Sex and the City

Tonight was the night!

The much-awaited "Sex and the City" movie came out today! I was never a HUGE fan when it was on the air, but after spending many nights watching whole seasons on DVD (especially when in Australia!), I have to admit it did become a guilty pleasure. That is why when a friend sent out an e-vite asking us to purchase tickets as week in advance so we could all go together, I jumped at it!

The night would not have been complete without a few things. First, we all dressed up, complete with great shoes (I totally forgot to get a "shoe picture"). Second, we went early to the Rhythm Room, where Cosmos were on special (of course!).

This movie was not just another movie. It was an EVENT. It was mostly women in the theater, all of whom clearly know the plot well (why else would you have pre-ordered tickets to this sold-out movie!?). As a result, the producers had to do almost nothing to engage us, and within 5 minutes folks were talking back to the movie. But not in that annoying sort of way... more in an interactive, conversational way. We didn't even know the folks behind us, but Amanda and I were almost grateful for their comments as we laughed with them, and they with us. Alas, I must admit I was one of the many cheering in a few scenes, and sitting on the edge of my seat in another.

Was it a good movie? No. Was it good for putting a whole season of a familiar and loved show into one film? Absolutely. The result, then? I LOVED IT! And we looked cute, so that made it all the better.
One thing for sure is this: We should have a "Girls Night" more often!

for the BIBLE tells me so - Reflection

For The Bible Tells Me So was everything I heard it would be... and more. You REALLY need to go see it, folks!

The best part? Yes, it has the happy ending we hoped it would. But it is a documentary, so its also very real. It makes the viewer happy, sad, angry, contemplative and everything in between... even bringing laughter in a few places. Yet it is real. Both sides of the story are shown. In the end, everyone has NOT decided it is okay and life should go on, but it still brings peace even in the midst of pain. What more could we ask for?

See this film. Take your friends, your families, your church and congregation. Then talk about it. We as a Church have a LONG way to go on this issue. Lets talk about it.

For the Bible Tells Me So

On Sunday at church, it was called to my attention that the new documentary, "For the Bible Tells Me So" is in Chicago through Thursday (tomorrow). In short, the film addresses the issue of homosexuality in the church through encounters with Christian families who had someone "come out."

The Bible tells us many things, most of which are up for interpretation. While some claim the Bible prohibits same-sex relationships, others see Christianity and homosexuality as wholly compatible. For the Bible Tells Me So steps into this debate by documenting Christian families with gay children. Probing the tension between the church and homosexuality, the film asks if homophobia really makes sense from a Christian perspective. Five Christian couples with a gay son or daughter feature prominently in the film, including former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson. -Emily Withrow (courtesy flavorpill.com)

I have heard great reviews on this film, so tomorrow night, a group of us will be heading into the city to see it. It is playing at the Gene Siskel Film Center (on State Street in the loop) at 6 and 8 pm... we will be attending the 8pm showing. All are welcome. If you are interested in joining us, or if you would like more information, feel free to contact me! Or I'll see you there. Either way, I hope if this film comes to your city, you will make time to go out of your way to see it. Reviews have promised you will not be disappointed.

Choice of a Good Movie over Bad Politics

I should have more patience with such things, but tonight, I just didn't have it in me to watch the State of the Union Address by our President George W. Bush. I do celebrate that it was his LAST one, though!!

Instead of sitting, glued to a television, I went with my wonderful neighbor to see the new movie, "27 Dresses." Definitely a chick-flick, and I loved it! It was very entertaining- funny and sad, surprising - or at least not so overly cheesy and predictable that it left me scrambling! Without giving anything away for those of you who may someday see it, I will only say this about it: my favorite part is at the end. In a lot of movies, I get quickly annoyed with characters who are sure in 2 days that they are in love. In this film, much to my surprise and appreciation, upon big build up in the scene, where I expected the "I love you" we'd all been waiting for, I heard, "I think I'm falling in love with you!" YES!

Reality, friends. Katherine Heigl, I think I'm falling even more in love with YOU! ha. Just think what a better, lower divorce-rate kind of world we could live in if people stopped to actually think about those important words and what they mean more often!

On the way home from the movie, my little sister texted me to ask if I was watching the State of the Union Address. To which I of course promptly responded with "No! I didn't want to be sick! ... just on my way home now, listening to anti-Bush songs from the Juno soundtrack instead." When her only response was to laugh, it left me to smile, and know that I have done well as a big sister. To know that she has grown from our President-supporting "no matter what goes on because he's the President and can!" mindset into one that is more free-thinking. I don't care what one's politics are- really. As long as you have reason for supporting the candidate and have a stance other than because "they're the ones in power, and so we should follow suit." That is absolutely unacceptable.

This idea of accepting power just because it is, is one of the least Christian things we as a society have ever grabbed ahold of. At least, within our own boarders of the US, of course- for we certainly don't respect any other world powers. That aside, I am reminded of my friend Pete's blog, in which he recently wrote on a similar topic about believing it is the will of God that our elected leaders, lead us. The US definitely heads up such thinking as we use phrases as "one nation, under God," but we are not alone in it. (and whether or not GW Bush has ever actually been elected is up for debate anyway!)

Ahhh. So many thoughts. So much to say and do. So much that shall CHANGE in the next year. Yes. It is finally time for CHANGE. Praise God for that!

Dead Poets Society

After being told for many months how unacceptable it is that I had never seen “Dead Poets Society,” we watched it tonight.

Once again, my friends were right, and it was an amazing film. I can see why so many people have told me it changed their lives.

If you haven’t seen it, you should.