think “being perfect” is what God wants. We should put God first, always do our best, confess our sins, pray for forgiveness, and leave the rest up to Him.

“He who began a good work in you, will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:6

As some of you know, my 2.5 year old son Matthew was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy 2.5 years ago. All of a sudden he began having uncontrollable seizures…up to 100 a day. We saw many doctors, at many local and out of state hospitals but no one knew what to do. No answers, led to no hope. The daily pain and unknowns of having a sick child consumed our time, thoughts and energy. So much so, that we forgot to turn to God for help, comfort and grace. We were left with an uncertain future and to handle things on our own… so we thought.

Thankfully, after another sleepless night of worry, I was channel surfing and came across a Christian program called “Enjoying Everyday Life” by Joyce Meyer.   From the beginning, her candid, no-nonsense approach and deep understanding of the Word caught my attention. She focused on helping people understand the Word and how it can help us “enjoy every day” life. She used her own painful past and life experiences to connect with the audience and show how God has and is working in her life. She has a unique ability to use humor, honesty and the Word to remind viewers to keep God at the center of their lives “everyday” and that the Bible is the only “self-help” book we will ever need through life’s challenges. More importantly, it gives viewers a daily way to reinforce the Word from their own home so that they too can “practice”.

One way my family and I “practice” every day is by watching “Joyce”, as my kids affectionately call her. It grounds us in the Word. It reminds daily us that God loves us and that He is with us through life’s challenges…whether we seek him or not. It reinforces the Christian messages we want our children to hear and helps us deepen our understanding of the Word in daily, digestible portions that are relevant to everyday living.

We asked God for help. He cured Matthew, who now has been seizure free since February 28, 2010. The doctors still cannot explain why it started or stopped. For us, we know….. God wanted to pull us closer. He wanted to open our eyes. It is all part of a greater plan he has for our lives. By reinforcing the Word daily, challenges in life are easier to accept, making us more likely to look to Him for help.

Issue 2

Fatherhood. Few words carry more responsibility. Yet, in today’s society, I am not sure we truly understand what God intended it to mean.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

It sounds simple, but how? Growing up in a single parent household and not having a strong father figure, I have struggled over the years to define what being a good father means and how to “train” my children the way God intended.

Last weekend Sherwood Pictures, the makers of “Flywheel”, “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants”, debuted another must see movie called “Courageous”. For those not familiar with Sherwood Pictures, they are an American Christian film company in Albany, Georgia and a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church. The company uses mostly volunteers in their movies to deliver powerful messages about putting God at the center of our lives. They address universal themes including honesty, marriage, debt, teamwork, never giving up and most recently… fatherhood. From the opening scene, “Courageous” challenges fathers to think. To think about what they would do, what they are doing, what they should do, but most importantly what they will do after seeing this movie.

The movie is set in Albany, Georgia with four policeman and their families, each dealing with their past, the stress of their careers, maintaining their marriages, and most importantly “connecting” with their children. Early on, the movie paints a picture of each father and their family, allowing the audience to decide which they relate to the most.

It is not long before tragedy strikes one family, challenging their faith in God’s plan and what it means to be a good father to those left behind. Emotional, relatable and heartfelt, the producers give a front row seat to one man’s journey to make sense of what happened, his realization that he no longer wants to be a “good enough” father and that it is his responsibility as a father to “train” his children on the Word of the Lord. He authors his decision in what he calls a “resolution” based on the Bible, inspiring the other fathers to make the same commitment in a moving ceremony with their families and before God.

Several twists and turns occur throughout the movie, symbolizing that our commitment to the Word will always be tested but that our faith in the Lord and the example we set for our children should never waiver. This ensures that generations to come “will not depart from it [the Word]”. Producers end the movie honoring these men and challenge fathers in the audience by asking “where are you men of courage… who will answer the call?”

In today’s terms, a “good” movie is usually measured by how well it did at the box office, DVD sales and/or its entertainment value, not necessarily on whether there was a relevant or useful message the audience can take with them. “Courageous” is a another example from Sherwood pictures that proves a small group of people can make a difference by helping people see that God should be at the center of everything we do… especially fatherhood.

Issue 1