. . . 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