FootprintsofFaith

"Fireproof" Is a Must See Movie for Christian Couples

Lorie and I went today to see the movie, Fireproof, the latest film from the creators of Facing the Giants. This is the best Christian film we’ve seen that brings to life the power of faith, a Christian-based marriage and the impact of a faith community. This is a quality film with plenty of humor, action and tears. If you have any friends struggling with their marriage, invite them to go with you and talk about the film over dinner. People will leave with “more questions about faith than pat answers!”

The Fireproof characters are empathetic, and there is no ambiguity about the importance of faith in Christ. The turning point in Fireproof—the part that lays out the Gospel—doesn’t leave many dots to connect. Instead, it walks the viewer through every stop along the character’s thinking. I don’t think the producers did this because they didn’t know how to tell a story; I think they didn’t want to risk the possibility that someone—particularly a non-Christian—might miss the spiritual significance of the moment.

Here’s Fireproof’s trailer:

I don’t know how long it will be playing, but you can see it locally:

In Simi Valley at the Regal Civic Center Stadium 16

(North on Tapo Canyon from FWY 118) playing at 1:10, 5:00, 7:50 and 10:40.

In Ventura at the Cinemark Century 16

(Fwy 101 & Johnson – 2875 Elba St) playing at 1;15, 4:10, 7:00, 9:50.

Terry and Lorie Paulson 

"Henry Poole Is Here" and You Ought to Join Him!

Summer means movies, and "Henry Poole Is Here" is one movie worth seeing. You'll laugh, shed a few tears, and take a journey through doubt and faith. Confronted with a terminal illness, Henry Poole returns to his childhood neighborhood to die. He drinks and sleeps his way through his struggle with sadness, anger and and despair but the neighborhood refuses to leave him alone.

He is confronted first with devout Catholic Esperanza's overriding belief that "Everything happens for a reason." When she sees the "face of Christ" in a stain on a freshly painted wall of his house, an intimate tale of faith is launched. The struggle between Esperanza's infectious desire to tell the world of this miracle and Henry's desire to die alone animate this charming and intriguing story of faith and healing.

• Have you ever wondered whether there is anything to the images of Christ in windows or on walls?
• Have you heard about tears of blood appearing on statues or walls with no explanation?
• Were Jesus and the disciples the only ones who could heal with miracles or do miracles and healings occur today?

If you want to struggle with these questions, your doubts and your hopes, this is a movie for you!

You will fall in love with Millie, the 6-year-old girl from next door, who has been silent since her father abandoned her. Though silent, Millie likes to spy on Henry and record his arguments and statements. There's nothing like hearing your own sadness and anger played back to you to make you reflect...and wonder.

After a series of miracles occur as a result of the miraculous image, Henry's struggles between hope and anger--"Don't let me hope again...unless..." This tale of faith, love and the power of a faith community that lives out God's love in some very special ways makes this a must see movie for Christians...and seekers.

This film leaves you wanting to know more. One of the topics discussed in our upcoming Alpha Program is healing! Take a non-believing friend to see this movie. Go to dinner after seeing it and discuss the film--what you felt and thought. Let them know that the Alpha program which starts September 7th is a safe place to learn more about the Christian faith and to see whether faith works for them.

Andrew was the disciple that said to so many--"Come and see!" Come and see the movie. Come and experience Alpha. Both will add to your faith journey and may just be used by the Holy Spirit to touch lives as few movies do.

Luke Wilson, George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Radha Mitchell, and the young Morgan Lily provide moving performances in this intimate and compelling film (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf97fnD3ed0).

See this film and then add your comments!

Terry Paulson, PhD

The Movie "Bella" Is Gentle and Respectful Call for Adoption over Abortion

I had heard about the Toronto Film Festival's People's Choice Award winning film--Bella! I had listened to the star and one of the producers, Eduardo Verastegui. His passion and love for this story and film comes through as he talks and as he acts. 

The story meanders through time breaks, but the essence of the story is simple. Nina, a young, unmarried waitress at a Mexican restaurant, finds herself pregnant and without work after coming in late several days because of morning sickness. Jose, the restaurant's chef, is taken by Nina's plight and becomes her sole confidant. Jose helps her walk through her decision on what to do with her pregnancy. In the process, he bears secrets from his own mysterious past, which reveal his tenderness and passion for her and the child she is carrying. The ending does not tie things up into a perfect or tragic ending. It leaves you wondering, talking...and filling in the blanks with experiences from your own life.

This film is not overtly Christian or overtly anti-abortion. It is pro life and adoption; it is about faith in action. It touches the heart with the implications of this important decision. In 1 Peter 3:15, we read: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Eduardo has done just that in this touching film.

He has also accomplished one of his other goals--providing a very positive portrayal of a Spanish speaking family on film. The loving joy coming out of this family warms the screen. It's a movie about caring families--families who have made adoption work for all involved.

These aren't perfect people--just real people struggling with redemption and love in a less than perfect world. Don't hesitate to go to this wonderful film. See a trailer and find a theater near you at their official site, http://www.bellathemovie.com/.

Try Going to GodTube.com

Lisa Zylstra sent me this link to an article on a new Christian site that is trying to compete with YouTube! The Internet is increasingly "the source" for staying current on what's happening in the world. The same may soon be true for our faith. Read more about the new service--www.GodTube.com:

http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2188871/christians-launch-godtube-com

Even better, try out some of the content and let us know what speaks to you and your faith needs!

Jim Stovall's Movie, "The Ultimate Gift" Is Truly a Gift of Faith

As a fellow speaker, I had heard of Jim Stovall's book, The Ultimate Gift. After hearing that his book was to be released as a FoxFaith inspirational drama, Lorie and I invested a Sunday afternoon at the movie theater.

All in the audience were given the gift of unwrapping Jim's movie, The Ultimate Gift, one scene at a time. The film took us from laughter to tears to insight and back again through a journey of love. The whole audience remained in their seats patiently after the movie was done to review the insights shared and scenes that reminded us of the gifts life provides-the gifts of work, friends, family, money, learning, problems, laughter, dreams, giving, gratitude, love…and the gift of a day. Some movies leave a sour aftertaste; The Ultimate Gift leaves viewers thankful for the blessing life provides when lived well. This movie deserves to be seen and supported!

The Ultimate Gift has a stellar cast that includes James Garner, Brian Dennehy and young Abigail Breslin fresh off her Oscar-nominated turn in Little Miss Sunshine. The movie title refers to an intriguing enticement offered to spoiled and arrogant Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) by his recently deceased and extremely wealthy grandfather Red (James Garner). Red, via a series of video messages, promises the irresponsible young man that if he completes a series of tasks (or as Red puts it, "gifts"), he will receive a substantial inheritance.

After enduring a series of humiliating episodes in which he experiences life as a homeless person, does back-breaking labor at a ranch and travels to South America to come to terms with the death of his father, Jason begins to change. We watch him find a life-changing relationship with a beautiful single mother (Ali Hillis) and her feisty young daughter (Breslin) who is dying of leukemia.

I won't reveal any more of the story line, but let me assure you that this movie will challenge you to have conversations with your own children and grandchildren about the things that matter most in life. Instead of just leaving money in your will, you might even want to look for ways to add a few meaningful messages. Whatever you do, take time to see this film! If you want more information, check out their site at http://www.theultimategift.com.   

The Ultimate Gift was Jim Stovall's first novel, published in 2001. Stovall is also cofounder and president of Narrative Television Network, which helps make movies and television accessible to America's 13 million blind and visually impaired people. He himself became totally blind at age 29 as a result of a decade-long process.

His road to getting The Ultimate Gift transformed to film was not an easy one. Two major studios contacted him and optioned film rights. The first one held it for a year, but their script took the story too far away from the moral principles Stovall insisted the movie uphold. Fortunately, he had retained script and cast approval, so he was able to prevent the studio from changing his story. He said, "I told them, 'If you want to make that script into a movie, go ahead; no one will recognize my book anywhere in there.'" Negotiations with a second studio proved another dead end. When producer Rick Eldredge approached Jim and promised to retain the book's moral integrity, a partnership was born.

Jim is a strong Christian. If you have read the book, you will note that the film is decidedly less "Christian" than the book. But it remains an entertaining and uplifting movie that indirectly communicates the gift of faith. When asked about his faith in an interview with Agape Press, Jim said:

"I think if we as believers are going to come out with a message that matters to people, the biggest challenge is to be relevant. We've got to meet people at the point of their needs, and their concerns and their fears. People aren't really ready to hear an eternal message if they can't pay their bills tomorrow. We've got to address all those needs. Just as when Christ was here among us, He would give an eternal message, but He made sure everybody had a loaf and a fish before He started. I think churches and Christians need to come to people with an attitude of love and joy and success in their own life and then invite people to be a part of this whole eternal life that can begin now…. We are saved by grace, not by works. But there needs to be some joy and victory and evidence of that."

In The Ultimate Gift, Jim is truly putting his faith to work in touching audiences with a message that resonates with our desire for meaning and a life of service and loving relationships.

"Sweet Land" Uses Silence, Authentic Characters and Beauty to Bring the American Dream to Life

On New Year's Day, for a break from football and in an effort to honor one's roots on a day designed to start new beginnings, we went to the Paseo Camarillo Cinema to see the movie, Sweet Land (http://www.sweetlandmovie.com/).  Most Hollywood movies today bombard you with noise, rapid scene changes and high-tech animation; maybe that is why they so seldom touch us. Then, out of Minnesota, comes a movie that seduces you with silence, authentic characters and innocent beauty. This is a movie I will purchase and replay. Take time to see it, and you will find a movie worth tucking away and remembering.

This movie is a must see for Scandinavian Lutherans with Midwestern roots. The story takes place after World War I, in upstate Minnesota. Viewers get to relive the rugged and challenging life of Norwegian families forging their way in a new land. It's a simple story. Young Inge travels from Europe after the war to marry a man she has never met, a Norwegian farmer named Olaf. Inge is the classic mail-order bride, but her German heritage and lack of proper immigration papers create a difficult challenge for the sturdy, quiet Olaf. Their longing for love, the strength of deep and heartfelt friendships, the local prejudices that impact the church and civic authorities alike, and the struggle to earn the American Dream they craved are played out in a way that makes you wish the movie would never end.

Lorie is part Norwegian. My roots are 100% Swedish. Their were tears in my eyes during much of the film as I thought of my grandparents and pictures I had seen of their early years on the farm. Both my parents came from Kirkland, a small time in Northern Illinois. I grew up hearing stories of men like Olaf, characters with character. When we see both Olaf and later Inge buried in the rich farm soil of their American home, we reminded of the importance of family roots. It is one of the reasons that Lorie and I already have our headstone shared with my parents. It's in place on a plot amongst other Paulson and Carlson family descendants in the Kirkland Maple Cemetery. Why Kirkland? We want our son and grandchildren to know that they come from a family, a family that took their Swedish roots and became Americans. We want them to want to visit...and remember those that came before them to leave footprints of faith and fortitude. I will make sure my son and his sons see this film. Hopefully, no matter what your roots, you will find it enriches you as well for it honors the quiet Americans who gave us the foundation that frees us to soar. 

Nordic Reach has an excellent article on the film that is well worth reading. Use this link to secure a pdf file (http://www.nordicreach.com/images/stories/preview/sweetland.pdf).

James Caviezel Didn't Just Play Jesus in "The Passion"-He Lives His Faith

I've seen James Caviezel in many quality films. His role as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ was a demanding and awe-inspiring role. But in a recent interview in Calabasas magazine, Jim talked about how his Christian faith impacted his life and work. I hope you can enjoy some of these selected comments from the interview:

"I would never deny my faith.... I'm not one who is afraid to talk about issues of faith, religion, politics or whatever.... The Passion of the Christ was a very powerful film.... Mel found me from The Thin Red Line and maybe a couple of other films, but doing that role in The Passion was the most difficult thing, because I never felt worthy enough to do it. I've kidded people and said, 'They saw me originally as playing Lucifer, because I fit that role.' My job in that film, and as an actor, is the truth. If there are many truths, there are no truths. I have to evaluate what I believe, and what that is. I have to make the decision in my life and career, but I have people now telling me everything. I, of all people, need to know what God wants. So I've got to find that in my family, in my church."

"Is Hollywood a godless sort of place? I think God is in Hollywood, and I think people want Him to be there. I look at a lot of people, at least the ones I work with, and they want God.... Is there decency in Hollywood? An agent friend of mine has been married for 33 years. He and his wife have a history together. He values that. What you do in private is who you really are. What I am to my wife and family and son, and how I treat them, is what I really am. I don't look at Hollywood as being about who has more fame, and what I would like to have that I don't. I look at it as 'Are you a giver or a taker?' It's so tempting to want to take, because, in this business they give you anything. I have a history with my wife. With all the temptations in this business, that's one thing I can hold onto. I cherish my history with her. (As to affairs on movie sets,) I look at it this way. If I'm walking down the street and I see a pretty girl, the first look is free. That's it. There are always those things out there, those temptations. But when you really look from the perspective of love, and what that truly means, something just passing by like that pretty girl doesn't hold up to anything. It's nothing compared to what real love is--for richer, for poorer, in worse times and good times. Fidelity works for me. I think it works for everybody."

I can see why so many respect him as an actor and a person. As a fellow brother in Christ, I'm sure glad he is in our extended family.

(Source: Stephen Rebello, "The Coming of James Caviezel," Calabasas, pp. 103-109. 2006.)

The Movie "Nativity" Is a Sure Bet to Bring You into the True Christmas Spirit

Last night at the Mann theater, the "Westlake Lutheran Nine" almost experienced a private screening of screenwriter Mike Rich's "The Nativity Story." Chris Fisher, who joined eight of us oldsters, was most amazed that we had the whole theater to ourselves. I hope after reading this that you will help make sure that doesn't happen. For Christians, this is a must see movie. It reminds us that the real Christmas is found in the hearts, faith and actions of people touched by God.

"For unto us a child is born..." (Isaiah 9:6)

That prophesy sounds so simple. The film lets us experience how magical, wonderful, tragic, inspiring, touching, and humbling God's journey to be with us truly was! This is no sanitized image of Mary and Joseph. This is God getting dirty coming to involve ordinary people in an inhospitable environment in an obscure time of history to be part of His saving miracle.

Mary and Joseph come to life. In this movie, Mary is no distant or stately figure to admire. There is no halo floating over her head. She is a teenager who would rather play with friends than do her chores. She questions why at 16 she should be given in marriage to a man she does not know well enough to love. We see both Mary and Joseph struggle with the reality of God's plan--the confusion, the doubts, the fears, the faith, the need for support from other believers.

In Matthew and Luke, the Christmas account transitions are abrupt. In the movie, Mary and Joseph's donkey trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem made me laugh about my complaining about air travel and security screening. Even my taxes seemed a bit more acceptable.

I must confess that my own reaction was very emotional. I found myself in tears much of the time--not sobbing...just tears of gratitude for what God did for us through ordinary people. Watching Joseph franticly finding a place for Mary to give birth, his awkward but authentic assistance in giving birth and his overwhelming relief and joy at Christ's borning cry touched me so. You could see it in his face--"It's the Messiah and he's with us!" Karen had suggested we bring tissues; she was right. The movie reinforces that when you are open to God in your life, we can expect our own kind of miracle when we are used by God!

I want to encourage you to do what we did. Get friends and fellow members to go with you. By going to the movie and dinner after the event, we were able to share the impact of the scenes--what we felt and thought about this unique faith experience. We laughed. We shared our faith. We ate good food. We might even have gotten one invited guest to visit our church. Susan wanted to see Chris Fisher being acolyte!

By the way, we had an added benefit. We all got to participate in celebrating the 36th anniversary of Laura and Bob Davis who joined us for the unique evening. What a way to keep Christ at the center of your marriage--invite your church to come with you to PARTY!

If YOU want to be more formal about getting a group together to see this movie. Janel Perez has a contact at Mann Theaters who can get you a discount if numbers are involved. Audrey Campbell is in charge of group sales for this movie. You can reach her at acampbell@manntheaters.com or 818-380-8212. Let God help grow our sense of community at Westlake Lutheran. Let God touch you this Christmas.

Remember to keep worshiping Christ the center of your Christmas. This movie will help you do that. You might also want to sign up for my "12 Days of Christmas" daily ezine that starts December 14. You can sign up at http://terrypaulson.com/christmas.shtml/ and enjoy stories and humor to keep you in THE SPIRIT!

Facing the Giants Is a Film about Faith Worth Seeing

There is a new film, Facing the Giants (http://www.milkmoneypromotions.com/ftg/), that is coming out this weekend. The film deals with Shiloh Christian Academy, where football coach Grant Taylor has not had a single winning season in the six years he's been in charge of the program. When one of his promising running backs transfers, some plot to have him replaced. When he faces a car that won't run, a house that stinks and the prospect of his wife not being able to have children, he learns that his team faces a post-season match-up against the state's most feared squad, the undefeated Giants. Facing the Giants is more than a simple David-and-Goliath metaphor on the gridiron; it tells a story of faith in the face of long odds and the need to align our priorities with God's.

For example, after Coach Taylor has an epiphany about how he should change the way he runs his program, he tells his attentive team, "Our goal is not to win games; it's to honor God." His new outlook helps cure a bad case of cynicism. He helps a young man who has a bad relationship with his father learn to honor his parents even when he think they're wrong. The team goes from being a collection of bickering individuals to a true team, inspiring parents, faculty and fellow students.

The film shows coach Taylor wrestling with what he believes to be God's
will for him, his family and his team. Scenes show him reading his Bible and in earnest conversation with God and praying for students in an empty school hallway. The coach keeps saying, "I've resolved to give God everything I've got and leave the results to Him."

By embracing the spiritual concept of faith and then exploring the tension that exists
between human experiences and spiritual realities, this little film that could—does.

Veggie Tales Is More Offensive than Madonna

As a parent and a Christian, you ought to be aware of how the secular media feels about your faith. NBC has censored Bible verses and expressions of Christian love from the children's cartoon Veggie Tales being shown Saturday mornings on NBC.

NBC says using Bible verses or referring to God is offensive to some non-Christians, but NBC seems to have no trouble offending Christians by showing Madonna mocking the crucifixion of Christ. The offensive comments about Christians in their new program Studio 60 with a segment called Crazy Christians shows that they have no problem offending people of faith.

Representatives from NBC has said that comments such as "God made you special and He loves you very much" were offensive and cut them from the Veggie Tales show. Other comments censored included: "Calm down. The Bible says we should love our enemies." And "the Bible says Samson got his strength from God. And God can give us strength, too." 

When confronted about the censorship, NBC first issued a flat denial. As reported in Broadcasting & Cable, NBC said they had to "clip off the beginning and ending tags, which are Bible verses, but they were also arguably the easiest cut to make."  But Phil Vischer, the creator of Veggie Tales, said, "Well, that's kinda funny, because as the guy required to do all the editing, I know that statement is false...The show wasn't too long, it was too Christian. The show was already cut down to the proper length, so timing had nothing to do with it."

NBC then backpeddled: "NBC is committed to the positive messages and universal values of Veggie Tales. Our goal is to reach as broad an audience as possible with these positive messages while being careful not to advocate any one religious point of view." Evidently NBC considers not being truthful as one of their "universal values" they want to stand for.

Vischer said that if had he known how much censorship NBC would exercise, he would not have signed on for the network deal.

You may want to let NBC know your opinions about thier decision. In America, we value religious freedom. Suppressing statements supportive of our Christian faith does not affirm that freedom.