Saturday, December 31, 2011

. . . still counting my blessings. . .



"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; 
but the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

I've yet to meet anyone this year that didn't feel like this past year was flying by.

They say the older you get. . . the faster the years go by. . .
. . .& mathematically - it does make sense. . .
(. . . the more years - the less proportionately each year is. . .)
. . . so I must be getting a lot older. . .
. . . .because I think that at the beginning of each month, 
it took me by surprise how fast the previous month had flown by.

But. . . time isn't something that you can 'save', 'turn back', or even 'lose'. . .
But, we do 'spend' it. . . it's an incredibly valuable treasure.

Time is always coming. . . always going. . . & always here.
(I love that concept. . . faith-wise - it can be an eye-opening concept!)

And, as we mark another year where all the time within it is closing. . .
I find myself focusing on the blessings that I have. . .
. . . right here in front of me.

. . . & those that are to come.

I love all of Corinthians, chapter 13. . . 
. . . but the last verse always helps me focus again
on what is really important.

faith . . . hope . . love.

Kinda says it all.

Some of the blessings that I'm also counting this week 
are the wonderful times that I got to share with Dad over Christmas.

More than one once, we had a 'date'. 
He made sure to ask if he could take me out to lunch, or coffee. . . 
Here he is at one of our lunch dates. . .

(one thing you need to know, is that Dad is famous for talking while a photo is taken. . . I can't even count all the photos I have - & he's talking. . .



. . . so when I caught him talking in the photo again. . . he didn't believe me. . . 
. . . so I showed him the photo. . .



. . . then finally. . .
there's my cute 'date'.



For Christmas day, we kept to our tradition, & went to the movies.
. . . & we saw this. . .


I mention this because I rarely see movies. . . 
. . . & even more rarely recommend them. . .
But, I think this is one of the best movies I have ever seen.

I'm mentioning this because I have heard some negative comments about it,
& honestly, I'm lost as to why. (. . . & honestly, after having to watch the crassness & violence in so many of the upcoming movie previews. . . this film is tame.)

I had heard about 'War Horse' as it has been a play on London's West End (theatre district) for the past few years (& on Broadway, as well) , & it was garnering much attention over how powerful it was.

I knew that the story was first written as a children's fiction novel & as the author (Michael Morpurgo) was doing research for the book, he met local British WW1 veterans & learned so much more about the role of horses in the war. . . & then found a moving way to tell the story through a boy & his horse.

Because I had heard about the intensity of the play that was made from the book, I did some research about the movie before suggesting to Dad that this be the movie we saw on Christmas day. (Also, as my Dad gets older - the more emotional he is about his war (Korea) experiences. . . 
& I wanted to be sure it wouldn't be too much for him.)
(Also, I do agree that for young children. . . it could be a bit too much for them 
(it's rated PG-13).)

I found several articles about the movie. . . it's making. . . & the heart behind it, 
& if you're not sure about it. . . I think knowing the history behind the story is good to know, & a good place to start is here. 
(also, to be reminded that for the film - no horses were hurt.)
I do admit. . . it's not a "feel-good" movie. . .
. . . but it is an epic story. . . & an epic film.
. . . a journey of  joy & sorrow, of friendship & in the midst of what seems like a hopeless situation. . . of incredible hope.

Yes. . . you will probably feel a tear or two or more running down your cheek. . . 
. . . & when you combine this incredible story. . .  Steven Spielberg directing. . . & a musical score by John Williams. . . then you get emotions of all kinds. . .
. . . but for all the right reasons.

So. . . I can recommend this movie. . . this story. . . with all my heart.
It is definitely 'time well spent'.
(but. . . do go prepared with some tissues. . . but it's worth it!)

So. . . there, now you have another perspective on this film. (. . . & yes, I'm hoping it gets all the 'best picture' awards!). . .
(. . . oh, . . . by-the-way. . . Dad is still thanking me for picking this movie. . .)

Faith,

Hope,

Love.

. . . it doesn't get better than this.

Wishing you a wonderful start to this new year,
 & days filled with all the things that matter most.

Bren


10 comments:

Suburban Stitcher said...

Happy New Year to you too!

Anonymous said...

BLESSED NEW YEAR FOR YOU+YOURS ♥

Cathy said...

I saw War Horse a couple of days ago and liked it very much too. The cinematography is super as are the performances (especially when you consider that there aren't "star" actors in it - unless British and unknown to me - and the major role is that of the horse, Joey). My daughter saw the play on Broadway and warned me it would be a tear-jerker but it was not as teary for me as I expected (though still very moving) and the end was happier than I anticipated. I say "go see it."

wendy said...

Totally agree with you on Cor. 13 and the movie. Hubby and I went to see it on the 26th. It was excellent! We do not usually go out to see many movies but this was one of the best we have seen. Enjoy time spent with your father...life is short.

Louise said...

Happy New Year to you and your Dad.He is one of my war heroes. Love the photo of him laughing. Reminds me of my own as he was always pretty happy. Miss him still after 12 years. War Horse is the one I mentioned to my husband I thought would make a good date night..We still have those after 47 years! Wishing you both the best of everything in the New Year..

Dawn said...

Wonderful post, Bren. Thanks for the movie review.
Happy New Year, friend.
D xo

Darlene said...

Wishing you and your Dad (your cute date) a Happy, Happy New Year. I hope 2012 is full of many blessings for you.

suz said...

Happy New Year Brenda! I've been wanting to tell you that I'm so happy you have had all this time with your Dad. My Dad passed away 14 years ago. There isn't a day I don't miss him. Cherish your time with your Dad.

Vicky said...

Happy New Year! You have the most adorable two guys in your life! And they're so lucky to have you in theirs!

MahQuilter said...

Hubby and I saw War Horse and loved it as much as you did. Hi to Dad and Bailey. Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year filled with many Blessings.